This spring/summer, I did Esther - It's Tough being a Women. It was a sweet time, as I did it with two of my best friends and my "spiritual mother," Diane. We laughed and cried, and learned a lot!
We talked about how we each have our very own destiny! We've been chosen for such a time as this - Esther 4:14, my favorite verse in Esther.
The study basically discusses the dilemma women have between the way they hope people perceive them, but that it may not coincide with what GOD wants to do in their life.
It also answers the question where God happens to be in a time of great trial (which I continue to have my fair share of this year!) It's about providence, and how God can and does work through ordinary things - it may not come out as a miraculous wonder to other people! (It is, but we don't perceive it as such.) I need to remind myself of these things everyday!
Right now, Diane and I are working through Daniel - Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy. It is my favorite study I've ever done. It is complete affirmation for decisions I've made this year, yet really convicting me to go further still, and to deal with things I tend to shy away from.
The first 6 weeks talk about Integrity, and the last 6 weeks is about Eschatology (end time events.)Again, this study is speaking volumes to me. It talks about God being faithful to His Word, even when it is bad news. It is about not committing friendship with this world. She says the primary goal of part 1 is joining Daniel to live in an extravagant, excessive culture without being poisoned by it.
The main thought about integrity I am taking away is becoming and being the same person no matter where we are, no matter who's around. She warns us to not image build, which I REALLY struggle with.
My favorite verse in Daniel is 3:18 - But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
WOW! Even if God doesn't show up in a tangible way, and save the three from the fire, they won't bow down! It's saying God is able, and if he doesn't, I will still worship. It's full of good stuff!! We're only on week 4.
Also, right now in my women's Bible Study, we're doing Believing God. And guess what? I love it, too! It's a lot of homework. but the five main points are:
1. God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ.
5. God's word is alive and active in me.
That's good, solid truth if I've ever heard it. You learn those 5 statements like the back of your hand! When I find myself in a situation when one of them especially apply to me, I find myself repeating it over and over.
We're learning about trusting him and having faith in Him in ALL areas of our life. We look at the lives of Abraham, Moses and others in Hebrews 11. She encourages us to make faith an action in our life, and not a noun.
AH! I could talk about these all day. She has so many books and studies available, and I have never been disappointed by any of them. I really hope one of you will check her out if you haven't!
I wish I could retain all the information I learn in the studies. I feel like an idiot, and cannot recall nearly as much as I'd like! But I am so thankful God's Word doesn't return void!
