As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. - I Peter 2:2
One of the phrases used commonly in the Bible and in our churches is "born again". To shed the old life and be born to a new one...to become something else entirely. In this letter, Peter compares the word to "milk". Where the King James Version (above) says "sincere milk", The Holman Christian Standard Bible translates the words as "unadulterated spiritual milk".
When babies first come into the world, they have only one source of sustenance, one way that they can receive nourishment, and that is milk. Without this, they neither thrive nor grow. God's word is the same way. Through these verses, Peter uses the imagery of newborn babies to point out that though we're meant to be so much more than we are right now...just like a baby grows up from a helpless infant to a mature adult...we're not there yet. We're barely getting started, and if we want to grow and change into that creation that God has made us to be, we should desire His word just like the baby desires milk. We must keep in mind that the word is the source of nourishment for us, and just like the baby can't skip his midnight feeding (and if you've been a mommy of a newborn, you know he won't!)...we can't skip our daily - or more often - dose of the Word and expect to thrive, either!
Action:
Spend some time in the Word, besides this one short study.
Find a favorite passage and memorize (or refresh your memory) on it.
Take a passage that's applicable to where you are now, and keep it in mind in your current circumstances today.
Point for Discussion:
What is your favorite Bible passage?
Monday, October 24, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Day 2 - Putting the Needs of Others Ahead of Your Own
Be strong and of good courage , and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed : for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. - I Chronicles 28:20
This passage is about King David telling his son, Solomon, to build the temple. David had just laid out the specifications that were revealed to him by God. This was to be a massive undertaking and would be an expensive venture. This endeavor would be one which would cost Solomon considerable loss of respect and political power if it didn't pan out, in addition to the risk of wealth invested in it.
David knew that anything God said to do, God would provide the resources for the project. He wouldn't leave his servant stranded.
We should also remember that everything we do, whether it is us delivering a meal to a sick friend or Solomon building a temple, the only thing that makes it worthwhile is that God gets the glory for it. We're not working for our own glory or fame, but because we see a need God has equipped and instructed us to fill.
Action:
Today, find a need someone has, and meet it humbly - even anonymously if possible.
Point for Discussion:
When has someone met a need in your life, and it was clear to you that they were God's agent in the provision?
This passage is about King David telling his son, Solomon, to build the temple. David had just laid out the specifications that were revealed to him by God. This was to be a massive undertaking and would be an expensive venture. This endeavor would be one which would cost Solomon considerable loss of respect and political power if it didn't pan out, in addition to the risk of wealth invested in it.
David knew that anything God said to do, God would provide the resources for the project. He wouldn't leave his servant stranded.
We should also remember that everything we do, whether it is us delivering a meal to a sick friend or Solomon building a temple, the only thing that makes it worthwhile is that God gets the glory for it. We're not working for our own glory or fame, but because we see a need God has equipped and instructed us to fill.
Action:
Today, find a need someone has, and meet it humbly - even anonymously if possible.
Point for Discussion:
When has someone met a need in your life, and it was clear to you that they were God's agent in the provision?
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Day 1 - Putting God First
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:33
The best way to radically change your life is with God as your partner. Have we put God first in all things? Do we seek his kingdom and his righteousness?
Today's text is a familiar one. Many church members have it memorized, and we teach it to our children as a basic truth by which to live. It's likely that you learned it in song at children's camp or in Sunday School.
Let's look at the passage in its broader context. We all want "these things" to be added to us, but (without looking it up) do you know what things "these things" are?
Okay...if you knew the answer, give yourself a pat on the back. If not, here it is:
Therefore take no thought , saying , What shall we eat ? or, What shall we drink ? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed ? - Matthew 6:31
In this verse, Jesus laid out "these things" He was talking about:
FOOD
DRINK
CLOTHES
Have we learned to seek God first and not be distracted by running after these other things? None of these things are, of themselves, bad, and they're definitely things we all need. They only become a hindrance when we spend our time dwelling on them and worrying aobut where they're going to come from.
God says to us that we need to keep our eyes, our thoughts, and our concern on the big picture: his kingdom and righteousness. Keep prusuing the important things because God is more than big enough to take care of the little stuff like our basic needs.
ACTIONS FOR TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL
Take one or all of these actions to build on the lesson.
Memorize Matthew 6:33
Talk to God today in a personal time of prayer, especially if it's not your usual habit.
Examine your life and see if you have one of the "temptations, addictions, or distractions" mentioned in the book, and decide whether to get rid of it if necessary, or if it needs to simply be relegated to a lesser place - AFTER God.
POINTS FOR DISCUSSION
Please answer one or more of these questions below in the comments if you feel so led.
The best way to radically change your life is with God as your partner. Have we put God first in all things? Do we seek his kingdom and his righteousness?
Today's text is a familiar one. Many church members have it memorized, and we teach it to our children as a basic truth by which to live. It's likely that you learned it in song at children's camp or in Sunday School.
Let's look at the passage in its broader context. We all want "these things" to be added to us, but (without looking it up) do you know what things "these things" are?
Okay...if you knew the answer, give yourself a pat on the back. If not, here it is:
Therefore take no thought , saying , What shall we eat ? or, What shall we drink ? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed ? - Matthew 6:31
In this verse, Jesus laid out "these things" He was talking about:
FOOD
DRINK
CLOTHES
Have we learned to seek God first and not be distracted by running after these other things? None of these things are, of themselves, bad, and they're definitely things we all need. They only become a hindrance when we spend our time dwelling on them and worrying aobut where they're going to come from.
God says to us that we need to keep our eyes, our thoughts, and our concern on the big picture: his kingdom and righteousness. Keep prusuing the important things because God is more than big enough to take care of the little stuff like our basic needs.
ACTIONS FOR TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL
Take one or all of these actions to build on the lesson.
Memorize Matthew 6:33
Talk to God today in a personal time of prayer, especially if it's not your usual habit.
Examine your life and see if you have one of the "temptations, addictions, or distractions" mentioned in the book, and decide whether to get rid of it if necessary, or if it needs to simply be relegated to a lesser place - AFTER God.
POINTS FOR DISCUSSION
Please answer one or more of these questions below in the comments if you feel so led.
When have you consulted God before making a big decision - and been glad that you did?
When and where do you like to pray daily?
What have you been worried about that you need to quit worrying about and allow God to provide?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
First Week: Introductory Material
This week, the study worked through the introduction and several verses of scripture that correspond to the points made in the introduction. Reading over the introduction in your text will be helpful before reading this devotional.
This post is a whirlwind of five different topics that were discussed in introduction, so it is rather long. Beginning this Thursday, the posts will be more keenly focused on just one aspect of the study...and consequently shorter.
Point #1: You will have a relationship with God...the only question is "What kind?"
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 7:21
Everyone or almost everyone showing up for a Bible study or reading this blog would say that we call Jesus "Lord". But do we really seek to do God's will? Maybe we're held back by apathy, as we figure going to church is good enough, and it's better than "most people", so that must count for some kudos. Maybe we're held back by fear because God is asking us to do something outside of our comfort zone, and so we think He can't possibly mean that we're actually supposed to step out and do what we think He's asking. Whatever the reason, it's unlikely that we're just consciously saying to God, "Nope...I won't do it because I don't want to!" We're saying, "Lord!" to him, saying we'll do what's asked, but then do we follow through when we know what we should do?
Point 2: Your relationship with God is continuous and it is evolving, and the direction it evolves in depends on the choices that you make...all day, every day.
...Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. - Psalms 119:1
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. - Psalms 119:11
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. - Psalms 119:105
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. - Romans 15:4
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; - 2 Peter 1:5
The psalmist and the New Testament writers knew that the one way to make sure we know what God's will is - so that when we say to him, "Lord", we then know how to act in accordance with His lordship - was to study His word and to know His law. No matter how clever we may think we are, we can't follow a law we don't know.
Point 3: God doesn't call you to be lukewarm, and faith in Him is not a mundane practice of religion and set of rules. It is a vibrant relationship.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. - Revelation 3:16
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:35-37
These scriptures offer two contrasting views of the Christian life. One is the lukewarm approach that does just enough to get by. The other is a complete giving of not a half-hearted effort, but of your entire heart...and your soul and mind, as well. What would our lives look like if we lived according to that one greatest commandment? How would they differ from the way they are today?
Point 4: Once you've decided to follow Christ completely, He'll give you the courage and the wherewithal to change your life in the way He wants it to change.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run , and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31
God doesn't expect us to do His will in our own strength. He expects us to step out in faith and say we're willing to do whatever He has planned for us. He expects us to WAIT upon him...If we respond with a "Yes" to what He asks...we can be confident that He'll take care of the "how".
Point 5: Following Christ will not remove all troubles from your life. In fact, it will introduce new ones, since you'll be at odds with friends, maybe even family, who do not share your desire to follow and, in fact, don't even understand it.
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. - John 15:20
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:13
Though God will provide any tool to accomplish His will when we submit to Him as Lord, He never promised that things would be easy on that path.
As we continue in this study, as we seek to align our lives with God's will and to re-arrange our priorities so that they match His, we'll run into times when that will not be easy. God promises that He'll give us the power and strength that we need to get through those rough times and to say "Yes" to His way when the easy answer is "No". Wait on the Lord in those times, so that we can have renewed strength and not grow weary or faint!
I'd like to ask you all, as we are at the beginning of this study, to pray for each other. By name or by need if you know a specific one, in general for all those in the study if you don't. We'll all be facing times when God's way is not the easy one, and we would find it easier to fall back into our old pattern of Self first...Others second...God - well maybe if I have time. One thing that will help immeasurably in those times is the prayers of others we're studying alongside of! The whole idea of a RADICAL change is that it isn't mundane. It requires God's intervention...and prayer is the way to make that request known to Him. If we could do it under our own steam...we already would have. ;)
This post is a whirlwind of five different topics that were discussed in introduction, so it is rather long. Beginning this Thursday, the posts will be more keenly focused on just one aspect of the study...and consequently shorter.
Point #1: You will have a relationship with God...the only question is "What kind?"
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 7:21
Everyone or almost everyone showing up for a Bible study or reading this blog would say that we call Jesus "Lord". But do we really seek to do God's will? Maybe we're held back by apathy, as we figure going to church is good enough, and it's better than "most people", so that must count for some kudos. Maybe we're held back by fear because God is asking us to do something outside of our comfort zone, and so we think He can't possibly mean that we're actually supposed to step out and do what we think He's asking. Whatever the reason, it's unlikely that we're just consciously saying to God, "Nope...I won't do it because I don't want to!" We're saying, "Lord!" to him, saying we'll do what's asked, but then do we follow through when we know what we should do?
Point 2: Your relationship with God is continuous and it is evolving, and the direction it evolves in depends on the choices that you make...all day, every day.
...Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. - Psalms 119:1
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. - Psalms 119:11
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. - Psalms 119:105
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. - Romans 15:4
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; - 2 Peter 1:5
The psalmist and the New Testament writers knew that the one way to make sure we know what God's will is - so that when we say to him, "Lord", we then know how to act in accordance with His lordship - was to study His word and to know His law. No matter how clever we may think we are, we can't follow a law we don't know.
Point 3: God doesn't call you to be lukewarm, and faith in Him is not a mundane practice of religion and set of rules. It is a vibrant relationship.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. - Revelation 3:16
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:35-37
These scriptures offer two contrasting views of the Christian life. One is the lukewarm approach that does just enough to get by. The other is a complete giving of not a half-hearted effort, but of your entire heart...and your soul and mind, as well. What would our lives look like if we lived according to that one greatest commandment? How would they differ from the way they are today?
Point 4: Once you've decided to follow Christ completely, He'll give you the courage and the wherewithal to change your life in the way He wants it to change.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run , and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31
God doesn't expect us to do His will in our own strength. He expects us to step out in faith and say we're willing to do whatever He has planned for us. He expects us to WAIT upon him...If we respond with a "Yes" to what He asks...we can be confident that He'll take care of the "how".
Point 5: Following Christ will not remove all troubles from your life. In fact, it will introduce new ones, since you'll be at odds with friends, maybe even family, who do not share your desire to follow and, in fact, don't even understand it.
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. - John 15:20
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:13
Though God will provide any tool to accomplish His will when we submit to Him as Lord, He never promised that things would be easy on that path.
As we continue in this study, as we seek to align our lives with God's will and to re-arrange our priorities so that they match His, we'll run into times when that will not be easy. God promises that He'll give us the power and strength that we need to get through those rough times and to say "Yes" to His way when the easy answer is "No". Wait on the Lord in those times, so that we can have renewed strength and not grow weary or faint!
I'd like to ask you all, as we are at the beginning of this study, to pray for each other. By name or by need if you know a specific one, in general for all those in the study if you don't. We'll all be facing times when God's way is not the easy one, and we would find it easier to fall back into our old pattern of Self first...Others second...God - well maybe if I have time. One thing that will help immeasurably in those times is the prayers of others we're studying alongside of! The whole idea of a RADICAL change is that it isn't mundane. It requires God's intervention...and prayer is the way to make that request known to Him. If we could do it under our own steam...we already would have. ;)
Housekeeping Things
A couple of quick non-study notes:
Organization/Materials
The book we are using for the study is 100 Days to a Radical Change: God First...Others Seconds and Me Last. This book is available in the North Pointe church office for $4.
We will be following behind the Thursday study by one week. So if the Thursday study covers seven days' readings, then we'll look at those seven readings, one per day, over the following week.
Disclaimer About the Internet
I have intentionally left the posts open and without requiring approval for replies, so that we can fellowship in as close to real time as we can, short of being in the same room. I have never had any problems with blogs in the past receiving objectionable posts, but since the internet is what it is, that is possible. (Not that any Bible study members would do that...but anyone can come look at the blog if they'd like, providing they find the address. And...guests are welcome.) If it becomes a problem, then I'll turn on the moderation, but I'm hoping to not need to do that.
However, if you do see something inappropriate, please feel free to send me an email about it at saturday.dm@gmail.com so I can remove it immediately, in case I have not seen it yet.
Thanks!
Calinda
Organization/Materials
The book we are using for the study is 100 Days to a Radical Change: God First...Others Seconds and Me Last. This book is available in the North Pointe church office for $4.
We will be following behind the Thursday study by one week. So if the Thursday study covers seven days' readings, then we'll look at those seven readings, one per day, over the following week.
Disclaimer About the Internet
I have intentionally left the posts open and without requiring approval for replies, so that we can fellowship in as close to real time as we can, short of being in the same room. I have never had any problems with blogs in the past receiving objectionable posts, but since the internet is what it is, that is possible. (Not that any Bible study members would do that...but anyone can come look at the blog if they'd like, providing they find the address. And...guests are welcome.) If it becomes a problem, then I'll turn on the moderation, but I'm hoping to not need to do that.
However, if you do see something inappropriate, please feel free to send me an email about it at saturday.dm@gmail.com so I can remove it immediately, in case I have not seen it yet.
Thanks!
Calinda
Welcome to the North Pointe Ladies' Bible Study - Virtual Edition.
Here we'll discuss the same materials being taught in the weekly meetings at the church. For those attending that study, this is a place to review the materials and share further insight and testimony about what the Word says to you. For those not attending the study, this will provide a place to share in the study and keep in touch. Though we can't all be physically at the study, whether due to work or other responsibilities, we can still be in fellowship with each other and share the blessings the Lord has planned for North Pointe's ladies as we delve into His word.
It is my hope and prayer that you find blessings, wisdom, and encouragement from other believers on this site.
Thank you, and God bless you!
Calinda Lucas
Here we'll discuss the same materials being taught in the weekly meetings at the church. For those attending that study, this is a place to review the materials and share further insight and testimony about what the Word says to you. For those not attending the study, this will provide a place to share in the study and keep in touch. Though we can't all be physically at the study, whether due to work or other responsibilities, we can still be in fellowship with each other and share the blessings the Lord has planned for North Pointe's ladies as we delve into His word.
It is my hope and prayer that you find blessings, wisdom, and encouragement from other believers on this site.
Thank you, and God bless you!
Calinda Lucas
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