End of Study Celebration

Yesterday we had our end of Study celebration. This was the first Women's Study for our church. We studied the book of James. All of us came away with so much to apply to our lives. God's Word is alive and powerful, even those of us who have studied this book before, felt overwhelmed by all that we did not know. Yes, indeed, we are all a continual work in progress. We were all thankful that God had allowed us this time of getting alone with the LORD and with other women. We are all praying what will be next - knowing how the LORD works, there will be something better ahead. Just when we think, "wow, that was awesome!" He surprises us with something more. Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness! You alone are worthy of all our praise!

Dare to be a Daniel

Worship was incredible
...I want to know You more; I want to touch You; I want to see Your face...desperate for You; lost without You...pour out Your Spirit Lord, I want to be like Jesus, I want to be Your Servant...

...the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Daniel 11:32b And so our teacher began. What exploit is God calling you to? Are you willing to obey no matter what?

We learned that Daniel "lived a life of spiritual integrity", that Daniel "survived and thrived spiritually in a heathen culture". Daniel was born in Jerusalem during a time of great upheaval (sounds like today). Daniel was a man of character, steadfast toward God, man of prayer, courage, consistency and commitment. Lots of challenging characteristics for us to learn and live by. We learned about the author of the book of Daniel, the date and place of writing, the historical background and the purpose for the writing of this wonderful and challenging book. All these facts were wonderful to learn and know, but at the end it all boils down to personal application. We were challenged to live like a Daniel. That when those days of "captivity" of "challenge" come to us, will we thrive and survive or will we cave in and throw in the towel. It will all depend on knowing WHOM we trust and what we BELIEVE He is able to do in our situation and in our life.

Romans 5:1-5 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in Hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

We ended with a challenge - can we say, "Yes, Lord, take my hand. Take me where You want. I don't know where I'll end, but I know You will be with me. Though none go with me, I will go." -- wow!

As I've mentioned to someone, one just never knows what one has until one doesn't have it. Bible Study continues to be such an incredible blessing. I believe this Study to be a gift from the Lord to me. I know He has incredible lessons and challenges to teach and show me through this book and through this incredible man of character, Daniel. ...Revive me according to Your word. Psalm 119:25

Bible Study

The Lord has allowed me to join a Women's Bible Study. I am so excited! I love to have books and schedules and a format. Today was our first meeting. I walked in that Sanctuary with a step in my stride (or is it a stride in my step?). I was excited to see the women that I hadn't seen in months and looking forward to the new women I would meet. We first sat and worshipped the Lord in song. I sat and basked in God's presence, lifting my hands to My Beloved, to My Savior - I love to worship the Lord in song, pure abandonment, I love it! From there Janice gave us an introduction that excited us to no end. She made us want to open up our Bible and the Notebook and start right on the spot. Joyfully I greeted some of the women that I hadn't seen. We broke up into our small groups and we rejoiced in meeting the ladies in our group. What will the Lord do through these months of study of God's Word? Only great things can come out of digging into God's Holy Word. We will be studying the book of Daniel and Haggai. Our theme verse is Daniel 12:3, Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.

We are in for a wonderful journey. I look forward to the wonderful nuggets that the Lord will share with all of us. The sum of Your word is truth. Psalm 119:160