Today’s assignment is simple.
INS Gals, leave a comment today on this blog (not my email, that won’t count) listing 5 things from this study that have made an impact on you personally. Here are some suggestions:
*Things you have learned
*Made you say, “Whoa! That is for me!”
*Convicted you
*Moved you to action
*Caused you to consider a change
*Transformed your thinking
*Opened your eyes
*God spoke to you or revealed something to you
Your input will reveal new insight to others. It is always helpful and inspiring for me to hear how God is working in the lives of others. It encourages and excites me to hear that God and His Word are making a difference! So please share with all of us in this study. Not only will you bless others, but you’ll also be entered to win a copy of one of my favorite books, His Princess, Love Letters From Your King, by Sheri Rose Shepherd.
I’m leaving today for Virginia to speak at a retreat. I can’t wait to come back and read your comments on how this study is making a difference in your life. I’ll randomly select a winner from all those who leave a comment containing their 5 things. The winner will be announced on Monday along with the Week 4 assignments.
Have a great weekend!
Sponsor a Child
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Melissa,
Have a great weekend at the retreat in VA (waving from northern VA)!
I’m learning:
1. That it’s not just about God coming after me and desiring me to be near and do life with Him, but me following hard after Him, and choosing Him over everything else in my life (something I am not very good at sometimes);
2. “Pride pulls our focus inward. Our entire viewpoint shrinks down to the size of ourselves. We’ll never see God that way.” p. 65 – My pride can get in the way of focusing on Him and how to serve others and be a blessing;
3. Pride unchecked becomes vanity – “Sharpening our knives, with mouths watering for the next course, we grow grabby, arrogant, and insecure – all the while remaining inconsiderate or even oblivious to those down the table who’ve yet to taste a crumb of what we just devoured.” – I need to remember MY blessings rather than my real/perceived lack, and focus on those sisters and brothers down the table who could use my help and love;
4. I loved C.S. Lewis’ definition of the difference between true and false humility and how the truly humble person will show a real interest in others instead of wanting to talk about himself (pride/boasting) and he truly won’t be thinking about himself in any way – I need to practice more of that. Be silent, listen for ways to bless others, and that’s how God will bless me;
5. I am a control freak; “When I stop trying to create a life for myself, I find the life He creates for me” – this is going on a BIG sign I can put somewhere to see daily. I need to let go and trust in God’s plan instead of trying to micromanage my life (and that isn’t working because it’s not up to me). Less of me, and more time on my knees.
Can you tell Chapter 3 was my favorite so far?
Love that quote on your #5! I, too, need to practice humility =)
Heres the 5 things that have impacted me:
Kim
1. Chapter 1. If wev’e gotten to know him, we,ll always recognize his voice- as we would a long-lost friend on the other end of a telephone line.
2. Chapter 1. God’s gals understand only Jesus can open the eyes of a woman’s heart.
3. Chapter 2. sold out living and the treasure it brings.
4. Chapter 3. Pride pulls our focus inward.
5.Chapter 3. When our pride swells, it becomes vanity.
There are many more. Lovin’ this study
I have to pick just 5? Kidding. I have really enjoyed this study so far. The things that have had the biggest impact on me so far are:
1. Stop being a control freak and trying to make my life my way. It is not about my way, it is HIS way. And if I would just stop being so controlling, I will see the life that HE has created for me.
2. Focus on the right things, and keeping that focus. It is so easy to get wrapped up in me and completely lose sight of everyone & everything around me and let my stubborn pride & arrogance get in the way.
3. Humility. Strip away all my pretenses and put myself out there, my true self, for a true assessment.
4. Listen more, talk less. Show a genuine interest in others, quit worrying about what others think of me, listen for the ways God can use me in blessing other people’s lives.
5. Recognizing the true worth of all my treasures & blessings. And while abandon is costly, following God is worth everything & more.
I am absolutely loving this study! God is showing me so many things.
1. The cross bridged the gap and I am no longer separated from my Heavenly Father. I can take His light into a dark world. I am encouraged to use my gifts and talents to further His kingdom, so that more my come to a saving knowledge.
2. Continue to search out hidden treasures within the Word. Setting my selfish desires aside and putting God first.
3. We need to do everything with a spirit of humility.
4. Learning to not only forgive, but also let go of past hurts, knowing that God will take care of all things in His time and in His way.
5. We will not have a rich relationship with the Lord if our focus is on selfish ambitions instead of on God.
Thanks for leading this study!
1. (ch. 1) Jesus has personally invited us the the wedding, and he paid the way for us to attend!
2. (ch. 2) I paused to really ask myself, Am I willing to give up everything I have to follow Jesus? I don’t want to be like the rich, young ruler, and I think that question is one that I need to ask myself over and over, as a check.
3. (ch. 2, question 5) Radical worship/obedience = beauty in Jesus’ eyes. How cool is that?!!!
4. (ch. 3) The past couple of weeks have been extremely difficult for me emiotionally, spiritually and mentally. I’ve prayed, cried, and sobbed to God so many times, and so the passage (Job 16:18-20) meant so much to me—the Holy Spirit is interceding and pleading to God on my behalf. I never really understood that, until now.
5. (ch. 5) 2 Cor. 9:5-7 Our reward for cheerful giving is God’s blessings and grace given ABUNDANTLY to us. He grants us His grace. First, take the word “grants”. He doesn’t have to give us anything, but He grants us His (2nd word) “grace”. We don’t deserve anything, but think of all the blessings you have, from the roof over your head, down to the flip-flops you wear. Living generously for God has incredible rewards—including that free eternal life Jesus has invited us to have in heaven (ch.1).
I am so blessed!
being generous has nothing to do with getting credit for it
stop trying to make a life for myself and let God take care of it
i have nothing to fear. just satan trying to take me away from God
being rich doesnt have anything to do with money
being faithful and sold out for God will get me thru life’s troubles
So many things, I have learned, well am learning
I am learning to rejoice in my suffering and the suffering of those around me.
My daughter has lost 4 babies in 3 years.. It is hard to not only understand, but to rejoice..but I am choosing to be thankful and learning to rejoice as well… even in the hard times. It’s the diamond thing!
I am learning to have grace-based love.. How can I be so critical and unforgiving, when I am never judged or condemned?
I am learning to let go of the stronghold of anxiety that has held me captive far too long.. With God on my side, what should I fear?
I am learning that I am far less humble that I ever believed..LIFE CHECK HERE!
I have learned that God loves me, even when I don’t pray enough, do enough or look my best. I am HIS girl.. and isn’t that really all that matters?
And for me, who always thought since I wasn’t raised in church, that I could never be a servant, because I never understood what I was reading, how could I teach or lead..I have learned that my “Decoder Ring” will see me through.. EVERYTIME!
This is first Bible Study that I have ever stuck with, (notice that I didn’t say started) and I honestly believe that this book was written just for me.. for Tonja, God’s girl.. Thanks Rachel, and God,too!
Hi Melissa,
Love to tell you 5 treasures I have found in INS.
1. It is OK to wear my fake diamonds and to “tell all” when I am complimented on them. It keeps me humble.
2. Secrets are OK as long as they are God’s, revealed when he opens our eyes and our hearts to receive their meaning. God’s secrets are a positives, in contrast to most of my secrets which are negatives.
3. I realize that I am a vain person in need of praise, applause and admiration and that my “angling” for them is not the answer. Who I am is defined by who I am in the Lord, not who I can make myself appear to be.
4. Being meek is a good thing, contrary to what our world would have us believe. Who wouldn’t want to be considered meek when it means “power under restraint, controlled strength” Please call me meek…make me smile
5. I want to hold on to the exhortation not to run when the storm rolls in but instead ask God to show me the secret riches he has waiting in the darkness. I find myself looking forward to the storm…….and the still quiet when it passes.
1. I feel that I have heard jesus tell me to be more humble
2.I need to take forgiveness more serious. Give whole heart forgiveness not part forgiveness.
3.I have nothing to fear God is with me always
4. God forgives me for everything but blasphmey against his name.
5. I am not alone I do not have to handle things on my on. Why because I can give everything on my heart to Him and he will take care ofme not my human best friend but God my best friend
I listened to the conference call last night and it was so on target. My hubby and I have been married for almost 12 years and for the past couple of years it has been a struggle. I love him, and he is my best friend, but we are human. And what Melanie was saying so resonated with me. So, here’s my five things I’ve learned:
1. God is always here for me even when I don’t deserve it. He will never leave me or forsake me.
2. We don’t have to be afraid of the dark anymore, because Jesus is the great light… and He is ours! Even on rainy days, when we think the sun will never shine again, we have Sonshine in our lives, to make all clouds go away.
3. To God, action is better than words. He said to give…not to think about giving. And this doesnt just apply to giving, but to everything else we do. Plans are nice, sacrifice is even nicer, but obedience is what God wants.
4. I am blessed… compared to most of the world, I am wealthy.
5. Fear comes from focusing on ME- on LAUREN and not on anyone else. When I look to God, and focus on HIm, there is no room for fear.
Good morning, Melissa
I’m having a hard time coming up with 5 specific things. The main thing that I feel is that through this bible study I have grown closer to Jesus. My understanding of where He wants to be in my life and where He wants me to be has taken on greater dimension. Chapter 6 was very moving to me. I have experienced many trials in my life (most of them in my adult life due to my sinful choices). I have felt that those choices then made me less of a “sufferer for Christ” and more like “sufferer in spite of Christ.” But, after reading chapter 6, I have a vision of Jesus standing in the midst of my self induced whirlwinds holding me fast. The storm rages and yet He is here, knowing me fully and not letting go. And I can see Him outside of my tempest encouraging me toward that beautiful path He has made just for me.
So, here are my five:
1. Open that hard door. Through the pain is redemption.
2. Abandoning myself to Him is the only way to truly take up my cross.
3. Whatever I suffer, be it from my choices or outside sources, it is for Him because it draws me closer to Him.
4. It isn’t all about me! (I think I’m going to have to be reminded about that one many a time as I stumble along through this life)
5. Jesus is with me. Oh what a scary and wondrous understanding that is stirring inside me.
Thank you for leading this study that has so powerfully moved me so far!
Wow these chapters are starting to “speak to me” But I would need more paper to put the lessons I’m learning into perspective. Chapter two was the first one to hit home for me when it asks am I willing to choose Christ over my “stuff”as I looked back my answer was no- just by my reactions. But now as I am growing up, I am seeing – and learning- that the things I possess are just things. They can not give me what Jesus can. That above all is lesson one- Now heres my list.
1 To remember I am never out of ear shot of Jesus even when I think I am alone I’m not and He is waiting on my voice to call him.
2 Ecc 1:9 says , nothing under the sun is new but as I reflect on that nothing may be new except how I respond to these things, they may not be how other have handled things but they taught me something I needed to learn in order to grow in Christ,
3 I am seeing not so much I am prideful and vain because I need and thrive on the applause and approval but during this study it is revealed to me – just how much these two things are apart of my life- And that’s now how I want to be and live.
Hows that go “I do the things I don’t want to do but don’t do the things I should?” there’s another ouch.
4 is my evil eye which I either tried to hide or explain away. When I saw ( see) a need. I ignore it thinking others will be able more then me. So I DO NOTHING. Another ouch. Another similar thing that goes with the evil eye is the money I have. When I give its the minimum ( try saying that fast ,lol) If I do give its just enough so I me the one who is supposed to be a jesus girl, can still get that fast food fix to satisfy my hunger. Boy talk about alot of lessons in this study.
and 5 my need to have more and better . The only thing that accomplishes is the need to dust or move these things from one place to another. None of them can give me what Jesus can. That being eternal life.
I cant wait to see what else is revealed through this study.
pertaining to #3 “and thats NOT how I want to be . not thats how I am now. yikes talk about a Freudian slip and a bad one at that
Pertaining to giving there’s a saying by John Wooden – Hall of fame basketball coach who says
“Do not let what you can not do interfere with what you can do”
I think that’s worth remembering for me.
1. The Power of humility. S.H.E power! (be of Service, be Humble, be Exalted)
2. A pure heart sets me free
3. Perception is nothing more than the thought of the angels who are with me, or not!!
4. my faith is not about my strength, but living in HIS love and strength
5. I AM a child of God. It’s that simple and that complex.
I am learning so much! Thank you Rachel for writing this book and thank you Melissa for hosting yet another great Bible study and being so real with us!
Here are my 5 highlights:
1. We must abandon ourselves to Him and sell out to the one true thing worth selling out to!
2. Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God’s holiness and our sinfulness. A clear view of God is a prerequisite for an accurate view of ourselves!!!
3. Instead of trying to defend myself and set the record straight when I have been offended — I need to call on my Heavenly lawyer — JESUS and let Him defend me — He has never lost a case and never will!!!!!!!!!!
4. In Matthew 6:3 Jesus says “But when you give…” notice He doesn’t say if you give. This was something I had never thought about — but it is so very true. Our giving is an example of our love for Jesus so it only makes sense that we are to give!
5. We are like diamonds. A diamond starts out as a dark, dingy piece of coal. But after years of harsh circumstances, extreme heat and pressure it starts to change into a beautiful, light-reflecting extremely valuable stone. For us, God uses our trials to shape us and buff us so that we emerge stronger, more beautiful, more Christ-reflecting, and more valuable to Him and all those around us.
Girls! I so enjoyed reading your comments. You have encouraged me. Blessings to you and yours today. ~ Rachel