Children of the Day: Week 4

Since January, I have been in a study of the apostle Peter and have been reading his letters to the "exiles", those who had been scattered because of the message of Christ.  One phrase he uses over and again in the first letter, is "to this you were called", when he addresses the subject of suffering for doing good.  

The message of our lessons this week rang again in my heart as we discussed "Destined for This"  

"For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. "   1Thessalonians 3:5 ESV

Destined for What? 

Affliction, despair, persecution, hindrances and obstacles... 

To this you were called.  

Hear what Paul wrote to the Corinthians in this regard:

2 Corinthians 4:8-12 ESV

8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.

We learned in this weeks lessons that Paul was in Corinth when he wrote the letters to the Thessalonians.  He reminded them of the sufferings they would endure for the sake of the gospel and had, indeed, suffered.  BUT he did not want them to be discouraged because of it and loose faith.  

Was Paul struggling to keep the faith? 

I believe this is a valid question to ask.  After all, he was a common man not unlike the rest of us.  When life gets tough, we begin to question the path of life we are on.  When our faith is challenged by Affliction, Despair, Persecution, Hindrances, Obstacles... we begin to question and stumble in our faith as well, do we not?  

But Paul held fast to his faith...held fast.  Hear what he also wrote:

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

The prevailing questions that I keep asking myself this week:

What is the "hindrance" that I am facing in 

my walk of Faith?  

What is it that keeps trying to get me to 

QUIT THE RACE?  

I will tell you one thing that I am currently enduring and it is not really that huge in light of what Paul and his companions faced.  

Insomnia

Being unable to get a good night's sleep affects the body in many ways.  Depression, fatigue, fuzzy thinking (some say that about me on a good day!), and other physical symptoms of just wanting to GIVE UP and not get things done. 

It would be easy to give in and not press on in my faith, my call to lead others to worship by seeking Him in the Word.  Because I am just too tired.  And would rather sit and stare at the wall than to get up and move forward in health and wellness and to seek to accomplish what is before me.  It would be easy.  

Yet will I trust him. I will say it again... He is Worthy and He is Worth it.  Even in the middle of a day where I would rather just go back to bed and sleep on this beautiful rainy day.... I am pressing on.  

Chances are you are facing some sort of hindrance too... If Paul could endure and continue to walk on in his faith, persevering through all that he encountered in order to share the gospel of Christ, WE can too.
  

Now it's your turn to review the week:

Principal Questions:
DAY 1: Why did Satan hinder them from getting back to the  
             Thessalonians?  What do you think Satan was  
             seeking to prevent by keeping them apart? (p 65)
DAY 2:  Exactly how did Paul go about proclaiming the 
             kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning 
             the Lord Jesus Christ? (p 69)
DAY 3:  What was Timothy sent to Thessalonica to do? 
              (p 72)
DAY 4:  By what did Paul no want the Thessalonians to be 
              moved? (p 72)
DAY 5:  What profound change in the language of prayer is 
              first introduced in 1 Thessalonians 3:11? (p 81)

Personal Questions:

DAY 1:  What examples illustrate the dangers of "legalism" 
              and "license"? (p 65)
DAY 2:  Which of the equations on page 70-71 (including 
              your own additions) speak to you most personally 
              and specifically? (p 71)
DAY 3:  Do you ever feel like all the planning has flown the 
              coop and you're just reacting?  Describe a time you 
              felt that way. (p 76)
DAY 4:  What maladies come to mind at the mention of the 
              word "affliction"? (p 77)
DAY 5:  What does the possibility that Paul may have 
             dictated some of his letters through Silas contribute 
             to your understanding of their relationship? (p 83)

Hebrews a Better Blend_Meet the Author

Hebrews a Better Blend

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

One of my favorite- and least favorite- verses in the New Testament.  Favorite because God's Word is ALIVE and ACTIVE.  Least favorite because God's Word GETS IN MY BUSINESS!!! 

but that is also a good thing.

I also like a really good, smooth cup of coffee.  So, when my Facebook Friend, Leah Adams, announced that she was launching a new Bible Study this summer, I was interested.  

Little did I know how delightful it would be to interact with Leah and to read her study in order to review the content as plans are made to host this study in my community this fall.  

Before I introduce you to Leah, I want to tell you a little about her writing style. To read her insight into the Scriptures and personal stories is like having a long cup of coffee with your good friend that you haven't seen in a while-like you've known her so long, yet you've just met-like you want to hear everything she says, still she wants to listen to you too.

Leah is the kind of writer that will draw each seeker of Truth into a Friendship of Grace, one that embraces the reader and wraps her in the warmth of Jesus Christ who proves to be the Better Blend of Love, Hope, Rest, and Peace.

Meet the Author: Leah Adams


· Leah, I may have readers who have not met you online. What would you like for my readers to know about you? 

I am a North Georgia girl who loves Jesus—A LOT. I asked Jesus to come into my heart at the age of 15. Within a few years, I made some horrible moral choices that drew me away from Him. I spent the better part of my 20s walking far from Jesus, and God let me go my own way until I was sick of it. Then, just like the prodigal son’s father, God welcomed me back, and overwhelmed me with a desire for His Word and His presence. He made it clear that nothing I had done, no sin I had committed, changed how He felt about me. God loved me with a ridiculous love. He lavished grace on the heart of His daughter, and ultimately called me into ministry in 2007.

My passion is teaching God’s Word, and He allows me to do that through two avenues: speaking and writing.

What is the back story behind HeBrews?

I began writing HeBrews: A Better Blend purely out of obedience to the Lord. Several years prior to writing the study, I had done a pretty intense self-study of the book of Hebrews. It was my hope that the Lord might allow me to write something out of that time of study, but I wasn’t sure. Perhaps it had just been for my edification. In 2012, I sensed the Lord giving me the go-ahead to write a Bible study from the book of Hebrews. I’ve learned that when God says do something, the best response is ‘Yes sir’. So, write I did. I had no intention of publishing HeBrews, thinking it would just be an act of obedience, and perhaps a study that my Tuesday morning small group would do. God had other plans. When I was about halfway through the writing, my friend, Brooke, introduced me to the wonderful woman who is now my Editor at Warner Press. One thing led to another and before I knew it, God had opened the door for HeBrews to be published. It was totally a God-thing, and I often tell Him that this is His doings, and the responsibility is on Him to place HeBrews into the hands of the people who need to read it.



 Share with us a bit about your book.

HeBrews: A Better Blend is an eight-week Bible study that takes the student through the entire book of Hebrews. The Old Testament constructs that were so important to the Israelites, i.e. Old Testament tabernacle, priest, sacrifice, and covenant, are examined alongside the New Testament parallels that we find in Jesus.

Jesus was the BETTER priest, administering a BETTER covenant, offering a BETTER sacrifice, and ultimately bringing us into a BETTER tabernacle. 

There are five days of homework each week, and most days the student studies from both the Old and New Testaments. HeBrews: A Better Blend can be done by individuals, and in group settings. At the beginning of each week of study, I offer a dessert recipe taken from my collection, or from the collections of some of my friends and family. Dessert definitely makes Bible study richer. No pun intended!

 Why should someone read HeBrews: A Better Blend?

What does it offer them personally? The study of Scripture, God’s Love Letter to humankind, is as important to me as taking my next breath. Without it, I would be right back in the ditch of sin that I crawled out of 20 years ago. HeBrews: A Better Blend offers the reader a guided study of the book of Hebrews, as well as opportunities to apply faith principles to their own life, and grow in their faith in Jesus Christ.

· How can my readers find you? Blog? Social media? 

They can find me at my website and blog, The Point, at http://www.leahadams.org. I am also on several social media platforms: 
Facebook Ministry page 
HeBrews Facebook page 
Twitter 
Pinterest

 · When and where will HeBrews: A Better Blend be available to the public? The release date for the Bible study is July 1st. It should be available at major e-tailers, as well as Christian bookstores.

 · What final thoughts would you like to share with my readers? I want to encourage your readers to fix their eyes on Jesus. My prayer is that they will raise their eyes above the horizon of their circumstances (good or bad), and look to Jesus for their strength and hope. He is everything we need. EVERYTHING! Developing an intimate relationship with Jesus will not happen accidently. It requires intentionality, perseverance, and lots of time allowing Scripture to speak to the heart. Once a heart gets a taste of walking in intimacy with Christ, there is no going back. I want that for your readers, because I know what a thrill it is to me.

I hope you will join me for this new study by Leah Adams.  Plan to purchase your copy of the study at her website or via Warner Press or Amazon. 

Children of the Day Week 3

Well, we have made it this far!  We can certainly press on and press in from here!

This week was a reminder to me to keep doing just that. PRESS ON. PRESS IN.  

There is a song by Darlene Zschech that says "my heart leans in...".  Can we do that?  Can we just LEAN IN and Lean on the shoulder of Jesus for just a few moments??

Life is hard. It's been a hard week for many of us in many ways.  But not as hard as Paul and Silas had when they visited the Philippians who beat them, dragging them through the marketplace and throwing them in to prison.  Now THAT is a bad week.  

You'd think they would get discouraged and give up, but NO. While in prison, God miraculously released them while they sang praise and worship songs to Him.   They encouraged others, then went on their way and continued to preach the gospel.  (Acts 16)

Like I said.  Life is hard.  I wanted to give up on some things last week and this week, too.  Cause it is hard to keep up the good fight of faith sometimes.  But here is a truth I am clinging to today:

HE is Worthy and HE is Worth IT!

One note I made myself  in the margin on page 41:
"Reflect on those first four verses of 1 Thessalonians 2 again.
Ask yourself:  Did we do the will of God as best we perceived it? Were we authentic before God and man?"

My response: Purity and blamelessness is not to equal to being perfect, but rather pursuing the One who IS.

On Day 3 this week, we looked at A Theology of Walking and how we are exhorted in the Scriptures to Walk Worthy of the calling we have to share the gospel to the least and the lost.  It occurs to me that we can walk forward, eyes ahead, looking at the goal and prize of Jesus.... or we can walk toward Him while looking backward at the way life was, or what we miss or regret or wish we could do over... we will reach the same destination- eventually- but the walk is much harder and easier to get off course when we are looking backward and not ahead.  Can I say it again???

HE is Worthy and HE is Worth IT!

So let's press in and press on together.  Let's encourage one another and others and continue to do this gospel life that we are called to share. He is walking among the Churches. Oh, let Him find us faithful!

I desire Jesus
Precious Lamb
Who ransomed me
And unto You an offering
Will my life forever be
You are worthy of all honour
All glory to Your Name
You alone deserve
Our highest praise
And forever You will reign

You are all glorious
You are all glorious
My heart leans in
My soul must sing
You are all glorious
2012 Hillsong/Cornerstone Album



Review the Week:

PRINCIPLE QUESTIONS:
DAY 1- What happened to Paul and Silas after they were 
            dragged into the marketplace before the authorities 
            (Acts 16:22-24)? (p. 39)
DAY 3- What action verb describes how we journey with 
            God? (p 47)
DAY 4- Focus on 1 Thessalonians 2:14. How had the 
            Thessalonians become "imitators of God's churches 
             in Christ Jesus that are in Judea"? (p 51)
DAY 5- In Thessalonians 2:19-20, what words did Paul use to 
            describe the Thessalonians Christians? (p 58)

PERSONAL QUESTIONS:
DAY 1- What do you think He's searching out and testing our 
            hearts to find? (41)
DAY 2- Does 1 Thessalonians 2:8 stir up a story of your 
             own? (p 46)
DAY 3- How does Christ walking among the churches 
            encourage you? (p 49)
DAY 4- Share a time when you experienced some form of 
            persecution because of your 
            belief in Jesus. ( 51)
DAY 5- Have you ever avoided relationships to avoid pain? 
            (p 59)



If you missed this week's video session, you can go to Life Way and down load your very own copy!  You will not be disappointed!

The Word. Worship. Payer.

These are my Roots.

Life. Love. Living.

Life can be messy.  Love too.  Living in Community is the only way to get through it if you are a person of faith.  Community is found in the local Church.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 ESV

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready 

to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, 

because you had become very dear to us.

When God lead my husband, Mike, toward the idea of planting a church, we had no idea how it would unfold.  We just knew we wanted to tell people about Jesus.  We were serving in a local church that was/is thriving and reaching out to the community. 
But we realized there seemed to be a "people group" that still were not coming.  Why not go to them?

We began to pray, seek, fast and follow the Lord's leading.  There were two couples, along with their families, who heard the call too.  Oak Pointe Church was launched in 2007 and a small group of people began to do life together in community.  

 
Real People.  Real Issues.  Real Answers. 

We are all searching for answers to our issues in life and Oak Pointe Church grew into a SAFE place to simply BE REAL.  

Life Is Messy sometimes.

It is wonderful and beautiful and filled with 

love and family and friends.  

But it can be messy.

Real People.
I mentioned earlier that we noticed a "people group".  What I mean by this is that while we had been actively involved in mission and ministry at our former church, there were still those in the community who, for a number of reasons, were not being reached.  
Those who had "church hurt" in the past.  Those who had once been church attenders, but, for various reasons, no longer went. 

It is evident that the longer you stay out of church the easier it is to simply not go.  
Some no longer went because life, lifestyle, and other life changing decisions had overwhelmed them with feelings of shame, unworthy of God's grace and love.  

Real Issues.
We were never meant to wear shame.  The church was never intended to be a place where "shame on you" is expressed when ones life is imperfect, sinful, brings you to your knees.  The enemy tells lies.  

Church should be a place of Grace.

Oak Pointe Church has been such a place.  I don't say that to tell you that Mike and the leadership have made it so. But that it is what God has made it.  Grace has been extended and Grace has been received.

Mike and I- the preacher and his wife- have 'messiness' in our lives as well.  Issues with family, finances, faith challenges, imperfections and flaws just like the rest of the world.  And our church family has allowed us to BE REAL with them and they have LOVED US WELL!! 

We are so very blessed. We have never felt that we had to pretend and present that we have our lives all figured out and that we never make mistakes, yell at each other and our kids...we get to be REAL!! and I am thankful.  Did I tell you that Life is Messy sometimes?

REAL ANSWERS.

Answers to life's real issues are found in the Word of God.  Mike and the Leadership preach, teach and speak in a way that is easy to understand and uncomplicated.  Simple Truth.  Simple Faith.  Loving God. Loving People.

One of the things I see in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, is that the gift of Tongues was given to enable the Apostles to speak the Gospel to others in a language they could understand.  That is what happens at our church. 

I'm not talking "heavenly language" or incomprehensible words and sounds and noises made to speak to the Lord as a means of worship, like what is noted in other places in the letters to the Corinthians.  

But, rather, the ability to bring the gospel to those who need to hear the simple truth that-

"All have sinned. All deserve death. 

BUT 

Jesus loves you and came to save you 

by paying for your sin himself." 

Eloquent words, lofty speech...vocabulary no one understands...no.  Simple. Straight-forward.Grace-filled words.  

This is what Real People need.  It is what we all need.  

So, while LIFE, LOVE, and LIVING can get real messy...and it does... and it IS... 

Sharing our lives together in community in the local church brings, GRACE, Truth, Healing, Love... LIFE.

AND when our individual churches see that we are on mission together and release any sense of competition, jealousy, pride, envy, gossip, territorial- ism...

then THE CHURCH

the Bride of Christ makes herself ready 

and becomes 

BEAUTIFUL  

The Word. Worship. Prayer.

These are my Roots.

Children of the Day: Session 2

How was your first week of study in 1 Thessalonians? 

There were several "stand out" moments for me this week:

1) Acts 17:2-4 Paul "reasoned through Scriptures, explaining and proving the Messiah" to some Jews, a large number of God fearing Greeks and "quite a few prominent women."

The mention that "quite a few" women were under the teaching of Paul blesses me. It reminds me of the times where women are mentioned in the gospels in regard to Jesus ministry, revealing that God values the role of women in our places of influence: our homes, our families, workplaces, marketplace and the Church included.  

 "you  count, Sister.  All it takes to lead is for people to see you following Jesus"

pages 16,17 Week 1

2) 1 Thess. 1:4 "Loved by God" 

Are you like me?? Needing the reminder that your are LOVED BY GOD?? 

"we cannot love when we perceive ourselves as unloved.  WE cannot offer to others what we don't possess."  

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Practice the mindset of being profusely loved by God.

page 21, week 1

3) "god is ever present no matter how sluggish our souls feel toward Him."- just wow!!! 

page 24, week 1

4) The Wind.  I had a few moments of worship out on my deck as a storm was blowing by.  You can read my thoughts about it under the post "The Wind and the Spirit".  

pages 24-25, week 1

5) 1 Thess. 1: 6-7  We set an example to others to imitate.  They set and example to others. This is a cycle of discipleship where we must be imitators of Christ, then look to others who are also examples of Christ at work in a life that seeks to honor God. 

"Imitators of Christ are still crucial to spreading the gospel."

page 28-29, week 1

6) 1 Thess. 1:8-10 "The Word of the Lord rang out everywhere."  

This reminds me of how WE living in the 21 century have the ability- literally- to spread the Word of the Lord throughout the WORLD via our world wide web and  our Social Media outlets.  There is NO REASON why we are not sharing the gospel to those both Near and FAR.

page 31-32, week 1

now it's your turn...

REVIEW THE WEEK:

PRINCIPAL QUESTIONS:

DAY 1  Over how may Sabbaths did they serve in Thessalonica (p 16)

DAY 2:  Who wrote each letter to the Thessalonians? (p 19)

DAY 3:  How, according to Paul, did the gospel come to the Thessalonians? 
           (p 25)

DAY 4:  The Thessalonian believers "became" what two things (p 28)

DAY 5:  What sounded forth from the Thessalonians after their conversion? 
           (p 32)

PERSONAL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
DAY 1:  How are you impacted by the knowledge that the Holy Spirit had you in 
            mind as Scripture was penned. (p 18)
DAY 2:  What good memory do you have from a harsh season of your life? 
            (p 20)
DAY 3:  How would you describe the Holy Spirit within you bearing witness? 
            (p 24)
DAY 4:  Do you embrace or struggle with the fact that our God is filled with joy? 
            (p 28)
DAY 5:  Describe a situation in which you witnessed or participated in "the 
            excited transmission" of the gospel. (p 34)


I would love to hear from you... if you have any thoughts, insights or questions about this weeks homework, please comment below, or find me on Facebook.  


ALSO: if you are unable to participate in a small group or if you have chosen to do this study solo, then please download this week's video session from 
Life Way... you will not be disappointed!

Be Blessed!

The Wind and the Spirit

The Wind blows things, 

causes them to move.

Sometimes gently, sometimes with FORCE.

The Wind causes seasons of rain, snow, warmth-

blowing in the next weather pattern

for a particular day, week, season.

The Wind cannot be seen, but it's effects are felt- 

subtly, gently, powerfully.

Affecting more that we see with the naked eye.

It cannot be tamed.

This is true of the Holy Spirt at work in the life of a believer, a group, a body of believers.  The sound of a mighty rushing wind. It is a sound that, more often than not, is unheard with our natural ears, only to those with ears to hear... a wind that brings change, refreshment, discomfort, upheaval, transition, multiplication within the Body of Christ.  Soul stirring, life changing, challenging.  Needed and necessary if we are to grow and to mature in our journey with the Savior, Jesus Christ.


This past week, feeling sluggish in my spirit, I went for a walk in my neighborhood.  Ear buds in, listening to music to uplift and encourage my soul.

I landed on the song Oceans (Where Feel May Fail) by Hillsong.

I listened to this one song over and over and over as I walked and made my way back home under a sky that was darkening by the moment, feeling the wind pick up and turn the humid air into refreshing air with a promise of soon coming rain.

"Rain on my Soul, Lord.  I am weak and frail.  

Rain. Reign. Reign, O God!"

I made my way to my front porch with hopes to watch the rain coming down from its shelter...

Then the wind gusted and I feared that the limbs from the trees in my yard might break and come flying after me...my imagination running wild at the thought... so I fled inside.

"...fear surrounds me"

Inside, I felt confined and wanted desperately to SEE what the sky was unfolding so I made a choice. I chose to go out on the deck and look up into the sky.

                                    "You've never failed and You won't start now"

Looking up into the dark, swirling clouds threatening to pour at a moment, wind blowing the tree tops wildly about, I stood.  
Arms wide open. Voice Lifted.

"And I will call upon your name.

And keep my eyes above...

My soul will rest in your embrace..."

The Wind cannot be seen, but it's effects are felt- 

subtly, gently, powerfully-

affecting more that we see with the naked eye.

It cannot be tamed.

"Spirit Lead me where my TRUST is without borders"

The Word. Worship. Prayer.  

These are my Roots.

Children of the Day: Session 1

By now you have gone to LifeWay or online to purchase your Children of the Day workbook and you have joined a small group for the weekly video session.

If you do not have a small group to join, then I am very glad you are stopping in.  Each week, I plan to post a "Review" of the weekly home work with some extra questions or activities.  

EVERYONE can go to LifeWay.com to purchase your individual video sessions  for about $5. These  will enhance your study.  They are not required.  But helpful.  

I am not able to post the videos here for copyright purposes.  

AS WE BEGIN... let me tell encourage you to approach Bible Study from where you are in life.

Not everyone has the Table of Contents in the front of the Bible memorized.  Not everyone grew up in Sunday School and knows all the 10 Commandments and stories of the Old Testaments leaders by heart.  Not everyone has their lives all together... HA. None of us do!!!

Do not compare yourself to anyone else. 
Come to God with a heart ready to hear from Him and He will teach you what your current season needs as you continue on your journey.

THIS WEEK: 

Read About the Author and Introduction to the study.  

Watch Session 1

Pray about your participation 

There are 4 levels of participation in the study that you can commit to. 

Participate in the video sessions
+ do the weekly homework assignments
+ handwrite the two books to the Thessalonians 
+ memorize the books. 

WOAH!!! What??? Do NOT feel pressure at that last one, friend.  These are options and the goal of suggesting these options is to help you to take your current level of commitment to Bible Study up a bit.  BUT, do not submit to a Spirit of Competition or Insecurity.  Pray. Ask God. Do what your current life journey will allow you without fear of condemnation or comparison when considering what anyone else will do. 

THIS IS  YOUR JOURNEY.  Trust God for it and do not compare yourself to anyone else. 

In Session 1 Video, Beth overviews WHO the writers of 1 & 2 Thessalonians are as a way of helping us to understand the personalities of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy and how they came to be close friends in the ministry. This will be helpful as we seek to understand what is begging written and to whom and by whom.  

This week's memory verse: (optional)

1 Thessalonians 1:4 The NET Bible:

We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you.

BEFORE you begin the homework for week one, find a quiet place.
Picture yourself sitting down with God.  Talk to Him.
Let Him know where you are in your journey and simply have a Heart to Heart with Him.
Tell Him everything that is on your mind.
Ask Him to meet you in your NOW.  Ask Him to teach you about Himself.
Decide. Make a choice. 

Lord meet with us as we seek you with expectation.

The Word. Worship. Prayer.

These are my Roots.