Week 6 – Day 1 The Faith Test

Focus:  Basing my faith on my position in Jesus Christ, not on the way I feel

Scripture:  As you read Matthew 14:22-33 consider God’s gift of faith to you.  Ask Him to strengthen your faith in Him.

Have you ever felt you couldn’t’ pass the faith test?  You’ve prayed, read your Bible and fasted, yet you still lack faith.  What you’re experiencing may have nothing to do with faith and everything to do with feelings.

Today we will take a look at the reality of faith and how our feelings can divert our attention from Jesus.

CONFUSION DURING THE STORM

Peter had walked with Jesus long enough to experience His love, tenderness, and mighty power.  He had listened intently to the parables about the farmer sowing his seeds, the mustard seed, and the net full of fish.  He had seen Jesus miraculously feeding the 5,000 people who had followed Him.  Peter experienced many miracles in the presence of Jesus, and the Master gave him authority to drive out evil spirits and heal diseases.  How then, after walking on water in those first few steps of faith, did Peter lose sight of Jesus and begin to sink?

What are some great events you have experienced during your walk with the Lord?  Circle all that apply.  Add others you think of that aren’t listed.

The birth of a baby                          a loved one saved                           a sunrise

Unexplainable peace                     answered prayers                           joy in the midst of trials

Deliverance from sin                      divine guidance                                                other __________

Can you, like Peter, testify to God’s goodness in your life?  Yes or No

Can you also identify with Peter’s experience of focusing on the storm around him.  Instead of keeping his focus on Jesus  Yes or No

 

Notice I said, “Peter’s experience of focusing on the storm” and not, “Peter’s loss of faith.” Faith is a product of the spirit.  Romans 12:3 says God has apportioned faith to each of us.  If you are a child of God, it is in your spiritual nature to have faith.

At times, however, you might confuse your feelings with your faith.  Satan used doubt and unbelief to make you think you have to work hard to have faith.  And when you just can’t seem to work hard enough, he tells you your faith is lacking.  The problem is not your lack of faith, its Satan seeking to destroy your faith with lies.

BASING FAITH ON GOD’S WORD, NOT ON FEELINGS

 

God provided Amy with a new job.  He gave her the desire, the faith, and the ability to do her work well.  She knew when she accepted the job that it was a gift from God.

Now things are happening that make it difficult for her to enjoy her work as she once did.  She is beginning to doubt and question herself, wondering if she really heard from God in the first place.  Is this really the job He has for her.

Describe an experience when you knew God was speaking to you.

 

Did you later wonder if you really DID hear Him?  If so describe how you felt..

 

God places dreams and visions within your heart.  When He gives you a particular calling, He will also give you the desire, faith, and ability to carry through.  He may call you to start a new job, teach a Bible Study, or begin a family.  Whatever God has called you to do in faith, whether it’s trusting Him with the life of your child or trusting Him with your finances, He wants you to know that he has your best interest at heart.  He provides for your every need.

 

JEREMIAH 29:1  “For I know the plans I have for you.” Declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 

Place a check besides the statements you believe

o   God loves me.

o   God wants the best for me.

o   God will never leave me.

o   God’s will for my life is best.

Remember your study of Abraham in week 1?  God make him a promise and many years later he had not seen the results.  However, Abraham stood in faith.  He must have been attacked by doubts and unbelief, but according to Scriptures he stood steadfast and unmovable.  “No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God”  Romans 4;20

During his time of awaiting and watching and hoping that God’s promise would come to pass.  Abraham kept praising and giving glory to God!  As he did he grew stronger and became empowered.  Perhaps, unlike Peter, who place his mind on the storm at hand instead of focusing on the Master, Abraham just praised God and gave God glory for who He was!

Place an X on the line indicating to what degree you are like Peter or Abraham.

 

1 -----------------------------2-------------------------3--------------------------4----------------------------5

Peter                                                                                                                                                     Abraham

 

DON’T BE THROWN OFF COURSE

 

Storms, doubts, and confusion can intimidate you.  In times of trail, feelings are unpredictable and unreliable.  But choosing to have faith in God has little to do with how you feel!  Don’t allow feelings of worry, doubt, and confusion to keep you from experiencing the peace God wants you to enjoy as you rest in His presence.

Let’s look once more at what Abraham did when the wait got long.  “No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God”  (Romans 4:20)

List two circumstances you’ve prayed about and given to the Lord many times but still haven’t received an answer for.

 

1.

 

 

2.

 

 

Are you willing to keep praising God, giving Him glory as you wait it out?

Yes or No

 

As you close today’s study, start your prayer time with this prayer:

 

Dear Father, My heart’s desire is to trust You.  I’m determining to praise You as I wait for You to show me how You are working in this situation.  Help me to keep my eyes focused on You – not  on my doubts and confusions.  May I bring glory to You as I wait before You.  I love You.

Week 5 Day 5  My Identity

Focus:  Defining your self worth through your relationship with Jesus Christ, even when life is stressful

Scripture As you read Isaiah 61:10-11 spend a few moment thinking about your righteousness in Jesus Christ.

WHO AM I?

Bonnie was in the middle of the wellness seminar her supervisor had asked her to attend.  She looked forward to taking a break from phones, computers, and clients, and she enjoyed learning how to deal with stress and begin an exercise program.  But the instructor had asked the participants to do something that was a little more difficult for Bonnie.  “Write a brief paragraph describing who you are.”

The more Bonnie considered the question, the more confused she became.  She could describe what she looked like.  She could tell “who” she was at work.  She could describe her roles of wife and mother, but none of those descriptions explained who se was.

Perplexed and a bit disturbed, Bonnie began to ponder more deeply the question, “Who Am I?”

If you identify with Bonnie’s confusion in trying to answer “Who am I?” the following statements may help you take a closer look at how you view yourself. Answer True (T) or False (F) according to that’s for you!

¾     People usually recognize me as my children’s mother.

¾     My self worth is often based on my performance at work.

¾     When I “look good,” I feel better about myself

¾     If my house were clean and organized, I would feel better about myself.

¾     People know me by what I do.

¾     I’m usually known as my husband’s wife.

¾     I often compare myself with women who are successful in business.

¾     When someone wants to know about me, I usually respond by telling them what I do, where I go to church, where I live and how many children I have.

¾     I regularly think of myself as being a child of God.

HOW GOD VIEWS YOU

Read what Isaiah 61:10 says God has done for you.  Then fill in the blanks.

He has clothed you with garments of _____________ and arrayed you with the robe of ___________!

Colossians 3:3 says, “your (new, real) life is hidden with Christ in God” (AMP).  That new life has nothing to do with what we do or who we are, but with our position in Christ.  Women who are going through particularly stressful times often lose sight of their identity.  Notice that I did not say they lose their identity, but they lose sight of it!  When you experience failure or inadequacy in a particular area of life, it’s easy to define your self-worth or self-esteem within the context of that area.

In which of the following areas do you often base your identity and determine your self-worth?  Check all that apply.

o   My job performance

o   Being a mother

o   Being a wife

o   My work in the church

o   How well I keep house

o   My intelligence

o   How I look

o   The approval of others

o   Other _________

To what degree do you define your self-esteem based on your “performance” in any of these areas?  Circle one.

Rarely                                                                   pretty often                                       most of the time

THE DAUGHTER OF THE KING

God has clothed you in royal attire!  Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:20 that we are Christ’s ambassadors.  The spiritual world sees you wearing your royal garments.  Your identity is in Christ, not in what you do or who you are.

When you see yourself this way, you will shout with the prophet Isaiah, “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.  For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness”   (Isaiah 61:10, NIV)

Do you walk, talk, and behave as if you are dressed in royal garments?

o   Absolutely

o   Every now and then

o   Are you kidding?

 

 

 

 

 

In the cloud above, draw yourself dressed in your royal attire.  Try to think of other symbols of royalty besides the ones we’ve mentioned.

After you’ve finished your drawing answer the following questions.

If you were to think of yourself as clothed in royal attire, would you carry yourself differently in the grocery store, at the bank, in your neighborhood?  Yes, No or I’d be the same.

How might viewing yourself as royalty affect the way you interact with others?

As you focus on wearing your royal robes, consider the following physical tips that will help you express the reality of your spiritual nature.

·         Smile.  This helps others feel comfortable and often opens the door for you to share Jesus.

·         Stand tall.  Look confident.  Christ died for YOU, Present an image that shows you are thankful for His sacrifice.

·         Look people in the eye.  This shows genuine interest and sensitivity

·         Groom yourself well.  Pay attention to details like your fingernails, hair, and cleanliness of clothes.

·         Take deep breathing breaks.  This will help you remain calm when stressors hit.

·         Think of others first.  Show you are interested by listening intently and asking questions.  Put the other person’s needs before your own.

·         Remain positive.  Remember you have a positive God!

What is God revealing to you today?

 

As you close today’s study, start your prayer time with this prayer:

Dear Father, Help me see myself today as you see me.  I Love You.

Week 5 Day 4 Clean Before God

Focus:  Experiencing the joy of being forgiven.

Scripture:  As you read Psalm 34, ask God to fill you with joy of your salvation.

DIFFICULT ACCEPTING GOD’S FORGIVENESS

Marie’s childhood and teenage years were traumatic and filled with shameful memories.  She blames herself for the horrible things that happened to her – thought there was little, if anything she could have done to prevent them from happening.  She feels she doesn’t deserve God’s love and forgiveness.

Camille on the other hand, grew up in a Christian environment and invited Jesus into her heart at an early age.  She loves the Lord and has experienced many years of walking closely with Him.  However her intimacy with the Lord changed when she feel into deep sin that caused her to feel she was totally unworthy of God’s love and forgiveness.

Marie and Camille are both Christians who feel unworthy of God’s love.

Have you ever felt you didn’t deserve God’s love?  Yes or No

If so, describe your feelings.

How do you feel about forgiveness of sins?

o   I believe I’m forgiven.

o   Because of things I’ve done I sometimes wonder if God really can forgive my sins.

o   I sometimes try to work harder at “being good” to make up for my sins.

o   There are some sins I don’t think God can forgive.

o   I really do want to believe that I’m forgiven, but I’m having a hard time accepting it.

WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS CRY FOR HELP

If you are a child of God, you are righteous.  You have invited Jesus into your heart and because of that, you are in right standing with God.  Your position in Him has nothing to do with effort.  It’s all about the price Jesus paid for your sin.  You are righteous not because of who you are but because of who He is!

Prayerfully mediate on Psalm 34:7.  Then answer the following questions.  At two things does the Lord do when the righteous cry out for help?

1.

 

2.

 

Are you righteous? (see earlier definition )  Yes or No

Fill in these blanks.

I am __________________ before God because of what Jesus did for me on the cross.  Therefore, when

I cry out to Him, He will ______________________ me and deliver me from my ___________.

What an incredible reality..  I cry out to the lord in my sorrow and He lovingly delivers me from all the distress I feel!  According to Psalm 34:18 of the Amplified Bible, “The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed in spirit.”  The Amplified Bible defines crushed in spirit as, “crushed with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent.”

You will never be worthy of God’s blessings.  You will never deserve the forgiveness of God.  You can only humbly accept and appreciate His forgiveness and be in awe of His extravagant love for you.  When you let the reality of that truth grab you, you won’t be able to stop praising Him!  You’ll want to cry out.  “Glorify the Lord with me, let us exalt his name together”  (Psalm 34:3 NIV)

Take are few moments to praise God for His extravagant love.  Sing to Him with your voice or in your heart.  Worship Him and thank Him.  Rejoice in Him!

 

One way you can show your thankfulness for God’s gift of grace is to develop a lifestyle of continual praise and gratitude.  “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth”  (Psalm 34:1, AMP)

Schedule two opportunities to praise God today in ways or at times you don’t usually praise Him.

Write them down.

1.

 

2.

 

What is God revealing to you today?

 

As you close today’s study, start your prayer time with this this prayer:

Dear Father, I can’t thank you enough for Your love for me.  I offer you the praise of my mouth today.  Your mercy and loving-kindness are more than I can imagine and more than I deserve. Thank you.  I love You so much!

Focus:  Understanding the nature of "sitting at His feet."

Scripture:  Prayerfully review Luke 10:38-42.  Make a note of words and phrases that speak to you in a personal way.

MARY AND MARTHA

Micki had heard about Mary and Martha for as long as she could remember.  Pastors, teachers, and Christian speaks all pointed to Mary as the ultimate example of the devoted follower of God.  Micki also recalled the picture her fourth grade Sunday School teacher painted of Martha being too busy to even notice Jesus, while Mary did nothing but sit and listen as he talked.   Even as a child Micki remember thinking, How could anybody just sit and listen when there were so many things to Do? As an adult, she realized her feelings were much the same.

Have you ever felt that identifying with Mary is unrealistic for you? Explain


SITTING AT HIS FEET
To have the proper view of Mary, we must understand the nature of "sitting at His feet."  For me, it's being preoccupied with God.  Each day I pull back from all other responsibilities and sit quietly with Him.  Most of the time this is early in the morning when I begin my day.  I ready my Bible, sing softly to Him, talk to Him about what's in store for me that day, and pray for my needs and the needs of others.

Another way I "sit at His feet" is by simply thinking about Him throughout my day.  I ask Him to go with me to the bank, help me as I get my groceries, be may companion on a long drive to Virginia.  I invite Him to become involved in ever detail of my life.
Reread Luke 10:38-42 and answer  true (T) or false (F) to each statement.


____ Martha opened her home to Jesus
____ Martha continued to enjoy the company before going about her duties.
____  Jesus pleased with Martha to sit with Him.
____ Martha became distracted with everything that had to be done while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus.
____ Jesus rebuked Mary for not helping Martha.


Do you sometimes welcome Jesus into your "home" but then quickly go about your daily business, becoming distracted?  Explain.




Our Heavenly Father longs for you to think about Him as you go about your daily activities.  He wants to be part of every detail of your life - whether you're planning dinner or cleaning your desk at the office.

Which of these two ways of "Sitting at the feet of Jesus" do you most often practice?
___  Pulling aside from my daily activities to read my Bible and pray
___ Thinking about God as I go through my day
___ Both

Would you say you feel closer to Him during these times?  Explain

In the Amplified version of the Bible, we capture the full meaning behind the original Greek test.  In verse 42 Jesus responds to Martha.  "Mary has chosen the good portion (that which is to her advantage), which shall not be taken away from her."

An advantage is a favorable circumstance, a benefit.  As we grow in intimacy with our Lord, we will notice many benefits.  Following are some shared by women who are growing in their relationships with Jesus Christ.

"I am much calmer than usual"
"I'm laughing more and enjoying life"
"Things don't get to me like they used to"
"My children and I are getting along better"
"I'm not as short tempered as I used to be"
"My life seems to have more meaning."
"The more time I spend with Jesus, the more I grow to love Him."


What are some advantages you long to experience?  Circle your answers


a close friend                      joy                            peace                       patience
a reason for living              excitement               feeling loved           hope
direction for my life           encouragement       self-control             other ______


Are you willing to explore a deeper love relationship with Jesus, if so.  pause now and offer a prayer of commitment to your Heavenly Father, asking Him to grow your love for Him and your desire to be with Him.


What is God revealing to you today?




As you close today's study, start your prayer time with this prayer.


Dear Father, I yearn for the intimacy You have for me.  I realize many of the things that take up my day are good things.  I also realize I will never be fulfilled in any of them if I don't choose what's to my advantage, and that's sitting at Your feet!  Help me get excited about being in Your presence.  help me long to listen to Your sweet whispering that can only be heard when I spend time with you, I love You.

Week 5 Day 3 – The Stress of Sin

Focus:  harboring unconfessed sin can cause much stress

Scripture:  Prayerfully read Psalm 32.  Thank the Father for forgiving all of your sins.

OUT OF FELLOWSHIP

Donna often recalls the unrest she experienced several years ago.  She remembers the day she went to her doctor because of shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and other physical discomforts.  After an examination, her doctor asked “Are you under some kind of stress?” 

Donna was suffering from the weight of unconfessed sin in her life.  She didn’t admit it at the time, but she now realizes that being out of harmony with God affected her emotionally, mentally and physically.  God has used this experience to allow her to help others recognize the damaging effects of unconfessed sin.

We have discussed the importance of taking care of yourself physically.  Not attending to your physical needs can contribute to unwanted stress in your life.  A complacent attitude toward sinful behavior can also lead to stress overload.

Consider some damaging effects of unconfessed sin.  Circle those you or someone you know has experienced.

Sleeplessness                                    lack of energy                    inability to focus

Loss of appetite                                                racing pulse                        restlessness

Loss of joy                                           physical aches                   lack of interest in things

Withdrawal from people              distraction                           other_____________

David knew the agony of unconfessed sin (see Psalm 32:3-4).  Before giving his sin to God, he experienced a spiritual drought and heaviness.  God does not want you to settle for anything less than a full abundant life with Him.  “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance”  John 10:10.

When we are involved in personal sin, God will allow us to experience great physical, emotional and mental discomfort.  Discomfort is part of the refining process, drawing our wayward hearts back to Him.  He is always working out His plan for our lives and its consistently leading us to the place of contentment and joy in His presence.

RATIONALIZING SINS

Not until Donna’s doctor asked if she were under some type of stress, did Donna come to terms with a particular sin area in her life.  Prior to the doctor’s question, she had shrugged off her sin as no big deal.

Unconfessed sin creates a barrier between you and God.  Since the fall in the Garden of Eden, sin has been a reality for all of God’s children.  To rationalize sin and deny its existence in your life is to deny the truth of Scripture. “If we say “we have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).

Therefore, we need to acknowledge the reality of sin and the need to confess.  We don’t have to live with the burden of unconfessed sin.  God has promised to completely forgive us and restore our joy.  “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Physical suffering is not always indicative of unconfessed sin our lives, and many other cause lead to sickness.  However, since we are focusing on things that cause us to be frazzled and stressed, we need to take a look at the unconfessed sin issue.

 

In Psalm 32:3-4 David describe what he experienced before he acknowledged his sin.  Have you experience that kind of anguish? Yes or not, if yes explain how this event brought you closer to God.

 


Feeling of sadness, guilt, anger, embarrassment, shame and despair are experiences as consequences of sin.  God does not desire that you stay in one place of hurt, but he will allow you to experience these emotions to bring you to repentance.  You may need to repent of an attitude or a behavior or even a lifestyle that is displeasing to Him.  God will not allow you to experience His peace if you are living out of His will.

GOD’S FORGIVINGNESS IS COMPLETE

As I read David’s words in Psalm 32:5, I can almost feel the physical breaking of chains.  I sense a weight lifted and a burden dropped.  David’s words point to the joy we experience when we come clean before the Lord.

“Then I acknowledged my sin to You, and did not cover up my inutility I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:5)

Spend a few moments praying, asking God to reveal any area in your life that is causing a barrier between you and Him.  Ask Him what you need to do.  Commit to be obedient and accept His instruction.  Make notes of what actions you think He’s calling you to take.

 

What is God revealing to you today?

 

 

As you close today’s study, start your prayer time with this prayer

 

Dear Father, Thank you for loving me.  Search my heart.  Reveal any attitude, thought or behavior that is not pleasing to You.  Give me the desire to live in obedience to You in every way.  Be my strength, Lord I love You.

Week 5 – Day 2 SEEKING GOD’S GUIDANCE

Focus:  Following God’s direction by setting goals to take better care of yourself.

Scripture:  Prayerfully read and meditate on Philippians 4:4-13.  Ask God to reveal to you His desire for your physical care. 

NOW OR LATER

Diane is exasperated.  It is early evening, and she has just gotten home from work.  Much of what she wanted to accomplish during her day at the office is still undone.  She is tired, and her body is beginning to ache.

Recently Diane’s doctor told her that her physical discomfort and emotional depletion were direct results of stress.  He encouraged her to find a hobby and get regular exercise – anything to keep her mind off work when she wasn’t there.  He gave her a pamphlet about the benefits of a regular exercise program and suggested she get started right away.

“It will take a commitment of time and may even interrupt your schedule but the benefits you will experience will be well worth the inconvenience, he said.  Then the sobering words, “If you don’t start taking care of yourself now, you’ll pay for it later.”

Have you ever had an experience similar to Diane’s? If so, briefly explain.

STRESS MANAGEMENT IS REALLY SELF MANAGEMENT

While it is true you can often do little about your external circumstances you are rarely powerless to do things that will help you make it through difficult times.  You are responsible for taking care of yourself by exercising, eating right and getting enough sleep.

Do you agree with this statement?  Yes, No or Undecided     Explain

 

Let’s take a look at a typical weekday, dividing morning, afternoon and evening hours.  Besides each division, list responsibilities you have during that time.  Include meals, exercise, breaks and family time.

Morning______________________________________________________________________________

 


 

Afternoon___________________________________________________________________________

 


 

Evening______________________________________________________________________________

 


Looking back at your list, answer the following questions True or False (T or F)

¾     On a typical workday, I get the proper nutrients in my diet.

¾     I enjoy a regular time of Scripture study and prayer

¾     I generally get enough sleep

¾     Each day there is a time that I unwind and reflect.

¾     Exercise is usually a regular part of my day.

¾     At the end of the day, I usually feel frustrated and depleted.

Sometimes we don’t consider the amount of stress we heap on our bodies.  We must understand that stress has physical consequences.  For example, if I allow stress to keep me from eating right, I may run out of steam and lose concentration.

But I do have control over my eating patterns.  Realizing that getting the proper nutrients can affect the way I feel, look, and behave should help me want to eat properly.

Yesterday I asked you to determine areas in which you need to set some goals.  I hope by now you are realizing the importance of taking care of yourself physically.  By honoring God in taking care of your body, you can more effectively serve Him because you feel better.

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST

Through our relationship with Jesus we can set manageable goals and make them a priority.  Through prayer and Bible study, the Holy Spirit will lead you to set the goals God designs for you.  He will also help you stick to them. “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

Exercise:

1.

2.

Diet/nutrition:

1.

2.

Sleep/rest:

1.

2.

Write weekly goals for each of the areas listed.  Keep them simple and specific.  At the end of the week, evaluate your progress.  You may want to make some changes for next week or continue with the same plan.  The idea is to move into a lifestyle of taking care of yourself physically. 

Example

Exercise:  Four days next week, I’ll walk briskly for 20 minutes

Diet/nutrition – I will snack on fruit instead of candy

Sleep/rest: I will take 10 minutes every afternoon to deep breathe and get my mind off work.

What is God revealing to you during today’s study?

As you close today’s study, start your prayer time with this prayer:

Dear Father, Thank You for caring for my physical needs and for helping me make these goals priorities in my life.  Give me a spirit of excitement about this part of my journey with You! I love You.