Summer Bible Study

God is so good! This summer I have had the opportunity to facilitate a women’s bible study for the first time. We are currently reading “Your Best Life Now” by Joel Osteen. Joel talks about seven principles in the book, so the study was seven weeks long. We have two more sessions to go. This opportunity has really pulled me out of my comfort zone. I’m used to teaching bible study and Sunday School to children under the age 8.

I happen to be the youngest member in this group, so I’m in awe that they trust me to do this. The ladies have been really encouraging and the turn out has been great even though it’s summer time. I’m looking forward to choosing a study for the fall and count it all joy to have had this experience.

In order to prepare for each session I re-read (I read the book earlier this year) the chapters and wrote discussion questions. The book turned out to be a really great source for discussion about a lot of issues Christians go through. If you are interesting in downloading the discussion questions, I’m including them below. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view them.

Nirvana

NIRVANA – An ideal condition of rest, harmony, stability, or joy. (Houghton-Mifflin Dictionary)

My sister and I went to a spa yesterday. My sister found this place on the web called Urban Nirvana. Both of us have been longing for a vacation, but have not figured out where to go or saved the money to go anywhere. We decided to splurge this once on a massage and a facial. We both agreed we should have opted for a longer massage. The facial was not bad either, but there are no noticable differences in my face. I guess my pores were happy for the experience. We will see if a zit makes its way on my face in the next few days. It was nice to feel special and oh so relaxed! I was not that far from home, but I felt like I had traveled miles away.

Today I had a different type of nirvana experience. First, I actually made it to to the 8:00 am service on time today. I felt really compelled to get moving and not linger in the bed, like I normally do, thus causing myself to be fashionably late. Where does the term fashionably late come from? Late is late!

Anyway, have you ever had one of those days when you knew this Sunday’s church service was going to be different? I mean you knew and were expecting something before you chose what you were going to wear. Going to church is about worshipping God. Arriving in the sanctuary with expectation! Not so much to be blessed, but to experience the presence of God among fellow believers. So often it becomes just something a good Christian should do.

While being treated special yesterday was wonderful, nothing compares to the touch from the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was so overwhelming today, the chaplain didn’t have to preach a sermon. He just let the Spirit have His way. Those type of church services come ever so often and they are always right on time.

Jesus promised us a Comforter. The Holy Spirit comes to comfort and remind us of God truths. When life wears you down, sometimes you can forget and become overwhelmed. While we may go through trials, God intends for us to experience a “condition of rest, harmony, stability, or joy.” We should take the time to seek and pursue those nirvana moments!

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7 KJV

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV

Brokenness

Over the past two years I have been tremendously blessed by Revive Our Hearts, a women’s ministry under the leadership of Nancy Leigh DeMoss. This week they are talking about the subject of “Brokenness.”

“You see, brokenness is not a feeling. It is not an emotion. It is a choice that I make. It is an act of my will. It’s a lifestyle of agreeing with God about the true condition of my heart and my life as He alone can see it”. — Nancy Leigh DeMoss

I encourage you to check out the audio clips. Each audio clip lasts about 14 minutes. I like to listen to them each day at work. You definitely want to check out the Proud vs Broken People list. It is quite a humbling experience to read through this list. Be blessed!