Reading Ecclesiastes 5:12-20
S: Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 NIV This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them - for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil - this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.
O: Eat, drink and be satisfied with your work. God gives us the gifts we need. Be happy and content. Stay busy doing the work we are called to do and be happy to do it.
A: I feel like all I do sometimes is grumble grumble grumble, although I always SAY my motto is to move forward, we can't change the passed. I need to constantly remind myself what I am here for. If it isn't for Christ, I am nothing and have nothing. God sustains me every day. He feeds my soul and body. If I reflect on what he gives me in my labor, I will be glad and content and so occupied I won't have time for the grumbling. Ahhhhhh!!
P: Father, I praise you for these words. You are feeding my soul and I love you so much for giving me the food I need in your word. Forgive me for my grumbling. I don't deserve the gifts you provide for me, but you provide anyway, abundantly!! Thank you. ~Amen
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
GMG ~ Leadership Mentoring Group - Week 1 - Day 3
S: Matthew 23:8-10 and 11-12 The Message: "Don't let people do that to you, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of 'Father'; you only have one Father, and he's in heaven. And don't let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them - Christ.
O: Teacher. One Father. Life-Leader. Christ.
A: I love that we aren't to let others boss us around. I love that we have The One and Only Teacher. I even love more that we are all classmates. Takes me back to being a child in elementary school. It's a really cool idea of thinking all of us Girls sitting in a classroom, the leader included and Jesus sweeping around the classroom with chalk in hand teaching us His Word. I am sitting here with a huge smile on my face imagining this. No one of us is better than the other. We can sit and study together and help each other along and when things get tough we go to the School Master and ask for his guidance. Wow!
P: Father thank you for this illustration you put in my mind of something so simple and so elementary to really hit the point and have this scripture mean so much. We are in this together. We can't go wrong with you as our Leader. Thank you for these women. I am learning so much from them. The insights that you give to them joined together make your word so vivid. Thank you, Father. Thank you so much. ~Amen
DQ
Life happens. How do you, or will you, handle it if you are unexpectedly unable to post in your group?
Amy and I email each other. Sometimes we make a schedule, she takes M W and F and I take T and T.
How can prayer be helpful in leading?
Ummmm......how can it not!!?? :o) But quite honestly, I am lacking in that area and when I read what Veronica sent out, I was humbled by it. I have been really focusing on prayer and not saying 'hey I will be praying for you' I just stop and do it right then and there. It may only take a moment but it's better than forgetting later and just being lip service. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
O: Teacher. One Father. Life-Leader. Christ.
A: I love that we aren't to let others boss us around. I love that we have The One and Only Teacher. I even love more that we are all classmates. Takes me back to being a child in elementary school. It's a really cool idea of thinking all of us Girls sitting in a classroom, the leader included and Jesus sweeping around the classroom with chalk in hand teaching us His Word. I am sitting here with a huge smile on my face imagining this. No one of us is better than the other. We can sit and study together and help each other along and when things get tough we go to the School Master and ask for his guidance. Wow!
P: Father thank you for this illustration you put in my mind of something so simple and so elementary to really hit the point and have this scripture mean so much. We are in this together. We can't go wrong with you as our Leader. Thank you for these women. I am learning so much from them. The insights that you give to them joined together make your word so vivid. Thank you, Father. Thank you so much. ~Amen
DQ
Life happens. How do you, or will you, handle it if you are unexpectedly unable to post in your group?
Amy and I email each other. Sometimes we make a schedule, she takes M W and F and I take T and T.
How can prayer be helpful in leading?
Ummmm......how can it not!!?? :o) But quite honestly, I am lacking in that area and when I read what Veronica sent out, I was humbled by it. I have been really focusing on prayer and not saying 'hey I will be praying for you' I just stop and do it right then and there. It may only take a moment but it's better than forgetting later and just being lip service. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
GMG ~ Leadership Mentoring Group - Week 1 - Day 2
Reading: Philippians 2:1-5
S: Philippians 2:1-5 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
O: You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
A: Am I encouraging? Do I comfort in Love? Do I fellowship in the Spirit? Is my heart tender and compassionate? Do I make God truly happy? Do I love? Do I work together with one mind and purpose? OR Am I selfish? Do I try to impress others? Am I humble or puff myself up to make me look better than my sister/brother? Do I put myself before others? Is this the attitude of Christ?
This makes me think of JOY = J/Jesus FIRST O/Others AFTER JESUS-BEFORE MYSELF Y/You (me) LAST. If I only lived my life this way all the time. I want to make Jesus smile. I want nothing more than for him to say well done, good and faithful servant. I am so thankful for being part of this group. Thankful for his prodding me to not give up. I need to be a better servant to further his kingdom even if it is just one.
P: Father, I praise you!! Thank you for giving me the desire to chase after you. I don't want what this world has to offer. I want eternity. Help me to be a light unto the path of others who need to see you. There are many in this dark world. I am humbled by your calling. ~Amen
Discussion Questions:
Do you prepare your SOAP in advance or work along with your group? Why?
I don't prepare in advance unless I know I have a conflicting issue. I like working along with the group but most importantly God has put it on my heart that what I am to read for that particular day is what he would have me to study for that day. If I jump ahead, it may not make sense to me because it wasn't what He chose for me. I hope that makes sense.
How many members do you have in your group(s)? What size fits you best, and why?
Since I have not lead a group on my own, I am not sure how our group size was determined. I will have to ask Amy. But I prefer a smaller group because we can be more intimate and not lose track of prayer requests. Also to be more organized. A large group kinda scares me right now but perhaps after leading I would be okay with it. The downside of a small group is lack of participation and like someone else said hearing the sound of crickets in your group if you are the only one posting your SOAP.
S: Philippians 2:1-5 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
O: You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
A: Am I encouraging? Do I comfort in Love? Do I fellowship in the Spirit? Is my heart tender and compassionate? Do I make God truly happy? Do I love? Do I work together with one mind and purpose? OR Am I selfish? Do I try to impress others? Am I humble or puff myself up to make me look better than my sister/brother? Do I put myself before others? Is this the attitude of Christ?
This makes me think of JOY = J/Jesus FIRST O/Others AFTER JESUS-BEFORE MYSELF Y/You (me) LAST. If I only lived my life this way all the time. I want to make Jesus smile. I want nothing more than for him to say well done, good and faithful servant. I am so thankful for being part of this group. Thankful for his prodding me to not give up. I need to be a better servant to further his kingdom even if it is just one.
P: Father, I praise you!! Thank you for giving me the desire to chase after you. I don't want what this world has to offer. I want eternity. Help me to be a light unto the path of others who need to see you. There are many in this dark world. I am humbled by your calling. ~Amen
Discussion Questions:
Do you prepare your SOAP in advance or work along with your group? Why?
I don't prepare in advance unless I know I have a conflicting issue. I like working along with the group but most importantly God has put it on my heart that what I am to read for that particular day is what he would have me to study for that day. If I jump ahead, it may not make sense to me because it wasn't what He chose for me. I hope that makes sense.
How many members do you have in your group(s)? What size fits you best, and why?
Since I have not lead a group on my own, I am not sure how our group size was determined. I will have to ask Amy. But I prefer a smaller group because we can be more intimate and not lose track of prayer requests. Also to be more organized. A large group kinda scares me right now but perhaps after leading I would be okay with it. The downside of a small group is lack of participation and like someone else said hearing the sound of crickets in your group if you are the only one posting your SOAP.
GMG ~ Leadership Mentoring Group - Week 1 - Day 1
Reading Mark 10:42-45
S: So Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be the first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ranson for many."
O: Among you it will be different. Not to be served but to serve others.
A: I love how he says it will be different among us. And it should be. We are a reflection of Christ. How is my whiney, complaining, angry attitude a reflection of Christ. I am not showing any ounce of how He would be handling this time of my life. I was standing on my patio this morning praying and thinking of how my feet felt on the cold concrete and how the tiniest pebble was uncomfortable on the underside of my foot. He endured pain I cannot even imagine. He is the perfect example of what I need to strive for. I need to be patient and understanding and serve others in a way that shows who I am in Christ. I love people and love to serve. I need to remember that when I am struggling. I need to realize the battle I am facing is one that others have faced and they may be facing a much larger struggle than mine.
P: Father, I come before you this morning asking for forgiveness. I ask that you please show me that you have this. Get me out of your way. Help me let go of the reigns. I love you Father and thank you so much for giving me the desire to be your child. Being yours is so comforting and knowing you love me unconditionally and without giving me any kind of guilt trip. I love that I have that in you. You know right where I am and know what my heart is feeling and what is going on in my mind. I love that I can keep nothing hidden from you. Today, I choose to let go and let You. ~Amen
Discussion Questions:
What are your biggest challenges when leading a GMG group?
I have only been a co-leader. I think the biggest challenge is keeping women involved. Sometimes I think women are afraid to put anything down for fear it won't be what the group is getting. I remember my first time being involved in a GMG group thinking what if I am way off base? And what if people think I am looney tunes? :) But then I heard God tell me, 'This is what I want you to hear, today, and you may bless someone else with sharing your heart. So I think the challenge is helping other women feel comfortable and normal in sharing and feeling loved and safe and able to share what is on their heart.
How do you lead and still come across as humble? What are some strategies?
The definition of humble is having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance...So I believe it's being REAL and understanding what others are going through and knowing we all serve the same God and no matter where we are in life, we can all lift each other before the same almighty Father and love as he first loved us.
Prayer Request: Please pray for our moving situation. We are still sitting with no answers. It is so hard to wait. I know God is in control. I am a planner and have my life planned around this move and specific dates so that makes being patient even harder. I feel like a spoiled rotten whiney child because I am not getting my own way. I need forgiveness.
S: So Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be the first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ranson for many."
O: Among you it will be different. Not to be served but to serve others.
A: I love how he says it will be different among us. And it should be. We are a reflection of Christ. How is my whiney, complaining, angry attitude a reflection of Christ. I am not showing any ounce of how He would be handling this time of my life. I was standing on my patio this morning praying and thinking of how my feet felt on the cold concrete and how the tiniest pebble was uncomfortable on the underside of my foot. He endured pain I cannot even imagine. He is the perfect example of what I need to strive for. I need to be patient and understanding and serve others in a way that shows who I am in Christ. I love people and love to serve. I need to remember that when I am struggling. I need to realize the battle I am facing is one that others have faced and they may be facing a much larger struggle than mine.
P: Father, I come before you this morning asking for forgiveness. I ask that you please show me that you have this. Get me out of your way. Help me let go of the reigns. I love you Father and thank you so much for giving me the desire to be your child. Being yours is so comforting and knowing you love me unconditionally and without giving me any kind of guilt trip. I love that I have that in you. You know right where I am and know what my heart is feeling and what is going on in my mind. I love that I can keep nothing hidden from you. Today, I choose to let go and let You. ~Amen
Discussion Questions:
What are your biggest challenges when leading a GMG group?
I have only been a co-leader. I think the biggest challenge is keeping women involved. Sometimes I think women are afraid to put anything down for fear it won't be what the group is getting. I remember my first time being involved in a GMG group thinking what if I am way off base? And what if people think I am looney tunes? :) But then I heard God tell me, 'This is what I want you to hear, today, and you may bless someone else with sharing your heart. So I think the challenge is helping other women feel comfortable and normal in sharing and feeling loved and safe and able to share what is on their heart.
How do you lead and still come across as humble? What are some strategies?
The definition of humble is having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance...So I believe it's being REAL and understanding what others are going through and knowing we all serve the same God and no matter where we are in life, we can all lift each other before the same almighty Father and love as he first loved us.
Prayer Request: Please pray for our moving situation. We are still sitting with no answers. It is so hard to wait. I know God is in control. I am a planner and have my life planned around this move and specific dates so that makes being patient even harder. I feel like a spoiled rotten whiney child because I am not getting my own way. I need forgiveness.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
GMG ~ Interim Study - Ecclesiastes
Reading Ecclesiastes 3:12-22
O: Final. Nothing added or taken. God's purpose - fear Him.
A: This is refreshing to my soul especially in this season of my life. Nothing I do in this earthly flesh can change God's plan. His way is the only way. His way is final. I can't do one thing to add or take away from what pieces of my puzzle he plans to put in place. And the best part is - it's for his purpose, his greater good. Wow!
P: Father forgive me. I am humbled by your plan. You know what is best and you have your time-table. Forgive me for getting in your way. I trust in you and fear you. I want to be obedient. I know I am not. Guide me by your rod and put me on the path that you are leading me. I ask in Jesus precious name. ~Amen
FFF: I lift Sharon today as she spends time with her family and sons. Let her be a beacon of God's love and truth. Help her to be a witness unto Him to bring others to His throne. Be with each of the family members as they spend time together. Let them enjoy the time they spend together making memories to last a lifetime until they are brought together again.
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