Discussion Page

December 27, 2011

Experiencing God

In Week Three our homework takes us on a meditation revolving around the question….

Why does God allow the wilderness?

Day 1: Expecting the Unexpected

What is your own definition of a miracle? (page 58)

Recall a time when you felt like the directions God gave seemed to go the opposite way you were headed. Describe how it felt. (page 59)

What are the dangers of looking back to past experiences when encountering our own “Red Seas”? (Page 60)

Day 2: A Sweeter Journey

Why do you think God allowed the thirsty Israelites to come across undrinkable water?

(page 62)

Have you ever felt frustrated or angry at God because of a disappointment you have faced? (page 64)

Day 3: This is Only a Test

List some lesson God has taught you. To the right of each explain how He’s tested. (page 67)

Prepare to discuss the purpose of spiritual hunger or dissatisfaction with your group

(page 68)

Day 4: The In-between Times

Why do you think God orchestrates in-between times in our spiritual lives?

Day 5: A Blessing, Not a Barrier

Share with your group about a time when your appreciation of God’s ability deepened. How did it impact your pursuit of the Lord? (page 75)

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November 27, 2011

I read a very practical devotion this morning worth sharing by Charles Stanley in God’s Way Day by Day….

The Promises of God

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” Romans 10:17

“When a crisis strikes, remember the promises found in God’s Word. If you don’t know what those promises are, start today to read your Bible and underline or highlight verses, or make a list of verses in the back of your Bible so that in any crisis, you can turn quickly to God’s promises. It is His desire to be present with you, provide for you, preserve and protect you, and turn all things to your good.

Memorize the Word of God, especially those passages that speak special comfort and hope to your heart. Don’t wait for a crisis to hit. Have a storage bank of Bible verses lodged in your memory so that when a crisis strikes, the Holy Spirit can move your mind immediately to God’s Word even if you don’t have a Bible with you.”

November 8, 2011

Experiencing God

My prayer each morning is that you are able to carve out some quality time with our Lord and hear what He has in mind for you. I love that, “has in mind”, His mind, His purpose….His heart for you. What a comforting thought and an exciting perspective all at once. To be in the flow of His Spirit should be our desire breath by breath. I am inspired as I study about the children of Israel being trained in their wilderness, being groomed to step out into their promise land. I have seen this experience in my own life and can testify that He does an awesome boot camp experience that prepares for the next adventure. I pray we will allow Him to do His work in our lives no matter how hard the exercise might be. He is crazy in love with you and wants you to fully enjoy His perfect will for your life.

Homework questions for week 2 pages 32-53.
Experiencing God
1.       When wilderness seasons come in your life or a friend’s life, what or whom do you assume to be the source (p. 34)?
2.       How would you feel if facing the desert on foot when a more convenient route obviously existed (p. 34)?
3.       How does the fact that our trials have purpose after your view of God’s care (p. 35)?
4.       Why do you think prioritizing intimacy with God can be difficult for today’s Christian (p. 40)
5.       Do you have a $500 story to share with the group (p. 42)
6.       What are some practical ways that you remember God’s goodness in lean times? Where do you see yourself in your walk with God right now (p. 43)?
7.       What do you see as the toughest parts of your wilderness journey right now? What evidences so you see in the midst of it (p.44)
8.       What have the frustrations and interruptions of the wilderness revealed to you about your heart’s intentions (p. 45)
9.       If you found yourself in the Israelites’ sandals in Exodus 15, how would you describe your attitude (p. 51)?

October 12, 2011
Session Two
Welcome to the Wilderness
How has your study time in God’s Word been going? Hopefully you are able to purpose a time each day to muse over His Word and apply it to your life. You are being prayed for and the Holy Spirit is working to complete God’s perfect plan for you.
Here are some of our discussion questions for you to think about before we meet again Oct 25 at 6:30.
1.       Do you agree that many born-again believers never experience the fullness of God? If so, why? (p.9)
2.       What adjective would you use to describe the life of an individual living in bondage to sin? (p.11)
3.       In what ways do you think lifestyle sin differs from original sin?
4.       Think about practical ways we can reprogram our thinking to fully enjoy God’s freedom (p. 15)
5.       In a time when you became your own worst enemy, what did you say or think that impeded your spiritual progress? (p. 18)
6.       How do the strong flavors and smells of Egypt’s food contribute to our bondage. (p.18)
7.       What specific things is God asking you to leave behind so you can more closely follow Him (p. 20)
8.       Brainstorm ways to guard yourself and your family from the trends that reflect the Enemy’s work in our culture. (p. 22)

April 19, 2011

Do I Walk By the Spirit?

1. Why do you think God requires of us this side of the cross to walk in the Spirit rather than simply following a set of rules? How would you explain to a new believer the relationship between “knowing” and “obedience”? (p. 102)

2. What part does not just believing in or knowing about Christ but also loving Him make in knowing what to do to obey him?((p. 103)

3. Why do you think Jesus told His disciples that it was to their advantage that He go away? (p. 105)

4. In your own words, define spiritual discernment (p.108)

5. How does Hebrews 5:11-13 describe the difference between those trained and untrained in spiritual discernment (p.110)

6. How can you use Psalm 71 to remind yourself not to run away from God when you feel betrayed by someone or a situation? (p.113)

7. How do you see people in society posing as someone they are not in attempts to feel significant (p.116)

8. How does Ephesians 4:25 speak to you about the importance of truth during this “age of the poser” (p. 117)

9. What guidelines do you use to discern if you are sensing something from the Lord or if it’s coming from yourself (p.124)

10. How have you learned to discern the difference between being jealous of someone and being jealous of someone and being jealous for someone (p.130)

11. What role can pride play in wanting to say or do something out of selfish gain (p.132)

12. Why do you think women often struggle so hard with the desire to get in each other’s lanes (p.132)

13. What are some situations that are prime targets for us to allow our emotions to cloud our discernment (p. 134)

14. What promise does Proverbs 3:5-7 give to us regarding wisdom and discernment (p. 136)

15. Why do you think God requires of us this side of the cross to walk in the Spirit rather than simply following a set of rules (p.138)

16. When you or I dwell on our sins and beat ourselves up over our failures, are we walking in the Spirit or living by laws? (p.138)

March 15, 2011

Dynamite Power

In what ways do you think you live out the fact that you are indwelled with the turbo power of the Holy Spirit, and in what ways have you lived as though the only strength available to you was your own (p.84)?

2. How do you think it’s possible to know all the right things and all the right answers yet still “not really believe all that stuff” is for you (85?)

3. Why do you think we often become frustrated with the Lord when we perceive that the answers to our prayers are being delayed (pg.88)

4. How would you explain to a new believer the idea that God doesn’t always cater to our wants (89?)

5. How do you maintain the balance of a truly robust faith with the fact that God has not relinquished His sovereignty to you or anybody else (p.90)

6. How would your prayer life change if you fully embraced the truth that God can cover whatever need life throws at you (p.90)

7. How would your prayer life change if you fully embraced the truth that God can cover whatever need life throw at you (93.)?

8. If someone were to evaluate your prayer life, would she find you to be one who always plays it safe or one who prays expectantly for things beyond her control? What evidence would she see (93)?

9. In what way does sharing our small things with God in prayer help nurture a more intimate relationship with Him (p.97)?

March 8, 2011

Balanced and Growing

“Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.” Psalm 143:8

If a three-legged stool has one leg that is longer or shorter than the others, the stool is out of balance. It is unstable. God’s desire for you is that you be emotionally stable, consistent, reliable, and even in your temperament. He desires for your physical needs to be satisfied. He desires for your spiritual life to be balanced and growing. His will is never for one of His children to be on an emotional, physical, or spiritual roller coaster of extreme highs and lows. Rather, He desires that you be in balance and that you be able to confront both positive and negative situations with consistency of joy, love, and peace. Charles F Stanley God’s Way Day By Day.

January 26, 2011

Our next fellowship time is February 15. Our study is highlighting all the abundance we have in knowing God through Christ. Come ready to share some of those nuggets you have collected as you study His precious Word.

ABUNDANT

Chapter titles of the past five weeks of study.....

1. Foundational Issues

2. Now

3. God's New People

4. Mission Impossible

5. Time for a Turning

Would you be able to compile a list of reasons why we need a good foundational understanding of the riches God offers us as believers? (pg 56 of our study)

In what ways have you allowed the unfaithfulness of other people to affect the way you perceive the faithfulness of God (p. 59)?

Why do you think delaying may decrease our chances of actually doing anything (p. 63)?

In what way was Paul’s address to the body of Christ at Ephesus ahead of its time in regard to social and racial desegregation (p. 64)?

What does it mean to be a member of this new society called the body of Christ (p.65)?

How has God used the most difficult time in your past to draw you into a closer relationship with Him (p. 68)?

How do we miss out on the blessings of God’s abundant provision when we simply endure seasons rather than seek Him in the midst of our hardships (p.69)?

What relationship do you see between our personal stability despite our current season of life and the object our eyes are fixed upon (p.73)?

See you Tuesday Feb 15. Bring your beach chair and a flashlight! xoxoxoxo

December 8, 2010

I pray you are unwrapping His Christmas Presence! Our study is titled Faithful, Abundant and True. We have finished the Faithful sections and will move onto the Abundant part. We will enjoy Pricilla Shirer's first teaching. Here are some things to ponder about our homework with Kay on Faithful....

1. What is "the rest of faith" (pp.44-48)? How do you enter the rest of faith?

2. What is faith from Hebrews 11:1-2? How would this look in a believer's life?

3. How does 2 Timothy 2:15 relate to sluggishness? What is the exhortation? Would this solve the problem? How do these things relate to the rest of faith?

4. What have you learned in these tow weeks about Jesus that has encouraged you, changed your thinking,or spoken to your heart?

I look forward to hugging your neck and having some sweet fellowship time with you! See you next Tuesday. We will start the DVD at 6:30.

xoxoxo Donna

October 28 2010

Good morning, afternoon or evening (depending on what time of day you are reading this.) I just finished my quiet time this morning and felt prompted to write on the discussion page. I have been in prayer for all of us and asking our heavenly Father to encourage and inspire us with His Word. Hopefully you have combed through some of the days in our study guide. I have completed days one, two and three. Words, teachings and inspirations have popped out for me and typing them out helps me cement them in my brain. I want them to be a permanent impression in my heart and sharing them with you will help me do that. Hopefully you will share the nuggets you have gleaned or the questions you may have.

Week One

DAY ONE: Are We Listening?

Realizing that the Bible is God’s Word- not man’s makes me pay closer attention to the scripture I study. In Matthew 4:2-4 we are encouraged to understand that we cannot survive without the Word of God. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we learn that everything in the Bible is from God for our benefit so that we are prepared to do good works. In 2 Peter 1:20-21 we discovered that God used men moved my the Holy Spirit to write down His works. In John 17:14-17 it explains that the world hates God’s Word. Those who don’t are kept in truth. Hebrew 4:12 is probably my favorite of all these truths…..The Word is living and active. It is working in our minds and heart! 1 Thessalonian 2:13 shows us clearly that the Word is not from man, it is from God! If the Bible is what it says it is-and comes straight from the mouth of God-how important it is that we cultivate it in our hearts and minds.

DAY TWO: So Great a Salvation

The phrase that pops out for me in this chapter is The Rest of Faith! Hebrews was written to those who are followers of Christ…. Believers in Jesus…..Christians. That would be me, so I was so inspired by Hebrews 1:1-2:3. Here we discovered….”When Jesus had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Heb 1:3) “ Jesus who knew no sin, was made to be sin for you so that you might be made the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21) To quote our teacher…..”Jesus became man-human a human being-That He might bear your sins before His Father as your merciful and faithful high priest and make propitiation for your sins (Heb 2:17) His sacrifice satisfied the holiness of God. Through Jesus’ death for your sins, you were forever freed from Satan’s power- the power of death. Why? Because your sins-past, present and future- were paid for in full. Jesus’ work of redemption was accomplished in His death, burial, and resurrection: thus He sat down at His Father’s right hand, the place of power and authority.” AWE…….MY FAITH RESTS IN THIS KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST!!!!!!

DAY THREE: To Suffer for His Sake

I am admonished through the readings on this day to see the importance of faith. Without it God is not pleased and it says it is impossible to please Him without faith. Faith is the key word that is repeated over and over in scripture. Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who come to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” God wants me to rest in Him, and believing everything He has told me is where my rest comes from. I can persevere through persecution knowing God has my best interests as I keep my eyes fixed on Him the author and finisher of my faith!

Have a wonderful adventure in His Word as you study Day Four and Day Five.

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Our first Bible study was Sept 21st and we enjoyed getting to know one another a little bit and listened to the life testimonies of Kay, Pricilla and Beth. We shared our prayer requests and have committed to lift our sisters up during the month. We look forward to hearing how our heavenly Father is ministering to these requests.

If you have already paid for the study guide, I will bring it to you the next time we meet. You will not need your book until you hear the first teaching from Kay and we will watch that the first thing Oct 19th.

Since the book order has already been placed, I will not be ordering anymore. If you want to invite a friend and they want a study guide, they can go online and purchase it at http://www.lifeway.com/product/005271629/

If you enjoy Facebook, we have a page to stay connected at http://www.facebook.com/pages/His-Heart-to-Ours-Bible-Study/290145140268?filter=3

Over the years it has been such a joy to fellowship with Women who love Jesus. He is so faithful to show up in a fresh way every time. It is one of my favorite things about Him! I am praying that He will knit this group together in such a beautiful way as we encourage one another to dig into His powerful Word.

Thank you for joining us. God has a special word for you today.... did you give Him an opportunity to give it to you? Let us hear from you if you are willing to share it so we can be blessed too!

"He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1:6

You are loved

Devotion/Discussion

"He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1:6

Anything that God does in your life will last. It will be for your perfection, your wholeness. And it will endure throughout all the ages. What Christ is doing in you, day by day, week in and week out, year in and year out, is a good work that has eternal value. You are not only a work in progress, but you are a good work in progress. God is building into you the qualities of Himself that will last forever.

The Lord is utterly committed to the work in you, and the work that He is doing is a good work with eternal benefit!

Charles Staney Day by Day

I pray you enjoyed watching session 5. After listening to our teacher share her testimony, I wish we could all teleport to our fellowship circle and each take a turn and share what we love about the LORD. So much of what she shared I echo in my heart also as I walk with Him. He is my portion and the very breath I breathe. I don't want to take any step unless His presence will be there with me and ahead of me!
"Keep me as the apple of Your eye: hide me under the shadow of Your wings" Psalm 17:8
"God will use various people and resources to provide for us. But HE is the source. Remembering that is the key to staying dependent. We have a tendency to confuse the gift with the giver. It is easy to get our eyes focused on the provision rather than the provider. When that happens, our loyalty and trust shift as well. We begin seeking things and people rather than God. Without realizing it, we become idolaters. God is the source of everything you need. Your children, job, spouse, and friends are only tools He uses to meet the needs in your life. He, however, is the source." C. Stanley

My prayer is that we would be like the Levites. "You have been set apart to the LORD today....He has blessed you this day" Exodus 32:29
God Himself was their inheritance as Psalm 119:57 conveys, "You are my portion, O LORD" I pray that the LORD Himself will be the inheritance that we leave to our families. Yahweh is our family's property and we are His! We are His delight and His portion!

Heart to Hearts Ministries is the trade name of His Heart to Ours Incorporated.

We are a non-profit Christian organization whose purpose is to draw people closer to God through the study of His Word, and to draw families closer to one another through friendships centered in Christ.