Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Notes... Review of 1-23-13


We were blessed by Sandy’s testimony this week!

This week we discussed Chapter 10.  An overview of the chapter:

a.    Jesus taught us not to waste our time, or take offense to the lack of understanding of others:  “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.”
b.    Jesus prepares to trust the Lord even in trial:  “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it.  At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
c.     Jesus teaches to expect persecution: “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.  All men will hate you because of me…”
d.    Fear God, not people: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body cut cannot kill the soul.”
e.    Jesus teaches us about our value: “And even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”
f.      Jesus teaches us about His value: “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
g.    Jesus teaches there is favor in serving others in His name: “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

Great points for reflection…

a.    As a child, Stephoni remembers finding this Scripture very easy to believe, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  This Scripture helps us fulfill our desire to be desired by God, and teaches us about our value.
b.    When God gives us love and shows us we are valuable we should reflect that love to others.  This should be a natural expression of the abundance that overflows from our hearts, instead of something that is forced or obedience driven.
c.     The way women reflect love and give value to others is unique.  A few common ways; cooking, compliments, encouraging words, gifts, physical affection, compassion, etc.
d.    Stephoni told us an inspiring story about a past regret.  We learned about a man who was berated and degraded by someone who was supposed to be serving him, just because his English was not good.  She has often longed to run into that man to validate his worth.  We can look for opportunities to stand up for those that are in a less fortunate position.

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