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.

An Encouraging Word...

     Precious ladies, I caught myself in a weak moment and I thought I’d share it with you.  I hope that showing my weakness will encourage you, and consider the thoughts coming from your own heart this week.

     Recently we’ve been having a problem with a little boy in Matthew’s class.  He’s been quite disruptive, in an unusually destructive way.  It’s been pretty disturbing to the other children in Matthew’s class, including Matthew.  As a result, I’ve looked for ways to show him love and kindness whenever I’m in the classroom.  His mother says I’m the only one that’s nice to her, and she’s told me that my encouragement has made a difference in their lives.  Thursday I was volunteering in Matthew’s class when I witnessed another of his volatile acts, before he was sent to the principal’s office.  I was waiting in line to pick up Matthew on Friday when I noticed this little boy and his parents crossing the street to walk into the Elementary School, and I couldn’t help but wonder if they were heading to the principal’s office.  Internally, it was more of an assumption than a theory.  Then the thought came to me, “I wonder if he won’t be coming to our school anymore.”  Before I even knew what was happening I heard myself say, very softly, “Thank God.”  It was just that quickly that I clapped my hand over my mouth in shock, and tears flooded my eyes.  It was so appalling to me that I could even think that.

     Clearly, God teaches us that each person is his creation, and that we are all precious to him. This is one of the most important things to me, because it was the most important thing to him.  “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  I want to love every person just as He did.  I do not love others because of what I see.  I don’t love others because they know all the right things to say, wear the right clothes, know the right people, or have the best sense of style.  I could care less to whom they are related, or even how they act.  Afterall, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whomever should believe in Him should have everlasting life.”  Who am I to not love the world?  Who am I to choose, even just in the privacy of my own heart and just for a moment, who deserves what?  It really spoke to me about where my heart was in that moment.  I hope that next time my FIRST thought will be love, instead of my second.

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

-Matthew 9:12-13       

Matthew 9

Notes… Review of 1-16-13

We did not hear Sandy’s testimony this week, because she was preparing her home for a boyscout meeting.  However, we’re expecting to hear her testimony next week!

This week we discussed Matthew 9.  An overview of the chapter:

• a.     Jesus heals through the forgiveness of sins: “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
• b.     Jesus tells us how we should be investing our time: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
• c.      Jesus teaches about fasting: “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?”
• d.     Jesus heals through faith; “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you,” and “According to your faith let it be done to you”
• e.     The Pharisees accuse Jesus: “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”
• f.      Jesus teaches us to have a heart for service: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Great points for reflection…

·      Jesus was different from the Pharisees in their ornamental garb and flashy fasting habits.  He was humble and did his work regardless of the circumstances.

·      God knows our thought; good and bad.  Own your thoughts, and give them to God.

·      Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven.” which seems presumptuous and arrogant except for the fact that the man was healed.  The fact that facts backed up his words showed his authority.

·      If there’s sin, drudgery, or bitterness in your life, it will affect you negatively.

·      The man who brought his friend to Jesus had a lot of faith.  When you realize that God will heal all who come to Him, instead of thinking that your relationship with Him just applies to your life, it shows extraordinary faith.

·      Stephoni asks that we pray for someone who has hurt your family, for God to be glorified in your workplace, for God to refine your character.

Notes…

Happy New Year, ladies!!!  Last week was our first meeting of the New Year, and we are off to a good start with a new beginning; Matthew 8.

We did not hear a testimony this week, but we expect to be blessed by Sandy’s testimony this week.  I’m looking forward to it!

This week we discussed Matthew 8.  The focus is on some of the miracles of Jesus.  An overview of the chapter:

a.     Jesus heals a man with leprosy: “Lord, if you are willing you can make me clean.”  Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.  “I am willing,” he said.  “Be clean!”

b.     A Roman Centurion impresses Jesus with his great faith: “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”  Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.”

c.      Jesus heals many sick and demon-possessed people: “This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah”

d.     The Cost of Following Jesus: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

e.     Jesus is faithful, even when we are not: “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”

f.      There is no storm too big to leave in His hands: “What kind of man is this?  Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

g.     There are some who will never believe.  In the face of a miracle from God, the people of Gadarenes responded this way: “…when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.”

Prayer requests…

·      Please pray for our new pastor, and the process involved with finding/selecting them.

·      Please pray for Joy’s Dad and Sister since they are having health problems.

·      Please pray for Sandy’s oldest sister, as she’s going through a tough time with a family situation.

·      Please pray for the White family’s health issues- Roger and Vicky.

·      Please pray for Carrie- a lady at Sandy’s work who collapsed while suffering a stroke.

·      Please pray for Barbara Wyett’s sister, Sue, and their entire family.  Sue’s hubby Owen just passed away.

Great points for reflection from last week’s discussion…

·      Peter’s mother-in-law was healed by Jesus, then he healed all those who came.

·      Jesus’ deeds were a blessing to others.

·      When Jesus taught about the cost of following him he said, ““Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”  He was trying to say that it will not always be easy to live a Christian life, and we should not expect it to be so.

·      Lynette pointed out that the Centurion is a new Christian and has great faith.  This was exhibited in Matthew 8:5-13.  “When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”  Yet a little later in the chapter we see an example of lifetime Jews who have little faith in Matthew 8:23-27, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”  It made her wonder if we have mimicked that today.

·      We can’t order miracles.  They are a gift.  Matthew 8:1-3  “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”  He reached out his hand and touched the man.  “I am willing,” he said.  “Be clean!”

·      Stephoni reminded us that Love is a VERB, and that our attitude determines if our actions are loving.

Can’t wait to see you tonight, precious Sisters!!!

Review of 1-9-13