It’s hard for me to believe that we’re already at the halfway mark of our study! The finish line is in sight but I know that for some of us, life in the past couple of weeks has become unbelievably crazy and we’re wondering if finish line is a mirage.
Let it Flex . . .
If that’s you, my prayer is that you will remember to let the study flex and then keep on walking one step at a time. One of the reasons that I’ve designed Chocolate! studies to flex is that I don’t want to lose people when life goes bananas. It breaks my heart to see people give up because of circumstances, so this study will flex to crazy times—times when God’s Word is so very needed!
Some is Better than None . . .
Just this week I spent time with my dear friend, Diane, who years ago taught me a phrase that has brought me and countless others hope in study: “Some is better than none.” So many of us fall into all-or-nothing thinking when we run into stressful times and decide that if we can’t do it all, we’re going to do nothing at all. What a tragedy. Some Bible study is always better than no Bible study. This is not a lazy, cop-out excuse.
What you have to understand about Diane is this: there is nothing about her that is lazy. The first day I met her was in a Precept class I was teaching. She was new to the class and new to the area. At that time she had three children under the age of three, two of whom were adopted, and she’d study her Bible every day during their naptime. Sometimes when you have the equivalent of triplets, stuff happens. Know what I mean? During this time, Diane learned those words that have given hope to me and so many others over the years.
Typing with my Thumbs . . .
Finally, I want you to know that I’m on the road this week, which means I’ll have less robust Internet access than I usually do. I’ll still have my phone and will be reading posts as they come in but a good part of the time I’ll be limited to typing responses with my thumbs so if my comments seem more brief than usual, know that’s the reason. Hey, some is better than none, right? ;)
With much love,
pam
I enjoyed the word study on perfected - which brought up the reference of Phil 1:6 - He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
ReplyDeleteWhen you talked about practicing piano, it reminded me I need to approach God's word with the same attitude you had towards baseball practice. Personally, I enjoyed playing piano and singing more than sports. But I get the point!
I also appreciate the flexibility of this study. I'm taking comprehensive exams this summer towards a Ph.D.
@Marlene . . . So glad to hear the flexibility is working for you! At what point do I have to start referring to you as Dr. Marlene? ;)
ReplyDeleteThe word group associated with "perfected" is pretty interesting—love that He finishes what He starts in us!
Pam, I still have to research and write a dissertation. So I hope to graduate about a year from now. My research area is ethics, which I think fits well with being a professor at a Christian university.
ReplyDeletepam, I really enjoyed the class this week! I realized that I make a law out of studying! I feel guilty and worry it should be done first thing! I love the flex idea! Sometimes between work and other things I cant always spend the time Id like to! Praise Godd he finishes the good work he started in us! Thanks
ReplyDeletethanks for reminding me to flex!!! I am like kathy in feeling guilty and worrying about it!
ReplyDeleteWhen you let it flex you don't drive the joy away!! ENJOY His sweet Word!! Typing with my thumbs from somewhere just south of Indy. :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I react too quickly and then realize later that I didn't pray first...I'm powering myself thru my way! When I'm feeling a little frantic, asking myself "I don't know what to do! What should I do?" that's when I need to realize that being frantic is a sure sign of my own leading. It applies in many areas of life. Right now, it's been happening regarding health issues. When I feel chest pain coming on, I feel an instant "OH, NO! Should I take a nitro? Should I go to the ER again? Will they believe me this time? Will they think I'm a drug seeker?" I'm focused on this chronic heart condition which is nothing to sneeze at. BUT if I could practice letting the pain be a trigger to go to the Lord in prayer, rather than panicking, I'm sure I would crumple into his arms and say "Thy will be done." I do that in other situations. The Lord has been giving me a lot of chances to learn this. I've always had to learn things the hard way. And I feel guilty for being so dense. This has been a very good study for me this week...having been in the hospital again for chest pain. I feel like God is saying to me "when will you come to me first?" I'm going to practice intentionally on lesser things so I'll be ready for the Big One. Right now I feel so sad that I'm such a tough nut to crack. Thank you, Pam, for helping me to see this. And thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to keep working on me. He's not finished with me yet.
ReplyDeleteHI Pam,
ReplyDeleteI missed a week, out of town and I am trying to view the videos and it is jumbled, choppy. Is this my computer issue? I want to hear what you have to say. can you help me?
Jan ... you know I can relate!! Practicing on the little things is a great idea. Did your regular doc get back in town yet?
ReplyDelete@Margo ... probably your internet connection. You could try downloading it from Vimeo.com and viewing from your hard drive. Simplest thing to try is hitting pause button and waiting for the video to load further prior to playing it. Let me know if you still have trouble and I'll get the hubby to help us out. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, Pam, I know! My regular doc got back and told me not to take the prescription that the hospital doc gave me! It was a comedy of errors, except not so funny at the time!
ReplyDeleteAccording to Romans 8:18-25 I am leaning that not only do my spirit wait eagerly for the bless hope, but creation (Nature) waiting too.
ReplyDeleteI can see a bigger picture of how all of creation of God will take on that bless change.
How beautiful is our Lord and Savior who will one day have his light shinning for ever....for all who stay true to God's word. Thank you Oh Lord for your are mighty in all you do! Amen
This has been a very busy week for me, but I still am able to take an hour or more time to let the Holy Spirit move inside of me. I just continue to want more and more of God's word to guide me to be like Our Savior Jesus Christ. Praise God for all. He is worthy to be praise.
@pamg...thank you for the video you take the time to place. With the video and the blueletterbible.org helps me to grow more closer to understanding God's word for my life.
And reading all the post comments too! Thank all
ReplyDeleteMy application from week 2 is first to memorize Romans 8:1-4 as Pam suggested to understand our sinfulness and my position in Christ. With others, I want to grow in compassion for them, but not naive about all men's heart condition (John 2:23-25)(Matt. 10:16). So looking forward to week 3!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving this study. Why should I be so surprised that it dovetails so perfectly with everything else God has been teaching me recently?This week looking at the word 'free and freedom', really letting the reality of what we have been set free from has impacted my attitude to the grace under which I live. It has also helped me understand where people who don't know the same grace are coming from and why their worldly view is so different. It can help me relate to them to meet them where they are like Jesus always did.
ReplyDelete@Jan . . . Glad regular doc is back!
ReplyDelete@Marina . . . So glad to hear you've been able to stay in the Word in the midst of the busyness this week! Don't you love how God uses His Word to change us?
@Leslie . . . YAY!! Memorizing! Keep us posted on how it goes!!
@Patsy . . . A dear mentor of mine always reminds me that when God has something to get through to you, He's persistent. :) Love that the study has been dovetailing . . . only God can do that!
Is there a plan to finish the leader's guide? I downloaded it, took it out of the printer and had it coil bound at Office Max. When I started using it, I saw it ended after week three although the index said all sessions.
ReplyDelete@Linda . . . Second half is in editing. I expect it back anytime now.
ReplyDelete@pamg Yes,I love how He can change us...After completing my studing today, I was enlighting by this question of, "What about me? How can knowing this change the way we deal with sin in our own lives.
ReplyDeleteI am focusing my attention on how much God has showing His love toward me and for me. He has looked so deep insight of me. I am no longer wanting to walk in darkness. I looking forward to continue to walk in the light. I looking to make my life a walking light for Jesus Christ my Savior. I am so thrill how God is speaking to me through this study.
I want to look to the hills which comes my help all my help comes for the Lord.
He has looked pass my sinful life and He rescue me from sin and death. I want to continue to give Him the praises and thanks. He looked pass my sins and I willing to look and treat others the same. I am praying that He will continue to use me for his glory. I learning not to focus on the good that I do, but to share my love to all so that God will be able to get the glory.
This week's lesson was very needed and your video hit the mark of what God is showing me. Sanctification - the divine process to become holy. It is nothing that I do in works or by law. Thank the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation!
ReplyDeleteWhile yes I was a little girl when I believed in the Lord, it took many many years and a stroke to wake me up! I had that fire for God's word for a bit but not until after my stroke did the desire fully blaze. May this fire never go out!
I was a pianist/singer all my life and wanted to sit hours and hours playing. Now, with limited use of my right hand cannot play but my desire is to KNOW the Lord more in relationship and one day be able to play for His glory!
Thank you Pam for this study and to all, the great comments. May you all have a blessed weekend and coming week!
Hi Pam,
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those people who struggle to understand the whole subject of predestination.
I have difficulty with the concept that God, our Creator, Who gave us free will to choose or reject Him, would choose only certain people based on His mercy alone, when His Eternal Purpose is Salvation.
When I read Romans 8:28, 29 & 30, my understanding is that God has a plan and a purpose. The Greek word for purpose is: (Prothesis) ...Strongs #4286....."a setting forth" , which indicates an intention, or proposal.
In these verses, Paul tells us that God's purpose for His children is good.
His Eternal Purpose is Salvation......He wants believers to be conformed to the image of His Son, the sinless Lamb who died on the cross.
InV.29: Paul has already seen the processes of justification and sanctification among believers in his time...."those whom God foreknew, He predestined, called, justified, and glorified".
It seems to me that Paul is talking about what he has already observed about God's purpose and plan of Salvation in the past and present.
Paul is also looking to God's future plan and purpose for His Church.
I question why God would tell us all through His Word what we must do to be saved...why did He gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world if He will choose based solely on HIs mercy.
I have so many more questions about this subject. I'm just trying to broaden my understanding of points of view that seem to diminish the ultimate blood sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. I would appreciate any insights you may have.
jj:the way Christ took away and perfect the work helps me to be at peace.many guilt and frustration are caused not by my relying and depending on God but by my own will and power.i am still struggling with searching God's will.it helps me a lot knowing to follow the Spirit leads,instead of my plan and my ways.it is hard and humbling to come to that point, but it is good to know we are under the Spirit of life not the law of sin and death.the struggle helps me to grow deeper in the Lord, even though still questioning and experiencing ups and downs and heartaches.
ReplyDelete@Marina . . . So glad God is using this study in your life! Your comments bring to mind some verses from Hebrews 10:11-14: "Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified." (NASB) Praise God for this great gift!!
ReplyDelete@Sara . . . I didn't know that you're a pianist! Glad you resonated with the lesson. I've always found it so easy to believe that God saves me but so hard to accept that He sanctifies me, too!
@Gloria and @JJ . . . back in a little bit. In FL with the family this week. :)
Leslie: I am also going to try memorizing! When I taught in a private, Christian school, my students were required to memorize a verse a week until they had a whole 9-10 verse passage by the end of the quarter. I had a parent volunteer "test" them each week. I decided I'd learn the verses, too, and the parent tested me, as well. It was a great experience and still (mostly) know those passages. (That was about 14 years ago.)
ReplyDeleteThank you -- once again-- I knew I should listen to this video- just now. Your very first words apply to a situation my family is in-- as of today. What you have said in the video ties into-- directly-- what I am studying on my own in various places. I hope you have a great week-- God bless you always-- much love and *hugs*- always........
ReplyDelete@Gloria . . . I'm not sure if this will give you comfort but I don't think anyone comes even close to being able to fully understand the mystery that surrounds predestination and responsibility. The Bible sets forth two truths that don't seem to add up according to our finite minds. The longer I walk with God, the more able I am to rest in the fact that just because I don't understand how both can be true, I can trust God with it. We can know some things about God and His ways, but not everything is revealed. Deuteronomy 29:29 says "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law."
ReplyDelete@JJ . . . Are you struggling with a specific question regarding God's will?
ReplyDelete@Kim . . . Love to hear that you're memorizing. Helps keep your heart soft and your mind sharp! :)
@Mitzi . . . God has His ways, doesn't He? :) Hugs back at ya!
@Pamg... Whenever I am trying to walk in Spirit, my husband seem to be the one that gets me angry. I find it very easy to talk things out and He seem to just want to be quite. Sometime quitness is find but other times I just want to talk. He not a talker until I start raising my voice to get him to start talking by that time he start talking I find my self in a angry move. It do not happen alot it like he catch me in my womanly move. We do not stay angry, but I fining myself not to said nothing until I can not take the silent anymore. But when I do I am angry. So I am asking God to help me with that. But my husband seem to know how to bring that out of me. I always believe that people should commnication is the best policy. I do not know how I can get him to start commnicating with me before I get angry. Yes he do know how to push my flesh buttom.
ReplyDeleteHebrews 10:1-14 I did understand the the law was only a shadow of the good things to come and that no longer do we have to offer up those kinds of offering and sacrifices like in the OT in Lev.
ReplyDeleteJesus Christ has taken care of that, I am able to live in the Spirit of His love. As I continue to learn of His ways and learn to memorize His word. I know He's going to teach me how to communicate without angry to my husband soon too. Amen!
3 times I've sat down to write my comments and could not; twice I've watched the video ready to begin and could not; and then, it became obvious. How do I actively submit to the Spirit's work in my life? STOP & LISTEN! Do not go off with what seems right (in my own eyes). lol
ReplyDeleteClues to walking in the flesh? Easier to live out then write down because it goes to the intentions of the heart. Selfish ambition or service; to earn vs to thank; fear of losing standing vs glorifying God. Don't know if that makes sense written down. Here's one time I wish we were talking it out.
@Marina . . . I believe He will lead you into that truth. Remember, no one can make you react, but the Spirit can help you to respond correctly. Hardest, though, with those closest to us, isn't it?
ReplyDelete@Bettyanne . . . totally makes sense written down! Love it!
I loved the baseball and piano analogy. Outward behaviour will never achieve the Spirit's goals eventhough we can try and grit our teeth and work. Actively submitting to the Spirit's work means for me that I have to be listening for that small still voice, keeping in the Scriptures, curbing my tendency to just go and "do something, anything"
ReplyDeleteClues that I am walking in the flesh in my Christian service is: the urge to evaluate my success, how well did I do? how many were reached? etc. When I start making mental checklists and keeping track, I know that something is out of whack.
My biggest application point is that when I relax about performance and allow God's Spirit to work in me then I can be more natural, less up tight and spontaneous with people. Thanks for anoteher great lesson.
@Marina...I too have a husband of very few words. Over the years, I have learned to accept that for whatever reason, God made me a talker and made him a very quiet, introspective man. So, when I start to get frustrated by the lack of communication, I pray. I thank God for the quiet man who thinks things through thoroughly, and I thank God when my husband does share with me. When I sense that I'm talking too much, I step back and turn to the Lord in prayer (HE is always ready to listen to me!)rather than overload my husband. I'm not sure if my prayer has changed my husband at all, but it has certainly changed ME. I am so much more relaxed and rarely lose my temper with my quiet husband...which is definitely the work of the Lord not my flesh.
ReplyDelete@pam....Thanks for the reminder about flexing with the study. When it comes to any type of study, I am very type A, which takes all of the fun out of it, especially since I seem to be a week behind, every single week! Thanks for reminding me that being a week behind is perfectly okay.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am tempted to power through problems and challenges through "the flesh", I notice that I begin feeling anxious and agitated. When I let the Spirit work in my life and guide my actions, I have a sense of deep peace. While I detest the anxious feelings, I thank the Lord for using these feelings as a way to get my attention and turn my focus back to the Spirit.
For me, actively submitting to the Spirit's work in my life means obedience to God's Word, even when I do not have perfect understanding of God's motivations (the hidden, secret part of God). Being obedient to God's Word means I need to be in God's Word, through Bible study, simply reading the Bible, or listening to the Bible on my mp3 player. (Thanks for the tip about the Bible Experience set in one of your earlier Bible study's).
@Miss PittyPat . . . That tendency to "do something, anything" can be so strong, can't it? Good words. Knowing that God is the One doing the work in us and resting in that makes all the difference.
ReplyDelete@AmyMarie . . . From one type A to another, keep flexing!! I've found that unless I pay attention, I can start getting accustomed to feeling anxious and thinking that is normal . . . but the Spirit works peace in us!
Thank you for all the comments. Wonderful to be in an active group this summer.
ReplyDeleteMy reply to what tips me off that I am trying to move in the flesh...my thoughts.
Reminders I wrote on pg 62: The spirit dwells in me. My mind is set on the Spirit (life and peace). My brain is 'washed' by the Word. My mortal body has eternal life already through the Spirit. I am set free from the law of sin and death.
I Have been mentally making up all kinds of scenarios in a situation we are dealing with. Our small business CPA made a six year error for which we now have to deal with the government. I keep trying to handle this with fleshly thoughts of anger and fear, which are futile. I am working on handling things through the Spirit now.
PS I am blessed beyond words that my Mom continues this study with me. 85 yr. olds, it can be done!!!!!!!!!!
@Laura . . . let Mom know I'm watching for her at the finish line!! I'm so sorry for what you're going through with the business. My family owned a small business for years, so I understand. Let the Spirit do His work of life and peace and learn what you can from the other experience even though you're paying for an error that wasn't yours. You never know where God will use it down the line.
ReplyDeleteI am doing this study with 5 other missionary lady friends, and we are enjoying it to the fullest. I have committed to memorizing the first 4 verses of Romans 8 as well as the last 4. As I walk in the mornings, His Word is filling my heart and mind and the Scripture sure is penetrating my heart. Having been a Christian for so long, it is easy to walk the walk and talk and the talk and live according to the flesh. Walking freely in the Spirit sure brings joy and freedom in our relationship with Christ. Thanks for your insight on this passage.
ReplyDelete@Bonnie . . . I'm so encouraged by your words, so glad to hear that God is touching your hearts through Romans 8. You bring up an interesting point that being a Christian for so long and, I think, being in full-time Christian service (missions, pastoring, working for a ministry, etc.) can make it harder to see when the flesh creeps in underneath because the outer look can grow such a Christian veneer. The peace and joy sure are indicators of walking by the Spirit! Give my love to the ladies you're studying with!
ReplyDeleteHi Pam,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your reminder to flex. "Some is better than none"
Thank you for your "Sweeter than Chocolate" studies and online comments.
You hit the nail on the head with flesh-based behavior (check-lists) comments.
When I try to do things in my own power I start to feel overwhelmed and have a pity party or two for myself. (This usually comes when I haven't spend the time I long for in God's word).
I need to remember to start everyday with specific prayer to ask God for the time (and energy) to be in His Word. And focus if I am listening to the Bible on cd.
@Laura . . .Yes, it can be so easy to be doing, doing, doing—even Kingdom things—and all of the sudden realize that we're tying to power the train! Was reminded again just yesterday that His power is perfected in our weakness.
ReplyDeleteWhat Bible version do you have on CD?
jj said...@pamgillaspie...thank you all for the comments.the urge trying to perfect myself to death is so strong sometimes, even cover it up with my spirituality.it is so totally wrong.i need to break it as breaking another strong bondage.God surely can help and is willing to help me break it through His truth.yes, i am struggling with an important relaitonship whether to continue or to end.according to the Spirit,it is a right God hornoring relationship.according to the reality, it is a not practical and not a good one.very confusing but very comforted by this study.even though still not sure how and what will be happening.no matter of the result, God has already manifested the goodness of this just following Him and His leading.
ReplyDeleteI'm such a task-oriented person and a type-A personality that it's easy for me to power my way through life. I make lists and live by them, leaving little room for the Spirit. I also tend to determine to try harder at behaviour issues I see in my life. This week was a powerful reminder that God is sanctifying me. I also need to remember He is working in my children and not take on the burden of their poor behaviour. Thanks Pam! I'm enjoying the study so much!
ReplyDelete@JJ . . . the verses that I always go back to when I feel the urge to "perfect myself" are Galatians 2:21 (I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly) and Galatians 3:3 (Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?). Do you have trusted, godly counsel in your life to talk with about this relationship issue?
ReplyDelete@Shannon . . . I hear you! I make my lists and check them twice, too! I've been reminded this week that His power is perfected in weakness. Trying to live the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." Glad you're enjoying the study—I'm so enjoying studying and discussing with you all!
ReplyDeleteHi Pam,
ReplyDeleteFinished these lessons a while ago but just now catching up with your blog posts : ) Thanks so much! I was amazed by your message because it mirrored application thoughts I had doing lesson 3. In fact, I wrote my own blog post about it (mixed in with some circumstantial lessons) about a month ago. I am sure you are much too busy to read it but just in case you are interested, here is what I wrote... http://thegrossfam.blogspot.com/2011/07/race.html
Looking forward to viewing the rest of your videos!
Blessings,
Marianne
@Marianne . . . Great words on your blog—thanks for sharing the link. :)
ReplyDeleteI finally got 1/2 way through! I didn't want to post until I got to this point because I knew it was going to be hard for me. I love what I got from John 8:31-36 in week 3. Abide---become free-er! yay!
ReplyDeleteEnjoying the depth,
Lani
@Lani . . . so glad to see that you are abiding in the study!! So proud of you!! Keep posting!! Love hearing what you're learning! :)
ReplyDeleteThis was an excellent chapter for me. I easily fall into the temptation of worrying about what other people think instead of stopping to ponder what the Lord thinks. For example, I'm a substitute pianist for our church (I loved piano and hated softball!), and I worry about the appearance of being there to play and missing Sundays when I'm not on the schedule. Do people think I only come when I get to be up front and "visible"? Instead of worrying about what other people think, I need to make sure my heart is right before the Lord. I should desire to be in His house for the sake of honoring and obeying Him, regardless of what other people think or whether or not I'm scheduled to play. My concern about appearances often trumps my desire to please the Lord. This is my big trigger to realize that I'm walking in the flesh and not the Spirit.
ReplyDeleteHey Julie,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the delay . . . under the email pile this week! It is easy to get caught up in what people think, especially when you have an "upfront" ministry. It's great that you have an awareness of when it's happening. God just keeps continuing to grow us day by day!