Here you go ladies! Let's read together and be fed!
Thursday - February 18th
Matt. 7:13-14
These verses talk about the need to submit to God's ways of living our lives. The message is beautiful - God's ways lead to LIFE!
Friday - February 19th
Rom. 15:1-3
Paul writes to instruct us on putting others' needs above our own as we follow Christ's example.
Saturday - February 20th
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
This passage tells us that while it's possible to do whatever we want - everything does not lead to good things.
Sunday - February 21st
1 Cor. 10:31-11:1
Living our lives in ways that honor others is a way that we can be a good witness for the Christian faith.
Monday - February 22nd
1 Cor. 13:4-7
Ultimately, love is the only reason we would choose a life of submission. It is our response to the love of God first showed us.
Tuesday - February 23rd
Phil. 2:1-5
Another beautifully written passage illustrating the biblical approach to submission.
Wednesday - February 24th
Luke 14:7-11
These verses give a practical look at how being submissive leads to others having a higher view of us.
Thursday - February 25th
Luke 18:9-14
Here is another passage about the benefit of humility. The tax collector was not being submissive to the Pharisee - but submissive to the power of God's truth.
Friday - February 26th
Rom. 12:9-21
Paul writes about the connection between love and considering others above yourself.
Saturday - February 27th
Eph. 4:1-6
Bear with one another...in love. Love is the key to choosing life of submission to others.
Sunday - February 28th
John 12:23-28
Jesus models how He submits to God's plan for the world...and what He expects of those who follow Him.
Monday - March 1st
John 6:35-40
Jesus Christ is the Messiah and the Savior of all. Look at His incredible understanding of submission in verse 38.
Tuesday - March 2nd
Phil 3:7-14
This is a look at a life lived according to God's ways. We do not lose - even though we have to let go of some things...they lose their appeal compared to the things of God.
Wednesday - March 3rd
Rev. 2:18-19
Wouldn't it be the best feeling in the world to have the Lord speak these words about you?
See y'all tonight at GEMS!!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Free to Submit: February 17, 2010
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Free to Submit
Mark 8:34
Biblical submission leads to freedom!
1. Submission is the voluntary placement of oneself under the authority and leadership of another. (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
2. Foster (Celebration of Discipline) "Laying down the terrible burden of always needing to get our own way." (pg 111)
3. We are afraid of submission because we fear we will lose our identity.
4. Biblical examples of submission: - Jesus (Matthew 26:36-42)
- Disciples (Mk 1:19-20; Mt 9:9;
Mk 1:16-18; Jn 17:6)
- Paul (Acts 9)
- Mary (Luke 1:26-38)
5. Submitting to others - are there limits to submission?
Yes - when it leads to harm, destruction or hurt.
6. What's in it for me?
Leads to something better - Freedom by choice.
More interesting way of living - putting others before ourselves - looking out
to look in!
7. How do I live a life of submission?
Begin with a look at your inner spirit.
"Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'" -Mark 8:34
- Jesus said this to the whole crowd. (for ALL of us!!)
- Deny yourself - put aside your self-interest.
- Take up your cross, not His. (Deny yourself and publicly let them know you
are Mine.)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28"
Free to Submit
Mark 8:34
Biblical submission leads to freedom!
1. Submission is the voluntary placement of oneself under the authority and leadership of another. (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
2. Foster (Celebration of Discipline) "Laying down the terrible burden of always needing to get our own way." (pg 111)
3. We are afraid of submission because we fear we will lose our identity.
4. Biblical examples of submission: - Jesus (Matthew 26:36-42)
- Disciples (Mk 1:19-20; Mt 9:9;
Mk 1:16-18; Jn 17:6)
- Paul (Acts 9)
- Mary (Luke 1:26-38)
5. Submitting to others - are there limits to submission?
Yes - when it leads to harm, destruction or hurt.
6. What's in it for me?
Leads to something better - Freedom by choice.
More interesting way of living - putting others before ourselves - looking out
to look in!
7. How do I live a life of submission?
Begin with a look at your inner spirit.
"Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'" -Mark 8:34
- Jesus said this to the whole crowd. (for ALL of us!!)
- Deny yourself - put aside your self-interest.
- Take up your cross, not His. (Deny yourself and publicly let them know you
are Mine.)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28"
Saturday, February 13, 2010
2009 Tax Preparation.....
Thought some of you might be interested in this announcement:
Heartland will serve as a host site for free 2009 tax preparation services for income-qualified families (less than $55,000) and individuals (less than $30,000).
The College's participation is sponsored by the Center for Economic Progress. Services will be offered beginning Friday, January 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays in Room 3602 of the Workforce Development Center.
These hours will be maintained through Tuesday, April 13.
These free tax preparation services are provided by certified volunteer tax preparers on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are asked to bring all tax documents, including W-2s and 1099s (if any), Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for all family members, a copy of last year's tax return if available, a bank account number and routing number to direct deposit your refund, and a valid photo ID.
Tax services also will be available at the Bloomington Housing Authority and at Bloomington's Mid-Central Community Action sites.
For more details about these or other tax site locations in Illinois, call (888) 827-8511 [TTY (313) 701-1326] or visit www.economicprogress.org.
Heartland will serve as a host site for free 2009 tax preparation services for income-qualified families (less than $55,000) and individuals (less than $30,000).
The College's participation is sponsored by the Center for Economic Progress. Services will be offered beginning Friday, January 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays in Room 3602 of the Workforce Development Center.
These hours will be maintained through Tuesday, April 13.
These free tax preparation services are provided by certified volunteer tax preparers on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are asked to bring all tax documents, including W-2s and 1099s (if any), Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for all family members, a copy of last year's tax return if available, a bank account number and routing number to direct deposit your refund, and a valid photo ID.
Tax services also will be available at the Bloomington Housing Authority and at Bloomington's Mid-Central Community Action sites.
For more details about these or other tax site locations in Illinois, call (888) 827-8511 [TTY (313) 701-1326] or visit www.economicprogress.org.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Bible Reading for January 21st to February 3rd, 2010
Let's read and be blessed!
Thursday - January 21st
2 Tim. 3:16-17
This is another great memorization verse. This informs us Christians of what we believe the Bible can do in us and through us. It answers the question, "What is the Bible good for?"
Friday - January 22nd
Mark 12:18-27
I think this is really interesting and motivating. Jesus is rebuking the "religious" people because they don't know their "bible" well enough. Jesus is clear - know the Word of God so that you can live it.
Saturday - January 23rd
Rom 15:1-7
In this passage (and chapter 14), Paul is talking about judging each other. Especially notice vs. 4. God's Word is given to us in practical, daily living.
Sunday - January 24th
Heb. 4:12-13
Talk about TRUTH!! God's Word will cause us to stop doing things that are not good...it is a sharp sword that can get us to turn from doing "bad" - just because God said!
Monday - January 25th
2 Pet 2:16-21
Peter is testifying about the truth of the Scriptures and where the Word of God comes from.
Tuesday - January 26th
Psa. 19:7-11
What a beautiful description of the Word of God! Laws, precepts, commands, ordinances...all names for the "ideas" of God.
Wednesday - January 27th
Psa. 119:97-104
Wow - to love the Word of God so much that living according to its teachings makes it "easy" to turn away from things that are evil! How does the Word 'taste' to you (vs. 103)? Is it sweet or do you find it bitterly hard to take?
Thursday - January 28th
Psa. 119:113-120
Look at the richness of the promises of God in this passage...but also be aware that God strongly teaches that we need to choose Him. Stay close to Him through your study of His Word!
Friday - January 29th
Psa. 119:161-168
The first verse here grabs me. I would paraphrase it as, "Even if all kinds of big, bad things are happening - so long as I have You, God, and the comfort of Your Word, I'm good."
Saturday - January 30th
Psalm 1
How can you keep from being pulled to do things that are wrong...or not God honoring? By "delighting" in God's Word - letting IT be what pulls you and directs your path. Memorize verses that will help you stay on track.
Sunday - January 31st
Col. 3:12-17
Wouldn't the world be an INCREDIBLE place if all of us lived out vv. 12-15 like the Word tells us to? Vs 16 is the key - hold each other accountable by using the Word as our measuring stick.
Monday - February 1st
James 1:22-25
This teaching is very clear. Whatever you learn from the Bible - put it into use!!!
Tuesday - February 2nd
Luke 6:46-49
Jesus instructs us on the importance of using the Bible knowledge that we have and applying it to our lives. What is your house built on?
Wednesday - February 3rd
Psalm 119:11
This was our first scripture memorization verse this semester. Revisit this - let it truly soak into your soul today. Praise God and thank Him for the wonderful gift of the Bible!
See you tonight! We will be studying the Spiritual Discipline of Solitude.
Thursday - January 21st
2 Tim. 3:16-17
This is another great memorization verse. This informs us Christians of what we believe the Bible can do in us and through us. It answers the question, "What is the Bible good for?"
Friday - January 22nd
Mark 12:18-27
I think this is really interesting and motivating. Jesus is rebuking the "religious" people because they don't know their "bible" well enough. Jesus is clear - know the Word of God so that you can live it.
Saturday - January 23rd
Rom 15:1-7
In this passage (and chapter 14), Paul is talking about judging each other. Especially notice vs. 4. God's Word is given to us in practical, daily living.
Sunday - January 24th
Heb. 4:12-13
Talk about TRUTH!! God's Word will cause us to stop doing things that are not good...it is a sharp sword that can get us to turn from doing "bad" - just because God said!
Monday - January 25th
2 Pet 2:16-21
Peter is testifying about the truth of the Scriptures and where the Word of God comes from.
Tuesday - January 26th
Psa. 19:7-11
What a beautiful description of the Word of God! Laws, precepts, commands, ordinances...all names for the "ideas" of God.
Wednesday - January 27th
Psa. 119:97-104
Wow - to love the Word of God so much that living according to its teachings makes it "easy" to turn away from things that are evil! How does the Word 'taste' to you (vs. 103)? Is it sweet or do you find it bitterly hard to take?
Thursday - January 28th
Psa. 119:113-120
Look at the richness of the promises of God in this passage...but also be aware that God strongly teaches that we need to choose Him. Stay close to Him through your study of His Word!
Friday - January 29th
Psa. 119:161-168
The first verse here grabs me. I would paraphrase it as, "Even if all kinds of big, bad things are happening - so long as I have You, God, and the comfort of Your Word, I'm good."
Saturday - January 30th
Psalm 1
How can you keep from being pulled to do things that are wrong...or not God honoring? By "delighting" in God's Word - letting IT be what pulls you and directs your path. Memorize verses that will help you stay on track.
Sunday - January 31st
Col. 3:12-17
Wouldn't the world be an INCREDIBLE place if all of us lived out vv. 12-15 like the Word tells us to? Vs 16 is the key - hold each other accountable by using the Word as our measuring stick.
Monday - February 1st
James 1:22-25
This teaching is very clear. Whatever you learn from the Bible - put it into use!!!
Tuesday - February 2nd
Luke 6:46-49
Jesus instructs us on the importance of using the Bible knowledge that we have and applying it to our lives. What is your house built on?
Wednesday - February 3rd
Psalm 119:11
This was our first scripture memorization verse this semester. Revisit this - let it truly soak into your soul today. Praise God and thank Him for the wonderful gift of the Bible!
See you tonight! We will be studying the Spiritual Discipline of Solitude.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Bible Reading - January 7th through January 20th, 2010
"Jesus answered, It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4 NIV
Thursday, 1/7 Leviticus 16:29-34 and 23:26-32
These passages are both about the Day of Atonement (what Jews today still celebrate as Yon Kippor). "Deny" means fast. Here is an interesting bit of trivia: Did you know that the word "scapegoat" comes from Leviticus 16? Read 16:1-28 for that story.
Friday, 1/8 Judges 20:26-28
This passage is part of a crazy story that starts back in Judges 19 which results in a civil war. The people are seeking God to know how to attack their own countrymen. This shows an example of how fasting and prayer go together.
Saturday, 1/9 2 Chronicles 20:1-29
Leaders in the Old Testament would, at times, lead the nation in a corporate fast. This is an example of that. Again, notice the correlation between fasting and praying.
Sunday, 1/10 Nehemiah 1:1-11
Look at Nehemiah's response when people brought him really bad news. He mourned, fasted and prayed. What if our reaction to problems in our lives would be to be sad about them, then put ourselves in God's presence through fasting and prayer about the situation...?
Monday, 1/11 Esther 4:12-17
An amazing story of a woman's courage is found in Esther 4. In these verses, Esther knows she might be killed for going into the King's presence, but she knows she has to do it to save her people. Before undertaking this huge life event, she calls her people to fast. What if we did the same before major life events...?
Tuesday, 1/12 34:28
This is an example of an absolute (no food or water) fast - and it was done by Moses in response to a very clear and specific calling from God. This is not a typical type of fasting, but I highlighted it so you would be more aware of the range of fasts in the Bible.
Wednesday, 1/13 Daniel 10:2-3
This is an example of a partial fast (abstaining from certain foods or activities). Notice that it is in response to Daniel needing to get clarity from God about something he was seeing.
Thursday, 1/14 Matthew 4:1-4
Here is an example of a normal fast (abstaining from food, but not water). It is Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. The words of Matthew 4:4 are the absolute power that you need to embark on any fast without fear!
Friday, 1/15 Mark 2:18-22
Jesus is being questioned about why his disciples don't fast. Jesus tells the people that while He is with his disciples, it's not a time of fasting because they can't get any closer to God than by being there with Him! After He's gone, He expects they will fast.
Saturday, 1/16 Acts 13:1-3, 14:23
We see here the early church leaders fasting and praying as they made decisions concerning the church and leadership. Again, it sets a great example for us to follow: Major decision? Fast, pray and seek God's guidance.
Sunday, 1/17 2 Samuel 12:15-25
This story shows the faith of King David. He had the boldness to come before God to plead with Him through fasting and prayer for the life of his son. When God still took his son, David's response was to accept God's judgment. For the whole story, start reading in 2 Samuel 11.
Monday, 1/18 Luke 2:3-38
Anna never left the Temple, and she is meeting the baby Christ child there. The Bible says she was married at one point, so it stands to reason that she had not always fasted and prayed day and night. She grew the more she practiced the discipline.
Tuesday, 1/19 Joel 2:12-14
God wants our hearts to be right when we come to Him.
Wednesday, 1/20 Isaiah 58:1-12
Read through this powerful passage again and let it continue to impress you with God's truth about fasting.
See you tonight at GEMS!!!
We'll be learning about Studying the Bible!
Thursday, 1/7 Leviticus 16:29-34 and 23:26-32
These passages are both about the Day of Atonement (what Jews today still celebrate as Yon Kippor). "Deny" means fast. Here is an interesting bit of trivia: Did you know that the word "scapegoat" comes from Leviticus 16? Read 16:1-28 for that story.
Friday, 1/8 Judges 20:26-28
This passage is part of a crazy story that starts back in Judges 19 which results in a civil war. The people are seeking God to know how to attack their own countrymen. This shows an example of how fasting and prayer go together.
Saturday, 1/9 2 Chronicles 20:1-29
Leaders in the Old Testament would, at times, lead the nation in a corporate fast. This is an example of that. Again, notice the correlation between fasting and praying.
Sunday, 1/10 Nehemiah 1:1-11
Look at Nehemiah's response when people brought him really bad news. He mourned, fasted and prayed. What if our reaction to problems in our lives would be to be sad about them, then put ourselves in God's presence through fasting and prayer about the situation...?
Monday, 1/11 Esther 4:12-17
An amazing story of a woman's courage is found in Esther 4. In these verses, Esther knows she might be killed for going into the King's presence, but she knows she has to do it to save her people. Before undertaking this huge life event, she calls her people to fast. What if we did the same before major life events...?
Tuesday, 1/12 34:28
This is an example of an absolute (no food or water) fast - and it was done by Moses in response to a very clear and specific calling from God. This is not a typical type of fasting, but I highlighted it so you would be more aware of the range of fasts in the Bible.
Wednesday, 1/13 Daniel 10:2-3
This is an example of a partial fast (abstaining from certain foods or activities). Notice that it is in response to Daniel needing to get clarity from God about something he was seeing.
Thursday, 1/14 Matthew 4:1-4
Here is an example of a normal fast (abstaining from food, but not water). It is Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. The words of Matthew 4:4 are the absolute power that you need to embark on any fast without fear!
Friday, 1/15 Mark 2:18-22
Jesus is being questioned about why his disciples don't fast. Jesus tells the people that while He is with his disciples, it's not a time of fasting because they can't get any closer to God than by being there with Him! After He's gone, He expects they will fast.
Saturday, 1/16 Acts 13:1-3, 14:23
We see here the early church leaders fasting and praying as they made decisions concerning the church and leadership. Again, it sets a great example for us to follow: Major decision? Fast, pray and seek God's guidance.
Sunday, 1/17 2 Samuel 12:15-25
This story shows the faith of King David. He had the boldness to come before God to plead with Him through fasting and prayer for the life of his son. When God still took his son, David's response was to accept God's judgment. For the whole story, start reading in 2 Samuel 11.
Monday, 1/18 Luke 2:3-38
Anna never left the Temple, and she is meeting the baby Christ child there. The Bible says she was married at one point, so it stands to reason that she had not always fasted and prayed day and night. She grew the more she practiced the discipline.
Tuesday, 1/19 Joel 2:12-14
God wants our hearts to be right when we come to Him.
Wednesday, 1/20 Isaiah 58:1-12
Read through this powerful passage again and let it continue to impress you with God's truth about fasting.
See you tonight at GEMS!!!
We'll be learning about Studying the Bible!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
2010 - January 6th - Fasting - 2010
Happy New Year!! Wow! 2010 is here!
I have missed y'all and can't wait for Wednesday night to see you again. Lisa sent me a couple things for you to look at and I wanted to get them posted. I will see all of you tomorrow! Love ya!!
We are going to be discussing "Fasting" and here are some links that tell you more about it and will help you understand and practice this spiritual discipline! Enjoy!
http.//www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/index.aspx
http.//www.ihop.org/Group/Group.aspx?id=1000032792
I have missed y'all and can't wait for Wednesday night to see you again. Lisa sent me a couple things for you to look at and I wanted to get them posted. I will see all of you tomorrow! Love ya!!
We are going to be discussing "Fasting" and here are some links that tell you more about it and will help you understand and practice this spiritual discipline! Enjoy!
http.//www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/index.aspx
http.//www.ihop.org/Group/Group.aspx?id=1000032792
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Meditation - Lesson from 12/2/09
Meditation
Ephesians 4:20-24
(We are studying the "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster. The numbers you see below (x) are the page numbers from the book where the quote is found.)
10 Big Questions about Meditation:
1. What are Spiritual Disciplines?
God gives us the Disciplines so that we can place ourselves in His presence so He can transform us (8)
2. Why do we need them?
You cannot will yourself to be good - you must become good and then you will act good. The Disciplines lead you to this inner transformation.
3. Who can do them?
Anyone - it's not for spiritual giants.
4. What is meditation?
"Christian meditation, very simply, is the ability to hear God's voice and obey His Word" (17)
5. To whom does God speak?
Those who are willing to listen.
6. What is meditation not?
"Eastern meditation is an attempt to empty the mind. Christian meditation is an attempt to fill the mind with Christ!" (20)
7. What happens in meditation?
We make emotional and spiritual space by pushing aside all our concerns to create room for Christ to fill us more. We stop and put our ways aside - we meditate and ask Him for His guidance.
8. What does meditation do?
"Meditation sends us into our ordinary world with greater perspective and balance." (22)
9. How does meditation work; how do I do it?
Through our imagination or imagery.
He will give you a picture of how things could be - and as you meditate, you realize what your role is supposed to look like.
Practical ideas:
i. Pray for the desire to meditate
ii. Set aside the same time each day
iii. Consider your posture
iv. Palms up/palms down
10. On what do I meditate?
Meditate on creation
Meditate on scripture; interact with it through your senses
This is the difference between our will that makes us have peace and His power that grants us peace.
Ephesians 4:20-24
(We are studying the "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster. The numbers you see below (x) are the page numbers from the book where the quote is found.)
10 Big Questions about Meditation:
1. What are Spiritual Disciplines?
God gives us the Disciplines so that we can place ourselves in His presence so He can transform us (8)
2. Why do we need them?
You cannot will yourself to be good - you must become good and then you will act good. The Disciplines lead you to this inner transformation.
3. Who can do them?
Anyone - it's not for spiritual giants.
4. What is meditation?
"Christian meditation, very simply, is the ability to hear God's voice and obey His Word" (17)
5. To whom does God speak?
Those who are willing to listen.
6. What is meditation not?
"Eastern meditation is an attempt to empty the mind. Christian meditation is an attempt to fill the mind with Christ!" (20)
7. What happens in meditation?
We make emotional and spiritual space by pushing aside all our concerns to create room for Christ to fill us more. We stop and put our ways aside - we meditate and ask Him for His guidance.
8. What does meditation do?
"Meditation sends us into our ordinary world with greater perspective and balance." (22)
9. How does meditation work; how do I do it?
Through our imagination or imagery.
He will give you a picture of how things could be - and as you meditate, you realize what your role is supposed to look like.
Practical ideas:
i. Pray for the desire to meditate
ii. Set aside the same time each day
iii. Consider your posture
iv. Palms up/palms down
10. On what do I meditate?
Meditate on creation
Meditate on scripture; interact with it through your senses
This is the difference between our will that makes us have peace and His power that grants us peace.
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