Mother of Seven + 2

An Overview of the Book of Deuteronomy It is hard to remember something when we just hear it once or even twice.    We all need reminded over and over about what is important. I believe that is what the book of Deuteronomy is all about. It is a retelling of Israel’s history, the Law, and God’s keeping of his covenant promise to them. They needed reminded of what was important. The Book of Deuteronomy - YouTube Lesson: Deuteronomy is a 2 nd telling of Israel’s history, a 2 nd telling of the law, a nd another reminder of God’s faithfulness. He is a God who keeps His Word. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-8.   What are the Israelites asked to do in 6:4?   They were asked to hear in a manner that required more then just an auditory intake of sound into the ear. This hearing was something that required action.  Listen and Do. What actions are required that you find in verses 5-8?     How were they to do this?   They were to keep the comm...

     Parenting is tough.  We have seven grown children and two still at home.  The longer I've parented, the more I realize I'm pretty much a mess.  I don't have the answers.  I can't claim all seven children as wonderful success stories.  Parenting our last two isn't easier after already raising seven.  That's probably not what you wanted to hear, but it is reality.      It is scary for me to attempt to offer advice.  The best thing I can offer is the Holy Scripture.  I love Isaiah 55:8-11 which says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word ...

      It has hit me hard.  Our Angel Girl is graduating from high school in just a month.  In addition, she's moving out of the nest.  I thought I was ready, but suddenly the tears are flowing. Photo Credit: Shelli Ford Photography shelliford (smugmug.com)        Sweet Girl, my first thought of you, a gift from God, came in the most unexpected way.  I could never erase that picture.  The little girl with the sad eyes...I knew I would know them if I ever saw them.  ( The Beginning )      When you stepped out of the van into my arms, I knew you were home.  You did too.  You called me "mama."  I called you mine.  ( Our Angel Girl )      You asked me to "pway to Jesus that I can tay here porever and ever."  I fell on my knees beside my bed and begged Jesus to answer your prayer.  With tears I poured my heart out on your behalf.  Jesus heard us.  ( Ambe...

Walking together, holding hands.   Laughing, talking, enjoying the idea of love.   Our simple beginning. Someone to dream with.   To start a family with.   To serve God with.   You were the answer to my prayers.   The answer to my parent's prayers.   God's gift to me, immeasurably more than I could ever ask or imagine. We've held our babies. Watched them grow. Given them to God, given them to another to love. You have wept with me and wiped my tears. You have been my rock when the world around me crumbled. You have held me tight when sorrow threatened all I knew. You have encouraged me to reach for my dreams. You made me a wife and mother. Made those without family our own.  You believe in me though you know my weaknesses. You want me to still dream, still pursue my passions. You desire for me to be all God wants me to be. I don't deserve all that you have given me. All that God has given me in you. But I'm grate...

Read James 2:1-4. What command are we given in verse 1? Define partiality or favoritism. What was happening when the Christians were gathering together? (2-4) What are some ways this same thing happens today in the church? How does showing favor to one over another make one a judge with evil thoughts or motives? (v. 4) In Luke 6:20 and Mt. 5:3 we learn that God chose the poor to be rich in faith, and also that the poor will receive the kingdom of God. Does this mean all poor will be in heaven or that there won’t be any rich in heaven? Why or why not? For further clarification... Read Mt. 19:23-26. What is easier for a camel then for a rich man? Can a rich man be saved? Read James 1:9-11. What do poor believers have to be able to take pride in? What should the rich believers boast about? Why should the rich boast only in what they have in Christ? Read James 2:5-7. Who did God honor? (v. 5) Yet who is it that these Christians were dishonoring? (v. 6) ...

A Lesson on the Tongue from James The tongue is often the tool we use to give vent to our anger. Read James 1:19-21. What are we to be quick to do? (v. 19) What are we to be slow to do? (v. 19) Why are we to be slow to become angry? (v. 20) What kinds of words are we to use when we do speak? (See Prov. 15:1) How many words should we use when we are angry or any other time? (See Prov. 10:19) “ When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 (NASB) Is anger a sin? Why or why not? (See Ephesians 4:26-27) What are some examples of righteous anger? (For a Biblical example see John 2:13-16) What are we to get rid of in our lives? (v. 21) What are we to humbly accept? (v. 21) Think about a garden. In order for the plants to grow and thrive, we have to get out the rocks, we have to pull the weeds, we have to loosen the soil, and we have to water the ground. How can we use this as a picture of our C...

HOW TO GAIN WISDOM Read James 1:5-8 What is God’s attitude in giving wisdom? (v. 5) In what manner should we go about asking for wisdom? (v. 6) Why are we told to ask for wisdom believing he will give it? (v. 6-8) What is the anchor for our souls that keeps us from being tossed like the sea? (See Hebrews 6:17-20) HOW THE WISE WALK...IN HUMILITY Read James 3:13-18. If one is wise and understanding of God’s ways, how does he live? (v. 13) Who in the Bible is described as humble and gentle? (See Matthew 11:29) Why does wisdom require humility? How does bitter envy and selfish ambition contrast with humility? (v. 14-17) What is boasting? What does boasting tend to cover up? (v. 14) Contrast earthly wisdom with heavenly wisdom. What do the attributes listed under Heavenly Wisdom remind you of? (See Gal. 5:22-23; Mt. 5:3-12) HOW LIFE LOOKS WITHOUT WISDOM Read James 4:1-3. These verses follow directly on the heals of 3:17-18...

  Do Faith and Works Go Together? “ The grace of God and the grateful response of man are both important.” Read James 1:22-25. vs. 22 – KEY VERSE IN JAMES See also Luke 11:28 How might we deceive ourselves is we only “listen” to the Word? (v. 22) Who is the person like that only hears the Word but does not do what it says? (vs. 23, 24) Thought question: How might the church today be characterized? As “hearers only” or as “hearers who do it?” How are we to look into the “perfect law?” (v. 25) “ The Word should make a lasting impression on our lives – so much so that we act on it.” How does the “perfect law” give freedom or set us free? It almost seems a contradiction. Freedom is gained by doing what the law says??? It sounds like we have to do it. How can that be tied to freedom? (See John 8:31-36) What is the positive outcome for those who “hear and do” the Word? (v. 25) Read James 2:14-26. List all your obser...

Sending Satan Packing A Lesson On Temptation Read James 1:13-15. Verse 13 Why should I not say I am being tempted by God? See also I Cor. 10:13. People God tested: 1. Genesis 22:1__________________________________ 2. Judges 2:21-22________________________________ 3. II Chronicles 32:30-31__________________________ Does God testing these people contradict what James is saying here? Why or Why not? What is the difference between tempting and testing? Verse 14 Where does temptation come from? Who is the tempter? (See James 4:7; Mark 1:13; Matthew 6:13) What two things go hand in hand in causing temptation? Who is responsible for my sin? Is it accurate to say, “The devil made me do it”??? Or is it right to blame God? (See Gen. 3:8-13) How might I be like a hungry fish looking at a fat juicy worm on a hook? Verse 15 Is desire sin? Why or why not? When does sin occur? What is the re...

  Introduction to the Book of James What type of book is it? Who was the author of the book? Who was the book written to? The book of James has been said to be the Proverbs of the New Testament. It is filled with a wealth of wisdom. It covers a variety of themes pertaining to the Christian life. These themes are scattered throughout the book as James keeps coming back to them. If you read through the book of James, what are some of the themes you noticed? WHEN TRIALS COME MY WAY... Observe the Text What is a trial? (examples from James....Js. 2:6; 5:1-6, 14) Read James 1:2-4, 12. What is the attitude Christians should have during trials? (v. 2) What is the reason we can have this attitude? (v. 3) (I Pet. 1:6-7; Rom. 5:3-4) What is the end result? (v. 4) Think of a mature Christian you know or have known. What kinds of trials have they faced in their lives? What is the reward for the one who perseveres under trial? (v. 12) ...

The book of James has always been one of my favorite New Testament letters.  I was surprised the first time I taught a class on this book when a few of the women expressed that it was one of their least favorite because they came away from it feeling like failures.  Since that time though, I've found that people either love this book or they struggle with it.   I am a practical person.  I'm the nerd that loves getting the practical gift for Christmas.  In fact, our very first Christmas we were married, my husband bought me a new toilet seat.  I was thrilled.  We were still in college and had little money, so we had been unable to replace it.  It was broken, and I never knew which way it would slip and slide when I would sit on it.  Don't bother with the flowers, jewelry and mushy cards (although occasionally is fine 😃).  Give me something I can use.  James does exactly that in his letter to the churches.  He gives chunks ...