Real Life~Real Answers

Hope in God's Word

Evelyn has had a difficult few years. Difficult and strenuous pregnancies left her very tired to care for her husband and home. Then she found out her husband wants a divorce – He’s found another woman who he wants to be with and has already defiled the marriage relationship by sinfully acting upon his feelings for this other woman. Stunned and angry, she agrees to the divorce. A year later she is raising her 3 children alone and her mother passes away. Evelyn is in despair and feels no one at church can really understand what she is going through. She has tried to read her Bible because she has been told that God’s Word can help, but she isn’t finding any answers.

*What are some things Evelyn might be missing in her walk with God?

*If Evelyn is your friend, how can you “be there” for her to encourage her from God’s Word through these difficult days?

*What are some practical ways the church can rally behind Evelyn to encourage her with her physical needs (caring for children, working full time, time to rest, ect…)?

Biblical Problem Solving

In Acts 6:1-7, we encounter a problem in the early church. What we are about to read in this passage is an beautiful example about how a problem in the church can be handled in a biblical, God-honoring way.

The Problem: Widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.  The Hellenistic Jews (not native to Jerusalem) raised the concern as it was their widows who were being neglected.

The Solution: The Apostles took charge of the situation and suggested a plan that pleased the congregation. Seven men with impeccable qualifications were chosen to handle the situation surrounding the directly.

The Result: The Word of God increased and the number of disciples were multiplied (vs. 7).

As we take this section of Scripture and meditate on it's truths, let us consider how God wants us to handle conflict. What a blessing that we have an example of how to handle problems within the church.

How Am I Doing Sharing the Gospel?

As we encounter the women in Acts 5:12-16, we see that they were involved with other believers in bringing people to be able to hear the Gospel as well as meet their physical needs. Their example causes us to consider how we are doing in sharing the Gospel on a day to day basis? Do we see people as Christ does - in need of salvation? Do we consider how God might use us to meet a physical need? What do you do when someone approaches you in the parking lot of a grocery store with a "story" about their need for food and/or money? In all interaction with people in our community and work place, we ought to be a light that shines the truth of the Gospel to those who need to hear it.  May the women's example in this passage cause you to consider your testimony for Christ.

Real Life~Real Answers

Leading With Criticism from Others

You've been given the task of heading up a specific ladies' ministry.  You've been a member of your church for five years, and there are many faithful ladies who have been serving in your church for many years...some up to 20 or more.  You accept the leadership of the ministry, and announce you are making a few changes, which you believe would make the events you are planning, more appealing to more ladies.  One lady who has been with the church for many years, becomes very upset about the changes and makes her opposition known.  You've already run it by the pastors, and several other ladies and they all approve and agree with you on the change. 

*What do you do in response of this lady’s opposition?  Do you keep things as they are?  After all, this lady has been a faithful member and servant of the Lord for many years, and this is a real bone of contention for her.

Believing Women

Acts 5:12-16 begins a section of Scripture where we see the marvelous hand of God working in the early church. There were many signs and wonders being done and more than ever before, believers (men and women!) were coming to salvation through Christ.  The Holy Spirit empowered these apostles and as a result, the Christians in Jerusalem were held in high regard, many came to know Christ and were healed of their illnesses. A marvelous picture of how when we are faithful to do what God has called us to do that God will bless, in His time, in His way and for His glory. How easy it would have been for the apostles to take credit for all that was happening, but they didn't. They knew that it would be through God alone that they would be able to perform such miracles. These events were even an answer to prayer (see chapter 4:29-30).  It is important to see that just as men were privileged to know Christ, women were as well. Luke mentions that women were part of this church in many instances and what a blessing it is to know that God holds women with equal value despite society which often considers men as superior.  What a blessing that the Gospel is for all!

Giving in Church

How do we view our giving at our local church? What is our heart attitude and what should our attitude be? With what is God concerned? These are fabulous questions to consider as we talk about giving in our church. Initially, we think of giving by financial means. Yet, we can also give to our church in time, energy, and our talents. The negative example with Ananias and Sapphira shows how what appears to be a good gift to the church can be sinful. So it is with our giving in our churches. If we are not giving with a pure heart out of motivation to glorify God, we might as well not give at all. All we do ought to be for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) and in giving of our financial means, time, energy or talents we ought to give generously and faithful as God has lead.

Real Life~Real Answers

Modeling Forgiveness

Stephanie looked at her co-worker Lacy and told her how she couldn’t believe how forgiving Lacy was being to the boss who had treated her so wrongly. “How can you not take this situation to management and get your boss fired!” said Stephanie. Lacy was thrilled to finally have this opportunity to share Christ’s forgiveness with Stephanie.  Lacy shared how she believed God would judge her boss in His time. Lacy went on to say that God had forgiven her of many sins and she wanted to show God’s forgiveness to her boss. She moved on to share exactly how God had forgiven her, through the sacrifice of God’s Son, Christ on the cross. The conversation ended quickly as their break was over, but Stephanie had a lot more questions she was sure to ask Lacy.

*How was Lacy was ready to “give an answer” about her faith?

*What could Lacy do to follow up with Stephanie about their conversation?

*It’s not always easy to share Christ in the workplace. What are some ways in which you can show God’s love to your co-workers?

Just Too Busy: Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical

Joanne Kraft

Product Details

1. Paperback: 192 pages

1. Publisher: Beacon Hill Press

1. Language: English

1. Date of reading: May 2, 2012

Point: Joanne Kraft shows how detrimental overly-busy lives can be, and what her family did to be pro-active in that area.

Path:  Kraft explains what most of our lives look like. Busy, overworked, etc. She uses her own life and family as an example of where she was and what they did to change their situation. As a family, they had a whole year that they did not participate in extracurricular activities and they had one family field trip every month. She goes on to explain what her family members thought and even some roadblocks along the way.

Agreement: This book is a very accurate representation of our society and culture as a whole. I liked the idea of stepping back and evaluating all of our areas of involvement. I appreciated her dealing with the fact that many of the activities or possessions in life are not a “right” or a “need” but a desire. I also appreciated her emphasis on not living our lives based upon what other people think, but doing what you need to do in your life for God’s glory.

Disagreement: I would have liked to see more of a Gospel-centered focus in the book. Christ was mentioned, but it seems as though the main reasons given to slow life down and not attend all of the nonessential events were to enjoy your children before they move away rather than the glorification of Christ. I also would have appreciated a section in which the book really dealt with the heart of busyness. There were a couple of brief references to things that sounded slightly like psychology, but as always we need to read with discernment.

Personal App: I need to ask myself if I am too busy doing a lot of things that do not have eternal value. Also, what are my motivations for being involved in the areas in which I am?

Stars: 4 out of 5

I would recommend it.

A Wife's Choice

Was Sapphira correctly submitting to her husband in this situation?  We all agreed that she wasn't correctly submitting to him. For a more thorough explanation on biblical submission, we recommend The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace. In her book she takes time to correctly explain a biblical view of submission and does address how a wife should respond when her husband asks her to sin (chapter 14).  A wife can love her Heavenly Father so much that she can be bold and strong to tell her husband no if he asks her to sin. She is never forced to sin, but can trust that God will provide a way for her to escape if she is put into a situation (1 Corinthians 10:13).  Sapphira certainly had the choice to honor God and did not have to choose to be a part of his deceitful plan. What about you? Do you make excuses about why you sin?  Have hope that as you immerse your mind in God's Word, the Spirit will help lead you to make godly choices that honor God!

Sapphira

In Acts 5 we encounter a familiar event in the early church: the lie of Ananias and his wife Sapphira. Please take some time to read verses 1-11 as we will be in this section of Scripture for several days.  It is important to note that at the end of chapter 4, we find a good example of a believer who sold his property and "brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet." This man was Barnabas.  Then we meet a couple who agrees together to sell their land. Outwardly this was a good thing; however, we discover their heart motivation was to deceive. They thought no one else would know their of their plan, we read that God knew and enlightened Peter to find out.  What was their sin? Lying, pride, greed, hypocrisy, the desire to be well-thought of in the congregation.... Their sin had the potential of hurting the entire church. Do YOU stop to consider how your sin could affect your church? It's a question I think we all must take time to consider.

Giving hope to others

We all know people who despair and we can be tempted to despair also. God's Word offers hope as we focus on His greatness and His goodness instead of the circumstances around us. Heartaches and hurts are real but thankfully the Lord has provided all we need to hope in Him. We share a lot of Scripture in today's session and we would love for you to share your favorite passages that encourage yo to hope in our loving Heavenly Father.

Fellowship, is it my burden or blessing?

Fellowship is a privilege, given by God. We can facilitate fellowship in our homes and be motivated as we remember the OPPORTUNITY to show the love of Jesus Fellowship is the essence of the Christian life—fellowship with God and fellowship with other believers in Christ. In the beginning, Adam was placed in the garden to enjoy friendship and communion with God. GOD CREATED US TO ENJOY FELLOWSHIP/COMMUNION/ INTIMACY WITH HIM! In Acts they fellowshipped by studying, praying, Communion, worshipping God together… communion. FELLOWSHIP REQUIRES HUMILITY…CAN’T BE THINKING ABOUT MY OWN OPINION…can’t want everyone to conform to me. The hearts of the Lord and his disciples/followers were knit together by a deep sense of love and commitment. Later the disciples discovered that their own hearts were strongly united out of their common loyalty to Jesus. Following the cross and the outpouring of the Spirit the church was born, that new society of people in fellowship with God and with one another.= THE CHURCH The depth of camaraderie among the first Christians is portrayed in the early chapters of Acts. Daily the believers met together in house groups for teaching, fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, and prayer (Acts 2:42, 46). So profound was their sense of togetherness that the Christians pooled their possessions and distributed them to brethren in need (vv 44, 45; 4:32–35). Perhaps the dominant characteristic of this early Christian fellowship was “love of the brethren… My first priority is fellowship with God. Then I can actively, faithfully participate in my local Church. Communion services, worship service, pray together, sing together… Hospitality! In my home, at church, at coffee shop… “Together” is key! Requires my time, $, planning, sometimes sacrifice. (Love is sacrifice) Wiersbe – Be Dynamic “The Christians we meet in the book of Acts were not content to meet once a week for a service. They met daily, cared daily, spoke of Jesus and souls were saved daily, searched the scriptures daily, Their faith was day to day reality NOT once a week routine.” FELLOWSHIP was not just a part of their lives – it was their life.

Praising God at all times, seriously?

Why is praising God ALWAYS the best choice in EVERY situation? If I am a women in God's Word I know the answer is that God tells me to "rejoice in the Lord always" Philippians 4:4. But seriously how do I practically praise the Lord - no matter what... Today we share many verses that help us as we seek to control our thoughts and thereby contol our emotions as we choose to praise our good God and thank Him for all things. How about you? How do you praise the Lord in the good times and the difficult times?

Pentecost

Luke describes the beauty and dynamics of the growing and developing church. He portrays the spontaneity, dedication, and devotion of the early Christians in relation to God in the worship services. Hard to imagine 3,000 solus saved in one day, imagine 3,000 baptisims! The priests and the scribes desired full control of the Jewish people. But when Jesus taught the Scriptures with authority AND TOLD THE PEOPLE THEIR SPIRTUAL LEADERS WERE VIPERS, HYPOCRITES…, they vigorously opposed him and eventually succeeded in killing him. From a Christianized culture, we have difficulty understanding the mental agony the Jews experienced when they decided to break away from the power and authority of their spiritual leaders, thier national heritage and thier mother's teachings. The significance of this? Devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching (LEARNERS!) & fellowship (UNITY!) & breaking bread (REMEMBERING CHRIST’S SACRIFICE) & prayers (WORSHIP!). A sense of awe filled the hearts of all believers because they experienced the presence of God in them and their midst.

Is the Holy Spirit at work in my life?

Now we are at the exciting time of Pentecost! The Holy Spirit has come just like Jesus promised! People are trying to figure out what is going on. Peter is preaching to thousands of people explaining who Jesus is and how they should respond to Jesus. In Acts 2:21 – ALL can be saved! Not just men and women – NOT JUST JEWS! ALL…Luke is laying out this new time – the time of the Church. No longer just the religious leaders which were all men – but now ALL had access to God! We do not live in a “class” society so it is hard for us to understand how Jesus changed the world. In Acts Luke makes no distinction between men and women. Both suffer persecution (8:3); both join the church (17:4, 12); and both teach (18:26). WHAT AN EXCITING TIME TO BE A WOMAN! So do I see evidences of the Holy Spirit at work in my life? Conviction of sin, hunger and thirst for God’s Word and His presence, JOY, confidence that I am God’s child, these are just a few of the many works that the Holy Spirit accomplishes in our daily lives.

DO I KNOW HOW TO DEVOTE MYSELF TO PRAYER?

DEVOTED TO PRAYER! Warren Wiersbe has written a commentary on Acts titled “Be Dynamic”; in his book he shows how prayer was VERY significant to the early church. In almost every chapter in Acts we can find God’s people praying and we know the women were part of these prayer meetings as here in chapter 2. Mary, the mother of Jesus was praying and worshipping and probably serving. This is the last time Mary is mentioned in the NT. Interesting when we consider Luke may have gotten some of his information and intimate details from Mary.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Sharing the Gospel

Mr. Watson tells his wife, “I think we should invite the Johnson family over for dinner this week.” “Really?” Mrs. Watson replies. “They have 6 children and that would really stretch our food budget thin.” “I know,” said Mr. Watson, “but I have been thinking about how important it is that we try to get to know them in order to share the gospel with them. If we can stretch our budget in order to share Christ, isn’t it worth it?” Mrs. Watson thinks about what her husband says and knows she can’t disagree with sharing the gospel, but she is really worried about feeding a family of 8 and being setback with their food for the rest of the week.

What are Mrs. Watson’s challenges?

*What truths can she remember from Scripture to help her with her challenges?

*What may she practically do in the future to prepare for hospitality whether it is planned or unexpectedly?

Women in the Book of Acts

We are starting a new study today, women in the book of Acts! Come join us for the next two sessions as we ask some background questions in order that we might be able to understand Acts more accurately. What are you looking forward to learning in this upcoming study?

Women in God's Salvation Story

What a blessing to be able to look back through the book of Luke and see how God has used women in His Salvation Story! As we finish our study of the women in Luke, we ought to ask ourselves if we are loving and serving Christ. Many of the women sacrificed greatly for our Lord, are we?

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Feeling Empty

Priscilla knocked down her alarm clock, fumbled for it, found it, took a close look, and groaned. She’d overslept by almost an hour. She jumped out of bed and headed to the kitchen to grab something to take with her. Nothing. All her power bars and granola bars were gone. It’s going to be one of those days, she growled.

At work, Priscilla punched her timecard with just seconds to spare. The day seemed to plod along as she did the same boring work and worked with the same annoying people.

At home Priscilla plopped down in front of the TV while she ate her supper. She watched her favorite shows and then, bored with what came afterward, she flipped through the channels, caught an old movie, and watched it to the end. She glanced at the clock as she headed for bed. Two a.m.

As Priscilla laid in bed the familiar sense of emptiness crept into her mind. She knew she shouldn’t feel that way as a Christian, but she wasn’t sure what to do about it. God seemed like a far away stranger to her.

*If Priscilla was your friend and shared her feeling of emptiness to you, what could you say to her to encourage her in her walk with God?

*What practical things might Priscilla do to help her facilitate some quiet time with the Lord?

*How might you help keep her accountable?

Remembering

What do you do to help you remember God’s Word when you are in the middle of an intense emotional situation? Join us for the next two sessions as we discuss this topic! Feel free to let us know what has helped you to remember God's Word in your own life during stressful times.

Women at the Tomb

Luke 24:1-12 ~ The devoted women to Christ, also now show their faithfulness in resting on the Sabbath.  They retun early the next day to bring the spices they had prepared to the tomb. Only they find the angels, and no body.  These women had experienced a myriad of emotions from Luke 23:49 through 24:11. Today we talk about their emotions.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

A Complaining Family


On the way home from church one Sunday, the Stewart Family begins to complain. Dad complains about the deacon who he believes is trying to make all the decisions. Mom, ignoring Dad’s complaint, starts complaining about how long the pastor preaches. She thinks he needs to be done earlier so everyone can go home to eat and have time to rest before the evening service. The teenage daughter begins complaining about how another girl had talked to her about something she said this morning and the little brother began complaining about how hungry he was and wished Dad would drive faster so they could get home to eat.

Evaluate the Stewart Family’s comments. What do you think their attitudes were like when they left church?
How could the Mom have changed the direction of the conversation?
What could the family be thankful about instead of their complaining?

Women at the Burial

Moving on in our study of the women in Luke, we find that there are women at His burial. The same women who were at His death followed His body to his burial.  We talk a bit today about Joseph who buried Christ's body as well as what these women did for Christ even at this moment. Again, these verses remind us of the devotion that these women had to Christ.  Their example should cause us to consider our devotion to Christ.

The Women at the Cross

In Luke 23:44-49, we read about the death of Jesus. We rejoice to read that the centurion believed in Christ at His death. We also read that Christ's acquaintances and the women were watching from a distance. We take some time today to identify each of these women and talk about them and their role in Christ's life.

These women's names were compiled from Matthew 27:55-56, Mark 15:40-41, John 19:25 and Luke 24:10

• Mary - the mother of Jesus.
• Mary Magdalene - Luke 8:2 records Christ cast out demons from her. She is mentioned in all the Gospels in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
• Salome - perhaps Mary's sister and mother of James and John.
• Mary the wife of Clopas - cannot be determined which Mary she is.
• Joanna - among the women who were healed of demons in Luke 8:2
• "Many other women"

These women were personally touched by Christ and showed their devotion to him through his death, burial and resurrection. Today, we are also personally loved by Christ and can also show our devotion to Him. How can we show our devotion to our Savior?

Thankfulness for Salvation

When was the last time you shared your salvation testimony with someone? Did you share it with thankfulness and excitement? Or did you grudgingly share it because you were asked to in front of a group?  Let us challenge you today to take some time to really thank God for the gift of your salvation. We read in Luke 23:32-49 the events leading to Christ's death on the cross. I am humbled as I am reminded of what Christ went through as He suffered for MY sake. Let this passage humble you and draw you to be ever more thankful to God each day. Then take your thankfulness to the next level --- share it excitedly with someone who needs to receive the same gift of salvation you have received.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

A Christian Hypocrite

Susan (who is saved, attends church faithfully and teaches SS) looks forward to her daughter’s basketball season starting. Her daughter has really improved in her ability to play the game since last year and Susan thinks her daughter will get a lot of playing time this year. The first game day arrives and as Susan anxiously waits for the game to start in the stands she cheers for her daughter during the warm-up time. Finally it’s time to start and as the starting line up is announced, her daughter is not one of the girls who is starting. Susan wonders why and by the time the first 5 minutes of the game has passed she becomes angry. She moves from her spot in the bleachers to sit closer to the coach and begins yelling for him to put her daughter in and goes on and on about how good of a player she is. The coach ignores Susan during game play, but during a time-out takes a minute to ask her kindly if she would not yell at him like that during the game. Susan becomes furious and begins to rant and rave over the fact that her daughter is not playing.

How well is Susan demonstrating what she believes?

What is she showing by her words and actions?

How should Susan respond? What would be a godly response in this situation?

"Do Not Weep For Me"

In Luke 23:26-31 we arrive at the scene where Simon is called upon to carry Christ's cross the rest of the way to the hill.  We read about the women who were mourning and lamenting for Christ as He faces this unjust condemnation. Christ takes time to address these women with compassion and care. As He does so, He tells them, "Do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children."  He goes on the explain how life will become much more difficult for them, even to the point where it will be more blessed to be barren than to have had delivered a child.  In the days ahead we will talk about some "meatier" things in this passage. So grab your Bible, concordance and commentary and study along with us!

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Reputation vs. Godliness

Tanya is extremely tough on her children. She expects them to behave perfectly when they are in public. She disciplines the children harshly when they embarrass her. She and her husband do not want other people, especially their church friends, to see them as inadequate parents. Tanya standing before others is pretty important to her. She wants to avoid giving people reasons to question her parenting abilities. Unfortunately when Tanya is home with the kids she does little to encourage them in spiritual things.

What is driving Tanya as she raises her children?

What does Tanya need to change to become a more godly mother to her children?

Giving Our All

In Luke 21:1-4 (cross reference Mark 12:41-44) we encounter Christ sitting with his disciples. He watches as the rich putting their gift in the offering and then sees a poor widow put in two small  copper coins. He uses this woman to be a wonderful example to not only the disciples who were with Christ, but to all who read the Scriptures.  Christ explains that she gave out of her poverty and it was all she had to live on. What faith! Christ alone would have known that this woman was so poor and that she gave ALL she had in faithfulness to God.  She had two coins and put both in...not withholding one for herself. Again, what faith! As you think of how you can give to God out of your own poverty, consider what God has given to you. If you have a moment, read this blog post http://www.ballastsandsails.blogspot.com/2011/08/g-o-o-d.html to be reminded of the goodness of God upon our lives. Then let it challenge you as you strive to be faithful to God.

You Can't Nag God

There is a difference between nagging and being persistent. When I nag I want my own way for my own benefit. When I am persistent in prayer I am seeking God's Will, God's way for God's glory. Steadfast, persistent, faithful prayer reveals my confidence in GOD! His justice, His faithfulness, His love! Today we all agreed regarding what gives confidence that God has heard prayer: First we have all seen His answers. He has done things in answer to prayer that ONLY HE can do like provide and protect. Second He tells us He hears!!! Psalm 77:1 I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Getting Perspective


Jake looked around his office, slid his phone from his pocket, and texted his wife: “I got it!” While others at Jake’s company were being laid off, he was getting a promotion. “Let’s meet at …” he texted again, naming a nice restaurant. Jake was thrilled about the promotion and wanted to celebrate. Later, on his way to meet his wife, he rehearsed in his mind the actions he’d taken to get the promotion. As the two enjoyed their meal, he repeated to her what he’d rehearsed to himself. Yes, Jake was quite pleased with himself. He felt life was good, and he was finally on his way!

What is unbiblical about Jake’s thinking?

If you were Jake’s wife, what Scripture and biblical principles would you use to help him to think biblically?

How could you pray for your husband in this situation?

Always Pray and Do Not Lose Heart

We begin studying Luke 18:1-8 today, often referred to as the parable of the Persistent Widow but in reality the focus of this story is prayer and the nature of God. This parable often gets misinterpreted, by emphasizing the widow’s persistence (hence the title). However, the point of the parable is that God is not like an unjust judge and you do not have to plead and beg to get him to listen to you. The parable shows a widow, the least powerful, least influential person in society pitted against one of the most powerful people of society. In the eyes of God, her prayers are as valid as any others. There is no distinction – no value judgment. She has every right to plead her case before God and God will hear that prayer. Why did Jesus tell this parable? So that we might ALWAYS PRAY and not lose heart/hope. That God is just! He hears and answers prayer.

What about me?

Today we sought to apply the principles we studied in Luke 15:1-8. Jesus’ respect for women as persons of dignity and worth and his inclusion of them as disciples and proclaimers in his life and ministry was very significant in its own first-century context for women and their place and activity in ministry in the earliest churches and is important. So what about me? Do I know how it feels to lose something and be desperate to find it, to put everything aside to find it, do nothing else until it is found? Have I experienced the utter joy and relief when someone I love and have prayed for comes to Christ and their life changes? Do I currently seek sinners like God seeks sinners? Nothing else really matters. What gives me joy??? Salvation of souls? If so what do I DO to participate with God?

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Never Lose Hope


Harriet has been friends with Paula since they were in high school. They married and moved into homes on the same street now 20 years ago. Harriet and her husband are saved and have faithfully attended the same church for 20 years. Her friend Paula has come off and on, but hasn’t yet made her decision to follow Christ. Harriet finds out that Paula and her husband have started showing interest in the Mormon church in town. Harriet is appalled that her friend would even consider joining a cult. As a result, she has started distancing herself Paula. She doesn’t get together with her anymore, and has stopped responding to her phone calls and e-mails. She has written Paula off as a lost cause and doesn’t see any hope for her to be saved anymore.

What could you say to Harriet to help her to think and respond rightly to her friend?

What can Harriet do to rescue her friend who has turned her back on God?

Jesus Seeks Sinners

We begin a study on the woman who lost a coin in her home in Luke 15:8-10. The stronger the opposition of scribes and Pharisees to Jesus became, the more the poor and oppressed felt drawn to Him. He did not repel them, as the Pharisees did, but ate and drank with them. Publicans and sinners gathered to His teaching, and He associated with them. The complaining by the religious was great: “This man receives sinners, and eats with them.” The defense of Jesus was in parables, and the Pharisees’ reproach may be thanked for three of the most beautiful parables Jesus ever spoke — the Lost Sheep (compare Mt 18:12-14), the Lost Piece of Silver, and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). Why does the shepherd rejoice more over the one lost sheep brought back than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray? Why does the woman rejoice more over the recovery of her lost drachma than over all the coins safe in her keeping? Why does the father rejoice more over the prodigal son come back in rags and penitence from the far country than over the obedient but austere brother that had never left the home? The stories were gateways into the inmost heart of God. There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninetynine just persons that need no repentance (Lk 15:7) Jesus told parable stories to teach. What was Jesus' point with this story? The main point is this: God, who has his dwelling in the presence of the angels, seeks sinners, and rejoices over even one of them who repents or is converted.

"I Legally Can't Do It"

Luke 13:10-17

As we have been discussing the events in Luke surrounding the healing of the crippled woman, will you consider if there have been "laws" (church, home, workplace) that have kept you from showing compassion to others? 

We give some examples on the program today, but take some time to consider if you ever withhold compassion because you "legally can't do it."  Remember, showing God's love and concern for others is never wrong. Acts of kindness and compassion show others God's love and it is always right to show compassion....even with it might go against the "law" of the church, home or workplace. Take some time to consider today how you can be more compassionate to others in your sphere of influence.

Running Scared: fear, worry, and the God of rest

Running Scared: fear, worry, and the God of rest

Edward T. Welch

Product Details

1. Paperback: 317 pages

1. Publisher: New Growth Press

Point: Welch takes an in-depth look at fear, worry, and anxiety in his book. God is bigger than our fears, and we can trust in Him.

Path: Welch has written this in the form of meditations. He recommends reading one chapter a day and talking with someone about the chapter before moving on to the next one.

Welch shows that all people fear. It is something that we do not have to learn. We fear and worry about things which we value and cherish. Through a discussion of manna in the Old Testament and many passages about fearing in the New Testament, Welch shows the root of fear and how that can be dealt with in our lives.

Agreement: I enjoyed many of the thoughtful chapters on fear itself. One of his main points is: “We are fearful when something we value is in jeopardy” (page 80). This is apparent in all of our lives.

Disagreement: I agree with the majority of what Welch says, but there are just a few times where the reader may become confused if they do not know from where Welch is coming. For example, Welch states on page 47, “After you listen to your own heart, listen to God.” If taken out of context at all, one might think that Welch is condoning listening to our own hearts before we listen to God. I believe he is actually pointing out that we check our hearts to see if we are living in fear, and then we need to listen to what God’s Word has to say about that fear.

Stars: 4.5 out of 5

It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Embracing God's Forgiveness

A woman in church committed a visible sin and now feels that others judge her for that sin. She goes to church and sees others whispering and glancing her way, her friends don't really call her like they used to, and even her Sunday School teacher seems to struggle to treat her lovingly. This woman has asked for forgiveness from those who she wronged and has confessed in front of the church. She has been forgiven by God.


What should her response be to those who are not treating her in a loving manner? Is her state of being forgiven based upon what others think of her?

The Healing of the Crippled Woman

Luke 13:10-17
As we move farther into the Gospel of Luke we encounter Christ on the Sabbath and the healing of a crippled woman. It is significant that Christ not only healed her on the Sabbath, but also that he healed a woman "whom Satan bound for eighteen years" (vs. 16).

The Sabbath to the Jewish people was a central part of their life. Religious leaders over time set up boundaries and "laws" that were not Scriptural, but were meant to keep the people from breaking the true meaning of the Sabbath.  To the religious leaders, a woman's physical need would not be worth breaking the Sabbath. To Christ, He wasn't breaking the Sabbath but upholding the true meaning of the Sabbath.  Jesus Himself says in Matthew 12:12 that "it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Christ risked condemnation by the religious leaders as He ministered to this woman.

The study continues tomorrow....so stay tuned!

Mary & Martha

Luke 10:38-42
We now arrive at Mary and Martha's home and only get to find out part of the story. Luke records only what is necessary for us to know. But oh, don't you just wonder sometimes how it all played out? :) I know, I do. However, that should not distract us from searching for the lesson God wants us to learn from these few verses. We find that Christ was in the home of Mary and Martha. "Martha was distracted with much serving" (vs.40), while Mary "sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching" (vs. 39).

Much has been written about Mary and Martha and what we would like to challenge you with today is to not determine if you are like Mary or Martha, but if you are taking opportunities to spend time with Christ.  This event reminds us of priorities. Mary had her priorities in order....sit at the Lord's feet. Martha missed out on that opportunity by being distracted with serving. Have you ever missed out on an opportunity to spend time with the Lord because you were distracted with concerns of your home? There ought to be a balance of spending time with the Lord and serving your family. 

Take the opportunities to be in His Word and prioritize for that time.

• Is the baby sleeping? Read God's Word and pray! And then take your nap too!
• Are your children away at school and husband working? Start your morning off in the Word to arm yourself for the day, and then pray as you work in your home. 
• Are you on your lunch break?  Read a favorite Psalm and spend a few moments in prayer asking for strength and grace to glorify Him at work.
• Are you traveling? Pray along the way and as long as your not driving, read the Word too! If you are on a plane, open your Bible and read; pray for an opportunity to share Christ with the one who sits next to you.
• Is your husband out of town for the weekend? Don't just fill up your Saturday with "me" time, start your day by spending some more time with your Heavenly Father in the Word and prayer. Make it "God's time" and seek how you can serve others.

These are just a few examples how we can make Christ the priority even in the midst of our responsibilities.
We pray for you and trust that God's Word will work in your heart as you strive to glorify Him.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Leading Others to Christ's Forgiveness

A woman you know comes to you struggling with depression. She finally admits that she committed certain sexual sins int he past. She was not a believer at the time and she has since been saved and forgiven for those sins, but she still struggles with the weight of condemnation. The memories of those sins come back to her and she feels burdened by them...like she just can't ever be fully forgiven.

How could you help this woman realize that she is no longer under condemnation and does not have to bear that weight in her life?

Jairus' Daughter and the Ill Woman

Feel free to join us for the next few days as we will be discussing Luke 8:40-56. We see in this passage Christ's work in the lives of two women. In very different situations in life, Christ had compassion on them both.

It is interesting to see how the people involved approached Jesus for help. How do we approach God when we pray?

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Showing Love in Hard Times

A woman in your church is going through a tough time with the loss of a loved one. She does not seem to think that God loves her because of this tragedy in her life. She is unsure of her financial stability and does not know how she can continue.

How could you show her compassion?

In what ways could you practically and physically help her?

Supporters of Jesus

A group of women that supported Jesus can be found in Luke 8:1-3. After a discussion of some of the ways that they may have supported Jesus Christ, we ought to ask ourselves this question:

"In what ways do women sacrificially support God’s work today through our churches and communities?"

What are ways that we as women might support God's work?

A New Team Member

Welcome to our newest member of Women in the Word: Katlyn! We hope that you will be able to tune in for the next couple of days as Katlyn shares her testimony of salvation and also how God is working in her life now.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Arrogance

You love your church. You love the people in your church. You have been faithfully attending this church for many years. You are an older woman in this church and have come to accept some of the changes in music style that have come over the years, and love that your pastor preaches and stays true to the Word. You like the comfort you feel about the Word, worship and people you fellowship with each week. One Sunday, a rugged man comes into the service and sits just two rows behind you. You can’t help but notice the smell coming from the man. He looks homeless and after the service you over hear him asking the pastor for money and food while explaining his so-called crisis. Your attitude toward him is negative and you wish he wouldn’t take advantage of the church and just leave.

What is sinful about this woman’s response? How might she show God’s love and grace to someone in need?

Love & Forgiveness: A Lesson from Christ

As we continue to study about the sinful woman that Christ forgives in Luke 7,  we ask today if there are ways that the church makes a judgement on a person or situation unfairly? Have you ever thought about if YOU have judged someone unfairly without knowing the facts and without remembering the person's need of Christ's love and forgiveness?  This passage shows us that Christ's love and forgiveness is freely given to any who come to Him.  It is not reserved for the elite, for the rich, for the most moral. It is given without strings attached to those who are in the most despicable sins, who are unlovely, and seem to be most unworthy.  We are challenged and convicted to love and forgive as Christ loved and forgave. How can you show Christ's love and forgiveness THIS WEEK?

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Motives of the Heart


The wife thinks, “I would love to buy that new dress. It would look so nice and I haven’t had a new one in such a long time. I know it is pretty expensive and we probably don’t have the money to pay for it right now, but….I bet I could talk my husband into it with a little sweet talking!” So she proceeds to hatch her plan of wooing her husband….flirting, making his favorite meals, going the extra mile for him, even buying him little gifts. Then she pops the question about the dress….

What is sinful about this wife’s thinking and what should she “put on” instead?

The Sinful Woman

In Luke 7:36, Luke records the scenario of a sinful woman who came to visit Christ while He was visiting in a Pharisee's home. The Pharisee labels the woman as a sinner and thought it obsurd that Christ would allow her to touch his feet. Labels----do they matter? Is it right to label others?  We often quickly recognize sin in other's lives, but do we do what is necessary to show them Christ and His love and forgiveness? Or do we condemn them while ignoring their need for salvation?

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Obedience to the Law



You’re on a family vacation visiting a historical place. You park, and as you lock your car, a couple walks up to you and hands you their wrist bands from their visit. “We are leaving,” they say, “take our wrist bands and use them to get in. They’ll never know anyway.” Not sure what to say, your husband takes them and says “thank you.” As you walk towards the visitor’s center you read on the wrist band “not transferrable between individuals.” Your husband asks you, “What do you think we should do?”

So…what response would bring God glory? Why?

The Gift of Life

As the mother in Luke 7:11-17 witnesses this wonderful miracle by Christ, she no doubt would have had a surge of emotions. As mothers, we rejoice and grieve over many things in our children’s life. Certainly the death of her only son would have caused her much sorrow. Think of the extreme emotion she felt from her sorrow to joy!  As you picture in your mind what it might have been like for this mother to receive her son back to life from Christ, also picture the eternal life you have been given through Christ’s death.  What a gift!

From Sadness to Joy

In Luke 7:11-17 we read of an encounter Jesus has with another woman who was mourning over the death of her only son. She was a widow as well. Scripture says that our Lord had compassion on her and raised this son back to life. We study today about the place of the widow in this society and her means of support.  Why would Christ show compassion on her?  Why this particular widow when there were others around? We will spend some time studying this event and would love to hear what you are learning as you study along with us!

Real Life ~ Real Answers

The Heart Revealed


A husband is working on the bills and goes to his wife saying that they will need to cut some expenses to get some extra bills paid off. He gives several ways to decrease what is spent each month so that there will be money to pay off loans and medical bills over this next year. The wife’s immediate response is to say, “that’s just not possible!” and she explains why she can’t do what he is asking her to do. He reminds his wife that he has been led by God to make this change in finances and he is making these tough decisions for the good of the family and obedience to God.

What does the wife’s response to her husband reveal about her heart?
What does it reveal about her attitude of submission and trust in God?

What would a godly response look like?

The Healing of Simon’s Mother-in-Law

As we look at this event in Luke 4: 38-39, we find that Christ is in Simon’s home. It also happens to be that Simon’s mother-in-law has a fever. The family appeals to Christ for this woman and Christ healed her of her illness. The response of Simon’s mother-in-law is intriguing. Scripture says “and immediately she rose and began to serve them.” Wow! What can we learn from her response to this God-ordained situation?  We can certainly see the emphasis that God’s grace is to be followed by gratitude and service.  Her thankfulness to the Lord was shown in her response of service to Him AND to the others.

Personal Suffering for God's Glory

As we have been studying through the widow of Zaraphath and Naaman's servant girl, how can you see that the sufferings in these stories have glorified God? In what ways does our personal suffering today give glory to God?  So often we don't like suffering. It is inconvenient. It is costly. It is never planned. It is sorrowful. But as we think of the wonderful truth present in Romans 8:28-29, we see that suffering IS good and it is for God's glory. The minute we think, "I don't deserve this," we are really thinking that "I know what's best for me" instead of resting in the fact that God knows what is best for me.  Pray that God would help you thank Him for ALL He does in your life.

The Organized Heart by Staci Eastin

Product Details

1. Kindle Ebook

1. Publisher: Cruciform Press

1. Date of reading: January 10, 2012

Point: Eastin says, “My hope for this book is that it will help you serve God and your family more effectively, more fruitfully, and with greater peace and joy.”

Path: The author delves into the reasons behind the disorganized lives we sometimes live. Showing how the sinfulness of our heart often is the reason that we are not organized, she covers four main idols of the heart: perfectionism, busyness, possessions, and leisure.

Sources: She refers to several other books such as Lou Priolo’s Pleasing People, Carol Cornish and Elyse Fitzpatrick’s Women Helping Women, and Jeremiah Buroughs’ Contentment.

Agreement: This was a wonderful look at organization. Eastin brings out many reasons why we do not live organized lives, and also many reasons that the “organized” lives that we live may not be pleasing to God. Are we fearing what man may think of us if we are not organized and seemingly put-together, or are we striving to honor God?

Personal App: This was a great and refreshing way to view organization. In a culture where organization is sort of the “in” thing to do, it was a blessing to be able to look at why it is important to be organized. It makes me double-check my life and see if I am trying to be organized for the right reasons!

One of my favorite quotes was this: “God is not glorified in the amount of things we get done, the number of spaces we fill on our calendars, or the length of our to-do lists. God is pleased when we serve him with sincere hearts.”

Stars: 4.5 out of 5

It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

God's Grace

In Luke 4:34-27 we find that Christ has traveled to his hometown and is now in the synagogue. It was customary in synagogues to ask visiting rabbis to read the Scripture lesson and make comments regarding the passage. At this point, Jesus had been ministering for about a year.  He was handed the book of Isaiah and read from chapter 61.  He proclaims that Scripture has been fulfilled in Luke 4:21.  However, they failed to recognized that Jesus was the Messiah. It is at this point that Jesus uses two examples in the Old Testament to show God's grace on the Gentiles. These two examples are the Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17) and Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-15). These examples were given to show that God would show grace to the Gentile people.  All in the synagogue were angered at Christ's words. They even sought to kill Him!

How do you view God's grace as it relates to terrorists, homosexuals, sex offenders, murderers and the like? How do you react when someone visits your church and is homeless, rough looking or just doesn't fit in? Do you see them as individuals who need God's grace and compassion or do you stay as far away from them as possible? Do you pray for those who need this grace in your family and town? Sometimes our attitudes are not much different than those in the synagogue that day that Christ spoke. We really do not think that the wicked deserve such grace...well, neither did we. Ephesians 2:8-9

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Response to Blessings

Your mother calls you to give you an update on her health from her recent doctor visit. You have been anxiously waiting for the news from recent tests your mother had and have fought worrying over the outcome by choosing to trust and accept God's plan for her life. Your mother explains that her symptoms have gone away and all the test results have come back normal! You are speechless. Just 2 months ago, the doctor couldn't figure out why your mother was so ill and now she has a clean bill of health!

What might you say and do with your mother to praise God for this blessing?

The Manipulating Woman, cont...

As we finish studying the ungodly example of Herodias in the book of Luke, we want to take this time to ask how we as women handle the temptation to manipulate situations?  As sinners we all are tempted to get our way by begging, nagging, whining, crying or fighting. James 4:1-3 tells us that fights and quarrels come when we do not get our way. So really we try to "manipulate" the situation when we respond by complaining.  As a woman, do you ever use sensuality to gain what you might desire. Do you wives use intimacy with your husband as a bargaining tool?

As you consider how to fight the temptation to manipulate a situation that does not go your way, consider that decisions made are the will of God. A godly woman will strive after God's will for her life. Take a look at these examples:

• A teenage girl - can accept her parents decisions as she sees that God is using it for her "good." Romans 8:28-29
• A woman in the workplace - can accept not receiving a job promotion as a revelation of God's will for her and continue to seek wisdom from God. James 1:5
• A woman who desires to be married -  can have peace and trust in God for His plan for her life and will find her contentment and joy in Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
• A wife who desires to have children - can know that God is in control. Example of Rachel in Genesis 30:1-22.
• An older woman - can be at peace with her body as she ages know that her spiritual life is growing and she can share what she has learned with other women. Titus 2:3-5, 2 Corinthians 4:16

The Manipulating Woman

As we move on in our study women mentioned in the book of Luke, we find in Luke 3:19-20 that Herodias, the wife of Herod is mentioned. Luke doesn't expand on the situation surrounding Herodias and John the Baptist, but two other Gospels do: Matthew 14:1-12 and Mark 6:16-28. We invite you to take some time read through these two passages about Herodias.  Herodias wanted John the Baptist dead because she did not like the fact that John spoke against her marriage to Herod.  In the next couple of days we will talk about why Herod did eventually kill John and the part that Herodias and her daughter played in her death. We see from Herodias an example of how manipulation to get one's way costs dearly....in this case, John the Baptist's life.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

The Cost of Obedience

Your unsaved husband tells you he's been invited to go out for the day to enjoy a favorite hobby with some friends. He tells you he is calling into work sick so he doesn't have to use a vacation day. You find out that he's supposed to be in a meeting that day and he tells you to lie for him if his boss calls wondering where he is.

What should your response be to your husband?

Anna

In Luke 2:36-38, we meet Anna, a prophetess in the temple. As we read through these few verses and her encounter with Christ, we find much about her that we can learn from. In particular, we are drawn to her faithfulness to Christ in the midst of her difficult circumstances. Although we aren't given all the details of her life, we do know that she suffered the loss of her husband and was faithful to worship God through the many years following this loss in her singleness. What a testimony of how God used her and can also use us as we stive to walk by faith. There is much more we will share, so please listen and let us know what you learn from Anna as you read through this passage.

~ Merry Christmas ~

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We pray that you would be ever more thankful for the gift of salvation and share that gift with others now and throughout the year.

Romans 8:32 - "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"

Thank you for your prayers and encouraging words throughout the year.

We pray that the Lord would bless you as you study His Word.

Because of Christ,

Women in the Word

~ Katlyn, Pam, Jackie, Crystal, Lydia, Gloria Sperry,

Rebecca, Gloria Ormiston, Meredith & Sarah ~

Real Life ~ Real Answers

God's Amazing Grace "I don't know how you do it!" your unsaved neighbor tells you. She is amazed at all things you do - homeschooling 3 children, staying at home while your husband works all day, going to church twice on Sunday and once in the middle of the week, and doing housework. Your neighbor thinks you are "super-mom" and wishes she could stay half as organized with her duties. How can you use this conversation to point towards God's grace, especially as it relates to salvation?

A New Team Member

Today we'd like to introduce to you a new member of our Women in the Word team. Lydia Pilch will join us and help us share truth from God's Word and how to apply it to women's lives. We hope you'll be able to tune in for the next several days as she shares her testimony with us and how God is using her and how she is growing her in her walk with the Lord. If you missed a broadcast, remember you can access past audio archives by following the archive link on the right side of our blog. Thanks for listening!

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Fear of Man Women often care more about what other people think rather than what God thinks. Women place pressure on themselves to "fit in," whether it is going away to college, starting a new job, or joining a new church. This fear of man often drives us to be afraid to act out our faith. What is the right way to respond when the "fear of man" comes upon you?

What Did You Expect?: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage

By Paul David Tripp

Point: This book is “a detailed description of the daily work of love that must be done with commitment and joy when a flawed person is married to a flawed person and they are living together in a fallen world.” (Page 282)

Path: Throughout his book, Tripp presents six different commitments that spouses must make in order to have a God-honoring marriage. He brings in these aspects: confession and forgiveness, changing our daily agendas, building bonds of trust, building relationship of love, dealing with differences with appreciation and grace, and working to protect our marriage.

Agreement: I thought that this book was a very solidly founded on biblical principles for marriage. Marriage books frequently focus solely on romance, but Tripp brings out the fact that everything in life (including marriage) is based on worship. Who am I worshipping, myself or God? He is by no means against romance, but he says that romance is the fruit and not the root of a good marriage.

Disagreement: I did not find principles in this book that I would classify as unbiblical, but I do think that it would have been helpful to have a few more verses accompanying the principles that were listed. Be prepared to read several of the same stories/illustrations a couple of times throughout the book as well.

It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

Mary's Character

As we continue to study how God used Mary in His plan, we will take a look at some other passages in Luke that record events in Mary's life. Our desire is to look at these events and see what we can learn about Mary's character through what is recorded. How did she respond? What can we learn about obedience, faithfulness, trust?

1. Luke 2:1-7
2. Luke 2:16-20
3. Luke 2:22-35, 39
4. Luke 2:41-51
5. Luke 8:19-21

We will continue our study of Mary when we arrive at the end of the book of Luke when she is recorded during the events of our Lord's death, burial and resurrection.

Women in the Word at work...

On Saturday, December 10th, our the ladies of the Women in the Word team met together. What a blessed time we had together renewing our focus for the program and learning how we can each use our gifts in this ministry. We thank the Lord for what He has done through the Women in the Word program and how He has shaped each of our own lives.  Here's a few pictures from our meeting.

Sitting around the table with our laptops and phones!
Gloria Ormiston, Jackie Hale, Katlyn Browning and Crystal Grotzke

Katlyn Browning, Crystal Grotzke, Gloria Sperry,
Pam Ormiston, Meredith Henderson, Lydia Pilch

Meredith Henderson, Sarah Stephens

Real Life ~ Real Answers

A Humble Heart You have just been promoted in your job and have been given a raise. This came as a surprise to you as you did not see it coming! God has given you talents to succeed in your business and He seems to be blessing you with this promotion. The praise and attention come from your boss on and co-workers and soon you start to look for this praise on a daily basis. What biblical truths can you meditate on to keep a humble heart? How can you publicly give glory to God in your job?

Outpouring of Praise

If you haven't read through Luke 1:46-55 yet, may we encourage you to take the time to reflect and mediate on these wonderful verses? In these verses we find that Mary is praising God from a humble heart. The context here is that she has just arrived at Elizabeth's home after her visit from the angel Gabriel. She goes with "haste" to Elizabeth and upon greeting Elizabeth, Mary is blessed by Elizabeth for her faithful obedience and trust in God's word. Mary's heart praises the Lord for His work in her life. Mary reflects on what God did for her personally, what God does for His children and what God does for Israel. After all these magnificent events, she chooses to turn back and praise God for who He is and what He is doing in her life. What a marvelous example of humility. How are you praising God? Do you praise Him from a humble heart? Do you give Him thanks for all that He brings to your life? When was the last time you took "inventory" of the many blessings He has given you? Don't delay, praise God today for who He is and what He has done for you!

Blessings of Obedience

As we study Mary's life, we can see how the Lord gave her much grace to be able to bear and raise Christ. We talk today about the blessings of obedience in her life. She was given grace to endure hardship from the community and even initial rejection by Joseph. She was able to make the long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to give birth to Christ in a stable. Think through how the Lord has blessed you in your obedience to Him and then praise God for His grace to help you obey and for the blessing you received.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Encouraging the Younger Your nine year old daughter comes home from school one day and tells you that some of her friends aren't being nice to the new girl in class. They make fun of her and don't include her in play. Your daughter wants to show kindness to the new girl, and is concerned about the way the other girls are treating the new girl. How can you encourage your daughter to be kind ad do what is right?

The Cost of Obedience

As we discuss more about the life of Mary, Christ's mother, we see that there was a cost to her obedience to God. When she returned home from visiting Elizabeth, we know there was much scorn given to her because she was pregnant. Even Joseph was going to divorce her (Matthew 1:19). In future chapters, we find that Mary traveled while very pregnant a long journey to Bethlehem to be obedient and follow Joseph. She delivered Christ among animals. She gave up her own dreams of her future life with Joseph and humbly submitted to God's plan for her. To many, the cost of obedience to God's will is not appealing. Sometimes obeying God's will means up giving up your dreams and goals for your life. Sometimes the cost of obedience means that you will receive ridicule from friends or family for doing what is right. As we reflect on Mary's obedience to God, let it encourage us to be obedient to God, no matter the cost!

Mary

In Luke 1 we encounter Mary for the first time in verse 27. We learn much about Mary from studying Luke and other parts of Scripture. We learn that she is engaged to be married to Joseph, a carpenter, and that they were both poor. It is likely that Mary was a teenager when the angel Gabriel visited her, since Jewish girls married young. We find that she has been given grace to carry out the responsibility of bearing and raising Jesus Christ. The angel's greeting to her literally means, "Grace, you who are highly graced!" Although she was a godly woman, it was God's grace that made her God's choice. Some religions in our society elevate Mary as a woman who is worshipped, yet we can see in Scripture that God in His plan chose Mary to carry out her plan. She was an ordinary young girl who was seeking to follow God's plan for her life. May that be said even of us today. Are you carrying out your role as a woman? As a wife? As a daughter? As a mother? As a grandmother? As a Titus 2 woman? Mary was willing to be used by God in whatever way He desired. Her response in Luke 1:38 shows us a picture of her servant's heart. Read this portion of Scripture and pray that God would give you a humble, servant's heart so that you may be used of Him.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Encouraging One Another "No one listens to me anyway," says the elderly woman to you. She goes on to say how she doesn't feel comfortable coming to Bible study because the younger ladies don't carry on a conversation with her on Sunday at church. "I want to encourage and share with them, but I just can't. What should I do?" What would you say to this older woman? What would you say to the younger ladies to encourage them to get to know older women?

Being Used by God, No Matter Your Age

Elizabeth was used by God even in her old age. She lived a life full of obedience and reverence for the Lord and his statutes (see Luke 1:6) and was blameless! We encounter Elizabeth for the first time when she is older, past child-bearing years. We find out how marvelously God used her for His plan in the birth of John the Baptist. During this time of pregnancy we meet Mary. Mary too had a very special part of God's plan, even though she was young (we will talk more about Mary in the future). Mary visited Elizabeth and in their time together we find much joy, mentoring, rejoicing in God's goodness and fellowship between these women. And as reflect on these women, we find that just as God used these women, so He can use us today. His plan for us is very different from His plan for Elizabeth and Mary, but even still, He can use us marvelously for His glory. Do you see your age as a limitation for how God can use you? Let us challenge you to strive to obediently serve God, no matter your age. God can and will use you to accomplish His will, no matter your age.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Accepting God's Plan "But this wasn't my plan!" you tell your husband after he explains to you that his job is transferring him out of state. You hesitate trusting that this is God's will. You think to yourself how much you enjoy your church and are excited to finally connect with one of the young women to have a Bible study with her. You want to say "no" to your husband and even consider asking him to look for another job so you can stay put. If you were to "counsel" yourself, what should you say to help you think rightly? What biblical truths woud help steer you in the right direction?

A New Team Member

In the next few days we are going to spend some time introducing you to Gloria Sperry, our new team member with Women In the Word. We are thankful for each lady that God brings our way to help us in our goal of encouraging women in God's Word. Gloria is the sister of Pam Ormiston and we are delighted to get to know her more by talking with her about how God brought her to know Him, and how she is currently being used by God to glorify Him! We hope you enjoy getting to know her too and we look forward to the times when she'll be able to join us on the broadcasts of Women In the Word.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Infertility From the Journal of Biblical Counseling, "The Bible and and the Pain of Infertility" by Kimberly Monroe and Philip Monroe "Dealing with infertility is hard. Your God given desire to have children is thwarted. As you grow up, people say to you, 'When you get married and have your kids...' Everyone assumes fertility. In one study, 63% of women who experience both infertility and divorce rated their infertility as more painful than their divorce...On in six struggles with infertility. In your church, in your workplace, in your circle of friends, couples struggle with infertility. These couples need your support and care." How can we support and encourage women who are currently not able to have children?

Common Joy

In Luke 1 we read of both Elizabeth and Mary. It doesn't take long to notice the common experiences they shared. We also see the joy they share in their precious blessings! How wonderful to reflect together that God was using them as part of His wonderful plan to provide the Savior to the world. We believe there was much mentorship by Elizabeth to Mary during the approximate three months they were together. We will spend some time talking more about this in our future broadcasts. For now, we can see how these women rejoiced together because of the goodness of God. When was the last time that you rejoiced with another woman because of what God has done for you? Let me challenge you today to not only rejoice in your heart for how God is working in your life, but call someone else up and share your joy with her. You might find that she'll also share how God is working in her and then you'll have the opportunity to rejoice together!

Elizabeth's Role

Elizabeth’s role in the plan of God was spectacular! God’s plan for her unfolded just as He wanted. She would be barren in order to make John’s birth only of God. There was no need to convince anyone that it was God who chose Elizabeth to give birth to John. Elizabeth was used by God in that she was the mother of John. Her role in this relationship was to raise John to be a faithful and God-serving man. Her life of faithfulness and obedience would have been passed down to him. She was to lead by example to her son. As the older cousin of Mary, we see that Elizabeth’s role was to be an example and encouragement to Mary who was just a young teenage girl herself. Elizabeth had spent a life serving God and doing His will, so she could have easily shared the blessings of obedience. She had been married a long time to Zechariah and could have easily shared how to honor God in Mary’s future marriage to Joseph. Elizabeth also had faced reproach from her community for being barren and would have been able to encourage Mary regarding the reproach she would soon face as the people would not have understood God’s plan. How is God using you in His plan? Do you see your role as mother, daughter, grandmother, older woman as a way to encourage other women? In what ways are you seeking to honor God in His will for your life?

Real Life ~ Real Answers

As the Lord allows, we desire to take each Friday and share with you a new segment called “Real Life ~ Real Answers.” Our desire is to give answers from God’s Word about real life situations women face. We hope this time will be an encouragement and challenge to you as you live your life to honor and serve our Savior. Today we give this scenario: Your teenage daughter professes faith in Christ, yet her attitude towards school is rotten. Her grades are dropping and it seems like she focuses her attention on her friends and having fun. How might you encourage her to be a good testimony of God and His truth? You know, no one knows the heart. And while we can see the “fruit” of our daughter’s life, we still cannot say for certain what is going on with her heart. The challenge in this scenario is that we have to realize that we cannot sit her down and “change” her. God must do the changing and we must pray that if she truly is saved that God will get a hold of her heart to change her. How are you doing at showing love to her? Are you using 1 Corinthians 13 as your guide to show love? Are you patient in your responses and kind in your instruction? Are you yourself being an example of living a life of honor to God? (Ephesians 4:1). Are you listening to your daughter when she speaks to you (Proverbs 18:13)? Are you seeking to find out if she is struggling to understand her Math class? Have you taken time out to get to know your daughter, her interests, and her friends? There is no magic formula, there is no 3 step program to have the perfect daughter; but there is God’s Word! We hope that these thoughts will encourage you in your life situation. If you have a problem or concern that you’d like to hear us address on the program, please let us know. You can leave a reply here, on our facebook page, or write the station at: WCTS Radio, Attn: Women in the Word, 900 Forestview Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55441. Scenarios for future Real Life ~ Real Answers segments are located under the "study notes" section on the right of our blog.