Titus 2 and beyond...

We have personally enjoyed listening to the re-broadcasts of Titus 2. It has been 3 years now since we originally recorded them. Our team of Women in the Word ladies began with Pam, Rebecca and Sarah; now we are expanding our team to 9 ladies for 2012. It has been an answer to our prayer to watch how the Lord is using this program in the lives of many women. Our prayer is that we would continue to encourage and challenge women with the truth of God's Word for as long as He would have us through this broadcast. Thank you so much for listening and letting us know how God's Word is changing your life.

Sharathon 2011

Thank you for listening to WCTS and for tuning into our program "Women in the Word." It is a privilege to study God's Word and share what we have learned with you. We are so thankful for many who volunteer their time to help make Women in the Word possible. We are asking that during the week of September 19-23, 2011, you would prayerfully consider making a financial donation to WCTS during Sharathon. Your gift goes a long way to help support their ministry and ours as well. You can call the station directly at 763-417-8270 or 1-866-766-8556. Thank you!

Titus 2:1-5

For the next 6-7 weeks, we will re-play the Titus 2:1-5 sessions which originally aired from January to March 2009. Study notes are available for this study and are listed under the "Study Notes" section on the right of this blog. You are free to print these notes and study along with us. If you have any questions or wish to make any comments, you can do so here. As a reminder, you can find us on Facebook as "Women in the Word." "Like" us there and you can post comments or ask questions there as well. Thank you for listening and studying God's Word with us. It truly is a privilege to share with you!

Ending Ecclesiastes

As we end Ecclesiastes today, we want to ask you what you learned as you studied through this book with us. We share some things today that we have learned, what about you? Was there one or two things that really stuck with you? How can you use this book to encourage other believers?

Teaching our children to remember....

Ecclesiastes 12 begins with this admonition, "Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth." How do we teach our children, grandchildren and other young people the important truth of remembering? Many times in Scripture, God says "remember." One instance is in Genesis 9:15-16. After the flood, God told Noah and his sons to remember the covenant He made with them. The bow was that was set in the sky is the sign of remembrance. God desires us to remember His truths. By teaching our children and young ones of the truths in God's Word, we can be obedient to His command to remember. What are you currently doing to teach those younger than you to remember God's truth?

Hope in God

As we begin our study in Ecclesiastes 11 we see that merchants and farmers must trust God for their livelihood in the midst of uncertain profit of investments. As the farmer does not know if his crops will yield food, so we do not know how God has ordained the future. As women, how can Christians grow in their faith? Matthew 6:32-34 reminds us to not be concerned about our future food or clothes as our Heavenly Father knows that we are in need of these things. The challenge is to not be anxious or concerned about these things. As we learn to trust God in the areas of our most basic needs, our faith can and will grow as we see God's hand provide for us. So how about you? What events in your life can you look back to see how God has provided for you. May I challenge you to write these times down and remember God's provision for you. I guarantee that this will be an encouragement to you as you wait for the Lord to provide for your needs in the future.

Responding to the Foolish

How are believers to respond to foolish rulers? Isn't it true that we often don't agree with those who are in authority - whether it be our parents, our country's leaders, our teachers or our pastor. But.....just because we don't agree with those in authority doesn't make them foolish. What does make one foolish? Foolishness is not based on what we think is best, rather it is based on God's Word. After seeking wisdom (James 1:5) about if a leader is foolish, praying for that leader is the best way to respond. After seeking God’s will and direction, talk with the authority about your concerns. Take caution to be kind and gracious with your words. Finally, trust that God can make foolish decisions be used for good (remember Joseph?).

Foolish Talkers

Have you ever thought about how powerful your words are? Solomon takes time in Ecclesiastes 10:12-14 to share the difference between foolish words and wise words. When a wise man speaks, the effect is positive; a fool's words leads to destruction. What are your words like? Do they build up another, or do they tear down? Are they filled with kindness (Prov. 31:26) or anger? James has much to say about the tongue and how powerful it is for being such a small member of our body. Take time to evaluate your words and perhaps ask another to keep you accountable and give you feedback about how you are using your words.

Foolisness

Solomon gives examples of four foolish men in Ecclesiastes 10:4-7. Of course, these foolish characteristics can and do apply to women as well. So pay close attention as we spend the next several sessions taking some time to discuss how men (and women) are foolish. The four men described are: Rulers, Workers, Talkers and Officers. As we go through this study, ask the Lord to reveal to you any foolish tendencies YOU have and then seek God's forgiveness and ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5).

Using Wisdom

Ecclesiastes is full of the importance of wisdom. Today we ask how Christian women can use wisdom in their home. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (wisdom); fools despise wisdom and instruction. To be wise, we must fear the Lord and remember that our main purpose for life on earth is to glorify God (Revelation 4:11). As we keep that as our foundation, we can then understand that using God's word in our home, in every day life is of utmost importance! In her marriage, a wife must use wisdom as she responds rightly to her husband in communication, submission, respect and intimacy. A mother can use wisdom as she raises her children to embrace their gender, modesty, self-control, discipline and obedience. In taking care of her home, the woman can remember that God has called her to be a keeper of the home (Titus 2:5) and she should take care of it in an efficient proper manner. To her parents/grandparents, a woman can honor them when she submits to their wishes (after God and her husband) and caring for them. Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do in word and deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

God's Sovereignty

In Ecclessiastes 9:11-12 we see even more explanation from Solomon about God's sovereignty. While it is generally true that the fastest runners win the race, that the strongest win the battle and that smartest people become rich, it does not always occur. The healthiest person may die suddenly in an accident. What Solomon is trying to share with his readers is that God is in control of our life on earth. No man can plan when he is born, neither can man plan his departure. As women applying this truth to our life, we must hold confidently to God's sovereign plan, not only for our own life, but also for the lives of our family and friends. Our life is in God's hands. This can give us a great amount of comfort and encouragement as we trust in His plan. A woman I know of has a young daughter who almost didn't survive after her birth. Their family went through a difficult time as the Lord worked in their daughter and eventually healed her. Just a few years later, this same family discovered that the husband had cancer and passed away within the year. This woman has been a testimony of God's grace and strength and has acknowledged God's plan for HER life in the midst of these difficult and trying years. She has shown joy and acknowledged her sorrow; but shows the hope she has in God despite her difficult days. What peace we can have through hard times as we trust wholeheartedly in God's sovereign plan in our lives!

Enjoy Life

Ecclesiastes 9 begins with the fact that all mankind will eventually die. The wicked along with the righteous have the same fate. The living are better than the dead in that they still have time to evaluate their life and how they are living, whether for God or self. Verses 7-10 then point out that believers should enjoy their life rather than despair over the fact that death will come. Solomon has written this fact before in chapter 3:13. God has given us good gifts to enjoy, food, family perhaps a spouse. He has also given us "toil" (our responsibility) of working on this earth. All these things can and should be enjoyed. Colossians 3:17 is a good reminder that "whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." How about you? Are you enjoying your life as God has given you? Whether you are a single woman searching God's will, a wife who is keeping her home, a mom caring for her children, an elderly woman in a nursing home, or a woman who is serving God in the church, you can serve God with joy. It is God's gift to you. Tell us, what are some things you are thankful for?

But Why?

Why?????? So often we wonder and ask just why God would allow the righteous to suffer? Our heart is truly to encourage you today where you are at. Maybe you are going through a difficult time right now and are discouraged in your walk with God. Read 1 Peter 2:19-23 and see how God calls us to suffer. We are then given the example of Christ and how He unjustly suffered for OUR sins and did not complain or ask Why? Another aspect to think through is that God has already answered our Why? question of suffering. Here it is: (James 1:3) "the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" and (Romans 5:3) "suffering produces endurance." Wow! Have you ever thought about how that is an answer to the Why? of suffering? Romans 5:3 challenges us to REJOICE in our sufferings. So you may never know all that God is doing when you go through difficult times, but be assured, you can go through trials with joy knowing that God is working in you to grow more like Christ. (Romans 8:28-29). Can we pray for you today? If you wish, comment on this post (you can do so anonymously) and let us know how we can pray for you. We trust God will use these truths to encourage you as you strive to honor Him.

Suffering of the Righteous

Ecclesiastes 8:12-14, reveal to us that the wicked will do evil and seem to prevail and the righteous will do good and suffer. What truth is an encouragement to the righteous during this time? Verse 12 says that "it will be well with those who fear God." Verse 13 says "it will not be well with the wicked...because he does not fear before God." Although on this earth, it may seem that the wicked prevail, the believer can have confidence that in the end, the wicked will be judged. Psalm 37 is a wonderful piece of Scripture that reminds the righteous to trust and commit their way to God despite the wicked's apparent success. What about you? Do you despair over the seeming success of those who do not fear God? Are you content to suffer and have "just enough" while serving God here on earth. Scripture promises that it will be well for those who fear God. Remember Romans 8:28-29? All things will work for our good. Even suffering is a good thing as it is a way that God uses to conform us more to Christ.

Encouraging Our Leaders

As we look at being obedient to the authority of the land in which we live, we also realize that we can be an encouragement to those who hold office and make decisions which affect our lives. Here's some ways that you can be an encouragement to our nation's leaders:

1. Pray for our leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Call, write or email them and ask them how you can pray for them. Pray that they would pass and enforce just laws.
2. During elections, know who you are voting for. Research the candidates and know who will stand for godly principles.
3. In a proper manner, make calls/send emails to your representatives telling them you agree or disagree with an issue and why. Be sure you have prayed and considered the timing of your disagreement (Eccl. 8:6)

Obedience to Authority

Ecclesiastes chapter 8 opens up the topic of discussion on obedience to authority - to leaders and laws of the land. Have you ever thought about various ways that you may struggle with obedience to laws in your country? What about car safety - speed limits, seat belts, car seats for kids or tax laws, business laws, etc...? Do you strive to be obedient to the laws of the land whether you agree with them or not? Romans 13:1-7 is another section of Scripture that gives believers direction obedience to authority: "Let every person be subject to governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God...therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed..." All believers are to place themselves under the authority of the laws of our country. How we react when we disagree with a law is an indication of our heart, whether we are willing to be submissive to God's leading or not. God instituted authority and as we obey human authority, we are obeying and honoring our Heavenly Father. So next time you think about driving a little faster or disregard any other law, remember you are really disobeying God. Think about it and let us know what you think.

A Biblical Response to Hurt

How can we not be offended when others speak wrongly of us? Ecclesiastes 7:21 says, "Do not take to heart all the things that people say..." It is difficult to choose to not be offended when we are spoken wrongly of. Yet, we can make that choice to not let those unkind words offend us. We referred to Martha Peace's book Damsels in Distress, to help us think through this biblically. Here's some thoughts from the book:

• We can show love those those who sin against us.
• Thank God for the test.
• Overcome evil with good
• Give a blessing instead
• Pray for those who mistreat you.
• Give others the benefit of the doubt.
• Do not judge people's motives

We pray that our discussion on this topic would be helpful and encouraging to you as you seek to honor God in all areas of life.

God's Sovereign Plan

How can the fact that God has made both the good and bad times affect the way we view and live our life? Such a good question to consider as we think through the truths of Ecclesiastes 7:13-14. What a peace believers can have as we accept God's sovereign plan for us. Trusting that God has made good days and days of adversity and that He is in control of each day causes us to rejoice, trust, depend on and honor God. We pray that you are recognizing God's hand on each day and event that comes your way.

Honoring God in Prosperity & Adversity

Ecclesisastes 7:13-14 are verses that really prick the heart. " Consider the work of God...In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other..." As we think about the life that God has called us to live, we can be assured that He has has made each day not only so He can be glorified, but that we might grow more like Christ. There are times of prosperity and times of adversity. These verses remind me that God's sovereign hand is upon the good times and bad times in my life. Do I complain at His plan for me or do I rejoice at how He can use me? There are many examples of those who have honored God in prosperous times and in times of difficulty. What do you do? Do you praise and honor the Savior during your prosperous times? Do you rejoice in your suffering knowing that it is for your good? Or are you prone to take the credit for your wealth and complain when life gets hard? Realize that the way you respond to prosperous and adverse times is a reflection of your heart and your walk with God. Get to know God more, be in His Word and when those times come, you will be ready to honor God.

Overcoming Obstacles to Wisdom

We talked about obstacles to wisdom in our last session. Today and tomorrow we will talk about ways to overcome these obstacles. As we run our race, God has given truth in His word to help us be victors and overcomers! That is exciting! I hope you are trusting His word as you seek to daily walk in obedience to Him. What are you currently doing to be victorious in your walk with Christ?