Hey Bible Study friends,
Can you believe it? We are halfway through this study. I pray that you are letting God do a work in you and you are making room for God in your life. I agree with one comment that it is like Kelly is sitting in my house and writing based on what she has observed.
The definition of idolatry on page 81 was an eye opener. It's taking a good thing and making it an ultimate thing. The phrase that it is attached to everything really made me think. Is God my ultimate thing? Sadly there are times that my words say yes but my thoughts, actions and preoccupations say no. I so don't want to be like Rachel "grasping for gods near the end of her life."
Here's some discussion items for this week. Can't wait to hear your thoughts.
Reread the first couple of paragraphs from Kelly’s intro to Week Four on p.76 concerning people-gods. Then, look up Phil. 1:9-10. How can these two Scriptures become a huge help to us in finding the balance between loving people and idolizing them?
Lastly, review p.87 and reflect on the whole Leah and Rachel madness. Reread the bold-print section at the top of the page. What are a few costs of desperation that you yourself have paid? And what is the solution?
Pat yourself on the back! You've been working hard and sticking with the study!
Keep it up. A blessing is waiting for you as you make room!!!
You are a treasure!
Cynthia
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
NOGS Week 4
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3 comments:
I got behind!
I read week 3, day 3 and 4 the same day. When I was done....it was like....WOW! That is so me! Like Carrie, I too let the lies get into my thoughts and it can be and sometimes is very destructive! I had no idea! What a burden those thoughts can be! All the time it has been Satan that is allowing me to have those lies!! How great will it be when I get rid of these destructive things so that I can have more room for God! I can't wait!
Then I read the opening pages of week 4...I am like you guys! I too feel like Kelly is in my living room! She has had the same experiences as I have had. It is nice to know that I am not alone in this world in my experiences! I have been humbled by realizing some of the idols that I have placed in my life. Mine are not the awful ones that Kelly mentions but I have realized that I have some, that is for sure!
Each week and day, God is really working and covicting me of things.
In response to Cynthia's comments above:
The definition of idolatry on pg. 81...it is mentioned that all problems and troubles result from idolotry. WOW...would life not be great without all of those troubles. I saw this week that when I was at conflict with myself or with someone else, either internally or externally, it WAS due to my OWN desires! I prayed a lot this week in regards to these types of situations.
On pg. 76...Phil 9-10 are great verses to help in balancing love and idolotry of people. The glory and praise is to be on God, the one who provides and comforts us, not the earthly person. I know that I am going to have to rely on God to help me see this, some times. To help me see WHAT REALLY MATTERS!!
Someone told me a few months ago, 'to not expect anything and that way you will not be disappointed'. I think that is applicable here when saying that people should not be our idols.
On pg. 87....I can think of some times that I have acted out of deseration. That are not my most proud moments. These times, to the best of my memory, resulted in pain, hurt and emptiness.
I love that we ended the week with Collossians 3. These are my favorite verses. Why do we struggle so much to figure out what we should do when God lays it out so plainly? If only it was easy to live this way every day (would be easier if my heart was focused on God - and not on all those false idols!)
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
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