Hi, to all of my prayer warriors! I want you to know that I am crying as I type this e-mail. So, forgive me if I babble or have a ton of misspelled words! This is just such amazing news and I am so excited to share it with you! I should have sent this last night, but it was my first night of real rest in over a week. I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally!
So, this whole week of drama began the last week when I had a CT scan @ duke. It was a routine scan, and I was feeling great. Therefore, I didn't expect anything but good news to come. As many of you know, good news did not come. We received a phone call from the doctor that night telling us that the cancer in my brain was growing larger and we were going to have to look at different treatment options to see if we could control it.
For some reason, I withdrew into a shell this time. I have to admit that I was scared, and all I wanted to do was spend time with my family and God. My heart was weary, and I felt overwhelmed by this fight. Brian stayed home with me all day Wednesday and held me as I cried. I have to say that I wasn't a soldier for God that day. I felt defeated! Each day, I dealt with it a little better. I listened to healing scriptures and started back on the more strict form of my healing diet. By the end of the week I was becoming a little stronger, but still only wanted to be with family. So, thank you for all of your prayers and love because I felt it as I grew stronger and dealt with all this through the week.
So, my oncologist (our beloved Dr. Peppercorn) made an appt for me to meet with Dr. Kirkpatrick at Duke. Dr. Kirkpatrick is the only Dr. that offers the surgery that I needed for the growth in my brain. The biggest obstacle we were facing was the amount of cancer that was there. If there were over six spots, I would not be a candidate for the surgery. Tuesday morning we went for my MRI at 6:30 in the morning....yuck! While we were in the waiting room, we met a man battling brain mets from melanoma. He was a patient of Dr, Kirkpatrick's and only had wonderful things to tell us about him. He told us that Dr. Kirkpatrick was a very humanistic doctor and believed in doing everything he could to save a life. So that really encouraged me! I went back for my MRI, and I wish I could describe the peace that came over me during that test. When she asked me to lie down, I began to cry. I usually recite the Lord's prayer over and over while I am in those scans. This time was different. As I put my head down, I just cried and said, "God I trust you, but I love you even more than I trust you. Your will be done." Can you believe I actually went to sleep in that scan?
After we left the scan, I kept reminding myself of Psalm 112: 7..."he will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord." I knew I had to come to a point where that verse represented my attitude as I walked into the doctors office. If I told you that I was completely "there", I would be lying to you. So, please be patient with my human side!!! We sat in that office for almost an hour before they came in...so you can imagine the tension!
Then God took over! Dr. Kirkpatrick has a resident working with him, and he came in to speak to us first. He explained that they had been looking over my scans. He did a physical on me and asked me a battery of questions. Are you experiencing headaches? Do you have blurry vision? Are you dizzy? Is your balance hindered? Every answer was no, no, no!!! He proceeded to say, well we are glad to hear that because we just cannot located the increase in size that the ct apparently suggests. He went on to explain that disease progression just wasn't something they felt like they were dealing with. He and Dr. Kirkpatrick just could not find any reason why I needed further treatment at this point. I looked at my mom and Brian and tears were just streaming down my mom's face. Brian looked puzzled and asked him to repeat what he just said. When he did, I wish you could have seen the joy that came over my husband's face as he began to cry. In that moment, I felt so loved by my mom and Brian. So, everything went great from that moment on. Dr. Kirkpatrick came in to talk to us, and he was truly as amazing as we heard he was. He was this precious man that just seemed full of joy as he shared his opinion with us. He told me that he had compared every scan I had from January to now and could only note a remarkable recovery. He explained that there are still three places in my brain (we thought we had gone down to one), but he doesn't know if the spots are residual scar tissue or if it is actually living cancer. He is having me come in December 8 for another MRI and if my cancer has grown....AT ALL....he is going to perform the surgery. He told me that I am definitely a candidate for the surgery....Praise God! He also told me that Duke has one of only ten of these machines in THE WORLD!!! I don't even want to see my bill after this! Here is the best news though. His nurse/direct assistant came in to talk to us about the surgery in case we need it next month. She explained to us that it will kill the cancer. She said the amazing thing is, now that I am under Dr. Kirkpatrick's care, he will keep a constant eye on my disease. This surgery can be done as many times as I need it because it does not harm any healthy brain tissue around the cancer. It only destroys the cancer. That is so much better than whole brain radiation! She actually told me that they consider it their job to keep my brain as healthy as they can, and they will do everything to make that happen.
I felt so encouraged about my overall prognosis when I left Duke yesterday! Honestly, I have been going to a chiropractor that has been working on my healing through my nervous system and spinal cord for several months now. He has told me over and over that God designed our bodies to heal on their own. We just have to give our body everything it needs to do that. So, far he has been right. I believe with all of my heart that yesterday's news came from God as answer to these prayers. I believe that I am going to be healed and I am going to raise my children. Sometimes God just has to reassure us when man confuses us! I honestly don't know how anyone could follow my story and not believe in God. God is alive and well! He is an active part of the world we are living in....it is our job to allow him to be an active part of our individual lives. If God were not part of this journey, I would not be here today sending this e-mail. We have all done this together through our belief in Him and our prayers. Let's continue to pray that I never need that surgery. I know that I serve a capable and willing God! I just have to learn how to really trust Him.
Thank you for standing in the gap for me this week. You will never know the purpose you are serving in all of this....but it is a mighty one!
I love you all
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Day 5/Week 2 - Stepping Up
Praise the Lord
Psalm 124
If the Lord had not been on our side - let Israel say -
If the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us,
then they would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger against us.
Then the waters would have engulfed us; the torrent would have swept over us.
the raging waters would have swept over us.
Praise the Lord,
who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird from the hunter's net; the net is torn, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
We left off yesterday considering what our lives would be like if God were not fighting the powers of darkness on our behalf.
Now, lets consider how God is saving us from ourselves. When we allow God to save us from a pit of sin, we also avoid the outcome of
bitterness, coldness and mean-spiritedness.
Has satan effectively tempted you to oppose your own best interest? If so, did you get fed up with being your own worst enemy and decide
to let God bring you some healing?
In our introductory session, we talked about three historical associations with the Psalms of Ascent. What are they?
1. They are associated with the 15 steps of the temple
2. They were the songs sung on the pilgrimage to the Three Great Feasts
3. They were the songs sung by the exiles returning to Jerusalem from captivity
Psalm 124 focuses on a specific kind of help from God. Many of the Psalms center around help from God, but 124 is distinct.
Verse 2 states, "If the Lord had not been on our side..."
This Psalm is speaking of God's help in battle against the spiritual realm. He doesn't just promise us we will be conquerors. He promises we will be more than conquerors.
What does Joshua 23:10 say?
"One of you routs a thousand because the Lord your God fights for you just as He promised."
Beth states, "Regardless of how long we've been Christians and how deeply we've studied God's Word, most of us do not really believe down in the marrow of our bones that God is entirely, wholeheartedly, and unwaveringly on our side."
We spend much of our lives never believing that God really is on our side. We tend to think that God just tolerates us...our actions, anxieties, fears and insecurities prove that.
Estimate the position you tend to picture God taking with you
1. God is against me
2. God tolerates me
3. God is for me
Think back over your history with God. Regardless of where you estimated your relationship with God, name a couple of things that helped shape that conclusion.
Despite how we feel much of the time, can the rest of us think of a few times when we'd have to admit that God seemed to be on our side? Describe one of those times.
We tend to have a test for when we think God is for us or the other guy. For example, we say, "well, if God doesn't give me the raise I need then He doesn't want me to have this."
Please write John 13: 7:
Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand".
Beth suggests when things don't always go our way to think of this verse. Then think of your relationship with your children. When you make decisions for them, very often they tell you that you are the meanest person they know. You know why you made the decision, and it will benefit your children in the future. They are just to immature and inexperienced to see it for themselves. She goes further to say that God knows when something glorious in our future necessitates something difficult in our present. He is willing to risk being misunderstood in order to bring joy to our lives.
Read Romans 8: 28 - 39. Let God tell you what He will do for you.
God is on our side.
Psalm 124
If the Lord had not been on our side - let Israel say -
If the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us,
then they would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger against us.
Then the waters would have engulfed us; the torrent would have swept over us.
the raging waters would have swept over us.
Praise the Lord,
who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird from the hunter's net; the net is torn, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
We left off yesterday considering what our lives would be like if God were not fighting the powers of darkness on our behalf.
Now, lets consider how God is saving us from ourselves. When we allow God to save us from a pit of sin, we also avoid the outcome of
bitterness, coldness and mean-spiritedness.
Has satan effectively tempted you to oppose your own best interest? If so, did you get fed up with being your own worst enemy and decide
to let God bring you some healing?
In our introductory session, we talked about three historical associations with the Psalms of Ascent. What are they?
1. They are associated with the 15 steps of the temple
2. They were the songs sung on the pilgrimage to the Three Great Feasts
3. They were the songs sung by the exiles returning to Jerusalem from captivity
Psalm 124 focuses on a specific kind of help from God. Many of the Psalms center around help from God, but 124 is distinct.
Verse 2 states, "If the Lord had not been on our side..."
This Psalm is speaking of God's help in battle against the spiritual realm. He doesn't just promise us we will be conquerors. He promises we will be more than conquerors.
What does Joshua 23:10 say?
"One of you routs a thousand because the Lord your God fights for you just as He promised."
Beth states, "Regardless of how long we've been Christians and how deeply we've studied God's Word, most of us do not really believe down in the marrow of our bones that God is entirely, wholeheartedly, and unwaveringly on our side."
We spend much of our lives never believing that God really is on our side. We tend to think that God just tolerates us...our actions, anxieties, fears and insecurities prove that.
Estimate the position you tend to picture God taking with you
1. God is against me
2. God tolerates me
3. God is for me
Think back over your history with God. Regardless of where you estimated your relationship with God, name a couple of things that helped shape that conclusion.
Despite how we feel much of the time, can the rest of us think of a few times when we'd have to admit that God seemed to be on our side? Describe one of those times.
We tend to have a test for when we think God is for us or the other guy. For example, we say, "well, if God doesn't give me the raise I need then He doesn't want me to have this."
Please write John 13: 7:
Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand".
Beth suggests when things don't always go our way to think of this verse. Then think of your relationship with your children. When you make decisions for them, very often they tell you that you are the meanest person they know. You know why you made the decision, and it will benefit your children in the future. They are just to immature and inexperienced to see it for themselves. She goes further to say that God knows when something glorious in our future necessitates something difficult in our present. He is willing to risk being misunderstood in order to bring joy to our lives.
Read Romans 8: 28 - 39. Let God tell you what He will do for you.
God is on our side.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Day 4/ Week 2 - Stepping Up
I am trying to "catch up" to where our Bible study group is at this point in Stepping Up. So, please bear with me and just keep doing one day at a time. It is just easier for me if I can stay caught up. If you continue to do one day at a time, it will keep you for a little while during our Summer/Fall Bible study break!!!
If the Lord Had Not
Psalm 124: 1 - 8
If the Lord had not been on our side- let Israel say -
If the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us,
then they would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger against us.
Then the waters would have engulfed us; the torrent would have swept over us;
the raging waters would have swept over us.
Praise the Lord, who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird from the hunters net;
the net is torn, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Pay attention to the first verse. Can you sense the psalmist encouraging his people to sing with all of their hearts. Why is it that we have to be coaxed by our worship leaders to sing louder? Beth points out that we should praise with all of our hearts every opportunity we have. We should consider all of the times that God has been good to us and how often He has rescued us!
Psalm 124 has a two-fold meaning. It is a song of hazard and of help. Beth found this perspective for our study from Eugene Peterson. She wants to focus on the hazards today, and then we will focus on the help tomorrow!
Compare the metaphors in the following Scripture:
Psalm 124: 4 to Psalm 18: 16 - 17
Psalm 124: 6 to Psalm 57: 4
Psalm 124: 7 to Psalm 55: 6 - 8
The Psalmist describes the attacks of men to be like jaws that seek to swallow us, raging waters that seek to drown us and teeth that try to rip us to shreds.
When was the last time you felt like someone or something was going to eat you alive? Describe the situation without naming any names.
When was the last time you felt like a situation was honestly going to drown you?
Remember, we are not in battle with flesh and blood. We are in battle with the powers of darkness. Very often people can be our toughest challenges because it is more difficult to get over personal situations. Satan absolutely hates us, and he looks for any way he can tear us apart. He uses the people in our lives to hurt us and make us feel desperate.
Have you ever felt like another person despised you?
If so, describe some of your feelings when you realized it.
I am a person that loves people!!! I love being around people, and I take comfort in company. When I was little, we use to go to the beach a lot. We would stay in this home that was right on the beach that was somewhat of a boarding house. The owner had thirteen rooms, one central living room and one large dining room. Most of the rooms had their own bathroom, but some had to share a large bathroom in the center of the upstairs. The owners, my precious Willie and Margie Everhart, cooked homemade breakfast and dinner every single day and you came to meals by the sound of a dinner bell. Then, on Sundays, we had an amazing lunch that I could never describe to you in words. At any one time, there could be as many as seven or eight different families staying together. We all ate together, played games together and spent our time on the beach together. Over time, we all became a large family. If she didn't have room for us one week, we knew someone would be there that would let us bunk up with them. The owners charged 20.00 per night per person, including meals. Can you believe that? It is truly where I learned to experience life with people and learned to cherish relationships. I also started to expect everyone to be my friend. So, I didn't do very well in the "real world" when I came up against harsh people. If someone was not open to my friendship, it devastated me. At first I would allow it to just tear me apart, but then I learned to try to please the person to make them like me. I soon found out that you can be taken advantage of when you long for everyone to like you.
Now that I am older (and I feel a little wiser), I have learned that not all relationships in your life are healthy. Sometimes you become friends with people that just expect too much of you, and you can never meet their expectations. These relationships are dangerous to your self esteem when you begin to question what is "wrong" with you. Now, if you do not get along with someone, I definitely feel like you should question yourself and examine your attitude in the situation. If you are not behaving in a godly manner, it is your responsibility to "buck up" and try to make the relationship right. However, if you are constantly questioning yourself and feeling as though you just cannot make a friendship work no matter how hard you try, then you may need to reexamine the health of having that relationship in your life. If it causes you to spend more time doubting yourself than enjoying the friendship, then you need to consider how much time you spend with that person. I am not telling you to disrespect the person in any way. It is okay to agree that you make better friends from a distance than on a close, personal basis. You can honor one another and remain respectful!!!
Wow! I just chased a rabbit for about a mile!!! We need to get back on track!!!
When you feel attacked, how convinced are you that God is taking it personally and that you can trust Him to handle it as you seek and submit to Him?
Take a moment to think about this question. Consider all of the things that you may not realize God is saving you from and you don't even know could have happened. Satan is on a mission to destroy us at all times, and yet, we are sitting here doing a Bible study together. Do you think God is fighting him for you? Don't you think He is protecting you from way more than you could ever imagine?
Describe one time you were most aware of satan's harmful intent. As much as he may have stolen from you, think of something you believe in retrospect he wanted that he didn't get. This Psalm challenges you to consider some what if scenarios.
What might have been in your life if God had not rescued you and saved you? What would your life be like if Jesus Christ had not allowed Himself to be tortured and humiliated for your sin? Do you ever think about that?
What might have happened with your life "if the Lord had not been on your side"?
If you have chosen for God to be a part of your life, then you have given Him permission and invited Him into your life to intercede on your behalf. Isn't that reason to praise like the psalmist wants us to praise in the beginning of this Psalm? When you go to worship this weekend, consider all of these things and praise with all of your heart!!!
Love you all
Tiffany
If the Lord Had Not
Psalm 124: 1 - 8
If the Lord had not been on our side- let Israel say -
If the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us,
then they would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger against us.
Then the waters would have engulfed us; the torrent would have swept over us;
the raging waters would have swept over us.
Praise the Lord, who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird from the hunters net;
the net is torn, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Pay attention to the first verse. Can you sense the psalmist encouraging his people to sing with all of their hearts. Why is it that we have to be coaxed by our worship leaders to sing louder? Beth points out that we should praise with all of our hearts every opportunity we have. We should consider all of the times that God has been good to us and how often He has rescued us!
Psalm 124 has a two-fold meaning. It is a song of hazard and of help. Beth found this perspective for our study from Eugene Peterson. She wants to focus on the hazards today, and then we will focus on the help tomorrow!
Compare the metaphors in the following Scripture:
Psalm 124: 4 to Psalm 18: 16 - 17
Psalm 124: 6 to Psalm 57: 4
Psalm 124: 7 to Psalm 55: 6 - 8
The Psalmist describes the attacks of men to be like jaws that seek to swallow us, raging waters that seek to drown us and teeth that try to rip us to shreds.
When was the last time you felt like someone or something was going to eat you alive? Describe the situation without naming any names.
When was the last time you felt like a situation was honestly going to drown you?
Remember, we are not in battle with flesh and blood. We are in battle with the powers of darkness. Very often people can be our toughest challenges because it is more difficult to get over personal situations. Satan absolutely hates us, and he looks for any way he can tear us apart. He uses the people in our lives to hurt us and make us feel desperate.
Have you ever felt like another person despised you?
If so, describe some of your feelings when you realized it.
I am a person that loves people!!! I love being around people, and I take comfort in company. When I was little, we use to go to the beach a lot. We would stay in this home that was right on the beach that was somewhat of a boarding house. The owner had thirteen rooms, one central living room and one large dining room. Most of the rooms had their own bathroom, but some had to share a large bathroom in the center of the upstairs. The owners, my precious Willie and Margie Everhart, cooked homemade breakfast and dinner every single day and you came to meals by the sound of a dinner bell. Then, on Sundays, we had an amazing lunch that I could never describe to you in words. At any one time, there could be as many as seven or eight different families staying together. We all ate together, played games together and spent our time on the beach together. Over time, we all became a large family. If she didn't have room for us one week, we knew someone would be there that would let us bunk up with them. The owners charged 20.00 per night per person, including meals. Can you believe that? It is truly where I learned to experience life with people and learned to cherish relationships. I also started to expect everyone to be my friend. So, I didn't do very well in the "real world" when I came up against harsh people. If someone was not open to my friendship, it devastated me. At first I would allow it to just tear me apart, but then I learned to try to please the person to make them like me. I soon found out that you can be taken advantage of when you long for everyone to like you.
Now that I am older (and I feel a little wiser), I have learned that not all relationships in your life are healthy. Sometimes you become friends with people that just expect too much of you, and you can never meet their expectations. These relationships are dangerous to your self esteem when you begin to question what is "wrong" with you. Now, if you do not get along with someone, I definitely feel like you should question yourself and examine your attitude in the situation. If you are not behaving in a godly manner, it is your responsibility to "buck up" and try to make the relationship right. However, if you are constantly questioning yourself and feeling as though you just cannot make a friendship work no matter how hard you try, then you may need to reexamine the health of having that relationship in your life. If it causes you to spend more time doubting yourself than enjoying the friendship, then you need to consider how much time you spend with that person. I am not telling you to disrespect the person in any way. It is okay to agree that you make better friends from a distance than on a close, personal basis. You can honor one another and remain respectful!!!
Wow! I just chased a rabbit for about a mile!!! We need to get back on track!!!
When you feel attacked, how convinced are you that God is taking it personally and that you can trust Him to handle it as you seek and submit to Him?
Take a moment to think about this question. Consider all of the things that you may not realize God is saving you from and you don't even know could have happened. Satan is on a mission to destroy us at all times, and yet, we are sitting here doing a Bible study together. Do you think God is fighting him for you? Don't you think He is protecting you from way more than you could ever imagine?
Describe one time you were most aware of satan's harmful intent. As much as he may have stolen from you, think of something you believe in retrospect he wanted that he didn't get. This Psalm challenges you to consider some what if scenarios.
What might have been in your life if God had not rescued you and saved you? What would your life be like if Jesus Christ had not allowed Himself to be tortured and humiliated for your sin? Do you ever think about that?
What might have happened with your life "if the Lord had not been on your side"?
If you have chosen for God to be a part of your life, then you have given Him permission and invited Him into your life to intercede on your behalf. Isn't that reason to praise like the psalmist wants us to praise in the beginning of this Psalm? When you go to worship this weekend, consider all of these things and praise with all of your heart!!!
Love you all
Tiffany
Day 3/ Week 2 - Stepping Up
Psalm 123:
I lift my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.
Like a servant's eyes on His master's hand, like a servant girl's eyes on her mistress's hand,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God until He show us favor.
Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we've had more than enough contempt
We've had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.
Day 3 - Much Contempt
As we zero in on the second half of the psalm, what specific reason did the psalmist give for requesting mercy?
They had endured much contempt
The Hebrew term translated "contempt" comes from a root that means "to disrespect". Everyone knows what it is like to be treated disrespectfully. Write a general definition of disrespect; then give two examples.
My definition is: To disregard the worthiness of another individual. I don't know if that is correct, but that is what I wrote.
My examples: My children - their disobedience - It portrays the attitude that I am not worthy of being their parent
My attitude towards service to God and allowing other things to have my focus/attention. God is truly worthy of my foremost attention and affection.
Disrespect devalues an individual. Think about how it makes you feel when you sense disrespect from individuals in your life. It is important to remember that disrespect does not mean the same thing as disagreement. You have to be careful to be able to disagree with someone but not disrespect them. Every person in our lives comes from different environments and different backgrounds. This, in turn, creates different perspectives!!! Three people can be in the same room, at the same time, witness the same situation and have three different perspectives. Consider that when you disagree with someone. We always need to remember that our opinions are ours. We cannot force them on anyone else. If someone disagrees with our opinions, it is important to respect that individual and listen to their side. Always keep in mind that you can show disrespect through the tone of your voice, the expressions on your face and your mannerism. As Christians, we should stand firm in our belief in Jesus Christ and all of the things He stands for; however, we are not to disrespect individuals when standing for what we believe. That is the fastest way to drive someone away!!!!
Ongoing disrespect can cause individuals to say, "We are up to here with it!" Do you ever feel that way?
That is basically what the psalmist is saying in the second portion of Psalm 123. He is saying, "I haven't just had enough...I have had more than enough"!
Disrespect and ridicule can become very oppressive. When individuals are oppressed by disrespect, it eventually wears on their self esteem.
Poor self esteem can lead to many problems, most of which are sinful. We actually discuss the sin that can come from poor self esteem in a future study. So, I don't want to dive into it today, but it is food for thought.
I have to be honest with you, this was a Bible study day that was kind of difficult for me. Disrespect is a pet peeve of mine, and I have made a conscious effort to treat others with respect so that my children will see me model that in life. However, I have to tell you that there are many days when I wonder if their eyes and ears are watching/listening. It is just the one thing I cannot tolerate from them, and it seems like the thing I am hit with the most. Brian and I deal with back talk and fit pitching more than we care to, and we feel like we are fighting a brick wall some days!!! We explain, we try to model, we discipline and we still deal with it. It's funny that when others have our children, they always compliment their behavior (unless my dear friends are lying to me!!!). So apparently, my children realize they need to respect the people they spend the least amount of time with!!! That makes sense doesn't it? While I want them to respect EVERYONE they come in contact with, I would also love a little when they are home. I am so proud of Landon in public (most of the time) because he often remembers to hold the door for people coming behind them and tends to show others a lot of consideration. Yet, I have had the door closed in my face numerous times. Who knows??? Maybe I am not a "person" to them...I am mom!!! Ridge is still kind of oblivious to the world around him. It's not that he is inconsiderate. I just don't think it has dawned on him yet. I just have to pray that one day I will see the fruits of my labor in the all that they do. Let's just pray that all of our children and grandchildren one day sense the Holy Spirit guiding them in their ways when dealing with others. I would definitely love to know that mine would choose to listen to the Holy Spirit over me anytime!!!
Okay...difficult subject for me...where is tomorrow's Bible study!!!
love you guys
tiff
I lift my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.
Like a servant's eyes on His master's hand, like a servant girl's eyes on her mistress's hand,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God until He show us favor.
Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we've had more than enough contempt
We've had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.
Day 3 - Much Contempt
As we zero in on the second half of the psalm, what specific reason did the psalmist give for requesting mercy?
They had endured much contempt
The Hebrew term translated "contempt" comes from a root that means "to disrespect". Everyone knows what it is like to be treated disrespectfully. Write a general definition of disrespect; then give two examples.
My definition is: To disregard the worthiness of another individual. I don't know if that is correct, but that is what I wrote.
My examples: My children - their disobedience - It portrays the attitude that I am not worthy of being their parent
My attitude towards service to God and allowing other things to have my focus/attention. God is truly worthy of my foremost attention and affection.
Disrespect devalues an individual. Think about how it makes you feel when you sense disrespect from individuals in your life. It is important to remember that disrespect does not mean the same thing as disagreement. You have to be careful to be able to disagree with someone but not disrespect them. Every person in our lives comes from different environments and different backgrounds. This, in turn, creates different perspectives!!! Three people can be in the same room, at the same time, witness the same situation and have three different perspectives. Consider that when you disagree with someone. We always need to remember that our opinions are ours. We cannot force them on anyone else. If someone disagrees with our opinions, it is important to respect that individual and listen to their side. Always keep in mind that you can show disrespect through the tone of your voice, the expressions on your face and your mannerism. As Christians, we should stand firm in our belief in Jesus Christ and all of the things He stands for; however, we are not to disrespect individuals when standing for what we believe. That is the fastest way to drive someone away!!!!
Ongoing disrespect can cause individuals to say, "We are up to here with it!" Do you ever feel that way?
That is basically what the psalmist is saying in the second portion of Psalm 123. He is saying, "I haven't just had enough...I have had more than enough"!
Disrespect and ridicule can become very oppressive. When individuals are oppressed by disrespect, it eventually wears on their self esteem.
Poor self esteem can lead to many problems, most of which are sinful. We actually discuss the sin that can come from poor self esteem in a future study. So, I don't want to dive into it today, but it is food for thought.
I have to be honest with you, this was a Bible study day that was kind of difficult for me. Disrespect is a pet peeve of mine, and I have made a conscious effort to treat others with respect so that my children will see me model that in life. However, I have to tell you that there are many days when I wonder if their eyes and ears are watching/listening. It is just the one thing I cannot tolerate from them, and it seems like the thing I am hit with the most. Brian and I deal with back talk and fit pitching more than we care to, and we feel like we are fighting a brick wall some days!!! We explain, we try to model, we discipline and we still deal with it. It's funny that when others have our children, they always compliment their behavior (unless my dear friends are lying to me!!!). So apparently, my children realize they need to respect the people they spend the least amount of time with!!! That makes sense doesn't it? While I want them to respect EVERYONE they come in contact with, I would also love a little when they are home. I am so proud of Landon in public (most of the time) because he often remembers to hold the door for people coming behind them and tends to show others a lot of consideration. Yet, I have had the door closed in my face numerous times. Who knows??? Maybe I am not a "person" to them...I am mom!!! Ridge is still kind of oblivious to the world around him. It's not that he is inconsiderate. I just don't think it has dawned on him yet. I just have to pray that one day I will see the fruits of my labor in the all that they do. Let's just pray that all of our children and grandchildren one day sense the Holy Spirit guiding them in their ways when dealing with others. I would definitely love to know that mine would choose to listen to the Holy Spirit over me anytime!!!
Okay...difficult subject for me...where is tomorrow's Bible study!!!
love you guys
tiff
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Day 2/ Week 2 - Stepping Up
Psalm 123:
I lift my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.
Like a servant's eyes on His master's hand, like a servant girl's eyes on her mistress's hand,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God until He shows us favor.
Show us favor, Lord, Show us favor
for we've had more than enough contempt
We've had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.
This is a Psalm of lament with the focus on God Himself. Are your attentions focused on God Himself? Who ultimately wins your focus when you have to stare at your circumstances face to face? That focus from your eyes begins a chain reaction that affects every part of your body: heart, soul and mind.
Have you discovered a strong relationship in the concept of the statement Where I look impacts How I feel? Be specific in your answer.
I have noticed that when I stay focused on God and all of the promises I find in His word, it is very difficult for me to become depressed about this cancer or any other
circumstance in my life. When my focus leaves God, I can feel myself becoming depressed, and I have to put my eyes back on God!!!
Read Acts 3: 1 - 7 and describe where the encounter between Peter, John and the beggar took place.
Inside the walls, but outside the Gate Beautiful
Now, look carefully at Acts 3: 4. What did Peter say to the beggar? He said, "Look at us!"
Complete Acts 3: 5
"So the man gave them his attention expecting to get something from them."
At first the man was looking at them with half of his attention and half of his heart. He had done this day in and day out. Until Peter demanded his full attention, he was just going along with his daily business of feeling invisible. Once he looked at them, he also listened to them. This changed his expectation of them because it affected his entire being. With this example, Beth wants us to realize that Where we look and What we hear impacts What we feel and What we expect.
If you stay focused on your circumstances, you cannot focus on the promises of God. You listen to yourself focus on your circumstances; therefore, you do not feel the expectations of His promises. If you stay focused on the promises of God rather than your circumstances and you listen to the promises of God, then you begin to hope for and expect the promises of God to be fulfilled in your life.
In Psalm 123: 1, God is described as the One Enthroned in Heaven. This is the chief reason we are to fix our eyes on Him and stay focused.
Psalm 22: 3 - 4 tells us that God is enthroned as the Holy One
Psalm 29: 10 tells us that the Lord is enthroned as King forever
Psalm 99: 1 tells us that He sits enthroned between the cherubim
Psalm 113: 4 - 6 says the Lord our God is enthroned on High
We will all bow down to the enthroned One some day and worship Him forever.
List your foremost concerns that trouble you in this moment. Now, complete the following sentence.
Lord, You are the Holy One and You are alertly and lovingly enthroned over (now, write your concerns in this space)
Doesn't that put them in perspective?
Eugene Peterson states:
"We are not presented with a functional god who will help us out of jams or an entertainment god who will lighten our tedious hours. We are presented
with the God of exodus and Easter, the God of Sinai and Calvary. If we want to understand God, we must do it on His terms. If we want to see God the
way He really is, we must look to the place of authority - to Scripture and to Jesus Christ.
And do we really want it any other way? I don't think so. We would very soon become contemptuous of a god whom we could figure out like a puzzle or learn
to use like a tool. No, if God is worth our attention at all, He must be a God we can look up to - a God we must look up to....The moment we look up to God
(and not over Him, or down on Him) we are in the posture of servitude."
God deserves our full attention and our entire focus. The joy is that when we give it to Him, we are the ones that receive the rewards!!! No, I do not want to serve
a God that I can figure out. I would much rather live my life in the security of knowing He has already figured it all out for us!!!!
Have a wonderful and blessed day
Tiff
I lift my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.
Like a servant's eyes on His master's hand, like a servant girl's eyes on her mistress's hand,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God until He shows us favor.
Show us favor, Lord, Show us favor
for we've had more than enough contempt
We've had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.
This is a Psalm of lament with the focus on God Himself. Are your attentions focused on God Himself? Who ultimately wins your focus when you have to stare at your circumstances face to face? That focus from your eyes begins a chain reaction that affects every part of your body: heart, soul and mind.
Have you discovered a strong relationship in the concept of the statement Where I look impacts How I feel? Be specific in your answer.
I have noticed that when I stay focused on God and all of the promises I find in His word, it is very difficult for me to become depressed about this cancer or any other
circumstance in my life. When my focus leaves God, I can feel myself becoming depressed, and I have to put my eyes back on God!!!
Read Acts 3: 1 - 7 and describe where the encounter between Peter, John and the beggar took place.
Inside the walls, but outside the Gate Beautiful
Now, look carefully at Acts 3: 4. What did Peter say to the beggar? He said, "Look at us!"
Complete Acts 3: 5
"So the man gave them his attention expecting to get something from them."
At first the man was looking at them with half of his attention and half of his heart. He had done this day in and day out. Until Peter demanded his full attention, he was just going along with his daily business of feeling invisible. Once he looked at them, he also listened to them. This changed his expectation of them because it affected his entire being. With this example, Beth wants us to realize that Where we look and What we hear impacts What we feel and What we expect.
If you stay focused on your circumstances, you cannot focus on the promises of God. You listen to yourself focus on your circumstances; therefore, you do not feel the expectations of His promises. If you stay focused on the promises of God rather than your circumstances and you listen to the promises of God, then you begin to hope for and expect the promises of God to be fulfilled in your life.
In Psalm 123: 1, God is described as the One Enthroned in Heaven. This is the chief reason we are to fix our eyes on Him and stay focused.
Psalm 22: 3 - 4 tells us that God is enthroned as the Holy One
Psalm 29: 10 tells us that the Lord is enthroned as King forever
Psalm 99: 1 tells us that He sits enthroned between the cherubim
Psalm 113: 4 - 6 says the Lord our God is enthroned on High
We will all bow down to the enthroned One some day and worship Him forever.
List your foremost concerns that trouble you in this moment. Now, complete the following sentence.
Lord, You are the Holy One and You are alertly and lovingly enthroned over (now, write your concerns in this space)
Doesn't that put them in perspective?
Eugene Peterson states:
"We are not presented with a functional god who will help us out of jams or an entertainment god who will lighten our tedious hours. We are presented
with the God of exodus and Easter, the God of Sinai and Calvary. If we want to understand God, we must do it on His terms. If we want to see God the
way He really is, we must look to the place of authority - to Scripture and to Jesus Christ.
And do we really want it any other way? I don't think so. We would very soon become contemptuous of a god whom we could figure out like a puzzle or learn
to use like a tool. No, if God is worth our attention at all, He must be a God we can look up to - a God we must look up to....The moment we look up to God
(and not over Him, or down on Him) we are in the posture of servitude."
God deserves our full attention and our entire focus. The joy is that when we give it to Him, we are the ones that receive the rewards!!! No, I do not want to serve
a God that I can figure out. I would much rather live my life in the security of knowing He has already figured it all out for us!!!!
Have a wonderful and blessed day
Tiff
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Day 1/ Week 2 - Stepping Up
Hi, everyone! I hope you did not feel too overwhelmed when I sent seven days at one time!!! Carol is out of town for a month and is unable to send e-mails. So, they accumulated on me. Anyway, I was hoping they would last you throughout the week of the fourth until we could all get settled back into our routines....not that anything about summer is "routine". I don't know about you, but the chaos of summer can often be a little exhausting!!!
I ask you to pray for me today because I am struggling with a "parenting day". I am just having one of those days when I feel like the worst mother ever entrusted to raise children!!! After a lot of praying and soul searching, Brian and I had to come to the realization that Gaston Christian was becoming out of our reach financially and we needed to look at other options....talk about a breaking heart! We have loved Gaston Christian since the day we first set foot on the campus. With the reality of lifelong medical bills for me looming over us, there is only so much one man can do for his family. I have watched my husband work himself to death over the past nine years to give us a wonderful life that allowed me to stay home with our children. Then, it moved into me staying home with one in private school. I planned to go back to work when Ridge entered private school to help cover the cost. Yet, life planned otherwise and here we are. Watching Brian doing everything he could to make ends meet while staying paid up on medical bills and footing the bill for private school was just too much for me to bear. So, I asked him to pray about taking them out and making some changes in our lives. I have never felt that the education in public school was not up to par. As a matter of fact, I often found myself worrying about the opposite (which isn't true either). I just wanted our kids to be in a Christ centered environment when I couldn't be with them!!! Wow! The transition just seems to be hanging over me way more than I expected. The decision is made though, and it is time to move forward!!! God is good all of the time, and He will be good in this situation. My heart just aches for my boys and all of the adjustments they have had to make in their lives because of me. As a mom, I always expected it to be the other way around. I am watching two amazing little boys deal with their mom living with a chronic, life-threatening disease and now having to adjust to a new environment. Please, please, please keep them in your prayers!!! I know we will all be okay....it is just this transition period that is so tough!!!
Enough about me!!! Let's get on with our Bible study so we can be reminded of WHO is in control!!!
Believe it or not, today's lesson goes along with my dilemma of the moment!!! It is entitled, Our Own House, Our Own City. I loved it!!! We are still in Psalm 122, and the lesson draws parallels between this Psalm and our daily lives. Please read Psalm 122 over again, and imagine yourself of the trek to your church as the pilgrims are on a trek to Jerusalem.
Read Philipians 1: 3-8. What were Paul's feelings towards the believers in Philippi? He longed to be with them because he loved them and felt joy for them. This is exactly the way we should feel about the people we worship with. No fellowship of believers is perfect, but list a few things that you love about your church. Name some people that you look forward to seeing each time you go and explain why you look forward to seeing them. Describe a few relationships you have at church that you wouldn't have anywhere else.
While few people are enthusiastically anxious to roll out of bed every Sunday after an exhausting week, do you ordinarily look forward to going to church? Circle on of the following answers. Almost never, sometimes, usually, almost always
Church should be as important as any other place you spend your time. Note in this Psalm how the psalmist began with a focus on the temple or "house of the Lord". The bottom line is: Are you glad when someone says to you, "Let's go to the house of the Lord"?
Once you have taken care of your place of worship and your home, it is important to focus on what you can do for the community around you. As Christians, we should want to live out loud for our God.
Read Jeremiah 29: 4 - 7. What was God's essential point to the exiles in Babylon?
He wanted them to prosper in their new land even though it wasn't there home. He wanted them to be careful and not fall prey to the way they worshipped because He would be back for them.
We are in somewhat of an exile waiting here on earth until God returns for us. God wants us to prosper and show those around us what God is capable of in our lives.
How is God using your town or city to equip you to be a humble servant?
How is God using you in your town or city to speak to others?
I am reminded that this may be an opportunity to move outside of our "protected" gates and teach our children how to live for God in the real world. Gaston Christian has been such a blessing to us, and I am confident seeds have been planted in my children that are starting to take root in their lives. I will never know what lives they will touch because of the few years of preparation they had in a Christian school. My prayer is that they become godly boys that others who share the same beliefs will feel blessed to be around. Then, they can be examples to the children who do not necessarily share those beliefs. It is our responsibility as parents to teach our children the ways of the Lord. We must take care of focusing on the temple first. Now, I have to believe all that we have taught them in our home, in our churches and in their school will be a way for them to serve their town or city!
Isn't it amazing how God works...I began this e-mail with tears of sadness streaming down my face and now they are tears of hope!!!
love you all!!
Tiffany
I ask you to pray for me today because I am struggling with a "parenting day". I am just having one of those days when I feel like the worst mother ever entrusted to raise children!!! After a lot of praying and soul searching, Brian and I had to come to the realization that Gaston Christian was becoming out of our reach financially and we needed to look at other options....talk about a breaking heart! We have loved Gaston Christian since the day we first set foot on the campus. With the reality of lifelong medical bills for me looming over us, there is only so much one man can do for his family. I have watched my husband work himself to death over the past nine years to give us a wonderful life that allowed me to stay home with our children. Then, it moved into me staying home with one in private school. I planned to go back to work when Ridge entered private school to help cover the cost. Yet, life planned otherwise and here we are. Watching Brian doing everything he could to make ends meet while staying paid up on medical bills and footing the bill for private school was just too much for me to bear. So, I asked him to pray about taking them out and making some changes in our lives. I have never felt that the education in public school was not up to par. As a matter of fact, I often found myself worrying about the opposite (which isn't true either). I just wanted our kids to be in a Christ centered environment when I couldn't be with them!!! Wow! The transition just seems to be hanging over me way more than I expected. The decision is made though, and it is time to move forward!!! God is good all of the time, and He will be good in this situation. My heart just aches for my boys and all of the adjustments they have had to make in their lives because of me. As a mom, I always expected it to be the other way around. I am watching two amazing little boys deal with their mom living with a chronic, life-threatening disease and now having to adjust to a new environment. Please, please, please keep them in your prayers!!! I know we will all be okay....it is just this transition period that is so tough!!!
Enough about me!!! Let's get on with our Bible study so we can be reminded of WHO is in control!!!
Believe it or not, today's lesson goes along with my dilemma of the moment!!! It is entitled, Our Own House, Our Own City. I loved it!!! We are still in Psalm 122, and the lesson draws parallels between this Psalm and our daily lives. Please read Psalm 122 over again, and imagine yourself of the trek to your church as the pilgrims are on a trek to Jerusalem.
Read Philipians 1: 3-8. What were Paul's feelings towards the believers in Philippi? He longed to be with them because he loved them and felt joy for them. This is exactly the way we should feel about the people we worship with. No fellowship of believers is perfect, but list a few things that you love about your church. Name some people that you look forward to seeing each time you go and explain why you look forward to seeing them. Describe a few relationships you have at church that you wouldn't have anywhere else.
While few people are enthusiastically anxious to roll out of bed every Sunday after an exhausting week, do you ordinarily look forward to going to church? Circle on of the following answers. Almost never, sometimes, usually, almost always
Church should be as important as any other place you spend your time. Note in this Psalm how the psalmist began with a focus on the temple or "house of the Lord". The bottom line is: Are you glad when someone says to you, "Let's go to the house of the Lord"?
Once you have taken care of your place of worship and your home, it is important to focus on what you can do for the community around you. As Christians, we should want to live out loud for our God.
Read Jeremiah 29: 4 - 7. What was God's essential point to the exiles in Babylon?
He wanted them to prosper in their new land even though it wasn't there home. He wanted them to be careful and not fall prey to the way they worshipped because He would be back for them.
We are in somewhat of an exile waiting here on earth until God returns for us. God wants us to prosper and show those around us what God is capable of in our lives.
How is God using your town or city to equip you to be a humble servant?
How is God using you in your town or city to speak to others?
I am reminded that this may be an opportunity to move outside of our "protected" gates and teach our children how to live for God in the real world. Gaston Christian has been such a blessing to us, and I am confident seeds have been planted in my children that are starting to take root in their lives. I will never know what lives they will touch because of the few years of preparation they had in a Christian school. My prayer is that they become godly boys that others who share the same beliefs will feel blessed to be around. Then, they can be examples to the children who do not necessarily share those beliefs. It is our responsibility as parents to teach our children the ways of the Lord. We must take care of focusing on the temple first. Now, I have to believe all that we have taught them in our home, in our churches and in their school will be a way for them to serve their town or city!
Isn't it amazing how God works...I began this e-mail with tears of sadness streaming down my face and now they are tears of hope!!!
love you all!!
Tiffany
Monday, June 29, 2009
Day 1 of Week 2
June 27, 2009
Stepping Up – The Psalms of Ascent
Day 1 of Week 2
Our Own House, Our Own City
As we ended last week’s study, we focused on the literal meaning of the city of Jerusalem in Psalm 122. It is important to take note of the personal meaning of Scripture as well. Psalm 122 speaks to us as we take joy in where our feet are planted. For many of us, a trip to Israel is just not an option right now. So, does that mean that we cannot find the same joy the psalmist found as his feet were planted within the city’s gates? No, it does not.
As a matter of fact, Beth points out the fact that many exiles were taken to Babylon and died there. They never knew the joy of literally standing within the gates of the city of Jerusalem again. In Jeremiah 29, we find instructions that God gave the exiles while they were in Babylon. We, too, are much like those exiles. We are bound here on earth, while our hearts long to be in heaven. Use these Scriptures to encourage you as you make your journey through earth.
Jeremiah 29: 4 – 7
“This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because it prospers, you too will prosper.”
You may feel like you are stuck in Babylon at times, but there is a reason God has planted you where you are. He longs to prosper you, and when He does, it is our responsibility to be a witness to everyone watching us.
That is why it is so important to take these Scripture to heart. We are to be all that we can be within the gates of our own cities. We are to seek peace and prosperity.
How is God using your town or city to equip you to be a humble servant?
How is God using you in your own town or city?
It is so important that believers are part of a church where they can be encouraged to be all they can be to their community. It is as important, if not more so, for you to be in a great church where you feel you can serve as it is for you to be in a good neighborhood or work place.
In Psalm 122, you will notice that the psalmists’ first focus is on the temple then it moves out into the city. We are to take this as an example in our own lives. We are to first focus on the temple, our home churches and even our physical homes. When we find the peace of God within our temple, we are to share that joy with our “city”.
Accepting that no fellowship is perfect, what are a few things you really love about yours?
Name some people that you look forward to seeing each time you go to worship. Write down what you love about those people.
Describe a few relationships that you have at church that you wouldn’t have anywhere else.
I want to share my answer to this question. I am very funny about male companionship/friendship because I never want to disrespect my husband in any way or leave question to whether a relationship is what it should be. I love my husband and long to be faithful to him in all that I do. When I am around males, I almost always have my husband with me. Since I have been diagnosed, the Lord has brought several men to e witness to and encourage me. Each of these men has been so gracious in affording me the distance and trust that is appropriate when you are married and faithful to your commitment in Christ. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I could never have allowed myself to take comfort in the encouragement they have to offer me through their e-mails, cards and phone calls if they were not men of the church and very respectful. They have never made me feel uncomfortable or allowed any interaction that was not in an appropriate place or time. I know their intentions towards me is to be what God wants them to be in my life. If they were not men of the church, I know I would not have allowed those relationships to even form. I think more men need to be respectful of never visiting a wife/mother while she is alone in her home or calling her with information that cannot be fully disclosed to her spouse.
Are you happy when someone says to you, “let us go into the house of the Lord?”
If not, you should prayerfully consider moving to another ministry within the church or moving to another church if that is not an option. It is so very important that you stay alive and willing to serve in Christ.
Read through this Psalm and write a prayer to God to show your connection to Psalm 122!
Stepping Up – The Psalms of Ascent
Day 1 of Week 2
Our Own House, Our Own City
As we ended last week’s study, we focused on the literal meaning of the city of Jerusalem in Psalm 122. It is important to take note of the personal meaning of Scripture as well. Psalm 122 speaks to us as we take joy in where our feet are planted. For many of us, a trip to Israel is just not an option right now. So, does that mean that we cannot find the same joy the psalmist found as his feet were planted within the city’s gates? No, it does not.
As a matter of fact, Beth points out the fact that many exiles were taken to Babylon and died there. They never knew the joy of literally standing within the gates of the city of Jerusalem again. In Jeremiah 29, we find instructions that God gave the exiles while they were in Babylon. We, too, are much like those exiles. We are bound here on earth, while our hearts long to be in heaven. Use these Scriptures to encourage you as you make your journey through earth.
Jeremiah 29: 4 – 7
“This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because it prospers, you too will prosper.”
You may feel like you are stuck in Babylon at times, but there is a reason God has planted you where you are. He longs to prosper you, and when He does, it is our responsibility to be a witness to everyone watching us.
That is why it is so important to take these Scripture to heart. We are to be all that we can be within the gates of our own cities. We are to seek peace and prosperity.
How is God using your town or city to equip you to be a humble servant?
How is God using you in your own town or city?
It is so important that believers are part of a church where they can be encouraged to be all they can be to their community. It is as important, if not more so, for you to be in a great church where you feel you can serve as it is for you to be in a good neighborhood or work place.
In Psalm 122, you will notice that the psalmists’ first focus is on the temple then it moves out into the city. We are to take this as an example in our own lives. We are to first focus on the temple, our home churches and even our physical homes. When we find the peace of God within our temple, we are to share that joy with our “city”.
Accepting that no fellowship is perfect, what are a few things you really love about yours?
Name some people that you look forward to seeing each time you go to worship. Write down what you love about those people.
Describe a few relationships that you have at church that you wouldn’t have anywhere else.
I want to share my answer to this question. I am very funny about male companionship/friendship because I never want to disrespect my husband in any way or leave question to whether a relationship is what it should be. I love my husband and long to be faithful to him in all that I do. When I am around males, I almost always have my husband with me. Since I have been diagnosed, the Lord has brought several men to e witness to and encourage me. Each of these men has been so gracious in affording me the distance and trust that is appropriate when you are married and faithful to your commitment in Christ. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I could never have allowed myself to take comfort in the encouragement they have to offer me through their e-mails, cards and phone calls if they were not men of the church and very respectful. They have never made me feel uncomfortable or allowed any interaction that was not in an appropriate place or time. I know their intentions towards me is to be what God wants them to be in my life. If they were not men of the church, I know I would not have allowed those relationships to even form. I think more men need to be respectful of never visiting a wife/mother while she is alone in her home or calling her with information that cannot be fully disclosed to her spouse.
Are you happy when someone says to you, “let us go into the house of the Lord?”
If not, you should prayerfully consider moving to another ministry within the church or moving to another church if that is not an option. It is so very important that you stay alive and willing to serve in Christ.
Read through this Psalm and write a prayer to God to show your connection to Psalm 122!
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