Not Ashamed

Taking a Break

2009-11-07T11:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies. Please accept my apologies for the untimeliness in my posts for this study. So much has been going on of late. For those of you who know me well, you understand. I have written a post on the Mommies with Hope blog that I would like you to check out. You will understand.

Part 2: Becoming More in My Walk With God

2009-10-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

Part 2 of this book deals with our individual walk with God. What does this mean? Well in my understanding of it, it means going "beyond Sunday morning" as Chapter 4 is entitled. If you attend Lakeside Fellowship, you may know that our "motto" is "Come as you are, leave different." Often you will hear Nathan, our worship leader, or Pastor Dave, pray about this...that we may come to church on Sunday and not just hear the Word or enjoy a great sermon, fellowship, or music, but that we would be changed because of the blood of Christ and that our lives throughout the rest of the week reflect such change.

In Chapter 4, Lysa poses the question: Are you a self-feeder? In other words, do you take responsibility for learning, growing, and seeking after God in your daily life? Or...do you leave this up to the church, your pastor, a small group/bible study leader, a mentor or friend, or your husband? Ultimately, our relationship with God should not rely on any of these people or things mentioned above. Yes, they can be wonderful blessings that guide us, but like any relationship, we must work at it and nurture it ourselves.

An analogy that might make sense (or at least helps illustrate this idea of becoming a self-feeder in my own crazy mind) is that of my son, Gabe. Gabe is in 2nd grade and his ability to read really clicked toward the end of last year. For a while, he was doing tutoring, enrolled in Title 1 reading for extra, individualized help, etc. Each of these things helped him in their various ways and eventually, he was performing at the expected level for his age and grade. Then, summer came. We could have easily let the reading go, focused our time on other fun things all summer long and waited till fall before picking up a book again. But what would have likely happened? My thought is that we would be right back to square one! So, for Gabe to really excel, learn, and grow, it was important that he develop a love and joy for reading! As his parents, we were able to foster this by letting him buy new books, taking him to the library for special outings, letting him participate in a summer reading incentive program, etc. While each of these things were positive and helped guide him, his current love for reading ultimately boils down to the fact that he developed a desire to read more and more and now, we have to go in his bedroom every single night and tell him "lights out" in order to get him to put down a book!

Shouldn't we be like that when it comes to our relationship with God? Yes, we have these wonderful tools that can assist us as we strive to learn more and more about God, but ultimately, we must possess that desire! How do we obtain it, you ask? Simply put...through His Word! It can be a challenge and even intimidating to pick up the Bible and to even have a clue as to where to start. There are times when I feel so defeated, so lost, or so alone that it becomes easier and appealing to just try to make it on my own strength. Especially in those times of despair, we need God's Word because it is full of promises of restoration, rest, comfort, and the promised hope of eternity! So, when I'm feeling that way, I approach God with the following prayer: Lord, I don't know what it is you want to show me, but help me. Reveal to me those things that You need me to see and hear. Amen. And He is always faithful.

Lysa outlines a very practical way that we can become self-feeders in Chapter 4. She gives 3 things that we must do when approaching the Word of God, including:

1) PRAY
Prepare your hearts!
2) START WITH THE CONTEXT
This is the who, what, when, where, and why of the passage we are studying.
3) READ THE PASSAGE PHRASE BY PHRASE
Each and every word is divinely placed where God intended it to be, so delve in and discover what He has to say to you!

Challenge: Do as Lysa suggests and try the exercise in your own study. Use the Ephesians passage provided in Chapter 4, or another verse/passage of Scripture that you have been reading this week. Post and share what God reveals to you through these exercises....would love to see how your

Hiatus is Over!

2009-10-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

Okay ladies. First, forgive me! I have been on a hiatus these past couple weeks. Life has gotten crazy and this study has been on my priority list, but I have failed to devote the necessary time to it (thus the need to "Become More"!). So, I'm getting back on track and we will be picking up with Part 2 today.

I read a devotion not too long ago about balance and priorities and I remember the author writing a prayer about the things on her "to-do list". It was something to the effect of God helping her get those things done that need to be done based on what He has planned for her to do and accomplish that day, not on all of those things we allow to fill our plate that are on our own to-do lists. So that is my prayer of late - that God will make it known to me those things which He will have me do and give me the strength to do them for His honor, His glory, and His kingdom!

Forgive my Delay!

2009-10-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

Good morning, Ladies. I just wanted to let you know that posts for Part 2 are on the way! I'm a little behind in the posting department because our family has been struck down by the stomach flu this past week, which has put each of our lives on hold at various points. Thankfully, it was just a 24 hour bug, of which I think we've suffered the last. I came down with it overnight Tues/Wed. and spend the entire day in bed yesterday, but am feeling back to myself again today!

Anyway, posts for Part 2 are coming...I promise!

Chapter 3: Not Measuring Up

2009-10-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

Lysa starts Chapter 3 off with a story in her everday life about the great brownie debacle. I'll confess, it's sometimes good to hear that I'm not alone in my feelings of failure at motherhood. I remember very vividly how horrible I felt when I didn't know it was an early out at school, Gabe walked home by himself (before he was old enough to do so, mind you), the door was locked and he went to the neighbors. A few minutes later, the doorbell rang and it was his friend asking if he could play. It was in that moment, that this 6 year old boy informed me that they had an early out...and it had already been a half hour! Long story short - Gabe was next door, safe and sound, and I had to do the walk of shame to the neighbor's house, unshowered and still in sweats from the night before, and admit that I didn't know there was an early out or where my child was! Anyway, I say all this to show that we are human. We make mistakes. Satan will do whatever he can to cast doubt in our minds, to torment us, and to take captive our thoughts with his lies!

What about you? What situations have you been in where you have felt inadequate in the everyday areas of your life? How did you deal with it? What could you have done differently?

Lysa goes on to talk about the lies and deception of Satan in Chapter 3, but also offers a solution to equip us for those moments of inadequacy. She poses a question that I think will prove to be true in my own everyday trials in life, which is...

"How can I see Jesus even in this?"

That's a powerful question worth asking ourselves in any situation, but particularly in those in which we let our hearts and minds be enticed by Satan's lies. The Truth is that Jesus is with us in every situation we encounter or endure. Still, we have a choice in the matter regarding just how much we will let Him in. Lysa talks about taking a step back from the situation in order to ask oneself this question.

If you were to go back to the situation(s) I asked you to think about above, what difference do you think it would have made to ask yourself, "How can I see Jesus even in this?" What would your answer(s) have been?

In moving forward this week, let's commit to keeping this question tucked away in our hearts. Let's try to identify the "triggers" or situations that prompt us to ask ourselves this question. Please share how this goes in your comments throughout the week!

Live it, Sister!

2009-10-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies! I just wanted to point out to you that I've included a challenge for each of us as we progress through the study. Since we are all striving toward "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl," I think it's important that we not only read the book and be challenged, but even more importantly, allow ourselves to be challenged by God's very Word. Thus, it is my personal challenge and challenge to you to "Live it, Sister!"

To your right, you will see this title with a Scripture reference below. I will add to this section each week with another Scripture reference and challenge you to "live it out." The reference(s) themselves will be linked to Bible Gateway, enabling you to view the verse(s) online. This past week, we have been challenged to be bold with the gospel, which corresponds with the purpose of this online bible study...to be "Not Ashamed."

Feel free to post comments or examples as the weeks go on about how you have been applying these verses in your everyday lives and living out the gospel of Christ...unashamed, undeniably, uninhibited, and underlying even the tiniest details of your life!

Chapter 2

2009-10-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

It was so interesting to see the transparency that Lysa displayed in this chapter, which has truly been evident throughout the book so far. But I was specifically struck by her admitting that she had worked for Proverbs 31 for 3 months before even reading that actual passage of Scripture! And then, to hear how those words pierced her heart was something I could very much relate to.

She goes on and describes how she sought out love and significance and would go around with her "little heart-shaped cup" offering it to whatever/whomever would fill it.

What about you all? What things do you offer your heart-shaped cup to in an effort to be filled? A person(s)? Work? Possessions?

In the middle of pg. 30, she states, "The reality is no person, possession, profession, or position ever fills the cup of a wounded, empty heart - not my heart, not your heart." What a powerful statement. She later asks, "Why is it so tempting to look to things of this world for fulfillment?"

What do you ladies think? Why and how do we let worldly temptations creep in and rely on such things to fill us?

Here are a few verses regarding this matter that we can delve into (they are linked to Bible Gateway if you just click on them):

Matthew 6:19-21
Matthew 6:25-34
Romans 12:2
1 John 2:15-17
1 John 5:4-5

Did one of the verses above in particular speak to you? How so?

Also in Chapter 2, she talks about the "If only" temptations. What are some of your "if only" temptations? Last Spring, I went to a Faith Lift conference (which some of you were at!) and the speaker talked about the importance of equipping ourself with "ammunition." This "ammunition" is God's Word. She emphasized the significance of saturating ourselves in God's Word, because then, when we do get caught in these "if only" temptations or our thinking strays into a worldly and sinful perspective (as it often does and surely will!), we are armed with Scripture to ward off these invading thoughts. We know from the book of James (James 1:13-15) that it is these things which lie deep in our hearts, these desires, that give birth to sin and death. Thus, the importance of keeping our minds fixated on Christ and becoming more like Christ through sanctification. Still, we humbly must admit that "we have not arrived" but that God is continuing to work in and through us, if only we let Him!

At the end of Chapter 2, Lysa talks about her calling. It is evident through the ministry that God is using her in a mighty way, and many of us doing this study have had the privilege of hearing her speak in person or reading other writings from her that have touched us deeply. Now it may not be each of our callings to be the President of an international women's ministry who writes books, speaks to thousands of women in large arenas, etc., but I can assure you that we each have a calling!

What is your calling? How do you know? How can you find out?

Seek Him! Ask God to reveal to you the ways in which He will use you for His Kingdom. For some of us, it is to minister to our children in our very homes, raising them to live for the Lord. For others of us, it may be through our jobs or a special gift or talent we have. And still for others, it may be a more public ministry through the church. Whatever it may be, if you surrender to God's will, ask Him to show you, He is faithful to answer you. But, be prepared for the answer (it may not be what you want or think), and more importantly, be prepared to obey!

Heavenly Father,
I just thank you so much for your Word and that we can go to it and be equipped with the ammunition we need to ward off any evil desires or temptations or thoughts that creep into our hearts and distance us from You. I thank you that we are blessed to be able to study Your Word collectively, with freedom, and that we can learn from each other and share with each other so that we can become sanctified only by Your Grace. There is nothing that we can do on our own strength, Lord, but it is You who works in and through us to become the children of God you created us to be. Help us, Lord, to constantly seek after you and to live for you alone. It is in the precious name of Jesus, Your Son and our Savior, that we pray. Amen

Part 1: Becoming More...In My Heart

2009-10-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1

I don't know about the rest of you, but I found myself in tears in this very first chapter. My heart just broke for Lysa as she shared some of her heart with us. I felt a connection to Lysa in several parts. What is your reaction to the first chapter? In what ways could you relate?

Lost in Labels...

She talked about labels and trying to be good enough. In what ways have you tried to measure up? Have you found yourself caught in the trap of living your life in a way that attempts to please others or that is reflective of how others will see you or what they think? Look up the following verses:

Colossians 3:23-24
Romans 3:22-24
Galatians 1:10

How do these verses challenge this notion of "measuring up?"

Religion...

I could definitely relate to the "rules" of religion that she discussed. My religious upbringing consisted of many rules and rituals, but no emphasis on a relationship with God through Christ. Can anyone else relate? What should be our manual for all doctrine?

Do you have a "Bible Friend?" Are you somebody else's "Bible Friend?"

And finally, I just had to bring up her "Bible friend." This part just made me laugh because I too can call to mind a "Bible friend" from my college days, who rather she knows it or not, planted seeds that the Lord has used in my life in recent years. So what about you? Do you have a "Bible friend" that you can call to mind? What impact did that person have on you? Let's go one step further...can you think of anyone who might call you their "Bible friend"? That's a challenge for each one of us. Just think of what a privilege it would be for someone to consider you their "Bible friend!"

Feel free to post comments related to any and/or all of the points or questions mentioned above. If you have other thoughts from Chapter 1, Scripture verses you'd like to share, etc., please do so in your comments! I will wait to see how the conversation is unfolding and will participate more from there. Also, be on the look out for a post on Chapters 2 and 3 later in the week.

A Message from Lysa

2009-10-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies,

I found this video on youtube and thought it would be a great way to kick off our week. After some further investigating, it appears Lysa Terkeurst will have a dvd companion study coming out in December with this new book. Looks like we will be ahead of the game...and maybe our study together will prepare some of us to go back to our churches or neighborhoods to lead this study with a different group of women in a different format.

Anyway, the video is a brief overview of her purpose of the book. It's gotten me excited and I hope you are too! Enjoy and feel free to post any reactions you may have in the comments. I will be posting for Part 1 of the book on Monday, so start reading if you haven't already! :)

Who are you?

2009-09-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome Ladies! I am so excited to be starting this online bible study with each of you. I trust that we will learn a great deal from each other, through the book, and most importantly through God's Word!

In Matthew 18:20 Jesus said,
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Because God's Word is timeless and without error, I believe this statement is true for us as we learn, fellowship, and grow even in this online community.

To kick things off, without officially delving into the book quite yet, I want us to get acquainted with each other. I must admit, I am pleasantly surprised by the response to doing this study. Just so you all know, I invited women from various circles in my own life, including ISU, Mommies with Hope, Lakeside Fellowship, family, friends, etc. Based on those of you who have told me you were planning to participate as well as the comments that have been received thus far, I know there are some of you who do not know each other. Thus, the reason for this post and our efforts to get to know one another.

So, to build a sense of community before we embark on our study of the book we have chosen, I would like to spend this week just getting to know one another. Please post a comment by clicking on the comments link below and answer any or all of the following questions. Share as much or as little as you are comfortable with.

Name (first name is fine)
Any info about yourself you would like to share (family, work, etc.)
What are you looking forward to by being a part of this study?
How you know me (but don't be telling any of my "pre-Jesus days" stories that some of you can attest to!)

Go ahead and post anytime this week. I encourage you to check back, read the comments of the other ladies, and comment back and forth as you see fit. This will help us, not only to get to know each other even more, but also to get some "practice" with the commenting format that we will utilize for our actual study, starting next week.

One more logistical thing...when you click on the comments link, you are prompted to click on an option from a pull down menu that will determine how you are identified. If you do not have a google account, you will have to post as "anonymous" or as "name/url". Either will work. If you choose "anonymous" you will need to be sure to tell us your name when you post your comments. If you choose "name/url" this will give you the option to put in your name and a website (like if you have a blog or want to link your name to a particular url), which will then appear on the comment you post automatically. This option should work even if you do not include an url. Please let me know if you are having trouble!

Become More with Me!

2009-09-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks for hopping on over to visit this new blog! I am excited to tell you about some of the ideas I have for this blog space and how you can be a part of it. Basically, the idea for this blog is to provide a format for us to learn, grow, share, reflect, and be challenged on the truths of God's Word as we delve into various bible studies.

The first study we will delve into will be a book, written by Christian author and speaker and President of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa Terkeurst. The book, Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl, is a challenge to "becoming more" in every aspect of our lives, being sold out for Christ and not just going through the motions of a so-called Christian life.

I would like to invite you to join me in this study! The format will consist of a "part" per week to read on your own. The book itself is divided into six parts total, with each part consisting of three short chapters. To give you a glimpse of what the book is about, here is the title of each part of the book:

Part 1 - Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl In My Heart
Part 2 - Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl In My Walk With God
Part 3 - Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl In My Relationships
Part 4 - Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl In My Struggles
Part 5 - Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl In My Thoughts
Part 6 - Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl In My Calling

I will write a post on this blog at the beginning of each week to aid in our readings and application of the book. Comments are welcomed throughout the week where you will have the opportunity to post questions, post comments or things that struck you, and post insights about how the book "hit home" in your everyday life, etc.

If you plan to participate in this study, here is some important information you will need to know before we get started...

How do I get the book?

Good question! You can order the book through Proverbs 31 Ministries by clicking here. Cost of the book is $12.99.

When do we start?

My plan is for us to start the week of October 5th. This will allow everyone to order and receive the book in time to start. In addition, this will put us on track to finish the book in the second week of November, which is good timing because it will allow us to finish before the holidays begin to demand more of our time.

What is my commitment?

You will get out of it, what you put into it! While you are obviously not required to do all the readings, post comments, etc. I think you will get the most out of this study by doing the readings each week, following the blog post and comments, and if led, commenting on the blog yourself. After all, the purpose of the study is to "become more", so let's break that cycle of going through the motions and try to live it out in our everyday lives!

Okay, I'm in! So now what?

Great! Glad you're eager to learn and grow with me! The next step is to order your book right away and allow time for it to arrive in the mail before our October 5th start date. Also, spread the word to any friends you may want to invite! Feel free to pass along the link to this blog so they can see for themselves what it's all about. Pray! Let's commit this study to prayer, that God will open our hearts to becoming more in every aspect of our lives. Let's also pray that He lead more and more women to our study who want to become more.

And finally, if you are planning to participate, will you please leave a comment below by clicking on the "comments" link and let us know! Tell us your name (first name is sufficient), any comments you may have about the study we will be starting, and if you are comfortable, any prayer requests that we can lift up to the Lord on behalf of one another! I'll kick things off!