I sent out a wonderful God-centered article on voting last week to several of my friends. I will share it below. It conveys the exact discussion Jay and I had last night together on our home date night. Today, some will be happy and some will be disappointed in our new president. But, this is a wonderful opportunity to show the world that God is our true King and He is in control! We can trust in His plan...not one of a president.
Our job is to be faithful in our freedom to vote in a way that we believe lines up with God's Word, and then place all our faith and trust in God alone! So REJOICE today! Rejoice and be glad even if those you voted for do not win this election. God is seated on His throne, high and lifted up!
I am SOOO grateful that we have been walking through these passages for the past month, and our group of ladies are ready to rejoice in God alone today! We know that God is the one who orders our steps and our lives. What a peace that passes all understanding!
Take the chance today to share that joy with someone...trust me everyone will be talking about it today:) Be a little salt in an uncertain and fearful world. Walk in faith...because that alone pleases God. Enjoy today and take time to share the Prince of Peace, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords with someone else today. What a great God we serve!
Please take a moment to read this article:http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2008/3347/
Rejoicing on election day!
Frances
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
2 Samuel 2
Take time today to read 2 Samuel 2.
What are some things that stand out to you personally about this passage?
Look closely at verses 1-4.
What about this conversation draws your attention?
I love the fact that David inquired of the Lord...and believed that He would answer him! And God does answer Him directly! How precious is the honor of prayer and talking with the God of the universe!!!
I walk early in the mornings...it is my favorite time of the day. I love being outdoors and I almost burst literally from trying to drink everything of God's creation and world in! I ask Him every day why I can't just bottle it up and enjoy it all day long...ah, the voice of a true addict! And every morning He replies to my request...then you would worship that feeling instead of ME...and He is right.
During these walks each day, I pray for 30-40 minutes talking with God about those things that are on my mind, my agenda,and my heart. Now, you have to understand that though I have been deeply entrenched in God's Word for 6 1/2 years consistently...I have struggled with intercession and prayer.
But, now during these walks I have experienced time with My Father in such a powerful way. I talk to Him and day by day I hear His voice answering. He convicts me, rebukes me, encourages me, and teaches me. He is real in those times of prayer and that changes me each day.
Today, perhaps you are like me and have struggled to pray as if God really hears and answers. Take encouragement from David in this passage and believe Him! He will answer...maybe not in our time or the way we would like! Let's make sure today that we are seeking God's direction in our day. Let's feast on His Word and talk with Him about those questions, hurts, frustrations, and confusing things we are going through today. I love to hear God answer His children and this passage reminds me that He is personally involved in this relationship!
What are some things that stand out to you personally about this passage?
Look closely at verses 1-4.
What about this conversation draws your attention?
I love the fact that David inquired of the Lord...and believed that He would answer him! And God does answer Him directly! How precious is the honor of prayer and talking with the God of the universe!!!
I walk early in the mornings...it is my favorite time of the day. I love being outdoors and I almost burst literally from trying to drink everything of God's creation and world in! I ask Him every day why I can't just bottle it up and enjoy it all day long...ah, the voice of a true addict! And every morning He replies to my request...then you would worship that feeling instead of ME...and He is right.
During these walks each day, I pray for 30-40 minutes talking with God about those things that are on my mind, my agenda,and my heart. Now, you have to understand that though I have been deeply entrenched in God's Word for 6 1/2 years consistently...I have struggled with intercession and prayer.
But, now during these walks I have experienced time with My Father in such a powerful way. I talk to Him and day by day I hear His voice answering. He convicts me, rebukes me, encourages me, and teaches me. He is real in those times of prayer and that changes me each day.
Today, perhaps you are like me and have struggled to pray as if God really hears and answers. Take encouragement from David in this passage and believe Him! He will answer...maybe not in our time or the way we would like! Let's make sure today that we are seeking God's direction in our day. Let's feast on His Word and talk with Him about those questions, hurts, frustrations, and confusing things we are going through today. I love to hear God answer His children and this passage reminds me that He is personally involved in this relationship!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
2 Samuel 1
Hi ladies! It was great to be with you Sunday and enjoy our time together. I pray that you are allowing God's Word to fill your cup daily through His Word each morning. I am enjoying the book of Mark in my personal time with the Lord, but also enjoying a look back at 1&2 Samuel too.
Take time today to read over 2 Samuel 1. We are traveling along with David's life and see now that he finds himself in deep loss in this chapter over his beloved friend Jonathan. But, we also see him mourning over Saul...the man who hated him.
Look specifically at verse 24.
What do you notice here?
I am still amazed at David's heart. Saul wanted to kill David. He sought every way to hunt him down and kill him...yet here David is telling Israel to week over Saul because he was a wonderful provider and protector!
What perspective! I was challenged by that today. I pray that today I will follow Christ's words when He told each of us to love our enemies and to do good to those that desire to hurt us. That takes putting aside our rights, pride, selfishness, and emotional outbursts in order to truly love others the way Christ loved us.
Take time today to look at the way you view those who are not kind to you or treat you unfairly. Do we truly follow Christ in loving those who hate us...and do good to them? David honored Saul during his life and even now in his death. He showed love to Saul even when Saul was plotting his death!
Ask God to change that heart attitude in your life today and allow Him to bring His love to those unkind and hurtful relationships. He will do it!
Take time today to read over 2 Samuel 1. We are traveling along with David's life and see now that he finds himself in deep loss in this chapter over his beloved friend Jonathan. But, we also see him mourning over Saul...the man who hated him.
Look specifically at verse 24.
What do you notice here?
I am still amazed at David's heart. Saul wanted to kill David. He sought every way to hunt him down and kill him...yet here David is telling Israel to week over Saul because he was a wonderful provider and protector!
What perspective! I was challenged by that today. I pray that today I will follow Christ's words when He told each of us to love our enemies and to do good to those that desire to hurt us. That takes putting aside our rights, pride, selfishness, and emotional outbursts in order to truly love others the way Christ loved us.
Take time today to look at the way you view those who are not kind to you or treat you unfairly. Do we truly follow Christ in loving those who hate us...and do good to them? David honored Saul during his life and even now in his death. He showed love to Saul even when Saul was plotting his death!
Ask God to change that heart attitude in your life today and allow Him to bring His love to those unkind and hurtful relationships. He will do it!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Something to share...
I read this devotion this morning from My Utmost for His Highest. It not only challenged me, but also was so encouraging! This was written years ago...and still it resounds in our own class today. Our call is THRIVE each day of our lives, instead of surviving it by the daily power of God's Word in our lives.
There was nothing of the nature of impulsive or thoughtless action about our Lord, but only a calm strength that never got into a panic. Most of us develop our Christianity along the lines of our own nature, not along the lines of God’s nature.
Impulsiveness is a trait of the natural life, and our Lord always ignores it, because it hinders the development of the life of a disciple. Watch how the Spirit of God gives a sense of restraint to impulsiveness, suddenly bringing us a feeling of self-conscious foolishness, which makes us instantly want to vindicate ourselves. Impulsiveness is all right in a child, but is disastrous in a man or woman—an impulsive adult is always a spoiled person. Impulsiveness needs to be trained into intuition through discipline.
Discipleship is built entirely on the supernatural grace of God. Walking on water is easy to someone with impulsive boldness, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is something altogether different. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus, but he "followed Him at a distance" on dry land ( Mark 14:54 ).
We do not need the grace of God to withstand crises—human nature and pride are sufficient for us to face the stress and strain magnificently. But it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours of every day as a saint, going through drudgery, and living an ordinary, unnoticed, and ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus. It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God—but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people—and this is not learned in five minutes.
When I am able to get my SS book back tomorrow, I will be sure to update with some reading for Sunday! I pray you all are having a great week...
Thriving 365,
Frances
There was nothing of the nature of impulsive or thoughtless action about our Lord, but only a calm strength that never got into a panic. Most of us develop our Christianity along the lines of our own nature, not along the lines of God’s nature.
Impulsiveness is a trait of the natural life, and our Lord always ignores it, because it hinders the development of the life of a disciple. Watch how the Spirit of God gives a sense of restraint to impulsiveness, suddenly bringing us a feeling of self-conscious foolishness, which makes us instantly want to vindicate ourselves. Impulsiveness is all right in a child, but is disastrous in a man or woman—an impulsive adult is always a spoiled person. Impulsiveness needs to be trained into intuition through discipline.
Discipleship is built entirely on the supernatural grace of God. Walking on water is easy to someone with impulsive boldness, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is something altogether different. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus, but he "followed Him at a distance" on dry land ( Mark 14:54 ).
We do not need the grace of God to withstand crises—human nature and pride are sufficient for us to face the stress and strain magnificently. But it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours of every day as a saint, going through drudgery, and living an ordinary, unnoticed, and ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus. It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God—but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people—and this is not learned in five minutes.
When I am able to get my SS book back tomorrow, I will be sure to update with some reading for Sunday! I pray you all are having a great week...
Thriving 365,
Frances
Monday, October 20, 2008
Back in Georgia!
Hi girls! I missed you all so very much on Sunday. While you were having so much fun sharing and digging into God's Word...I was in the air somewhere between DFW and Atlanta...I think! This weekend was amazing and it was such an honor to serve those ladies in New Mexico. I was truly blessed by their generous hearts and loving lives. I miss them already!
But, it is great to finally be back in town for more than a week! I am grateful for a break and time to really focus this month (what remains of it) on our class and getting our contacts going. Please keep praying about the part God will have you play in reaching out to those ladies who are not coming often. We want to make sure they know they are loved!
I don't have my book to share with you things to be studying this week, but I will post on that tomorrow! I just wanted to let you know how very much I missed you all and love you dearly. You are on my mind and in my heart daily!
Have a great day...and make sure you start the day in God's Word! Don't forget our cups will be filled with something today...let's make sure it's with God! Then everything else is just icing on your cake today! Love you girls...
Thriving 365!
Frances
But, it is great to finally be back in town for more than a week! I am grateful for a break and time to really focus this month (what remains of it) on our class and getting our contacts going. Please keep praying about the part God will have you play in reaching out to those ladies who are not coming often. We want to make sure they know they are loved!
I don't have my book to share with you things to be studying this week, but I will post on that tomorrow! I just wanted to let you know how very much I missed you all and love you dearly. You are on my mind and in my heart daily!
Have a great day...and make sure you start the day in God's Word! Don't forget our cups will be filled with something today...let's make sure it's with God! Then everything else is just icing on your cake today! Love you girls...
Thriving 365!
Frances
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Oh the conviction!
Tonight, I was at Ladies' Bible study and two of my most favorite ladies informed me that I had not updated this blog in a MONTH!!! I believe it too! Since I left for Poland, my life has been super charged with many projects, speaking engagements, writing, piloting a new Biblical series next week, planning an overseas retreat for missionary wives in South Asia, homeschooling our daughters (one of which has dyslexia) and striving to keep our home and my life focused on God alone...whew!
During that time, I had to release a few things that I knew I could return to in time. This, unfortunately, was one of those things. I'm so sorry for being absent each day as some of you have been so faithful. I pray that you will know my heart never for a moment was absent from you and this class.
Tomorrow, I leave for New Mexico to do a ladies' retreat there for the weekend. But, after that I will be in Georgia for 2 months straight!! I am thrilled to have a little bit of a break from the travel. I ask that you pray for me as I travel and this group as we encounter the power of God's Word together this weekend in NM.
We are having a great time in 1 Samuel. We are starting to meet David and learn the lessons from His life. I pray that you are growing and learning each day from God's Word! When I return on Monday, my goal is to begin updating this blog again with daily lessons from 1 & 2 Samuel.
Have a great weekend! Enjoy God and the beauty that is in His creation. Take a few moments to get back into His Word and allow Him alone to fill your cup. Only then can you overflow into the other areas of your life with the power and victory we all desire...and Christ promises us!
I love you all...thanks for hanging in there with me! You're the best!
Thrive!
Frances
During that time, I had to release a few things that I knew I could return to in time. This, unfortunately, was one of those things. I'm so sorry for being absent each day as some of you have been so faithful. I pray that you will know my heart never for a moment was absent from you and this class.
Tomorrow, I leave for New Mexico to do a ladies' retreat there for the weekend. But, after that I will be in Georgia for 2 months straight!! I am thrilled to have a little bit of a break from the travel. I ask that you pray for me as I travel and this group as we encounter the power of God's Word together this weekend in NM.
We are having a great time in 1 Samuel. We are starting to meet David and learn the lessons from His life. I pray that you are growing and learning each day from God's Word! When I return on Monday, my goal is to begin updating this blog again with daily lessons from 1 & 2 Samuel.
Have a great weekend! Enjoy God and the beauty that is in His creation. Take a few moments to get back into His Word and allow Him alone to fill your cup. Only then can you overflow into the other areas of your life with the power and victory we all desire...and Christ promises us!
I love you all...thanks for hanging in there with me! You're the best!
Thrive!
Frances
Friday, September 12, 2008
Weekend Reading
Hey girls! Well, this weekend...you have more reading. Next week, starting on Monday, we will be in 1 Samuel 7...I know it's crazy! I can't just skip around like that, so I wanted you to get a jump start on your reading.
You have today, Saturday, and Sunday to read chapters 4-7. Take time each day to read a chapter. Journal your thoughts and answer these questions:
What sticks out to you in this passage?
What do you think God is saying to you personally today through these verses?
How will you be different because of what you read today?
How will you apply this to your life today and everyday?
Have a great weekend in the Word! You will be ready for Monday's devotion...I'll see you then!
I love you...
Thrive!
Frances
You have today, Saturday, and Sunday to read chapters 4-7. Take time each day to read a chapter. Journal your thoughts and answer these questions:
What sticks out to you in this passage?
What do you think God is saying to you personally today through these verses?
How will you be different because of what you read today?
How will you apply this to your life today and everyday?
Have a great weekend in the Word! You will be ready for Monday's devotion...I'll see you then!
I love you...
Thrive!
Frances
Thursday, September 11, 2008
1 Samuel 3:19- 4:1
Quiet your heart before God today. Allow Him to clear your mind of the things to be done today...and focus on Him alone.
Read 1 Samuel 3:19- 4:1.
What are your thoughts on these verses?
How do they apply to your life today?
How will your life be different because of what God spoke to you today?
Samuel continued to grow in the Word of the Lord. His words affected those all over Israel!
Take special time today to think about how you are growing.
In your journal, reflect on what God is teaching you. Share how He is changing you and how you are growing in His Word. Reflect on how God is changing you.
Allow today to be a time of recounting God's goodness in your journey. Share also the areas you feel God is wanting you to grow more. Give Him those areas so that you may THRIVE in this life...in every thing!
I love you girls...
Thrive!
Frances
Read 1 Samuel 3:19- 4:1.
What are your thoughts on these verses?
How do they apply to your life today?
How will your life be different because of what God spoke to you today?
Samuel continued to grow in the Word of the Lord. His words affected those all over Israel!
Take special time today to think about how you are growing.
In your journal, reflect on what God is teaching you. Share how He is changing you and how you are growing in His Word. Reflect on how God is changing you.
Allow today to be a time of recounting God's goodness in your journey. Share also the areas you feel God is wanting you to grow more. Give Him those areas so that you may THRIVE in this life...in every thing!
I love you girls...
Thrive!
Frances
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
1 Samuel 3:15-18
Happy Wednesday to you! It's the middle of the week, and many times this is a day where we are feeling the pressures of the week. Take time to release the cares of today and allow this time to be calm. Allow God to give you a peace and ask Him to speak clearly to you through His Word today.
Read 1 Samuel 3:15-18.
What do you think God is saying to your own life today?
How will your life be different today because of what God has said to you today?
Sometimes it is hard to share with others about God isn't it? It's hard at times to share what He has said to our hearts because we are afraid that they won't understand. We are afraid of what they will think of us. We are worried that they will reject God and us if we share our hearts.
Samuel was afraid to tell Eli what had happened. I can relate to that! Can't you? Many times as God is changing us, growing us, and speaking to us we fear that others will not understand. We fear that they will think we are "Jesus freaks" or are religious fanatics. We are worried about how this will affect our relationship with those we love.
But, that is exactly what Satan wants us to fear. It is true that some people around us will not understand. Others may reject us. But, God will take care of our every need! Journeying with His is never an easy road, but it is the ONLY one that will truly satisfy our souls. Satan wants you to fear being alone and rejected...when the Truth is that you are loved and redeemed by the Almighty God of the universe!
When Samuel spoke up...Eli responded in confirmation! He tells Samuel that it was the Lord and that He would do what is good! How true this is.
So many times I miss the JOY of sharing with others because of fear! I'm wanting people to like me more than I want them to know the goodness of God. There are times when I am just thinking about messing it up, letting God down, turning them off forever, or just worried they will think I am a freak. I hate to admit that, but it's true!
Today, I am reminded that I need to walk in faith and courage! I am a child of God and He is the one who will do what He thinks is good. I must simply obey! I must share His love and Word with those around me as He leads. I must not believe the lie of fear anymore!
Take time to share your fears with sharing His love, salvation, and Word with others to God. Allow Him to speak personally to you right now. Ask Him for courage to live in FAITH today!
I love you girls...
Thrive!
Frances
Read 1 Samuel 3:15-18.
What do you think God is saying to your own life today?
How will your life be different today because of what God has said to you today?
Sometimes it is hard to share with others about God isn't it? It's hard at times to share what He has said to our hearts because we are afraid that they won't understand. We are afraid of what they will think of us. We are worried that they will reject God and us if we share our hearts.
Samuel was afraid to tell Eli what had happened. I can relate to that! Can't you? Many times as God is changing us, growing us, and speaking to us we fear that others will not understand. We fear that they will think we are "Jesus freaks" or are religious fanatics. We are worried about how this will affect our relationship with those we love.
But, that is exactly what Satan wants us to fear. It is true that some people around us will not understand. Others may reject us. But, God will take care of our every need! Journeying with His is never an easy road, but it is the ONLY one that will truly satisfy our souls. Satan wants you to fear being alone and rejected...when the Truth is that you are loved and redeemed by the Almighty God of the universe!
When Samuel spoke up...Eli responded in confirmation! He tells Samuel that it was the Lord and that He would do what is good! How true this is.
So many times I miss the JOY of sharing with others because of fear! I'm wanting people to like me more than I want them to know the goodness of God. There are times when I am just thinking about messing it up, letting God down, turning them off forever, or just worried they will think I am a freak. I hate to admit that, but it's true!
Today, I am reminded that I need to walk in faith and courage! I am a child of God and He is the one who will do what He thinks is good. I must simply obey! I must share His love and Word with those around me as He leads. I must not believe the lie of fear anymore!
Take time to share your fears with sharing His love, salvation, and Word with others to God. Allow Him to speak personally to you right now. Ask Him for courage to live in FAITH today!
I love you girls...
Thrive!
Frances
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
1 Samuel 3:7-10
Start your time with prayer. Ask God to speak to you today through His Word. Open your heart and mind to His transforming power.
Read 1 Samuel 3:7-10.
Share what pricked your heart today through these verse.
What word(s) stick out in your reading?
What do you think God is saying to you personally through them?
Today we are going to follow the advice of Eli for our own lives. We are going to spend today listening to God. We have heard from Him through His Word, and now we want to hear from Him personally as we apply Truth to our lives today. Spend this time in a place where you can listen to God. Open up your life and allow Him to change, heal, and cleanse you in a fresh way.
Journal about your time and share it with us in the comment box!
I love you girls...
Thrive!
Frances
Read 1 Samuel 3:7-10.
Share what pricked your heart today through these verse.
What word(s) stick out in your reading?
What do you think God is saying to you personally through them?
Today we are going to follow the advice of Eli for our own lives. We are going to spend today listening to God. We have heard from Him through His Word, and now we want to hear from Him personally as we apply Truth to our lives today. Spend this time in a place where you can listen to God. Open up your life and allow Him to change, heal, and cleanse you in a fresh way.
Journal about your time and share it with us in the comment box!
I love you girls...
Thrive!
Frances
Monday, September 8, 2008
1 Samuel 3:1-6
Welcome to another week! What a wonderful day to begin with God's Word filling us to overflowing. Please begin today worshipping God for all the wonderful daily ways He speaks to us. Thank Him for His Word!
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-6.
What are a few things that touched your heart through this passage?
What verse(s) meant the most to you today?
Why?
What do you think God is saying in your life today?
How will your life change today because of this passage?
The Lord was talking to Samuel and he didn't even know it! Now, we all might be shaking our heads and laugh at the how dense Samuel seems to be. But, I know that I can relate to this situation in my own life!
I know there are so very many times when I know that the Lord is speaking to me...but I look to other people! For most of my life, God would use people around me like wonderful teachers, preachers, conference speakers, worship leaders, and friends to speak His Word to my heart. But, instead of running to God and sitting at His feet, I ran to MORE conferences, church services, worship experiences, and Bible Studies. I wanted to hear a person...instead of hearing from God myself.
Samuel thinks he is hearing from Eli, but actually He is hearing God's own voice. We hear His voice each time that we open up His Word. He speaks directly to our hearts and changes us daily if we meet Him there.
Have you ever wanted to put a person in God's place?
Have you wanted to hear what a person has to say instead of hearing from God's Word yourself?
Do you spend more time sharing with others what is going on in your life than with God?
Take time right now to talk to God about those things. It's not that Samuel was trying to run FROM God...he was just running TO the wrong person. We must spend every morning running TO God!
Thrive!
Frances
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-6.
What are a few things that touched your heart through this passage?
What verse(s) meant the most to you today?
Why?
What do you think God is saying in your life today?
How will your life change today because of this passage?
The Lord was talking to Samuel and he didn't even know it! Now, we all might be shaking our heads and laugh at the how dense Samuel seems to be. But, I know that I can relate to this situation in my own life!
I know there are so very many times when I know that the Lord is speaking to me...but I look to other people! For most of my life, God would use people around me like wonderful teachers, preachers, conference speakers, worship leaders, and friends to speak His Word to my heart. But, instead of running to God and sitting at His feet, I ran to MORE conferences, church services, worship experiences, and Bible Studies. I wanted to hear a person...instead of hearing from God myself.
Samuel thinks he is hearing from Eli, but actually He is hearing God's own voice. We hear His voice each time that we open up His Word. He speaks directly to our hearts and changes us daily if we meet Him there.
Have you ever wanted to put a person in God's place?
Have you wanted to hear what a person has to say instead of hearing from God's Word yourself?
Do you spend more time sharing with others what is going on in your life than with God?
Take time right now to talk to God about those things. It's not that Samuel was trying to run FROM God...he was just running TO the wrong person. We must spend every morning running TO God!
Thrive!
Frances
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Hello From Poland!
Hello friends....I am trying to post updates for Frances, but I am having a hard time getting them from e-mail to her blog. Sorry for the crazy spacing! Please keep Frances and her team in your prayers.
Hi everyone! I am writing to you today from Krakow, Poland. We got up at
> 3:30am this morning to catch a flight to Krakow, Poland and we arrived
> just in time to head over to a Polish church service! Needless to say, we
> all were extremely tired, but had a wonderful time worshiping with them.
>
> We had a great lunch and have now settled into an apartment that is using
> as an office also. We have the windows opened (they don't use air
> conditioning over here anywhere) and everyone it sleeping with the breeze
> blowing. I just took a short nap, and couldn't wait to send you an update!
>
> We have had a great time so far! I am only sad that I won't get a chance
> to meet back up with the entire team in Prague for debriefing...because I
> will be leaving early to meet my sweet family in Disney! I am VERY excited
> about that!!!
>
> I will catch you up...
>
> Thursday:
> I set out on my 10 hour flight to Frankfurt and had a great flight! It was
> so cool that God sat me next to an Indian man from Hyderabad...the only
> Indian city I have ever been to! And the neatest thing was that he totally
> witnessed to me! He was bubbling over and turned to me to see if I knew
> where I would go if the plane didn't make it to our destination (I was a
> little worried he knew something I didn't!).
>
> I got to Frankfurt perfectly and had a 5 hour layover until I met the rest
> of the Women of Hope team. We enjoyed a few short moments to chat...and
> then headed onto our final leg of the flight to Prague (Czech republic).
>
> Friday:
> We got to Prague (gorgeous from the air and on the ground!). It has the
> precious red roofs and lots of farms...but them all of the sudden Prague
> shows up! It a great city filled with old and new.
>
> We got through customs with everyone's luggage and then headed to the
> hotel. We went to dinner together at a nearby mall and got to know our
> field personnel! They are amazing and we love them!
>
> Saturday:
> We headed over to the city center and met for our Central & Eastern Europe
> overview. We learned about the strategy to share Christ with this very
> atheistic (though they claim to be Roman Catholic sometimes) city. We
> heard from all the regions personally from field personnel from the Baltic
> region, Russia, and our region which includes Poland. It is a vast land
> area to reach with the love of Jesus Christ!
>
> We then prayer walked parts of Prague! It was quite powerful to see the
> city and to see the vast apathy to spiritual things. We then took the
> evening to sight see and enjoyed a great Czech meal.
>
> And that brings up to today! We have gotten very little sleep due to the
> constant party that is going on in Prague at all hours of the night! It's
> like trying to sleep in New York City with your windows opened!
>
> Prayer Requests:
>
> Pray for good sleep tonight as we have a hectic week ahead and are already
> starting out very tired!
>
> We leave tomorrow on the train for Olzsten. We will be on the train for 7
> hours leaving around 9:55am. We will be meeting with more people sharing
> Christ!
>
> We have 2 women whose luggage has not arrived so please pray for them as
> they are only dressed in church clothes...pray that it comes quickly!
>
> We have a busy week...so please pray that we stay focused on God and what
> He is doing in this amazing region of the World. May He alone be our sole
> desire!
>
> I am so grateful for you all! We are now in a place where we can send
> emails (except for tomorrow and Tuesday while in Olzten). So, I'll try to
> email again soon to give you an update and new prayer requests. I love you
> all and thank you so very much for you support on this journey!
>
> Thriving in Poland!
> Frances
>
Mary
Hi everyone! I am writing to you today from Krakow, Poland. We got up at
> 3:30am this morning to catch a flight to Krakow, Poland and we arrived
> just in time to head over to a Polish church service! Needless to say, we
> all were extremely tired, but had a wonderful time worshiping with them.
>
> We had a great lunch and have now settled into an apartment that is using
> as an office also. We have the windows opened (they don't use air
> conditioning over here anywhere) and everyone it sleeping with the breeze
> blowing. I just took a short nap, and couldn't wait to send you an update!
>
> We have had a great time so far! I am only sad that I won't get a chance
> to meet back up with the entire team in Prague for debriefing...because I
> will be leaving early to meet my sweet family in Disney! I am VERY excited
> about that!!!
>
> I will catch you up...
>
> Thursday:
> I set out on my 10 hour flight to Frankfurt and had a great flight! It was
> so cool that God sat me next to an Indian man from Hyderabad...the only
> Indian city I have ever been to! And the neatest thing was that he totally
> witnessed to me! He was bubbling over and turned to me to see if I knew
> where I would go if the plane didn't make it to our destination (I was a
> little worried he knew something I didn't!).
>
> I got to Frankfurt perfectly and had a 5 hour layover until I met the rest
> of the Women of Hope team. We enjoyed a few short moments to chat...and
> then headed onto our final leg of the flight to Prague (Czech republic).
>
> Friday:
> We got to Prague (gorgeous from the air and on the ground!). It has the
> precious red roofs and lots of farms...but them all of the sudden Prague
> shows up! It a great city filled with old and new.
>
> We got through customs with everyone's luggage and then headed to the
> hotel. We went to dinner together at a nearby mall and got to know our
> field personnel! They are amazing and we love them!
>
> Saturday:
> We headed over to the city center and met for our Central & Eastern Europe
> overview. We learned about the strategy to share Christ with this very
> atheistic (though they claim to be Roman Catholic sometimes) city. We
> heard from all the regions personally from field personnel from the Baltic
> region, Russia, and our region which includes Poland. It is a vast land
> area to reach with the love of Jesus Christ!
>
> We then prayer walked parts of Prague! It was quite powerful to see the
> city and to see the vast apathy to spiritual things. We then took the
> evening to sight see and enjoyed a great Czech meal.
>
> And that brings up to today! We have gotten very little sleep due to the
> constant party that is going on in Prague at all hours of the night! It's
> like trying to sleep in New York City with your windows opened!
>
> Prayer Requests:
>
> Pray for good sleep tonight as we have a hectic week ahead and are already
> starting out very tired!
>
> We leave tomorrow on the train for Olzsten. We will be on the train for 7
> hours leaving around 9:55am. We will be meeting with more people sharing
> Christ!
>
> We have 2 women whose luggage has not arrived so please pray for them as
> they are only dressed in church clothes...pray that it comes quickly!
>
> We have a busy week...so please pray that we stay focused on God and what
> He is doing in this amazing region of the World. May He alone be our sole
> desire!
>
> I am so grateful for you all! We are now in a place where we can send
> emails (except for tomorrow and Tuesday while in Olzten). So, I'll try to
> email again soon to give you an update and new prayer requests. I love you
> all and thank you so very much for you support on this journey!
>
> Thriving in Poland!
> Frances
>
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Weekend: Preparing for next week!
The way this new curriculum works, it doesn't work through the entire book of 1 Samuel chapter by chapter. But, I don't want you to miss out on any of the wonderful verses! So, on the weekends, I will give you some reading on your own to prepare for the coming week.
This reading will not be applicable to Sunday's lesson...it is in preparation for Monday and the week following. It will just be like getting ahead! Monday - Friday's devotions are to prepare you for discussion on Sunday...the weekend reading is just if you want to read through all the material!
Read 1 Samuel 2.
Enjoy...
Thrive!
Frances
This reading will not be applicable to Sunday's lesson...it is in preparation for Monday and the week following. It will just be like getting ahead! Monday - Friday's devotions are to prepare you for discussion on Sunday...the weekend reading is just if you want to read through all the material!
Read 1 Samuel 2.
Enjoy...
Thrive!
Frances
Friday, September 5, 2008
Frances Is In Prague
Hello dear friends. Frances and her team have safely arrived in Prague at 5:30 (11:30 AM Eastern time). All is going as planned.....so far, so good! Please keep her team in your prayers and I will post updates as I receive them.
1 Samuel 1:20-28
Good morning girls! Start your time with prayer. Concentrate today on your family in prayer. Take special time to take the needs of each member before the Lord. Share all your hopes, desires, concerns, and worries with God this morning.
Read 1 Samuel 1:20-28.
List a few things that really speak to you today in these verse.
What do these things say to you...how will your life be different because of what you read today?
What is God saying to you about your own family?
There is so much in this passage! It would take us a week to look at all the wonderful things in these verses. But today, we are going to focus on how Hannah literally gave over her only son to God's service. She gave him to full time service at the temple with Eli.
Can you imagine that? Can you imagine leaving your only child...the one you had desired and prayed for so deeply? Can you even begin to think about how Hannah felt as she walked away from the temple leaving her little boy there...for good?
What an example to us! Even if you don't have children, we all can glean from this passage. God has to be the one who completely fills us...not our families, husbands, children, co-workers, or friends. We must be willing to leave those people in the Lord's hands and trust Him with their care. He loves them far greater than we could imagine. His love is perfect for them. His love satisfies them completely.
The greatest way we can truly love those around us, is to trust them to a perfect God. Hannah leaving long prayed for son at the temple, is an example of how we should leave those we love the most in the hands of God. We can trust Him to do the very best. Though, many times it doesn't LOOK best to us! Each day, I'm sure Hannah didn't FEEL like leaving her beloved son was best. But, she knew that he was where God wanted Him.
Are there people in your life that you are holding back from God in your heart?
Do you trust Him with those precious people?
Take time right now to release your lack of faith right now. Believe what God tells us in His Word...that He loves us all so much that He sent His only Son to die for our sin! What an example of love and pain. Thank Him for those relationships, but allow God to be your only source of satisfaction today!
Read 1 Samuel 1:20-28.
List a few things that really speak to you today in these verse.
What do these things say to you...how will your life be different because of what you read today?
What is God saying to you about your own family?
There is so much in this passage! It would take us a week to look at all the wonderful things in these verses. But today, we are going to focus on how Hannah literally gave over her only son to God's service. She gave him to full time service at the temple with Eli.
Can you imagine that? Can you imagine leaving your only child...the one you had desired and prayed for so deeply? Can you even begin to think about how Hannah felt as she walked away from the temple leaving her little boy there...for good?
What an example to us! Even if you don't have children, we all can glean from this passage. God has to be the one who completely fills us...not our families, husbands, children, co-workers, or friends. We must be willing to leave those people in the Lord's hands and trust Him with their care. He loves them far greater than we could imagine. His love is perfect for them. His love satisfies them completely.
The greatest way we can truly love those around us, is to trust them to a perfect God. Hannah leaving long prayed for son at the temple, is an example of how we should leave those we love the most in the hands of God. We can trust Him to do the very best. Though, many times it doesn't LOOK best to us! Each day, I'm sure Hannah didn't FEEL like leaving her beloved son was best. But, she knew that he was where God wanted Him.
Are there people in your life that you are holding back from God in your heart?
Do you trust Him with those precious people?
Take time right now to release your lack of faith right now. Believe what God tells us in His Word...that He loves us all so much that He sent His only Son to die for our sin! What an example of love and pain. Thank Him for those relationships, but allow God to be your only source of satisfaction today!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
1 Samuel 1:17-18
I am leaving in mere hours for Poland and am ready to get on the plane so I can stop packing! I am going to miss my family so very much during this week, but look so forward to meeting them in 10 day at Disney World. Please continue to pray for our travel, health, boldness to speak Truth, and a servant's heart.
Today, start out by resting in this time with God. Allow His peace to take hold of those anxious thoughts and worries. Take them to Him today and allow His Spirit to give you peace.
Read 1 Samuel 1:17-18.
What are you own personal thoughts on this passage?
What words or phrases really interest you or stick out in your reading?
What do you think God is saying to you personally through these verses?
Hannah has poured her heart and deepest hurt out before the Lord. She has prayed from the depth of her pain. She took the feelings of rejection, anger, disappointment, and sadness to her Lord in prayer.
Then, the priest Eli tells her to "go in peace." Those words really stick out to me! How our world, society, and churches need peace! She has poured her heart out to the Lord and now...her job is to trust in Him and go in peace. She must let the peace that passes all understanding guard her heart!
We know that she did this, because she went on her way; she ate and no longer appeared downcast. She continued to walk her daily life (remember she didn't miraculously become pregnant that day!), but with a peace in the Lord.
Have you ever experienced the peace of God in a situation?
Peace is a fruit of the Spirit! It's a sign that we are not lovers of this world, but of God. It's a way this world will know that you are not like the rest of them! A lost and dying world is looking desperately for women who take their needs and cups to God to be filled...and then live their daily lives in victorious peace and joy!
Take time right now to confess those areas you are living in worry, fear, anger, discouragement, and doubt at ask God to fill you with His peace. Trust Him with those areas and allow His peace to guard your heart.
I love you girls...
THRIVE!
Frances
Today, start out by resting in this time with God. Allow His peace to take hold of those anxious thoughts and worries. Take them to Him today and allow His Spirit to give you peace.
Read 1 Samuel 1:17-18.
What are you own personal thoughts on this passage?
What words or phrases really interest you or stick out in your reading?
What do you think God is saying to you personally through these verses?
Hannah has poured her heart and deepest hurt out before the Lord. She has prayed from the depth of her pain. She took the feelings of rejection, anger, disappointment, and sadness to her Lord in prayer.
Then, the priest Eli tells her to "go in peace." Those words really stick out to me! How our world, society, and churches need peace! She has poured her heart out to the Lord and now...her job is to trust in Him and go in peace. She must let the peace that passes all understanding guard her heart!
We know that she did this, because she went on her way; she ate and no longer appeared downcast. She continued to walk her daily life (remember she didn't miraculously become pregnant that day!), but with a peace in the Lord.
Have you ever experienced the peace of God in a situation?
Peace is a fruit of the Spirit! It's a sign that we are not lovers of this world, but of God. It's a way this world will know that you are not like the rest of them! A lost and dying world is looking desperately for women who take their needs and cups to God to be filled...and then live their daily lives in victorious peace and joy!
Take time right now to confess those areas you are living in worry, fear, anger, discouragement, and doubt at ask God to fill you with His peace. Trust Him with those areas and allow His peace to guard your heart.
I love you girls...
THRIVE!
Frances
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Devotion: 1 Samuel 1:12-16
Oh, this one is going to be good for our souls! Let's get started...
Read 1 Samuel 1:12-16.
Follow the example of Hannah in these verses and take time right now to pour out your heart to God. I want you to write Him a letter...or email. I did this a few nights ago and was amazed at what was truly on my heart. I wept before the Lord bringing Him all the worries, thoughts, hurts, doubts, sin, and gratitude that was in my heart. Relish this time. Let Him in. Allow Him to break down the walls around your heart. Allow Him to minister to your broken heart.
Look at Hannah's statements to Eli. She says that she is a women with a broken heart. She is taking her hurt and her resentment (verse 16) to the Lord. Think about that right now.
Where do you take your hurts? Do you run to a friend? Do you call your spouse? Do you bury it deep within yourself and build more walls? Do you ignore it and live in denial of any hurts at all? Do you let it become a grudge or bitterness towards whatever or whoever hurt you?
Or...do you follow Hannah's example here and pour your broken heart our before the Lord?
My parents divorced when I was young. When my mother remarried my stepfather, my dad felt like he should just leave. I didn't see him...until I was married...and not since. He's never seen my children. He has never wanted to see me. I felt abandoned and very worthless for most of my life. It flowed into my marriage, parenting, friendships, family, and most of all it bled into my relationship with God.
As I began to pour my broken heart out to my Lord and read of His precious love for me...I received healing. Day by day. Moment by moment some days. Breath by breath. It was a slow journey that required I trust Him with my whole heart. It wasn't easy to trust anyone with my heart. But, as I read His Word daily...I began to learn about who He really is. I began to love Him and His Words. Then, slowly I trusted Him with my heart and my hurts. It was a deeply personal journey for me. But, daily I love and trust Him more as I journey life breathing His Word in each day. It's the only way I survive.
You've been hurt. We all have...because we live in a fallen world filled with sinful people. The question this morning is where will you go with that hurt today? In the depths of your pain, hurt, and even resentment...pray. Talk to Him. literally pray from the depth of you heart and receive His healing.
I love you girls...
THRIVE!
Frances
Read 1 Samuel 1:12-16.
Follow the example of Hannah in these verses and take time right now to pour out your heart to God. I want you to write Him a letter...or email. I did this a few nights ago and was amazed at what was truly on my heart. I wept before the Lord bringing Him all the worries, thoughts, hurts, doubts, sin, and gratitude that was in my heart. Relish this time. Let Him in. Allow Him to break down the walls around your heart. Allow Him to minister to your broken heart.
Look at Hannah's statements to Eli. She says that she is a women with a broken heart. She is taking her hurt and her resentment (verse 16) to the Lord. Think about that right now.
Where do you take your hurts? Do you run to a friend? Do you call your spouse? Do you bury it deep within yourself and build more walls? Do you ignore it and live in denial of any hurts at all? Do you let it become a grudge or bitterness towards whatever or whoever hurt you?
Or...do you follow Hannah's example here and pour your broken heart our before the Lord?
My parents divorced when I was young. When my mother remarried my stepfather, my dad felt like he should just leave. I didn't see him...until I was married...and not since. He's never seen my children. He has never wanted to see me. I felt abandoned and very worthless for most of my life. It flowed into my marriage, parenting, friendships, family, and most of all it bled into my relationship with God.
As I began to pour my broken heart out to my Lord and read of His precious love for me...I received healing. Day by day. Moment by moment some days. Breath by breath. It was a slow journey that required I trust Him with my whole heart. It wasn't easy to trust anyone with my heart. But, as I read His Word daily...I began to learn about who He really is. I began to love Him and His Words. Then, slowly I trusted Him with my heart and my hurts. It was a deeply personal journey for me. But, daily I love and trust Him more as I journey life breathing His Word in each day. It's the only way I survive.
You've been hurt. We all have...because we live in a fallen world filled with sinful people. The question this morning is where will you go with that hurt today? In the depths of your pain, hurt, and even resentment...pray. Talk to Him. literally pray from the depth of you heart and receive His healing.
I love you girls...
THRIVE!
Frances
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Devotion: Tuesday, September 2
Start today by asking God to guide you in this time. Allow Him to guide and move you through His Word and bless you!
Read 1 Samuel 1:3-5.
Journal some thoughts that you have on these verses.
What really speaks to you about this story so far?
How do you relate to Hannah?
What are your thoughts about God closing Hannah's womb?
God does allow "deserts" into our lives. He isn't shocked by them. He isn't holding his breath wondering what's going to happen to you next. He is in control of all things!
God had an amazing plan for Hannah's life through this desert. She may have had a closed womb at this time, but God provided for her in such tender ways. Her husband gave her a double portion at the time of sacrifice.
Look at Isaiah 61:7:
"Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs."
God gave this promise to His people through the prophet Isaiah years ago, and we know that it is ours in Christ! Instead of the shame and wages of sin, we have been given a double portion...the very best part of the sacrifice! Everlasting JOY is our in Christ every day!!!
Though you are going through an earthly desert at this time, know that God gives us everlasting JOY through Christ during them. Hannah is about to experience the power of answered prayer and an amazing miracle in her life. But, even in the midst of this trial...when she didn't know the ending of her story...she continued to travel with her family to worship the Lord. She knew who could fill her cup!
No matter what we face in this life, God will use it for good. It may not be our definition of good, but He provides peace, joy, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, love, goodness, and self-control in the midst of our daily lives and that allows us to THRIVE! The world looks closely at those women who endure great pain, yet have great JOY. We can have this everlasting JOY because of the gift of Jesus Christ! He is our double portion! He is our everlasting JOY!
THRIVE!
Frances
Read 1 Samuel 1:3-5.
Journal some thoughts that you have on these verses.
What really speaks to you about this story so far?
How do you relate to Hannah?
What are your thoughts about God closing Hannah's womb?
God does allow "deserts" into our lives. He isn't shocked by them. He isn't holding his breath wondering what's going to happen to you next. He is in control of all things!
God had an amazing plan for Hannah's life through this desert. She may have had a closed womb at this time, but God provided for her in such tender ways. Her husband gave her a double portion at the time of sacrifice.
Look at Isaiah 61:7:
"Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs."
God gave this promise to His people through the prophet Isaiah years ago, and we know that it is ours in Christ! Instead of the shame and wages of sin, we have been given a double portion...the very best part of the sacrifice! Everlasting JOY is our in Christ every day!!!
Though you are going through an earthly desert at this time, know that God gives us everlasting JOY through Christ during them. Hannah is about to experience the power of answered prayer and an amazing miracle in her life. But, even in the midst of this trial...when she didn't know the ending of her story...she continued to travel with her family to worship the Lord. She knew who could fill her cup!
No matter what we face in this life, God will use it for good. It may not be our definition of good, but He provides peace, joy, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, love, goodness, and self-control in the midst of our daily lives and that allows us to THRIVE! The world looks closely at those women who endure great pain, yet have great JOY. We can have this everlasting JOY because of the gift of Jesus Christ! He is our double portion! He is our everlasting JOY!
THRIVE!
Frances
Monday, September 1, 2008
How do we start?
Girls, it was so great to be with you all yesterday! I love Sundays for so many reasons, and you each are one of them. I know that the class yesterday was different and more informative, but I wanted to share with you that there are resources to help you glean from God's Word in a way that will speak to you personally. We all will learn and study differently. I wanted you to have an overview of just a few of the resources out there that you might want to know more about as you begin to study the Bible daily.
I struggled with doing that yesterday, so I pray that those who were new will stick around and see what our regular class is like! I pray also that something spoke to you. I have also prayed that you left knowing that studying God's Word is for all of us!! Pastors, Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, Billy Graham and others are using the resources that I showed you yesterday. Jay has been to seminary, and those are a few of the main things he uses in sermons and teaching. It's not complicated or mystical...but it is powerful to be in a personal and growing relationship with Almighty God!
Renee, you had my most favorite question of all...how do we start? Let's start right now...
Take a few moments today to quiet your heart in prayer. Find a quiet spot that you can steal away and focus on God and what He wants to say to you today. Open up to God as you would a loved one sitting with you over a steaming cup of hot tea. Rest in these moments knowing that God loves you and desires you.
Read 1 Samuel 1:1-2.
What sticks out to you in these verses?
Look at the words..."And Hannah had none." How do you think Hannah felt? What are your thoughts on this situation?
Hannah didn't have children while her husbands other wife did. We know that in Biblical times barren women were ridiculed and seen as less important than those who could give their husbands children. But, even today as women it would be difficult to not have children if we desired that in our lives. Can you feel the weight of those words now..."and Hannah had none"?
You may have children today, but there is something in all of our lives that we desire. Perhaps we desire love from a parent that we have "had none" growing up. Maybe we desire a godly marriage that doesn't exist right now. We might desire a thriving spiritual life.
What do you deeply desire that you do not feel that you have right now in your life?
We must take that opportunity in that desire and need to fellowship with God in prayer over that. We will see the passionate prayer that came from a desperate desire in Hannah's life. We will see that Hannah took that desire to God with a groaning so deep that others thought she was either insane or drunk.
Take time today to those deep desires to God. He will answer you. He will change you. He will give you the desires of your heart...either through a "yes" or by filling your heart with Himself so that your desire is met.
Journal a few moments on your own personal thoughts. What is God saying to you right now? What desires do you need to share with Him? Allow Him to fill your cup today!
Share your thoughts with us! We want to hear from you today. Encourage us with what God is saying to you!
I love you all and will miss you terribly! Thank you for being in this class and for sharing your life with me. I am so glad God has brought us together for this journey in thriving everyday!
THRIVE!
Frances
I struggled with doing that yesterday, so I pray that those who were new will stick around and see what our regular class is like! I pray also that something spoke to you. I have also prayed that you left knowing that studying God's Word is for all of us!! Pastors, Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, Billy Graham and others are using the resources that I showed you yesterday. Jay has been to seminary, and those are a few of the main things he uses in sermons and teaching. It's not complicated or mystical...but it is powerful to be in a personal and growing relationship with Almighty God!
Renee, you had my most favorite question of all...how do we start? Let's start right now...
Take a few moments today to quiet your heart in prayer. Find a quiet spot that you can steal away and focus on God and what He wants to say to you today. Open up to God as you would a loved one sitting with you over a steaming cup of hot tea. Rest in these moments knowing that God loves you and desires you.
Read 1 Samuel 1:1-2.
What sticks out to you in these verses?
Look at the words..."And Hannah had none." How do you think Hannah felt? What are your thoughts on this situation?
Hannah didn't have children while her husbands other wife did. We know that in Biblical times barren women were ridiculed and seen as less important than those who could give their husbands children. But, even today as women it would be difficult to not have children if we desired that in our lives. Can you feel the weight of those words now..."and Hannah had none"?
You may have children today, but there is something in all of our lives that we desire. Perhaps we desire love from a parent that we have "had none" growing up. Maybe we desire a godly marriage that doesn't exist right now. We might desire a thriving spiritual life.
What do you deeply desire that you do not feel that you have right now in your life?
We must take that opportunity in that desire and need to fellowship with God in prayer over that. We will see the passionate prayer that came from a desperate desire in Hannah's life. We will see that Hannah took that desire to God with a groaning so deep that others thought she was either insane or drunk.
Take time today to those deep desires to God. He will answer you. He will change you. He will give you the desires of your heart...either through a "yes" or by filling your heart with Himself so that your desire is met.
Journal a few moments on your own personal thoughts. What is God saying to you right now? What desires do you need to share with Him? Allow Him to fill your cup today!
Share your thoughts with us! We want to hear from you today. Encourage us with what God is saying to you!
I love you all and will miss you terribly! Thank you for being in this class and for sharing your life with me. I am so glad God has brought us together for this journey in thriving everyday!
THRIVE!
Frances
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Out of Town!
Hey girls! I am so sorry that I didn't do a post yesterday...I was out of town very early yesterday and didn't get home until close to 10pm last night! I was exhausted and fell right into bed. Then, I got a sweet email from Angela...thanks girl! I didn't realize I would be out of town and not be able to post. I'll have to look ahead more and post the evening before when I have commitments like that.
I'm so sorry! Thanks for coming here and sharing your thoughts and prayers for yourselves and each other. This is getting good...enjoy your day with family and take a few moments to get away with God and prepare yourself for our celebration together tomorrow!
I love you all...
Thrive!
Frances
I'm so sorry! Thanks for coming here and sharing your thoughts and prayers for yourselves and each other. This is getting good...enjoy your day with family and take a few moments to get away with God and prepare yourself for our celebration together tomorrow!
I love you all...
Thrive!
Frances
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Devotion: Thursday, August 28
Begin your time today with prayer. Allow God to guide your time. Don't go to this time with an agenda of your own. Take time to hear from God and let Him reveal the things He wants you to pray about. Open your heart to His agenda today!
Read Exodus 16:9-10.
What are the things that speak to your heart right now in these verses?
What verse or words stick out to you? Why?
Where did the people see the glory of the Lord appear in a cloud?
What are your thoughts on this?
I find it so powerful that the people saw the glory of the Lord in the desert (wilderness)! It's so easy for us to feel and see God's presence on the mountain top. When we have wonderful conference experiences, Bible studies, weekend retreats, and Sunday worship experiences. But, many days when we are living the "normal life" or going through a very difficult time we find that it's harder to see God's glorious presence. We get bogged down in the details of life and sometimes miss the daily glory of the Lord.
What about you today? Do you desire to see the glory of God in your desert? Think about that desert we have been sharing about. We can see God's glory right in the middle of that desert! That is what a lost world is waiting to see. If our eyes are fixed on God...we won't miss His glory even in the desert!
Read Exodus 16:9-10.
What are the things that speak to your heart right now in these verses?
What verse or words stick out to you? Why?
Where did the people see the glory of the Lord appear in a cloud?
What are your thoughts on this?
I find it so powerful that the people saw the glory of the Lord in the desert (wilderness)! It's so easy for us to feel and see God's presence on the mountain top. When we have wonderful conference experiences, Bible studies, weekend retreats, and Sunday worship experiences. But, many days when we are living the "normal life" or going through a very difficult time we find that it's harder to see God's glorious presence. We get bogged down in the details of life and sometimes miss the daily glory of the Lord.
What about you today? Do you desire to see the glory of God in your desert? Think about that desert we have been sharing about. We can see God's glory right in the middle of that desert! That is what a lost world is waiting to see. If our eyes are fixed on God...we won't miss His glory even in the desert!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Devotion: Wednesday, August 27
Take a few moments right now to think about the way God has been providing for you this week. Take time to thank Him for His daily provision in your life. Thank Him for His many blessings!
Read Exodus 16:5-8.
What are some of your own thoughts on these verses?
What is God saying to you right now?
Why do you think that in the evening when God sent the meat for them to eat, that they would know it was God who saved them from Egypt? (Look back at Exodus 16:3)
Don't miss the fact that in the morning...when the manna was there for them to eat...that they would see the GLORY OF THE LORD! Don't you want that in your life today? Don't you want to say that you have taken in the glory of the Lord this morning? I do!
Look closely at verse 8.
What is the difference in what God gave them in the evening and in the morning?
Do you want to be full today? If so, how do these passages help you in that? What is God saying to you personally through these verses?
I want to be full! I don't simply want to gorge on the fleeting meat of this world. They don't satisfy us! They won't fill us today. Our day timers won't fill us. Our children won't fill us. Our friendships won't fill us. Our husbands won't fill us. Ourselves and our accomplishments won't fill us. Money won't fill us.
Don't forget to look in that cup of yours today. Are you full? Have you eaten the bread of Heaven (His Word and our relationship with Jesus who is the Bread of Life) or are you just simply eating what this world has to offer today?
Read Exodus 16:5-8.
What are some of your own thoughts on these verses?
What is God saying to you right now?
Why do you think that in the evening when God sent the meat for them to eat, that they would know it was God who saved them from Egypt? (Look back at Exodus 16:3)
Don't miss the fact that in the morning...when the manna was there for them to eat...that they would see the GLORY OF THE LORD! Don't you want that in your life today? Don't you want to say that you have taken in the glory of the Lord this morning? I do!
Look closely at verse 8.
What is the difference in what God gave them in the evening and in the morning?
Do you want to be full today? If so, how do these passages help you in that? What is God saying to you personally through these verses?
I want to be full! I don't simply want to gorge on the fleeting meat of this world. They don't satisfy us! They won't fill us today. Our day timers won't fill us. Our children won't fill us. Our friendships won't fill us. Our husbands won't fill us. Ourselves and our accomplishments won't fill us. Money won't fill us.
Don't forget to look in that cup of yours today. Are you full? Have you eaten the bread of Heaven (His Word and our relationship with Jesus who is the Bread of Life) or are you just simply eating what this world has to offer today?
Devotion: Tuesday, August 26
*I'm sorry to be so late in getting this post up to you today. I hosted a surprise party at my house last night and some of the ladies did not leave here until midnight! I was too brain dead to try to write and everyone in our little apartment was asleep. So sorry!*
Start your time today with prayer. Ask God to help you focus on Him and what He desires to speak to you. Open this time with quiet calm before Him. Know He is God!
Read Exodus 16:4
What was God going to do for His people?
What was their part?
What was His purpose in this?
Why do you think He wanted to do this?
Take some time now to meditate on that verse.
What is it saying to you in your life?
Have you been gathering God's provision in your life recently?
What are some areas in your life right now where you need to be gathering God's provision instead of relying on yourself or someone else?
How will you apply this in your day? In your family? In your job? In your relationships?
Close this time with a time of application and reflection on what God is speaking to you. Take time to journal the answers to these questions and share any of them with us in the comment section of the blog. We all want to hear from you today!
Start your time today with prayer. Ask God to help you focus on Him and what He desires to speak to you. Open this time with quiet calm before Him. Know He is God!
Read Exodus 16:4
What was God going to do for His people?
What was their part?
What was His purpose in this?
Why do you think He wanted to do this?
Take some time now to meditate on that verse.
What is it saying to you in your life?
Have you been gathering God's provision in your life recently?
What are some areas in your life right now where you need to be gathering God's provision instead of relying on yourself or someone else?
How will you apply this in your day? In your family? In your job? In your relationships?
Close this time with a time of application and reflection on what God is speaking to you. Take time to journal the answers to these questions and share any of them with us in the comment section of the blog. We all want to hear from you today!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Devotion: Monday, August 25
Start today with prayer. Ask God to guide you and teach you. Take time to calm your mind and heart. Don't rush into this time just to check it off your list. Savor these few moments of quiet with God. Remember, this is the time to fill your cup!
Read Exodus 16:1-3.
Why do you think the Israelites were grumbling?
Who were they really grumbling against?
They were hungry. Things weren't going like they thought...and they were ready to head back into bondage!
Think about your life today. In that area of desert or dryness in your life that you have shared about in our small groups, are you trying to fill that hunger with something else besides God?
Filling the hunger in our lives with anything other than God, will send us back into bondage. The Israelites were hungering for the times in Egypt, without remembering the bondage and slavery that they endured. Satan wants us to be ruled by our flesh and it's desires. He knows that it causes defeat and discouragement...and bondage.
Take time today to look at the areas in your life that you are filling some kind of hunger you experience with other things instead of letting God fill them. Do you hunger for acceptance? Do you hunger for security? Do you hunger for love? Do you hunger for someone to trust? Do you hunger for forgiveness?
God can fill all of these points of hunger in your life today. But, many of us hunger...and then rush right back to those devastating relationships, habits, thoughts, and behaviors that take us back into bondage. The first step to THRIVING today will be to realize that God is the only one who can fill that hunger in your life. He is freedom!
What are your thoughts on this today? Would you share what God said to your heart with the rest of the group?
Read Exodus 16:1-3.
Why do you think the Israelites were grumbling?
Who were they really grumbling against?
They were hungry. Things weren't going like they thought...and they were ready to head back into bondage!
Think about your life today. In that area of desert or dryness in your life that you have shared about in our small groups, are you trying to fill that hunger with something else besides God?
Filling the hunger in our lives with anything other than God, will send us back into bondage. The Israelites were hungering for the times in Egypt, without remembering the bondage and slavery that they endured. Satan wants us to be ruled by our flesh and it's desires. He knows that it causes defeat and discouragement...and bondage.
Take time today to look at the areas in your life that you are filling some kind of hunger you experience with other things instead of letting God fill them. Do you hunger for acceptance? Do you hunger for security? Do you hunger for love? Do you hunger for someone to trust? Do you hunger for forgiveness?
God can fill all of these points of hunger in your life today. But, many of us hunger...and then rush right back to those devastating relationships, habits, thoughts, and behaviors that take us back into bondage. The first step to THRIVING today will be to realize that God is the only one who can fill that hunger in your life. He is freedom!
What are your thoughts on this today? Would you share what God said to your heart with the rest of the group?
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Hey girls!
Welcome to our blog girls! This is the place for us to communicate through the week and to give us a sense of community. Each evening, I will post a few verses that will go along with our Sunday lesson and a few thought questions. This will give us a chance to study all week and not only be prepared for the lesson, but help each of us to spend some time in God's Word together each day!
The name of this blog encourages us everyday to be THRIVING 365 days of the year! We're not just going to survive this life...we're going to thrive the way Jesus told us we could. He told us in John 10:10:
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Doesn't that remind your of our time today? God wants each of us to be FULL...our cup completely full. That is why Jesus came! I'm excited about filling our cups together each day.
Your part, is to comment each day if you can to let everyone know what you heard from God! I understand that everyone doesn't get the chance to post everyday and some of you aren't into the blogging world. But, for those of you that want to share...we welcome it!
Please invite one friend to the class for next week. We want to reach out to those women we all know who are looking for a place to get involved and encourage.
I will be out of town September 7th and 15th while I'm speaking in Poland to the National Women's Convention in Krakow. Lynette Patellis will be teaching in my place and you will LOVE her! I will miss you all so much...you have quickly become family to me.
Have a great week, and look tomorrow for the first devotion post tomorrow morning! I can't wait to hear from you...
Thriving 365,
Frances
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