Can you believe that we have been reading God's Word everyday for seven months? We are half way to our goal. Congratulations everyone!!!!!
What an achievement!
This weekend is a "no big thang" weekend for the Pope family. We are going to hang at home. Tomorrow night we will participate in a family favorite: family movie night. We have not selected our feature film as of yet but you can know that tomorrow night around 8:00pm we will be piled on our bed with our popcorn and water enjoying some precious family time.
If you will, please pray for our Proverbs family. We are all getting ready for the conference, our staff is especially hard at work. This next week will be a tough one--lots and lots of work yet to be done. Many of our team members are facing personal struggles within their own families. And then of course we have our arch-enemy prowling around trying to stir up trouble. We would appreciate the extra prayers.
Thank you all for allowing me to lead you in this study. It is a blessing that I will never forget! I can't wait until we all one day meet in heaven and sit down for a long talk about our journey. I can't wait for that day--when we all see Jesus.
13 Comments:
Oh, I love family movie nights!!! You'll have to tell us what the 'feature film' turned out to be.
The verse I wrote about today, I will pray for "She Speaks".
"Please, LORD, please give us success." Psalm 118:25
I heard this concept for the first time just five days ago. Sitting under the teaching of Dave Earley, Chairman of the Department of Pastoral Leadership for Liberty University and Liberty Theological Seminary, he opened my eyes to prayers in the Bible that God is pleased to answer, prayers that could change my life.
Hesitant to pray certain prayers from God's Word because they appear selfish upon initial reading, Dr. Earley was sharing some requests, that when offered with genuine reverence and humility, could help me grow spiritually and take me on quite the adventure. One such prayer was "give me success".
He recounted the story of Abraham's chief servant travelling to a distant land in search of a bride for Isaac. In spite of the fact this looked like Mission Impossible, he offered a simple prayer, "...give me success today...", Genesis 24:12.
To me this prayer sounds tainted with arrogance and brushed with self-importance. Reading it again today in the Psalms I'm still struggling with this idea, but hearing it twice in the space of a week is making me take notice. I do believe if motives are pure and the ultimate desire is to see God glorified and His name honoured, then God is pleased to answer this request. There is no pride or personal prosperity evidenced in the servant's inquiry, but prayer for success in a God-directed assignment.
This is prayer for success in an area where God has called you to step out in faith, eg. "She Speaks". He will provide where He guides. We must trust Him with the outcome of your obedience. God will have His endeavor through you accomplish it's intended purpose. I know "success" for the P31 team isn't accolades, but heart's encouraged and changed through a personal encounter and power of Christ.
Please, LORD, please give the P31 team success.
All for Him,
Joy
Good Morning Ladies,
Wow, I can’t believe we are at 7 months since the stuffy began, it doesn’t seem possible. I wasn’t part of it from the beginning but have been so blessed since my arrival. Thank you Wendy and those who are here, for your dedication and faithfulness in honoring and glorifying the Lord.
I love your plans for the movie night Wendy. We would do beach parties in the living room in the dead of winter with the boys. There would be microwave smores, a small blow up pool, beach ball and of course a summer theme movie. We got so cold in our bathing suits we wrapped up in blankets instead of beach towels, but we had fun and made memories.
Hotel for Dogs is a really good movie for kids. The dogs are so cute and adorable.
Praying for the P31 team with lots to do before the end of the month and yes Satan will be on the prowl. I pray everything he throws at you will be turned around for good. Please give Melissa a hug for me. I am praying for her mother and family. Ladies see Melissa’s website and join in prayer for her mother, who is in a fight for her life. http://www.melissataylorp31.blogspot.com/
I am off to scrub more pots and pans. Does anyone need some? I ran out of Brillo pads the other day. As I piled the Brillo pads, degreaser, new rubber gloves etc. on to the counter, the cashier looked at me and smiled. I just smiled back and said “Cinderella called, she said she ran out of supplies”. She was speechless and I got a good laugh.
Have a great day.
Diane
Wendy~What an amazing week it's been reading the Bible with you and the gals! We started off with God's amazing promises of blessings, and journeyed through safety, nestled up next to Him, and soaked in the satisfaction that comes from praising the Lord always, everywhere! Next, came the pursuit! Loved this day! I've been pondering over this post over and over!!! And, finally, to desire to be contagious in the name of Jesus! Each day God shows just how big He is by blessing us through the diligent desire that we have to read His Word. I'm praying dear Wendy that you have a blessed weekend with your family! I thought our family was the only one that all got up in the big bed to watch a movie!!! (with teenagers we don't do that anymore! And, I miss it!)
Joy, I read in my Study Bible that the verse you mentioned also means, to pray to the Lord to continue to save and sustain his people. Sustain when I dug deeper- means to bear a burden, to keep a person from giving way, as under a trial. To bolster, carry, support, uphold...Lord, may you carry each Proverbs 31 sister in the next couple of weeks, as they prepare to serve you at She Speaks. May you carry their burdens so that they do not feel weighted down, tired and weary. May each sister praise you throughout their day, keeping the enemy away! Many are experiencing trials of their own-give them the strength that only comes from you. Save and sustain each and every servant as they wholeheartedly seek your presence. Please give the team success as they minister and share your love at She Speaks. Thank you dear Lord, "[you] bend down to listen" to me, "I will pray as long as I have breath!" Psalm 116:2. As you bend down dear Lord, touch each Proverbs 31 sister! Place your loving hands over them. May they feel Your Power, that will sustain them to carry out your work. Amen.
Jodie-Sept. 2...oh, it's getting close! My first son was born in Sept. It's a great month to have a baby! Di-praying, praying, praying! Brandee---Oh, sweetie, I just love the BIG JESUS in you coming out! Karen, ok, sorry but I rolled my eyes! :) hah! Seriously, tho...me too-around non Christians I clam up! God's working in me tho. I'm praying that His words will come out and the opportunities will be there. Oh, tho...that I would obey when the time arrives! I want to! His Words are becoming so alive and active in me, tho---I'm afraid I'm getting to the point when my mouth will just open up on its own! :) -because of God, not because of me!
Love you Jesus! Love you sisters!
Love your comments! Have an amazing Saturday dear girlfriends! As each glorious Psalm today said, "Praise the Lord!"
Lori - AZ
Cinderella, oops -diane, we were posting at the same time! Are sure you're not a comedian rather than a chef! :) No, you're just multi-talented...not to mention a musician, too! Love your comments! So sorry to hear about Melissa's mom, will check out her blog.
Lori - AZ
PS Your movie nights rocked! I can picture the 3 boy's with a beach ball!
I have been and will continue praying for the "She Speaks" Conference and for the struggles that some of the team members are encountering. Next year I plan to be a part of this wonderful experience!(I didn't sign up earlier due to finances, but got on the bottom of the waiting list when my husband said if a "spot opens up we will do what we can to get you there". I think he's feeling pretty safe since I'm so far down on the list!LOL!)I know that many of you ladies are planning to attend and I will definitly be praying for you also.
I will be praying for Melissa's mom. I lost my dear mother 6 years ago and I miss her dearly!
Many of the verses in today's reading spoke to me today. I loved Psalm 116:1-2,"I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen I will pray as long as I have breath!" I love that he hears ME when I pray and I love the picture of him bending down close to listen to what I have to say. I truly will pray as long as I have breath!
My dear friend and I just came out of a very stressful, non Christian work environment. My friend was ridiculed and had even a much worse experience than I did. But psalm 118:5-9 really spoke to me about both of our situations as did did verse 118:28. We are both waiting for God to reveal what the next chapter in our lives will be.
My plan is to home school my youngest son who is 7 and has Down Syndrome as well as to be more available to my daughter who will be a sophomore in highschool and to my husband who is beginning his second year in a new business. There have been a few stumbling blocks to my faith about all of this. First of all my loss of income, second of all am I doing the right thing homeschooling my son?(Yes I taught a classroom of 15 Kindergarteners, but I am the best teacher for him?) And finally I have been(for several year) feeling a call to ministry. But perhaps my ministry right now is my family while God continues to prepare me for a different ministry later. But it is so comforting to be able to say to the Lord " PLease, please Lord give us success in whatever lies ahead for us!
Have a blessed weekend!
Carmen
Family movie nights ARE so fun! This coming from a movie addict, I admit.
I pray that the Proverbs 31 Team will not have fear as they prepare for the conference. It is the evil one who fears; we fear not for we are the Lord's. Great success will prevail.
Today's reading contains my favorite verse: Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made, we (I) will rejoice and be glad in it!"
I heard a sermon on this verse when I was a kid and it has stuck with me all these years. Lots of days this is an easy verse to demonstrate. But...do I demonstrate this verse on days I'm ill; I'm angry; I or someone I care about dies/divorces/loses their job/moves away/ etc...that's when I have to dig down deep and ask for and receive God's help to still be rejoicing in Him.
I hope to have this verse used at my funeral someday.
Blessings to all...and Diane - it's really nice to hear a light heart in the words you wrote today. May your darkness continue to lift and remember: where's there's a shadow there is also light!
Morgen - MN
Yeah Lori, when I look at my posts and their LENGTH; I rolled my eyes too... I underlined Psalm 116:2 too! What a picture; God leaning down to listen to us! I too will pray for She Speaks, for ALL the women leading and participating, and for God's presence among them.
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:19-20
Carmen, you are very courageous! I will be praying for peace and success for you as well. Diane, I loved the Cinderella quote!
Have a great weekend all!
Karen, CA
OM Gosh, I feel really silly. I must have only been on the first cup of coffee this morning. We are not in a bible "stuffy" lololol, we are in a bible study. Please forgive my mistake. I am taking a break right now. All the small items are done. Anyone ever use a butter curler? I am sure the last of a dying breed that owns one.
Jodie, what are you having? Boy or girl? We just had triplets and twins born at our church. Cute to look at, but not me honey.
Carmen I will pray for wisdom with the decisions that you are making. May God surround you with people to support and love you. I taught high school. For me it would be harder to home school my kids. We would be going on field trips all the time.
Joy how is your father?
As we are pray about She Speaks, is anyone besides me going? If so we should all get together sometime during the weekend. It would be nice to do it before we get to heaven. :-) Then we could add it to our conversation that Wendy talked about having.
Diane
Hey Gals! Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever....forever! Now that's something to sing about...
But I will let Chris Tomlin do the honors. Love this song. Crank it up and Give Thanks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOZVFHqKg1k
Giving thanks for all you blogging sisters and praying for the Proverbs 31, She Speaks staff, as they prepare for the conference. Lifting up their families and the concerns of their hearts as well.
Praying the Lord prepares the hearts, minds, and spirits of the She Speaks participants anxiously waiting to attend. Perhaps one day I will be able to do so myself!
Love from Debbie in Illinois
Good Morning Sisters,
Hope you all are having a fabulous weekend! As all of you, praying for the conference. I was not able to come this year, but I am looking forward to returning next year. As Diane said, everyone that goes we will have to meet up. I would love to meet you all in person :)
God has been doing so many things in my heart this week ladies that I just don't have time to post it all, it would take me too long and too much space! If you have a second and want to, hop over to my blog and read the post called "Does Anybody Hear Her?" Yesterday my heart was so burdened that I had to get it out. I know I am behind on emails and those of you I need to email, Lori and Diane, please forgive me :) I have limited time on the computer these days with school out and I have to pick each day which to do, email or blog, post on here, etc. Yesterday I wanted to get what I was feeling down on a post. Sometimes we forget that what we see on the outside is just a mask of the pain that is on the inside and too often we judge without knowing the whole story. You will understand more when you read the story :)
I have loved the reading this week! I also finished up my Esther study. I am not sure if I posted on here, I forget who I have told what to :), but I am going to be leading a women's Sunday school class this fall using Lysa's book "Who Holds the Key to Your Heart?" I would appreciate it if you guys could be lifting me and the women who God leads to this class up in prayer. I am excited but it is a leap of faith and out of my comfort zone for sure.
About our reading:
Lord, not me or to people, but to Your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness (115:1). For You love me with unfailing love and Your faithfulness endures forever (117:2).
I want to be filled with Your joy Lord, a woman of integrity who obeys Your laws and searches for You with her whole heart (119:1-2). Lord, may my actions reflect Your ways consistently. Please don't give up on me (119:5,8). I love You Lord, hear my prayers for mercy (116:1). I hide Your Word in my heart so that I will not continue to sin against You (119:11). May my eyes be opened to the wonderful truth in Your instructions and the wisdom they give (119:18,24).
Lord, teach me Your decrees and I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions, I will put them to practice with all my heart. Happiness and freedom are only found walking in the path of Your commands. Lord God, give me an eagerness for Your laws rather than a love for money or worthless things. Give me life through Your Word! Help me to abandon my shameful ways, for Your regulations are good. Lord, renew my life with Your goodness (119:33-40, 43, 45).
I thank You for answering my prayer and giving me victory (118:21). I praise You Lord both now and forever (115:18)!
Have a blessed Lord's day!
In Him,
Brandee, TN
Good Mornin' Sweet Sisters! (Sunday)
Today, I woke up looking forward to quiet time, prayer-walking & church. But, about as fast as it could happen, I stepped down hard on a scorpion! Ya know it the minute it happens. I've heard about the bites, but now I know first-hand. They are excruciating. Needles pricking in all over, and this sensation does not go away. Then the stinging and numbness directs itself up the leg. I turned it over to God. He showed me how minor this was in compared to what Jesus endured on the cross! And, what sisters here on this blog encounter every single day. The verse became very alive to me:
My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Inside of me!
Given to me by God!
I'm not my own.
I WAS BOUGHT WITH A PRICE!
I am to honor God with my body.
The thought of what Jesus went through on the cross; the pain He endured for us. I get it a little bit more I think! I told the devil to get behind me...I prayed even harder this morning and I asked God to let me be the one to carry the pain today. I feel close to him even though I'm throbbing in pain.
Today's reading was glorious.
The Word of God is exalted! Today, I believe that many Christians feel emptiness because they are content with just accepting the doctrinal truth. Throughout this year with all of you, I've learned so much to inwardly apply The Word to my daily experience. To truly inwardly accept and outwardly express His Word in our daily thoughts and conduct. 119:10-Don't let me wander from your Word dear Lord. My desire today and always:
*seek the Lord
*observe the laws
*pray for help with my whole heart
Lord Jesus, "give me life through your word." (vs.37) "I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure [!]" (162)
Praying that all of us seek God today and find Him in everything we take part in!
Loving you all and praising & thanking God for each one of you! Lori - AZ
Sorry, back again...forgot some stuff: :)
Karen, I was not rolling my eyes because your comments are long (I'm always delighted, since I tend to be gabby), but I was rolling my eyes when you said you were "shy about speaking up and out" This is hard for me to believe, sister! lol
Carmen, God is leading you as you seek His Will. I'm so enjoying your comments! Diane, A butter-curler, seriously? Only a chef would have one of these! :)
Brandee, when you're filled with the Spirit, God's Power flows! Loving your enthusiasm!
Guess what dear girlfriends...I, too, have decided to attend, "She Speaks, 2010!" Ok, now that I've said it aloud, there's know backing out. :) So, since I'm going...(and traveling across the nation! :) ) how bout the rest of you guys making plans? Oh, can you imagine all of us face-to-face! Sweetness! Glory to God.
OK, now that my whole entire right leg is numb, I'm going to try and wobble myself to church! Any sympathy out there? haha!
Make it a great day, giving thanks to the LORD in everything that comes our way! Lori - AZ
Oh Lori, I cannot believe your attitude in the midst of such a terrible accident! Girl, you are truly amazing. I hope that the numbness fades today and that you are not hobbling around for very long.
Joy, I like your new picture!! How is your dad doing?
Brandee, so good to hear from you. Sounds like your summer is so full, and so blessed too.
Diane, I will be at She Speaks this year! We will see what next year holds in store there. I would love to meet you while we are there. You too, Wendy!
To all you other lovely women on this blog, I love learning about God's Word right along with you. I love the closeness God has ordained through the study of all things holy!!
Thank you Wendy. I will be praying for you and everyone at She Speaks. As one who's name was in someone's pocket the first year I attended, I can definitely attest to the power of prayer!
Lots of hugs to you all!!
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