I can't believe it is already a weekend and I can't believe that I don't have to drive long distance anywhere. I will be hanging out here with my family.
There's a lot to do and I am looking forward to checking some things off my list. What is on your list to do this weekend?
If I haven't said enough lately, thanks for joining me on the journey. Trips are so much more enjoyable with friends. Also, you prayers and encouragement are felt and appreciated more than you know. I am so blessed!!!!
See you Monday.
There's a lot to do and I am looking forward to checking some things off my list. What is on your list to do this weekend?
If I haven't said enough lately, thanks for joining me on the journey. Trips are so much more enjoyable with friends. Also, you prayers and encouragement are felt and appreciated more than you know. I am so blessed!!!!
See you Monday.
31 Comments:
We don't have any major plans this weekend, either. Since our ordinary week because very busy with evenings out for dinners (rare!) and ball games (even more so!), life has felt very hectic. We're planning to keep working on Luke's room - painting for Dave, furniture refinishing for me - and let the kids spend time in their little pool. It's supposed to be hot!
1 Kings 21:25 stuck out to me. King Ahab is remembered for being the most evil king so far 'under the influence of his wife.' Do people chalk my husband's actions up to me? I realize that I influence him, but to what extent? Am I always aware of that influence and looking for ways to use it positively? Unfortunately, no; so that's on my list this weekend, too. Maybe there are other people who will give God a second chance just from what they see in our marriage! We never know our sphere of influence ....
Have a great weekend, everyone!
PS - Rhonda in NY, I can't speak for anyone else, but it helps me to be able to distinguish you from the other Rhondas. Then I can keep information/prayers distinct for each person! I think it's neat to see where we're all from, too. Isn't it cool how God has brought us all together from all over the world??
Good morning, GIG's,
Wow, what a cliff hanger we have this morning. (The OT is mostly all new to me.) What will the prophet Micaiah tell Jehoshaphat and Ahab about going to war against Ramoth-gilead? Stay tuned.
Can anyone explain to me the difference between a prophet such as the 400 who said "Go to war, God will give you victory" and the "Prophet of the Lord" as Micaiah is called?
I've wondered several times in our study why God spares the disobedient because they "humble themselves" towards the end, as Ahab did today and then the Lord promises to destroy that person's descendents. (1Kings 21:29 "It will happen to his sons. I will destroy his dynasty.") I guess, and hope, that this sort of punishment changes based on the life and death of Jesus Christ, where each of us now accountable for our own obedience/disobedience and salvation? Any thoughts?
Morgen, I prayed this morning that our mighty God, who sees to every detail, will put every detail into place for your trip,and that you feel His peace today as you prepare.
G&P, may you and your college son have a joyful, reconnecting weekend!
Gaylene, here is a song for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?V=z7QIkSM9_oE
It's Kim Hill's "You Alone", and begins with the face of a little girl, just in case the link doesn't work. I'm praying for you, Sister!
Amy, I've really enjoyed your happy, praising posts this week!
Kate, prayers for a smooth recovery for your dad, Fred. Praising his medical team :)
My weekend - a visit to Denise today to "relive" the wonderful wedding. One more day of peace with my husband and son before our "White Tornado" returns from her honeymoon. She and her new husband spend a few whirlwind days here packing up all her belongings, and all the shower and wedding gifts, to get ready for the moving van, then it's off to Tennessee!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
I don't comment much, but I am here everyday. I enjoy reading all of your comments and insights, and I pray for all of you.
We have a big trip this weekend and into next week. We (all 5 of us) are flying to Las Vegas to my parents and celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with them. We have never made a trip like this so I am praying that it all goes smoothly.
I am planning to stay on track with my reading, but not sure if I will have computer access.
Have a great weekend everyone!!
Happy Weekend Everyone!
Amy, I was drawn by the same passage and verse you were about the influence we are on our husbands. My prayer is that I will be a positive influence and a light for Christ to draw him to the Savior. That was my prayer today!
This weekend...I think we are headed to the pool today to swim and then tomorrow is a busy day at church. We have VBS kick off and my husband is playing the main superhero in the play and all week he will be in costume hanging out with the kids, taking pics and encouraging them to be superheros. My prayer is that his own heart will be drawn to the real hero, Jesus, as he is around the kids this week. I think it is so awesome he has agreed to do it!
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Brandee, TN
Posting was acting weird today...leaving one more comment to get them in my email this weekend :)
My day was orginally planned to go to a graduation party and later the graduation. For weeks now I have beening thinking the graduation was today. This evening. But as I looked at the invite AGAIN, I realized it was yesterday!!!! I really have no mind these days as I slosh through a "new kind of normal" (as Carol Kent would say). So I'm really hoping that my thoughts for the party from 11-1 is really today. 8sigh* Anyways, that's my weekend. We'll be going up the mountain to church tomorrow and as long as it's not raining the Hubs and I like to go to the lake up there and walk around it or sit on a rock and just enjoy each other's company. Could use everyone's prayers. Going through a really hard time in my life. The hardest thing I've ever went through, I think, in my life. In Christ, Jules
I want to share our plans of CELEBRATION and praise!
Our baby girl is 3 years old today! For any of you who don't know what a miracle God gave to our family,please visit us on her carepage. (log in required,but don't let that scare you)http://www.carepages.com/carepages/babyclairespage
I love our God for days like this. Where we can just sit back and enjoy all the good gifts of life!
Thank you all for this fellowship we have in cyberspace! You will never know what a difference you make in my life,ESPECIALLY you WENDY!
God Bless & Love to all, Tina & Claire
GM all - I haven't posted much in recent months, but I am still here with all of you.
This excerpt from today's reading jumped off the page at me..."But first let's find out what the Lord says." If there is one significant thing that I must work on every day it is that - always finding out FIRST what the Lord says! I am trying to meet Him daily in his Word and to hear from Him what plans He has for me that day. As I face some very difficult family and business issues, I long to hear FIRST what He has to say. Please add me to your prayers that He will show me His plans soon...and clearly.
Amy, Brandee and JudiB....we were on the same page. I highlighted last year, and again this year both of those points. How do I influence my husband? Hopefully not like a Jezabel! And Judi..."let's find out wha the Lord says"....first, everyday, in everything! I love that. I need to stop, and remind myself of that.
Happy b'day baby Claire! You are a miracle straight from God! Happy for you Tina!
Jules..I SAP...may you find God's truth in your struggles.
I finished up Beth Moore's "So Long Insecurity" yesterday...great read...and she delivers on her title's promise. If I am in Christ, why would I ever be insecure? In a fearful situation, what is the worst that can happen? Play it out in your head all the way to the end...even if a loved one dies, a divorce happens, a job is lost, a disease riddles my body, Jesus is there no matter what. We are promised that God is glorified and that good will come from ANYTHING. Isn't that freeing? So when you feel yourself scared, play out the scenario in your head...ALL THE WAY to the end...and see if you don't find Jesus on the other side.
Today? cleaning my pig sty; stocking up groceries for the kids; finishing packing...and loving on my Lord.
Michelle - thank you for that prayer; I slept well last night and my attitude is great this morning!
Praise Him!
Morgen
Hi Wendy and all,
I am going to work today, which is rare but am thankful for the extra money. :) "Be thankful IN all things. :)
Two things today jumped out to apply 1 Kings 20:42b Because you have spared the man I said must be destroyed.... How many times have I not followed God's instructions in correcting or rebuking or cutting myself away from someone and called it being merciful. So my apply on that would be "Follow God's instructions"
The second is 1 Kings 22:5 and 2 Chronicles 18:4 Then Jehosaphat added, "But first lets find out what the Lord says"
I think that is how I should do everything in my life.
My New was Jehosaphats son marrying one of Ahabs daughters in 2 Chronicles 18:8
May you all have a Blessed and Peaceful Day.
Morning - Girls!!! Saturday, and it is a beautiful, breezy day here in sunny AZ! I slept in and took a later walk, and what a treat it was. Felt like I was in CA! Off to basketball games and home to both sets of grandparents coming over for dinner.
Have not had time to read your comments, but a couple of things hit me today as I read: "influence of his wife" (21:25). Aahh how true are those 3 little words?!
And, "But first let's find out what the LORD says" (I Kings 22:5).
God's will for us is not seen in the busy-ness of our days, but in the quiet time spent reading His Word.
Lord, thank you for your Word. Allow each of us this weekend to carve out time to spend with you. May your Spirit guide us as we go about our busy-ness. May we not lose focus on what you want of us. May we remember what Jehoshaphat said, "But first let's find out what the LORD says" (2 Chron. 18:4).
Blessings sweet GIG! Lori
Coming in late again. Michelle thank you for your wishes on my son. I love having him home bit having a hard time looking past the mess he's created. The suitcases are overflowing but the clothes still have made it to the hangers!
Happy birthday sweet baby Claire!
I love Kim Hill. I was going to share her song called "Can You See Me" but couldn't find it on YouTube
Amy I think the 400 prophets only prophesy what the king wants to hear.
I also caught the king saying yes before remembering to consult the Lord. I am guilty of such and why I find myself exhausted bec I did not ask God first. Haven't finished looking at commentaries yet but will share later.
Have a blessed day everyone!
Haven't commented in quite a while yet I can't wait to read my bible each day, listen to Wendy and read your comments. What a blessing this cybergroup has been.
In all our troubles we can leab heavily on those whose trust is in the Lord. And I come to all of you today to request prayer for my SIL Evelyn who is going through a great physical struggle. She had open heart surgery a few months ago and then complications with her digestive system. She has lost a lot of weight and keeps going in and out of ICU. Her crisis is upon her and I know that with all of you praying for her she will either fully recover from this or her journey to meet the Savior will be a blessed one. Also, if you could include my husband (Ron) in your prayers, he is really concerned for his sister.
Thank you for your prayers. Your sister in Christ,
Betty in Florida
Michelle in New England, thank you. The song touched my heart and along with the one from G&P are added to my play-list.
Lori, your prayer was so touching and echoed my desire.
Praying for the needs, especially for God to minister to Jules and JudiB, thanking Him for His many praises.
Enjoying the weekend with a rare day off for both my husband and I on Sat. Worshiping on Sunday and in between researching and writing papers. Hope everyone has a blessed and restful weekend.
Love you GIGS!
Gaylene
Betty, praying for Evelyn, Ron, and you. Lean on our Father, He will sustain you.
Gaylene
I’ve been reading, but am just catching up a little with you all here…
Amy, I love hearing about your busy family! It just reminds me of ours in a time past. You sound like the kind of mom I would love to watch my child. Please, explain though, where does the word “firemuff” come from?!
Donna, words cannot describe my joy for you! Thank you for sharing, and welcome to your daughter—there is so much to learn here with caring friends.
Jules, I also am needing to adjust to new kinds of “normal”— whatever that will be. If we didn’t have change, we wouldn’t be moving forward I guess. A church on the mountain and a lake to walk around—these sound like places where God can whisper to you. I am praying esp for you this weekend
Rhonda in NY, welcome! Bless you with those grandbabies—they can wear us out, but what a reward!
Jessica B., I love your description of God on your Facebook wall, for your many friends to ponder! What a beautiful display of faith to everyone!
Renee- have a great adventure on this memorable trip w your family! Will pray for safe travels and blessings on your parents in this special year!
And Morgen, in the preparations for your big trip, may you feel peace that everything will be taken care of! You are leaving kids behind?
Brandee, I bet Will is so proud of his super-hero dad! What a wonderful role model.
Happy BD Baby Claire!
JudiB, I wondered if you were still with us! You are being prayed for this moment. Thank you for your reminder to seek God’s advice first.
Lynn, I too am thankful that I got to work one day this week. Things will be changing in my job and I have to appreciate each day I can work right now.
G&P, kids living at home= double laundry, messes everywhere, massive food prep, but unlimited hugs! Soak it in!
Thinking about Fred—any updates Kate?
And praying for Gaylene, in your school efforts, in addition to all your other challenges… how is your mom doing?
Betty, I have added your SIL to my prayers. Thank you for sharing your need. May the Lord hold Evelyn, Ron, and all this family close through their trials and uncertainty. Grant them Your loving comfort and peace as they wait for Your answer. Amen
Jacque
OK, This is a really late comment-- I mean, really late! When I found this study site, it was towards the end of Jan, in the book of Job. I have listened to all the vlogs from the beginning, but for me to honestly say I read thru the bible, I have yet to finish Genesis. Really! I still have a bookmark in this section reminding me of the chapters I have yet to finish.
So today I was reading about the account of Jacob wrestling with God, and how God renamed him "Israel." The footnote says, Israel in Hebrew means "God fighting." All I can say is, that is the perfect description of the OT!
All I have left is Joseph's story, and this will be great, because my middle son played Joseph in the musical version, and I love this story of forgiveness!
Soon I will only have one bookmark to move! I can't believe it's possible that I have read and learned so much in half a year! You friends have kept me going-- thank you!
Blessing you all,
Jacque
Jacque, when I was in college I did a case study on a two-year-old redhead and a friend always called him my 'firemuff.' The little girl I keep a few days each week now is two, has red hair, and is a real firecracker, so I call her my little firemuff. She keeps us hopping! :-)
Did you share about the 'Praying in Color' method of prayer? I checked the book out of the library and read it, and while I don't think it's perfect for my regular prayers, I think it's great for use with my kids and with my prayer list for here. I was having trouble maintaining it with all the constant changes, so now I have a small notebook and everyone has their own page with notes and pictures. I love it, and my kids have asked to make one, too. :-) Thanks for sharing!
Amy - I would like to add to what G&P said about the 400 prophets. I looked it up in my Matthew Henry Commentary. It indicated that they were "false" prophets, and made reference to the 400 as being Ahab's standing regiment. They told Ahab basically what he wanted to hear, to humor him, and threw in a reference to the Lord, to suffice Jehoshaphat. Through spiritual discernment, Jehoshaphat knew better, and thus, asked for a
true prophet of the Lord.
Something New: 1 Kings 22:28 - The Lord says that the Syrians think that I am only God of the hills, but not the God of the valleys - well they are in for a big surprise! I found myself repeating this over and over.
"My Lord is not just Lord of the hills, but of the valleys too".
Something to do: Realize that my God can handle my highs AND my lows, and he is with me in the valleys, and I need to praise him when I am on the mountain top.
Enjoying getting to know everybody bit by bit.
Rhonda in NY
Well now, I gave you the wrong verse, it is 1 Kings 20:28!!!
Rhonda in NY (again)
Good Sunday morning, GIGs,
I thought today's reading was spectacular, and holds so many analogies for our own lives and the "battles" and "enemies" we face, and how our God can give us victory if we fear Him and follow His instructions. I have several nuggets:
(2 Chron. 6)"Remember that you do not judge to please people, but to please the Lord. (9) You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart. (11) Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the Lord be with those who do what is right."
We must follow these instructions and do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, even if others misjudge, mock, or turn away from us, as has happened to me. But the Lord has been faithful to me, and He has fought battles for me, just as he did for Jehoshaphat in today's reading. And I literally sing my praises to Him daily, just like the Army of Judah did walking to Tekoa.
I love the scene where Jehoshaphat tells his army (2
Chron. 20:20 "Listen to me all you people's of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in His prophets, and you will succeed." And then he told his army to sing!!!!
Have a blessed day, all. Time to go pray for all requests.
Renee, Morgen and Karen, I will especially pray for travel mercies for each of you.
Jules and JudiB, mighty prayers for you, too!
Tina, I hope dear Claire's birthday was wonderful! God bless you both.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Back again,
Betty, I am praying also for Evelyn and Ron. May you all feel the Lord's peace at this difficult time.
Michelle in New England
Me again :)
Betty, while I prayed for Evelyn and Ron, I felt moved to share with you that when my sister Denise is in pain, it helps tremendously to calm her if I gently brush her hair with a small plastic brush that we affectionately call "the magic brush!"
Michelle
We had a wonderful time Sat. at my husband's sibbling reunion. We went to Devil's Den State Park here in the Ozarks. Don't know how it got its name, but the Lord was all around us. The scenery in the mts. is breathtaking. Winding down a pigtrail, we picniced by Lee's Creek, where we cooled our hot feet in the afternoon. There was a rock waterfall in the background, which was great for pictures. We played volleyball, washer throw, paddled boats, hiked, swam. All had so much fun that we reserved cabins for next year's reunion. Since my mother inlaw passed away(12 yrs.), we decided to keep the family together(6 kids and dad. One family is from Indiana, so we only see them during this time. Some of the 2nd and 3rd generations showed up, too. Needless to say, we were all exhausted last night.
In 1Kings 22, did you notice all the activity going on in heaven in Micaiah's dream? I hope the Lord sends spirits to me that are encouraging, not evil or lying.
I agree in wanting to be an encourager to my hubby instead of a Jezebel.
It seems like David said the battle wasn't his, but the Lord's.
A man told them to take their positions, then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. King J. and the people worshipped before the battle. What did King J. tell them in verse 20, but to believe in the Lord your God and believe in his prophets; they will stand and succeed.
Did the Lord come through again in the war? Three armies killed each other.It took 3 days to gather up the plunder.
I like to sing the song "Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King; His love endures forever...
Sing praise!Forever God is faithful, forever God is strong, forever God is with us, forever and ever."
Memory isn't what it used to be:)
Time to get ready for worship.
See you gals tomorrow.
Linda
I just read Sunday's lesson. Looks like it starts out with a little reprimand (via Jehu) to Jehoshaphat for enabling Ahab, but in verse 3 God forgives because ...."good things are found in you...." (NKJV).
How inspiring and refreshing to read the reformation of Judah and their most sincere prayer asking the Lord's help for the upcoming attack.
My nugget: 2 Chronicles 20:17
"Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you." (NKJV)
A big AMEN for that. I need to remember this when I can't sleep at night, burdened with anxiety.
Do y'all notice, I just don't seem to worry quite so much in the daytime as I do in the middle of the night?
ALSO: 2 Chronicles 19:11
......"Behave courageously and the Lord will be with the good" NKJV
Don't you just love that?!
I do so want to purchase the Chronological Bible that Wendy uses ASAP, but for now I printed the schedule from the website Wendy links to, and am using my New King James Bible - GIANT PRINT - I may add, as that is the stage of life I am at!! (I can read small print but the the Giant is so much easier and efficient for me)
I cross out the verses on the schedule as I read them, but it is a bit tricky to go back and pull out the nuggets. I need to be dedicated in my note taking. I am
definitely not a writer. Give me a math problem any day over writing a paragraph. But I love to read.
This lady needs to get ready for church! A cloudy, muggy morning here.
Rhonda in NY
I was interested in the spirit that approached the Lord and offered to put a lying spirit in the mouths of the false prophets.
Both John Wesley and the Geneva Bible Study called it an evil spirit...that had no more power than God was willing to give it.
We have no idea what is really happening in the spiritual realm. Fascinating!
I leave today for my European journey. Yes, my kids (22/20/14) are staying home...they don't like traveling...and they have so much fun when we're gone! (The clean kind, mind you...as far as we know anyway!)...I covet your prayers for safe travel and wise children. Thank you.
Next time I check in should be from another country! Wa-hoo!
Prayers all around, GIG
Morgen
ps Michelle...my daughter just got engaged last week; now that you're the expert, any tips would be appreciated! June 2011 wedding...here we come!
Hello everyone. I thought I would give you an update on my job search. No job yet. My state of California is hurting so bad and my county is talking about more layoffs, cuts in service programs. Hiring in office work is not good right now. I appreciate your prayers as I continue to seek the Lord's clear direction and guidance for me. I really need a miracle to get a job this month as I only have enough money to pay my bills this month.
Thank you again for your prayers and I am lifting up prayers that are shared here.
Blessings, Elizabeth
Betty,,,I am praying for Evelyn, Ron and your family...
A Very Happy Birthday to Sweet Claire!!! Tina Praising God with you.
Linda...That's one of my favorite songs...
Morgen...Safe Traveling
Elizabeth...I have been praying...I know here in CA it is so hard..praying a door will open for you this week!!
Busy weekend getting us and the house ready for vacation on Tuesday...I do have a prayer request for my Dad...we will be seeing him on vacation...difficult situation, but he has had some depression since my Mom died in 2006...not making wise choices and that makes him even more depressed...we want him to come up here in No. CA to live near us and my sis...Pray for wisdom for all concerned that the right decisions will be made...Thank you so much...
2Chron 20:15 was comforting---that the battle is not mine, but God's---I cannot do all this on my own...I know He is holding me and my Dad in the palm of His hand!
See you in the morning
Sue in No Cal
Amy—I love the visual of a wild red-headed two-year-old! Bless your patience! I just have to draw a red fire cracker by your name!
I am w/ you Rhonda with the large print—I have reading glasses all over my house!
Elizabeth, I will pray for you esp this month. You can do your best during the day, and then give your cares to the Lord for the night, so you can sleep in peace. I am afraid I will be in a similar state soon, so I will pray for faith that my path is leading me to even better possibilities. I pray that your daily bread and mine will be provided.
Sue you are so right about the battles. We are powerless. Praying for God’s presence as you spend time with you dad.
I was thinking about 1 Kings 22:24-- the incident of Zedekiah slapping and challenging Micaiah, for daring to think that the Spirit of the LORD would leave him and speak to Micaiah.
Are there prophets or knowledgeable people today who feel challenged or threatened by someone else who disagrees with the norm? Am I ever in this position… to be jealous or closed to truth so that I am unwilling to hear the message? I pray that I can recognize God’s truth when it is speaking to me.
We are glad the rain has stopped for today here in Nebraska, there has been much flooding, washed out roads and drowning crops. I am wondering how Jan in TN is doing after the terrible flooding in her campgrounds. Do you still read with us?
Blessings and prayers,
Jacque
Ladies - if you don't have time to go back and do a chart like Wendy suggested, I found this really good link that has all of the kings of Judah and Israel and whether they are good, bad, wicked...or worse:
http://www.gotquestions.org/kings-Israel-Judah.html
Hope that helps.
Blessings
Hi everyone
Lord we pray for Bettys SIL today. we ask for divine intervention in her life. we are continually reminded how dependent we are on you. these bodies that you have given us Lord are here today and tomorrow are gone. help us, when we are well to remember to thank you, to lift your name on high, to use these vessels to dance for you. as for Betteys' SIL, her vessel is in your hands. may she put her hope in you oh Lord. may she receive that little voice from you, comforting her, encouraging her and above all else putting her heart right with you. Lord Remind each one of us today, if we live, lets live for you, if we die, lets die in you. For like Paul we say, to live is Christ and to Die is Christ... Our ultimate is to spend eternity with You our Father and savior.
Comfort this family, encourage them as they face each day in you Lord.
my takings this weekend... like Jehosphat..To consult my God in all my dongs..
-to be a person of right influence in all that i do in life..especially in my family .... not always easy but the Lord can use any situation for good to them that love him.
Lord.. let all these ladies honor you, let there be no Jezebel in this group of women who are so faithfully looking to learn from you daily...
another taking.. the lord will always fight for His name himself.. he helped Ahab(though evil) to defeat His enemies.. just because he wanted to defend His name.. Thank you Lord that if we are called by your name we can scale any heights, we can trust and rely on that great and wonderful name.. we can call on you in whichever situation we are in.
i pray for all the girls going through different situations in their lives, for those looking for Jobs(Elizabeth), Lord you are the great provider, for those looking for direction in different areas(Wendy,Jules and JUDIB), Lord, may you speak to these specific situations.For those just rejoicing because of your goodness, may you put a new song of praise in their hearts. You are GOD in all the situations we face every day, whether good or bad, you still remain GOD, who is worth all our praise, our honour and adoration. thank you, our father and God.AMEN.
Loice-melbourne
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