“A Woman After God’s Own Heart” – Chapter 4 – Heart Exercise

A Heart That Obeys:

Make notes here about what meant the most to you from Chapter 4 or offered you the greatest challenge or inspired you deeply.

*Get out that dictionary again…Look up the word “obedient”.  To crystallize its meaning in your mind and heart, write the definition out as simply as you can.

*In the section titled “Two Kinds of Heart,” we contrasted the disobedience of King Saul with the obedience of David.  Make notes on these instances of Saul’s disregard of God’s commands through His prophet Samuel:

           What specific instructions and promise did Samuel give to Saul in 1 Samuel 10:8?

           Seven days later, what happened (see 1 Samuel 13:8-9)?

           When Samuel finally arrived and asked Saul, “What have you done?” how did Saul answer in verses 11 – 12?                 (Or, put another way, how many excuses did he give and how many different people did he blame?!)

           What was Samuel’s assessment of Saul’s disobedience, and what was the result (verses 13 – 14)?

*For another look at Saul’s failure to obey the Lord, look at 1 Samuel 15:1-9.  What were Samuel’s direct instructions to Saul (verse 3)?  (If you think this command sounds harsh, look at Exodus 17:8-16.)

             What did Samuel do (1 Samuel 15:7-9)?

              When Samuel arrived (verse 12) and asked Saul, “What….is the bleating of the sheep in my ears…?”  (verse 14), how did Saul answer in verse 15?  (Or, put another way, how many excuses did he give and how many different people did he blame this time?!)

               Again, what was Samuel’s assessment of Saul’s disobedience, and what was the result (verses 21 – 23)?

*The fact that you are reading this book and doing this study indicates your desire for a heart that obeys.  So…it’s time for honest personal application and heart searching!  Can you think of any situations in your life where you are making excuses about your disobedience?  Or blaming someone else for your disobedience?  Or obeying God only halfway?  As I wrote on page 48, “the heart God delights in is a heart that is compliant, cooperative, and responsive to Him and His commands, a heart that obeys.”  Obedience is a heart issue, so take the time to examine your life, your relationships, your marriage, and your conduct for areas of willful disobedience or half-hearted obedience.

                Write out a personal prayer of committment to make yours a walk in obedience.  You may want to use a piece of paper.  Then set about to take the step below.

*Here’s a list of several proven guidelines from pages 51 – 54 that can help us to walk in obedience.

                  Concentrate on doing what is right – What warning does James 4:17 give?

                  Cease doing what is wrong – What is the instruction of Proverbs 16:17?

                  Confess and wrong – What does 1 John 1:8-9 teach us?

                  Clear up things with others – What does Matthew 5:23-24 exhort?

                  Continue on as soon as possible – What principles do Philippians 3:13-14 give us?

 

***VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:   Everything that is in this blog comes from Elizabeth George’s Book and Workbook, not me.  I am learning as you learn***

“A Woman After God’s Own Heart” – Chapter 4 Heart Actions

*No matter what we are attempting to nurture – whether a plant or a heart wholly devoted to God – our first step is to prune out and eliminate whatever is detrimental to growth.  Read 1 Peter 2:1 and begin a list of heart attitudes and behaviors that hinder growing a heart of obedience.  Which, if any, are hindering the growth of your heart?

*Read Ephesians 4:25 – 32 and Colossians 3:5-9 and then add to your list those actions and attitudes which need pruning.  Again, what do you need to prune from your heart?  Be specific.

*Now focus on the positive and consider cultivating what is necessary for growth!  Read 1 Peter 2:2, Ephesians 4:25-32, and Colossians 3:1-17 and list those heart attitudes and behaviors that enrich your life as a Christian.  What one or two areas would you like to cultivate?

*In prayer, lay your life before God and open your heart to Him.  Ask Him to reveal to you where seeds of disobedience have been sown or borne  fruit.  As forgiveness and then, resolving to take steps toward training a heart that will be responsive to God and obedient, as Him to help you.

 

***VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:   Everything that is in this blog comes from Elizabeth George’s Book and Workbook, not me.  I am learning as you learn***

Convenience

First, I want to apologize for not blogging this last week.  I know Chapter 4 is due to be posted, but it hasn’t been “convenient” for me.  Ouch!!!  That sounds harsh.  If I wasn’t blogging right now about convenience, I would have said “I apologize I haven’t posted Chapter 4, but you wouldn’t believe how busy I’ve been”.  Now, that is not entirely a lie, I have been busy.  But, I could have made some time to post.  So, I really am very sorry!

Now I’ve got that out-of-the-way, I want to tell you about an article I just read.  It was about Convenience in the church.  The author was saying how many churches these days are on such a time schedule, that some sermons are down to less than an hour.  One person commented that if she was going to get up, get dressed and go somewhere that important, she wanted it last more than an hour.  I agree!  Our church service lasts well over an hour, but I often leave wanting more.  Now, I have been guilty of thinking “what’s for lunch?”, during the sermon, but learning about and being in the presence of God is nothing to rush.

Think about other areas in your life that convenience is a factor.  We have fast food, online bill pay, debit cards, buying things we can make ourselves, etc.  Just this week, I actually made my own laundry detergent.  It’s so much cheaper than the “convenience” of buying from the store.  No, it wasn’t convenient at all, but I made the time, because we are pinching pennies.  What about your children?  Ha ha, so funny to me how you can do and do and do for your children (which at times is very inconvenient), and when you need them to do something for you, it’s so not convenient for them. Gotta love ’em!!!

So, once again, I apologize for not posting Chapter 4 yet.  I will do that today. This “convenience” thing is definitely one area in my life that needs a major overhaul.  If you are like me at all, you need to start spending more time with God, even when it’s not convenient for you.  I tend to tell myself I am too busy, have too much going on, need to do this, need to do that….I will do my bible study or Pray later.  Then, when later comes, I either forget or am too tired.  There are thousands of excuses we can give.  But in reality, I for one need God to help me do all those things and shouldn’t just assume that He is gonna get me through without including Him.  Life would actually be so much easier if I would include Him more.

So, is it convenient for you to spend time at the hem of His garment today?  Yes there are things I need to do today, but my “Present Help” is waiting for me to include Him in those things.  ALL THINGS!!!  So let’s go, call on Him now and I guarantee your day will go much smoother.

Trusting in Him Daily,

Kim

God has a positive answer

I’m not sure where this came from.  It has been taped to my desk for years, but I wanted to share it with you.

 
You say:  “It’s impossible”    God says:  All things are possible            (Luke 18:27)

You say:  “I’m too tired”      God says:  I will give you rest            (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say:  “I can’t go on”      God says:  My grace is sufficient         (2 Cor. 12:9 & Ps. 91:15)

You say:  “I can’t figure things out”    God says:  I will direct your steps     (Prov 3:5-6)

You say:  “I can’t do it”           God says:  You can do all things       (Philippians 4:13)

You say:  “I’m not able”          God says:  I am able                         (2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say:  “It’s not worth it”        God says:  It will be worth it          (Romans 8:28)

You say:  “I can’t manage”          God says:  I will supply all your needs     (Philippians 4:19)

You say:  “I’m afraid”       God says:  I have not given you a spirit of fear  (2 Timothy 1:7)

You say:  “I’m always worried”      God says:  Cast all your cares on ME    (1 Peter 5:7)

You say:  “I’m not smart enough”     God says:  I give you wisdom     (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say:  “I feel alone”      God says:  I will never leave or forsake you       (Hebrews 13:5)

“A Woman After God’s Own Heart” – Chapter 3 Discussion

I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this chapter!!!  Prayer has been one of my biggest weaknesses lately.  I use to pray constantly all day every day but, for some reason that stopped.  Prayer is one of the main reasons I started this blog.  I needed to be accountable for my quiet time, prayers and bible study and this is definitely working for me.  I do hope you are getting what you need out of it.

Now, about Chapter 3….having a heart committed to God.  I want that kind of heart, how about you?  I long for the kind of relationship with God that is always first in my life, always on my heart, always showing for others to see.  As Elizabeth says in Chapter 3, “no matter where we are…you and I can be in tune with God through prayer”. 

She suggests that we start small and write out a prayer list.  I think I will call it my “To Do” Prayer List.  I have literally written out the specific people who are on my heart, that have asked for prayer in person or on Facebook, that I know need prayer, etc.  Beside the names I have put specific requests or needs.  Also on my list, I have listed my personal needs and prayers.  Specific prayers for my husband and my children, the needs for our family, our finances, and even my blog.  It looks like a “To Do” list.  This way, my scatter brain can’t miss a single thing.

I encourage you to try this and see how your relationship with God grows.  Keep me updated, I want to hear all your concerns and/or accomplishments.

Trusting In God Daily,

Kim

My Beloved…Letter from God

A very dear friend and sister in Christ wrote this for me and I would like to share…

My Beloved,

I knew before I created you the earth that you would accept My love for you, In the beginning I created the heavens and the earth.  Then at the right time and in the right place I created you in my image so that you and I can express love to each other.  I created you inner most being, I created every part of you, I knit you together in your mother’s womb.  You were carefully and wonderfully made; my works are wonderful, and you My beloved are my work!!!  How precious are my thoughts for you!  If you were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.  I have call you by name; you are mine. 

Come and live in My shelter, in the protection of the Most High, and you will find rest in the presence of the Almighty.  I will shield you with My wings.  I will shelter you with My feathers.  My faithful promises are your armour and protection.  Nothing can separate you from my love.  When you are in trouble and distress My love is with you.  When you are persecuted My love is with you.  When you are hungry and cold and naked My love is with you.  When you are in danger and threatened with death My love is with you, I will be with you forever.  No matter how high you go, no matter how deep you sink, nothing in life and not even death, no demon or any other power in hell can separate you from My love. 

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do no know.  Everything that you care about, I care about also because it concerns you.  Cast all your cares and anxiety on Me because I love you.  Trust in Me, with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding; In everything acknowledge Me, and I will direct your paths.  For I order My angels to protect you wherever you go.  Do not worry about anything, but in everything big or small, just pray, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me and I will give you My peace that is beyond all human understanding.

I will never leave you, or reject you.  For the plans I have for you are to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Oh and please do not forget all my benefits, I forgive all your sins and heal all your diseases, I rescue your life from the pit of destruction and crown you with love and compassion.  I satisfy your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is My love for you; as far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your sins from you. 

The most intimate relationship you can have is with me because you and I are becoming one.  You were designed for this purpose, nothing else will ever satisfy your deepest needs, your deepest desires, only I can satisfy your heart with perfect love, joy, and peace.  You are Beautiful!  Precious!  Valuable!  And Treasured!  Oh how I delight over you.  OH, if only you could see yourself the way I see you!!!

Love,

The One who really see You!

Thank you KJ

“A Woman After God’s Own Heart” – Chapter 3 Heart Exercises

*  Of course, Jesus Christ is the Ultimate Example of a Person of Prayer.  Read Mark 1:35 for a glimpse of Jesus at prayer.  What can you learn about His prayer life?

*  Now describe in a few words what preceded this quiet moment in verses 21 -34.

*  Is your head spinning?  Mine is!  But Jesus shows us how to handle the “head-spinning” events of busy, hectic, challenging days.  How can you follow His example today?

*  Let’s review the seven blessings of prayer listed in this chapter.

     Blessing #1:  A deeper relationship with God – As you consider that prayer increases faith, provides a place to unload burdens, teaches us that God is always near, trains us not to panic, and changes lives, which one of these benefits would be the greatest reason for developing a heart committed to prayer at this stage of your life?  Why?

     Blessing #2:  Greater purity – I shared with you my problem with gossip in this area of purity.  Now won’t you identify your particular problem are and share briefly what you plan to do about it?

     Blessing #3:  Confidence in making decisions – Look again at the picture of Jesus at prayer in Mark 1:35.  What was the result of His time in prayer in the area of decision-making (verses 36-39)?  What difference did prayer make in the direction for His new day?  And what difference might prayer make in the direction for your new days?

    Blessing #4:  Improved relationships – What relationship do you need to improve through prayer, and how can you begin immediately to commit to pray about that relationship?

     Blessing #5:  Contentment – Identify an area in your life where your struggle with contentment.  Now look at Philippians 4:10-13.  What can you learn about contentment from these words from the apostle Paul?  How can you apply Paul’s lessons to your own situation?

     Blessing #6:  God-confidence – How do these scriptures increase your trust in God?  Psalm 34:9 and Psalm 84:11

     Blessing #7:  The ministry of prayer – Edith Schaeffer stated, “Interceding for other people makes a difference in the history of other people’s lives.”  Who are the people you can minister to through prayer, and when do you plan to begin this “ministry”?

Optional Exercise – In your journal, title a page “My Relationship with God”.  Write out this statement and finish it with words out of your own heart:

     Lord, just for today, help me to seek You through prayer by…

“A Woman After God’s Own Heart” – Chapter 3 Heart Actions

How can we cultivate a heart of prayer and enjoy the blessings that accompany a life of committed and devoted prayer?  Here are some quick thoughts.

     *  Start a prayer log to record requests and responses as you travel your own personal journey of prayer.

     *  Set aside some time each day to linger with the Lord in prayer and remember that something is better than nothing.  Begin small — and watch for the mighty effects!

     *  Pray always (Ephesians 6:18) and in all places, enjoying God’s presence with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

     *  Pray faithfully for others — including your enemies (Matthew 5:44)!

     *  Take seriously the powerful privilege of the ministry of prayer.

A Heart Committed to Prayer

     *  Pray for five minutes right now.  Sit back, close your eyes, set a timer if doing so will help you relax, and speak to God from your heart.  Tell Him how much you yearn to draw near to Him, how you long to be more deeply devoted to Him, and how much you desire to cultivate a heart for prayer.  Write out Psalm 42:1-2 for memory and meditation.

     *  Look at your schedule for tomorrow and make an appointment to pray.  Decide the time and the place.

     *  If you don’t already have a notebook or journal for writing down your prayer concerns, locate something today and begin recording the people and decisions you want to pray for.

     *  Review the blessings of prayer (Blessing #1: A Deeper Relationship with God, Blessing #2: Greater Purity, Blessing #3: Confidence in Making Decisions, Blessing #4: Improved Relationships, Blessing #5: Contentment, Blessing #6: God-Confidence, and Blessing #7: The Ministry of Prayer).  Which one(s) have you tasted?  Which one(s) most motivate you to get serious about improving your prayer life?

     *  Read Matthew 26:36-46.  What do you see her about Jesus’ prayer life?  What detail impresses you most?  What aspect challenges you most?  And what can you do to cultivate a heart for prayer, the kind of heart Jesus models?

 

Off the Beaten Path

Today, I am reminded of Numbers 14:18
‘The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.

I love that verse, because it reminds me that our Lord is slow to anger and quick to forgive, unlike us.  We are quick to anger and slow to forgive.

I don’t know about you, but I get off the beaten path that God is trying to lead me down.  I don’t always feel like forgiving and sometimes, even want to be angry.  Can you imagine if God said He didn’t feel like forgiving us right then?  I think I would be destroyed.  Today, I have been convicted!

Last night I got my little feelings hurt over something that I could have handled a lot better and more like the Christian God wants me to be.  Instead, I was very quick to anger and it took me until this morning (after God beat me over the head), to forgive the person that hurt my feelings.

In our day-to-day lives there will always be people who hurt our feelings or anger us.  Let’s remember God’s Word in Numbers 14:18, and be slow to anger and quick to forgive.

“A Woman After God’s Own Heart” – Chapter 2 Heart Exercise

* What could you give up in order to spend more time in God’s Word?

* How should a deep conviction about the benefits, power, and importance of time in God’s Word affect us?

A Heart Abiding in God’s Word

“Am I flourishing or failing?  Thriving or wilting?  Blossoming or withering?”  These are the questions we would do well to ask ourselves regularly about our spiritual condition.  And abiding in God’s word is one sure way to develop a root system that causes us to draw from the Lord all that we need to enjoy a flourishing, thriving, blossoming life.  Let’s take a few minuets to learn more about roots.

Roots are unseen – How is your “underground” life, the time you spend abiding in God’s Word and prayer…out of sight, alone, in secret?  Before we move on, search your heart and jot down a few honest answers to this all-important question.

* What is the first work of Psalm 1, a psalm that spends three verses describing a woman (or man) who is flourishing, thriving, and blooming?

* How does the person in Psalm 1 approach the Word of God according to verse 2a?

* And what does she do (verse 2b) with what she finds in God’s Word?

* Note the results listed in verse 3 that come from time spent in God’s Word:

Make a schedule this week that includes a time each day to withdraw from people, projects, and pressures to spend unseen, private time alone with God, nurturing your roots with His Word and communing with Him.  And don’t forget to say “no” to a few “things.” 

We must say “no” not only to things which are wrong and sinful, but to things pleasant, profitable, and good which would hinder and clog our grand duties and our chief work.4

Roots are for taking in – Consider again my friend Karen and her time of “taking in” on pages 26-27.  Are you more like the breathless, frazzled, fretting and worrying woman in that scenario – or are you more like Karen, recognizing the need to slip away for a few minutes alone with the Lord when tensions mount?  Write down an honest answer about how you tend to handle the pressures of life.  Consider, too, how those closest to you would answer this question about you!

* This is a good time to look at Isaiah 58:11 in your Bible.  Here God describes the blessings that will be poured out upon those who seek after God in the right ways.  List them here:

* How can you remember to sink your roots down deeper to take in the “waters [that] do not fail” when life heats up?

Roots are for storage – When I go through tough and trying times, I try to think of every verse of Scripture that I’ve memorized that can help me through those trials.  Do you have a reservoir of verses hidden in your heart?  Can you write down two or three that you could (or do) draw upon for strength and endurance?  Thank God for these gems from His word, and don’t forget to share them with others when they’re in need of “a word in season” (Isaiah 50:4).

* Next look at Jeremiah 17:5 – 8 in your Bible.  Verse 8 describes those who hope in and trust in the Lord.  Jot down a few of their characteristics.

* Then contrast the person who trusts in man versus the person who puts his hope and trust in the Lord.

*When we trust in the Lord instead of ourselves, “the contrast in vitality is between being like a parched dwarf juniper in the desert or a tree drawing sustenance from a stream to bear fruit.”5  Are you remembering to turn to God and His Word, to trust in Him, and enjoy the blessings of fruit bearing – even in times of drought?

Roots are for support – Is yours a life marked by the repeated need to be constantly staked up, tied up, propped up, and straightened up, until the next wind comes along and you topple once again?  If so, what will you do today to strengthen your root system in the Lord so that you can profit from the power a network of strong roots provides?

***A challenge was issued on page 30 to design a personal time for drawing near to God.  Let’s do that now, remembering that…

The redeemed heart longs for communion with God.6

* First, pick a time – When do you think you could be most consistent in having a quiet time each day?  Examine your schedule and pick a time.  (Don’t forget to write it on your schedule!)

* Next, pick a place – Where do you think you could enjoy the peace and quiet you need for your “quiet” time? (Remember, a door, some privacy, and solitude help!)

* And now, pick a plan – What tools or aids can make your quiet time most meaningful?  Reread the suggestions on page 31 to trigger your own ideas.

* And now it’s time to dream (see page 32-33)!  Jot down today’s date and then describe the woman you desire to be spiritually in one year.

* Next describe the woman you desire to be spiritually ten years from now.