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

* Read Psalm 1:1-3, Isaiah 58:11, and Jeremiah 17:7-8.  List the characteristics of the women whose heart is rooted in God’s word.

* What does Psalm 42:1-2 teach about the kind of desire for God we should have?

* When was the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:16 (“Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day”) made real to you?  How important do you think a day-by-day time with God is as you face your daily challenges?

* There are three stages in Bible reading: (1) the cod liver oil stage when you take it like medicine; (2) the shredded wheat stage when it’s nourishing but dry; and (3) the peaches and cream stage when it is consumed with passion and pleasure.  Which best describes your recent times in God’s word?  What steps could you take to reach the peaches and cream stage if you’re not there now?

* If you haven’t done so already, dream about your spiritual growth.  What kind of woman do you want to be one year from now?  Ten years from now?  Be specific.  Commit your dreams to prayer (talk to God about them regularly); to action (what specific step will you take toward your one-year dream?); and to another person (let that woman prayerfully hold you accountable to reaching your goal).

 

“A Woman After God’s Own Heart” – Chapter 1 Discussion

Good afternoon ladies…..I’m sorry it has taken me all day to start this discussion on Chapter 1 of  “A Woman After God’s Heart”.  I have had computer problems today.

Anyway, a couple of things I wanted you to be aware of…  First thing, I started a Prayer Journal.  The link is on the front page of the blog.  This first chapter inspired it and I hope that it does the same for you.  Second, I will be starting the discussion of all chapters, that way they are all clearly marked on the front page.  I know on some blogs, they get confusing and I have no idea where what I am looking for it.  This should make it easy.  Also, I would love your feedback on the blog, the study, the layout, etc.  I want this to be an enjoyable experience for all of us.

So, without further ado, did you read chapter 1?  I did and really enjoyed it.  I want to be more like Mary.  I want to  continually choose to spend time worshiping God.  Mary learned that nothing can take the place of time in God’s presence.  The more time we spend in His presence, the easier it gets, and we actually long for it.  I want to get back to the point to where I can give God all of me, even if just for a few minuets.  I realize most of you are very busy and you may find that you don’t have time for this study.  But I want to encourage you to take some time for you and for God each day.  That is the whole reason I started this blog, so that I am accountable for having my “God” time.

Mary put everything aside and sat at the feet of Jesus.  How cool is that?  Can you imagine sitting at Jesus’ feet?  WOW!  You can do that now.  Take some quiet time each day, even if it is your car on the way to work, and talk to Him.  Like the author said in this chapter, “push your thoughts forward”.  Stop thinking earthly thoughts and focus on faith thoughts.  You can write your prayers in a journal, on this blog or just say them silently, either way He hears you and longs to hear you.

So, what I got out of this first chapter is to take quiet time everyday and spend it talking to Jesus or listening to what He has to tell me.  I have also started the prayer journal.  Now…..it’s your turn.  What did you get from Chapter 1?  Let’s discuss. 🙂