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Family Matters:  Bible Study #1- Women of the Bible  |
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antoinette
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Toni
East Freedom
PA
USA
826 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 08 2010 : 6:02:08 PM
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| Thank you Claudia. |
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Singing Tree Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Cari
Chase
Michigan
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2010 : 12:39:27 PM
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The 12 months of preperation was required by Persian law for her to come before the king. Even though the preperations that are listed are outward, we can see the inward beauty, too. A spiritual maturity is evident. She sought God and then waited for His timing, she feared God and not man, she thought of others above herself. Mordecai also is looking to and trusting in God and the two of them - Esther and Mordecai, have a unity to move together in the power of God. Just as God desires of His body today.
Esther is also an example for us today, as Claudia said, as women and wives 1 Peter 3:1-4.
It is also for the Bride of Jesus, Revelation19:7-9 "...for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints."
Linda, do you know specifically why you struggle with the OT? Why/what is the spiritual struggle? You listed injustices. Is that a sensitive spot? Maybe there is an incident in your life? Has God given you a special burden/authority to interced and trevail in this area?
Sometimes seeing the injustices is really hard, but God gave us a free will and He refuses to control us. Even though He is a God of justice and injustice breaks His heart. It is one of the things His wrath will come against in the end. God gave us the free will to choose if we will love Him or not. If He hadn't given this choice it would not be true love. That is why it is so precious to Him when we choose Him. Love is a choice. It brings pure joy to His heart when we "love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your strenth". Even angles don't have this relationship offered to them. 1 Peter 1:3-12 "...things which angels desire to look into."
I would encourage you to ask God for His heart on the matter. He is the God of the OT and the NT and He never changes, James 1:17 and Heb 13:8. Our perceptions do affect our relationship with Him. I pray for you Ephesians 1:17-19 "...the Father of glory may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened..."
All of creation sings Your praise! |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2010 : 3:50:31 PM
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Cari, those are great points. I will put it to prayer in a more specific way. I do have a heart for women and children and the abuses so often endured. I completely agree He is the God of both OT and NT and NEVER changes. I am so grateful He doesn't!!I am also grateful that His mercy with us and our confusions and shortcomings is never endng. I am so thankful that He does not give up on His people.
Country at Heart |
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Singing Tree Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Cari
Chase
Michigan
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2010 : 5:06:09 PM
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Oh, Linda! I totally agree about His mercy! If I have learned anything it is how great His mercy is and that I need it every day.
All of creation sings Your praise! |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2010 : 10:15:58 AM
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Amen, Cari!!!!
Country at Heart |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 12:31:16 PM
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Oh gosh I am behind again, sorry 
My brother is home from TX this week so just off, promise I will try get it together here!!
Hugs
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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staci860
True Blue Farmgirl
838 Posts
Staci
Newville
PA
USA
838 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 12:46:12 PM
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That's ok Rae - I think we're all in summer mode.
Blessings, staci FG# 973
:o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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Edited by - staci860 on Jul 16 2010 12:46:31 PM |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2010 : 4:57:21 PM
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Yes, Staci, summer mode is true. Hubby and I are on the road as I post. But I look forward to getting it together enough to post about the scriptures soon. I love reading what you all think, though!!!! You all rock, and make my journey happier.
P.S. I have my bible with me and have been in the Word each day, but not enough to post my thoughts. Love you all!!!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Jul 17 2010 4:58:57 PM |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2010 : 10:15:30 PM
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Well ladies, may I say 'Sorry'? I am not sure how or why I could have been so clueless as to miss this point, however, I get it now! I thought that Esther went on her own, rather than an order from the palace. I just could not see why, in that situation this story seemed to be so glorified!! Good grief how could I have misread all that!! Anyway, a lot makes sense now. Thank you all for your help and thoughts and patience with me! Good grief! Blessings for a good nite! Linda
Country at Heart |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jul 18 2010 : 04:39:53 AM
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That is what I love about Bible Study, people sharing stuff I often just don't see or get and the more I read the Bible the more I see myself. It is like God opens my eyes a bit wider each time I read a passage. He knows my little brain can only absorb so much so gets it going and just keeps on adding 
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 18 2010 : 6:00:07 PM
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Yes, it is The Living Word! It never fails us and never fails to teach us something new. Oh how I love the Bible.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2010 : 07:36:46 AM
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All so very true! I am so glad He continues to teach and bless us!! I think I have found my church home out here. I am pretty excited! They seem to have an amazing womens ministry loaded with some great classes and online study as well too. Are we reading in Luke next? Have a blessed day everyone! Linda
Country at Heart |
Edited by - prayin granny on Jul 19 2010 07:38:09 AM |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2010 : 04:42:03 AM
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Linda I am very happy for you. My church has great people but all are older so not much going on for my age.
Ok Luke 1:5-25, 57-66
We have Elizabeth and Zechariah. When they were promised a child at an older age it must have been hard to believe it because of their age. It also shows me that as "godly" people sometimes we still doubt things. It is hard, for me, to remember that God works at his time not mine and this is a good reminder of that lesson. As I have stated before patience is not a strong point and there are so many lessons of that in the Bible.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2010 : 12:52:43 PM
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I like this reading. Not just because it reminds me of Christmas, but because it proves the point that patience and faith really do go hand in hand. Sometimes with faith you just have to have a little patience before what you want to happen happens.
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2010 : 2:13:34 PM
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It is so true!! Often our time table and God's are NOT the same. Lol!! It is hard sometimes to hold onto our faith and be strong. Yet, He does seem to know best and hold us up and thru it when we need it most!! Blessings, Linda
Country at Heart |
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 11:30:35 AM
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Bumpin!
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 2:39:49 PM
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Thanks Megan! I have on my list to post on next topic but was kind of giving people chances to respond. I know we are all busy this time of year.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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buffypuff
True Blue Farmgirl
1183 Posts
Claudia
Deer Park
WA
USA
1183 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 3:09:24 PM
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Well, before we move on to the next subject, I think I had better get my thoughts in. There are several ideas that come to mind. I try to put scripture into how it would affect me today. What I realize is that patience is to be developed by everyone. No free passes. I am disturbed at the scripture that says,"Tribulation worketh patience," however. What I noticed about this particular scripture as with many others, was: a)in the background, the Jewish people had been promised a Messiah for ages...they went through much suffering..waiting.. along the way. b)Zechariah was a priest for Pete's sake. His priestly status, pulled no weight in having a child. c) Elizabeth was a cousin of Mary...the Mother of the Messiah. Relationship held no bearing on the time-frame of her conceiving. She waited until she was old. There are probably otherexamples, but it gives me consolation when my prayers are not answered that it may be not because I'm not as close in my relationship to God, or that I am just a lowly Christian, not someone important like a Chuck Swindoll or Billy Graham. It may be that it just is not the right time in God's plan. That is great comfort.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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buffypuff
True Blue Farmgirl
1183 Posts
Claudia
Deer Park
WA
USA
1183 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 3:12:00 PM
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Oh, and by the way, I still sometimes look for where I have gone wrong in my life, & how to repent so as to unlock the special tumblers to obtain God's favor, but I am getting better.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 5:02:17 PM
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I love having all these women to share my Christian studies and thoughts with. I hope it does not stop! Every day is a struggle, but if we struggle together, we will get stronger!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 6:17:44 PM
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Here here Shirley Jean!
Claudia, while I do agree with you that sometimes things are not in God's plan for us, I believe that certain things like grades, or if you get a certain job or not depends on you, not God. Say you don't get a job. Yes, it may not be in God's plan, but if you dressed like a slob and were rude, then you took an oppurtunity that God gave you, that could have been in His plan for you, and threw it away.
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2010 : 05:15:22 AM
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Has anyone else noticed that many of God's lessons are patience, things happening in God's time which of course is always the right time, but still a message of patience. That part is so personal for me that when I read I feel like God put those words there just for me!
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2010 : 05:36:26 AM
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Here are a few comments from my book study on Women of the Bible. Luke described Elizabeth as a woman who was "righteious before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless". Luke 1:6 She was descended from a priest, Aaron, and married a priest, Zacharias. Her name means "my God is good fortune" or "my God has sworn an oath". God praised Ellizabeth's life and blessed her barrenness, which was a terrible thing in those days, with a child. An angel appeared to announce the birth of a son, making the birth announcememtns of John the Baptist, and Jesus very similar.
She is called the affirming wife in this book, because she was an encouragement to her husband. Paul, in the New Testament, says "every word should build up" Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph 4:29
Elizabeth received God's grace, and through her godly life she offered praise to others and to God. She is an example of a true encourager, which is a gift of the spirit. She praised her husband, and husbands need to be praised by their wives, in a world that criticizes and discourages. She also had great influence as a friend and mentor. She helped Mary, mother of Jesus. Her life is another example in the scriptures of how we can try to be a godly woman now.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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buffypuff
True Blue Farmgirl
1183 Posts
Claudia
Deer Park
WA
USA
1183 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2010 : 10:14:08 AM
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Megan, I understand what you are trying to say, but what I was talking about are those things of which we have no control...like praying for the salvation of a dear friend, the physical healing of cancer (for example), of a relative, or conception of someone wanting a baby badly etc.. Of course, we are to do all that we can in any situation, but then we are told to stand. (Eph 6:13) We wait for God to answer our prayer and continue to ask as He says in Matt 7. I was trying to say that God is no respector of persons, and even those who are privileged or who have rank wait also on God's timing.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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Family Matters: Bible Study #1- Women of the Bible |
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Bible Study #1- Women of the Bible
