Week 9 - Read Ch. 16 & 17

Read Chapter 16 "Lord, Guide Me in the Center of Your Will" and Chapter 17 "Lord, Protect Me and All I Care About".

I want to encourage you to write down your 2011 resolutions. Seek God, and ask Him to reveal to you His will and purpose for you in 2011 in the following areas, Personal, Spiritual, Vocational and Relational.

Habakkuk 2:2
Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.

Ch 14 & 15 Reflection Questions

For me, these were great chapters to read going into the new year and declaring new resolutions and goals for yourself. We all have a purpose, we shouldn't just "go" through life. We should LIVE LIFE ON PURPOSE!

Consider the following questions when reading, Chapter 14 "Lord, Move Me into the Purpose for Which I was Created":

1. Do you believe your life has purpose? Do you have a sense of what that purpose is? If yes, write out a prayer telling God what you believe your purpose is, and then ask Him to confirm that to you by giving you an even clearer understanding of how He wants to develop His purposes in your life. If no, write out a prayer asking God to show you what your purpose is.. Write down anything He reveals to you or what you see as a possible direction for your life.
2. Read Romans 11:29, 12:6-8. What are your gifts, talents or abilities? Keep in mind, it doesn't matter if your talent is developed or weather you use it much. Ask God to show you every gift He has put within you that can bless others.

Exodus 9:16
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

I love reading about humans and how we relate to one another. Being relational may not come naturally. Like myself, I am an introvert. So I am fine being myself, but I must remember its not what's best, it's not God's plan for us to be an island. We serve a relational God, who desires to have a relationship with us. God asks us to love Him, then to love ourselves, then to love others. How can you love someone without getting to know them? To know Him you must develop a relationship with Him. What is the key to a successful relationship? Communication. The communication lines with God are always open - reading the bible, prayer, worship, and just plain talking to Him. Then He reveals Himself to you through his Holy Spirit that lives in you. For me, my relationship with God is the most intimate of all my relationships, because he knows my sins/faults and loves me anyways - no judgment or condemnation, just grace and love - no strings attached. With His love I receive, I then can forgive myself and love myself, then I can love others with the love of God that lives in me. Let me point out, this is not a one time fall head over heels love or happily-ever after...Oh no, it's a daily-committed-in constant communication-accountability partner-truth in love kind of relationship. And I LOVE IT!

Consider the following questions when reading, Chapter 15 "Lord, Guide Me in All My Relationships":

1. Do you believe that you exhibit to others the seven signs of a desirable friend? Which quality is your strongest? Which quality is your weakest?
2. Read Psalm 68:6. Are you a member of a church where you are part of a spiritual family with whom you feel connected? If yes, describe what is most important to you about your spiritual family. If no, write our a prayer asking God to reveal to you the church and spiritual family where you belong.

Mark 12:28-31 

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus... Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Deuteronomy 30:16
For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

Tools and Resources

http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/en-US/FreeTools/healthAssessment/PDLHealthAssessment.htm

http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/en-US/FreeTools/LifeStatements/statements.htm

http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=3

Week 8 - Read Ch. 14 & 15

Read Chapter 14, Lord, Move Me into the Purpose for Which I Was Created and Chapter 15, Lord, Guide Me in All My Relationships.

I hope you are as excited to read these chapters as I am! Who doesn't want to move in their purpose and to be guided my God?!

“The single greatest cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable”. - Brennan Manning

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

Exodus 9:16

Ch. 12 & 13 Reflection Questions

Ch. 12 - Lord, Plant Me So I will Bear the Fruit of Your Spirit

1. Of all the fruits of the spirit, which one would you like to see manifested more obviously in your life right now?
2. Read Galatians 5:19-21. What are the works for the flesh? What will happen if you practice such things?
3. Read Galatians 5:22-23 and fill in the blanks. "But when the _____ ______ controls our lives, ____ will produce this kind of fruit in us: ____, ____, _____, _____, ______, ______, _____ and ______. Here there is no conflict with the law."

Ch. 13 - Lord, Preserve Me in Purity and Holiness

1. Read James 4:4 and 1 John 2:15-16. What happens when you become a friend of the world? What happens when you love the things of the world?
2. Read Galatians 5:24-25 and Ephesians 1:4. According to these scriptures, how are we supposed to walk?
3. Read Ephesians 4:25-32. According to them, what are the things we are supposed to do?
4. Read Matthew 5:8. What the reward for having a pure heart?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg6HedZ4xGs&feature=related

Week 7 - Read Ch. 12 & 13

Read Chapter 12, Lord, Plant Me so I Will Bear Fruit of Your Spirit and Chapter 13, Lord, Preserve Me in Purity and Holiness.

Can't wait to see how God will speak to me through these readings and to read your comments and posts on last weeks readings! This is good stuff! :)

Taste and see that the LORD is good;
   blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8 (NIV) 

Week 6 Reflection - Ch. 10 & 11

WOW! God is so good to answer me through these readings. Even if it wasn't an answer, but encouraged me to keep praying and seeking HIS will.

Chapter 10 Lord, Prepare Me to Be a True Worshiper  spoke to me about worshipping in God in all we do - singing, relationships and at work. Personally, since I have such a long commute to work, my car is my sanctuary. I listen to talk radio, worship music and pray. Its my special alone time with God before work, love it! I doesn't always come naturally sometimes, I have to verbally tell myself "okay, change the radio station" and "okay, stop thinking about that you need to pray." I always remember the scripture, Luke 19:40  “I tell you,” he replied, “if they [worshippers] keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Chapter 11 Lord, Bless Me in the Work I Do blessed me! If we are seeking God to guide us, then we have a purpose in where we are working far beyond the job description. We cant forget to pray daily for our employer, coworkers and clients. Everyday we have a purpose, and we might miss it if we aren't submitting to God's leading. Just like one mornig last week before work, I was getting my purse together and I heard a little voice tell me, "take a rubber band to work." I said, "okay, Lord." I get to work, one of my coworkers asked if I had a rubber band. CRAZY?!  However this morning, a little voice told me "take an extra allergy pill to work." I said, "Nah, I'll take it before work." (Just thinking about me.) I get to work, my boss had bad allergies. UGH! I / We need to learn to listen to the spirit, even if it sounds too little to matter. It does matter, maybe not for / to you, but for someone else. God is loving others through us. He loves my friend soooo much, that he told me to take a rubber band because he knew she would need it. We need to stop looking down and start looking around, and allowing God to love others through us. That has nothing in the work I do, but has everything to do with the work he does through us.

Matthew 22:36-40 (GOD’S WORD Translation) “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in Moses’ Teachings?” Jesus answered him, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’

"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only love."  -Mother Theresa

God does want us to be successful. What father doesn't want that for his child? Joshua 1:8 "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." It's such a simple request, but we make it a task to read his love letter to us. Did you ever watch "My Life" starring Michael Keaton? Well in the movie he is has the perfect life - great job, beautiful wife and baby on the way. Then he finds out he has a terminal cancer and in the last stages of life. So he decides to make a video of life lessons for his baby, that he would've told his child had he not died. UGH SAD! (Must see!) But kinda reminds of God and He giving us the Bible as his instructions for our life. B.I.B.L.E. - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

Love you all! Have a blessed week!

Reflection Questions

1. How did Chapter 10 speak to you?

2. How did Chapter 11 speak to you?

3.  What was your favorite quote from the book?

Week 6 - Read CH 10 & 11

Read Chapter 10, Lord, Prepare Me to Be a True Worshiper and Chaper 11, Lord, Bless Me in the Word I Do.

I pray everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving!

Hebrews 12:27-29 (GOD’S WORD Translation)  "The words once more show clearly that God will change what he has made. These are the things that can be shaken. Then only the things that cannot be shaken will remain. Therefore, we must be thankful that we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Because we are thankful, we must serve God with fear and awe in a way that pleases him. After all, our God is a destructive fire."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New Living Translation) "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.  ~Meister Eckhart

 

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

~Author Unknown

Week 5 Reflection - CH 8 & 9

AGAIN, these chapters are just what I needed to hear! God's timing is always so perfect.

In chapter 8, Lord Take Me Deeper in Your Word, Stormie gives us an inside look into one of her low moments in her physical and spiritual life. It makes me realize having your health, is so much more important being physically healthy, but it also impacts your spiritual life. She wasn't able to physically pick up a Bible or read, so she relied on others to do it for her. But as she points out, its so different being in a one-on-one reading with God, than having someone read to you. And it started to take its toll on her spiritual life. She couldn't hear God as loud as she used to, she couldn't focus on her writing, and she couldn't make decisions as easily because, she couldn't hear God's voice as clearly as when she was able to have her one-on-one time with him. WOW, as I wrote that it totally spoke to me about how we cant just feed our spirit by attending church and listening to the pastor preach a sermon. After weeks and months of just doing that, you become spiritually malnourished, because you haven't spent one-on-one time with God. Listening to the pastor at church or on the radio, is only a supplement. Our physical bodies as well as our spirit can not survive on supplements alone. The only cure for malnourishment is whole food. God's word is food for our spirit. Matthew 4:4, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." God wants a relationship with you, and the most important key to a great relationship is communication. He wants to talk to us. He wants our undivided attention. Just because we read a chapter once or even five times, His Word is so deep, that he can teach us new lessons EVERY TIME we read it. I love the prayer Stormie wrote, "Lord, I NEED to have Your Word come alive in me again. Make that happen, Father. Clear my mind and soul. Teach  me new things. Help me to go deeper into Your Word than ever before." She later writes, "Our time in God's Word is one of the most important aspects of our lives, and it should be covered in prayer." I've heard this before, but it was such a great reminder to cover my reading time, and worship time with God in prayer. I'm going to tape this prayer to the cover of my bible to remind me to pray before I read. AMAZING!

In chapter 9, "Lord, Instruct Me as I Put My Life in Right Order". This statement reminds me of an image of a person's hand, being held and guided by the hand of God. Just as a parent or teacher, would guide a child's hand when learning to write his name.

"I'm a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world."
— Mother Teresa

Questions:

1. On page 86 she wrote, "Reading the Word had always been life-giving for me, but now it became more of a duty. I read because I knew I needed to." Have you ever felt this way? What did you do to help revive your fire for God?

2. How did Chapter 9, speak to you?

3. What was your favorite quote?

Week 5 - Read Ch 8 & 9

Read Chapter 8 - Lord, Take Me Deeper in Your Word and Chapter 9 - Lord, Instruct Me as I Put My Life in Right Order.

I pray everyone has a blessed week and stay strong in the Lord!

 ¹Blessed is the person who does not
   follow the advice of wicked people,
      take the path of sinners,
         or join the company of mockers.
²Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord
   and reflects on his teachings day and night.
³He is like a tree planted beside streams—
   a tree that produces fruit in season
      and whose leaves do not wither.
He succeeds in everything he does.^[a]

Psalm 1:1-3 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

Week 4 Reflection - Ch. 6 & 7

God is so good! This is exactly the rebuke and encouragement I needed to hear. I love how God is so gracious and loving when he talks to me.

In Chapter 6 Stormie wrote about, taking control of your mind by bringing it under submission of the holy spirit.  The enemy comes in three forms: the world, the flesh, and the devil.  Know your enemy. Two scriptures come to my mind, Ephesians 6:10 - 17 The Armor of God, and 2 Corinthians 10:5 "take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ."  
In Chapter 7 Stormie wrote about, submitting our life to God whole-heartedly. The following passage from from this chapter was like a quick self-examination quiz for me,

"Surrendering everything means being willing to say, "Lord, whatever You want me to do, I'll do it. I say yes to anything You ask of me, even if it means dying to myself and my desires. I will give up the things of the flesh that I want in order to have more of You in my life. I will go to church when I feel like staying home. I will fast when I feel like eating. I will pray when I would rather watch TV. I will give when I would rather spend my money on myself. I will enter into praise and worship as my first reaction instead of my last resort. I will do whatever You say so that I can please You and move into all You have for me."

I hope you enjoyed the reading and share with us your comments on the below questions. To promote discussion between others in the group, please comment on at least one other person's post.

1.  On page 74 Stormie wrote, "Certain thoughts may appear to you to be accurate, but when you hold them up next to God's Word, the lie is exposed." Has there been a lie the enemy wanted you to believe as truth, that you later realized was not true at all?

2. Read Jeremiah 17:9. What does this scipture say about the human heart?

3. Read Colossians 1:28. Why do we need to be taught by other strong believers in our lives?

4. What was your favorite quote or scripture?

Week 4 - Read Ch. 6 & 7

Read Chapter 6 - Lord, Show Me How to Take Control of My Mind and Chapter 7 - Lord, Rule Me in Every Area of My Life.

I pray everyone has a blessed week and stay strong in the Lord!

You will keep in perfect peace 

those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3 

Lord, Prepare Me
Listen - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LiTy7ndOzw&feature=related

Week 3 Reflection - Ch. 4 & 5

WOW, this was just what I needed to hear! Obedience, to me, is one of those things that are easier said than done. "Just do as you are told. Don't think, just do." That's what I always tell my daughter, when she disobeys and causes herself more trouble. Just like God tells me, and I think I know best and do it my way, and cause myself suffering. Ridiculous, right? But, I do it anyways? What I have figured out is because I am  looking through my eyes, and using my finite mind - instead of walking by faith, trust and obedience that God has plans for my good and not to harm me, just as I do for my daughter.

James 1:22-25 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."

I know I need to pray more often for God to give me strength to defeat the enemy. Remember the enemy comes in three forms: the flesh, the world and the devil. Yep, it's true - we are our own worst enemy! Our mind is a battlefield, and we need to daily take every thought captive that goes against God's word. As a new creation in Christ, do you know who you are? We need to know, believe and walk in our new idenity in Christ daily. Once we do, the enemy has no chance! He is a defeated foe! "Understanding your identity in Christ is absolutely essential to your success at living the victorious Christian life."

Luke 9:23
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

I hope you enjoyed the reading and share with us your comment on the below questions. To promote discussion between others in the group, please comment on at least one other person's post.

1.  Of the five weapons against the enemy (see pages 65-66), which one of them do you feel you most need to learn to use more effectively?

2. Read I John 2:4. What is the result of not keeping God's commandments?

3. Read John 14:21. What is the result of keeping God's commandments?

4. What was your favorite quote or scripture?

Week 3 - CH. 4 - 5

This week please read Chapter 4 - Lord Teach Me to Walk in Obedience to Your Ways and Chapter 5 - Lord, Strengthen Me to Stand Against the Enemy.

These chapters are short, so feel free to read ahead, and come back to comment as I post the relfection questions.

Psalm 1 (New International Version)

¹ Blessed is the man
       who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
       or stand in the way of sinners
       or sit in the seat of mockers.  
² But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
       and on his law he meditates day and night.
 ³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
       which yields its fruit in season
       and whose leaf does not wither.
       Whatever he does prospers.
 ⁴ Not so the wicked!
       They are like chaff
       that the wind blows away.
 ⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
       nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
 ⁶ For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
       but the way of the wicked will perish.

Some more old school pentecostal music. Reminds me of when I was young and attended LivingWay Christian Church. : )

Look What the Lord has Done
http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=FDopyC3EWC8&feature=related

Enemy's Camp
http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=mYa6SGWRAW0

Week 2 Reflection - CH. 2 - 3

I hope you enjoyed the reading and share with us your comment on the below questions. To promote discussion between others in the group, please comment at least on one other person's post.

1. Read 1 John 1:9 and explain the main reason we need to confess our sins to God.

2. Read Acts 3:19 and explain the main reason we need to repent of our sins.

3. Read Mark 11:25-26 and explain the most important reason to forgive others.

4. What was your favorite quote/scripture you read in these chapters?

Week 2 - CH. 2 - 3

Read Chapter 2, Lord Cleanse Me and Make My Heart Right Before You and Chapter 3, Lord Help Me to Be a Forgiving Person.

These chapter titles remind me of two classic songs

Nothing but the Blood of Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wej1jHtiH-M&feature=related

Lord Prepare Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sa20GHWJj4&feature=related

Week 1 Reflection - Forward & CH. 1

1. From the list of names to God on page 32 in The Power of Praying Woman, what is the name you most need to trust God to be to you during this time in your life? Write out a prayer (either in the comments of this post, or in your journal) telling God why you need to know Him in this way, and thank Him for promising to be that to you.

2. Do you spend as much time as you would like alone with God? Do you find securing that time alone with God difficult or easy? Write out a prayer (either in the comments of this post, or in your journal) asking God to help you find more time to be with Him.

There are so many great songs about the names of God. Below are a few, enjoy!

Wonderful Merciful Savior
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiVvHxgHL5Q&feature=related

Adonai
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCv29tPOWjk&feature=related

Indescribable
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PTvr755V8s&feature=related

Welcome!

Week 1


Hello Ladies! So glad you will be joining me read, The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian for the next 15 weeks.


Your assignment for this week is to read:
The forward, The Power and Chapter 1, Lord Draw Me Into a Closer Walk with You. (Remember, you can read as fast or as slow as you want)


WOW! The titles alone get me excited! :) I will be praying for each and everyone of you everyday, and I look forward to reading your comments on the chapters.


Have a blessed week in the Lord!


"Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us." Psalm 90:17

Online Bible Study - Power of a Praying Woman

So glad you are interested in the Women's Online LifeGroup!

Below is the information on the group:

• Study is on The Power of a Praying Woman, by Stormie Omartian
• You will need to purchase the book (and study guide)
• 15 week study, beginning October 11, 2010
• I will post reflection questions, for you to comment/answer online, at your convenience.

I am so excited to read this book and deepen my walk with the Lord, along side of you!


Hebrews 4:16 "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."