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."