Stephanie Shott

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© Stephanie Shott, 2011

Good morning, sweet ones! I hope you had a GREAT weekend and are ready to do some digging in Philippians this week! Last week, I encouraged you to read through Philippians as many times as you could to familiarize yourself with this power-packed Pauline epistle. We also took a look at the conception of the Philippian church as we studied Acts 16. I hope you had a chance to make it through Philippians and Acts 16 at least once, but many of you have written and told me you've been reading the entire text every day! All I can say is, You go girls! You inspire me!

Last Friday, I provided you with a link to help you trace the steps these missionaries trod. Remember, their journey began in Jerusalem. As you learned in Acts 16, Paul and Silas formed the dynamic duo who set their face like a flint to turn the world upside down. It was Paul's second mission trip - Silas' first.

In the midst of their 2,800 mile trip, they entered a town called Lystra. There, Timothy joined the missionary team. Ministry is like that. We may start out on our own with just a dream and a prayer, but God often gives others a similar passion to pursue together what we could not do as well on our own. That's why I love teaming up with other women whose hearts beat with the same passion as my own. Two truly are better than one!

On a side note, did you see the shift in pronouns found in Acts 16? From verse 1 - 10, the pronoun used to describe the traveling mission team is the word they. But in verse 11 the they becomes a we. Because of this transition in terminology, it is thought that Luke (the writer of Acts) joined the journey - perhaps in Troas. It also reminds us that every word matters in THE WORD!

As you know, Philippians only contains four chapters. But they are four very lovingly written, power-packed chapters. Our study will be segmented for the purpose of examining the details of the key words and themes throughout our text. I hope you've got your boots on girls! We're going to be treading the water of the Word together and it may get a little deep. Oh yeah - I sure hope so! How 'bout you?

Begin our study by reading Philippians 1:1-14. That will be our text for this week's study. Today, we're going to examine Paul's word choices, how they relate to us and how the Philippian church partnered with Paul in the ministry.

1. What did Paul call Timothy and himself in verse 1?

Some versions use the term bondservant (doulos) others say servant. In the original it can be either, but the language used in Philippians 1 lends itself to the term, bondservant - one who gives himself up to the will of another.

2. Read John 13:12-15 and Matthew 20:25-28. What do these verses have in common?

Paul and Timothy were all in. They both understood what it meant to be captivated by the One who had set them free. The Savior who came as a Servant had left them an example of what it means to be a servant leader and they were willing to surrender their will for His - not because they had to but because they wanted to.

3. As you evaluate your life, do you consider yourself a bondservant to the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, how does your life demonstrate that to be true?

4. In Philippians 1:2, who does Paul address?

It's interesting to note that Paul calls himself and Timothy bondservants, but he calls the church at Philippi saints, bishops and deacons. Perhaps he wanted to remind them of them of who they were in Christ - of the responsibility that came with the blessing of being saved by the Living God. Maybe he just wanted to reaffirm his role as a servant even though it was he who had pioneered the church plant in Philippi in the first place.

Let's define Paul's audience as we begin our study with a little word fest. And can I just say up front that when we get into the original language, feathers may get a little ruffled. Sweet friends, that's not my intention at all. I feel like I'm just jumping into the fire on this one, but God's Word is God's Word. We can't make it mean what we want it to mean, nor do we have to accept what we've always been taught. We are to examine the Scriptures and get a personal grip on the truths found in the pages of holy writ - even if they don't match the traditions of men. I'll be interested in hearing from you all about today's lesson:

Saints (hagios) - Holy ones. Set apart ones. Only used once in the Gospels but more frequently in the rest of the New Testament. It's a term often used to describe true, born again believers.

Overseers (episkopos) - A man in charge of overseeing the church. Bishop and elder are terms used interchangeably with the word overseer. It is the same word used in 1 Timothy 3:2 and in Titus 1:7. Timothy was referred to as the first overseer (pastor, bishop) 2 Timothy 4:22 . Although often a point of contention and misunderstandings, the overseer is simply the pastor, elder or overseer of the church - the guardian of the body of believers God has entrusted him with.

Deacons (diakonos) - One who administers the commands of another. Within the church, someone who cares for the poor, distributes money to those in need and serves others. Contrary to popular belief, a deacon is not one in authority, he is one under authority - specifically the authority of the pastor/elder/bishop/overseer.

5. As you reviewed the list of those Paul was writing to, were you surprised by the definition of any of these terms?

I absolutely LOVE to study God's Word and I absolutely love to study God's words. Sometimes they surprise us. Sometimes they confront our theology. What we think to be true gets turned on it's head in light of each word in the Word of God. The definitions we studied today may have wrecked your theology, but I promise, sweet friend, they will ground your heart and breathe life into your spirit!

When we write a letter to someone, we often struggle with the opening lines. What do we say and how do we say it? Paul remedy the greeting dilemma by echoing a familiar salutation in almost all of his letters. Grace and peace to you is found in 1 Corinthians 1:2, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Colossians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:1,2 and 2 Thessalonians 1:2, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:4, Philemon 1:3. In fact, most of the 150+ times you find the word grace used the New Testament, it is used by Paul in his various letters.

The phrase, grace and peace, seemed to be Paul's tag line. But it means so much more than mere words on a page.

Grace (charis) - God's unmerited favor to fallen man extended to all who trust in Christ and His finished work on the cross.

Grace (charis) - Also means the proof or benefit of God's grace demonstrated by the power and favor of God in one's life as described in James 4:6.

Peace (eirēnē) - Tranquility, security, prosperity and harmony. Also used to describe the state of the soul of a Christian who is assured of her salvation. Paul often uses the term peace to describe a sense of confidence in God for those who have been born again.

6. Can you describe a time when you sensed the grace and peace of God in your life?

7. Why do you think God's grace and peace are important?

As we conclude today's lesson, look at Philippians 1:3-5.

8. What was Paul's attitude toward the Philippian body of believers and why?

In verse 5, some versions use the phrase, participation in the gospel; some use the phrase, partnership in the gospel; and still others use the phrase, fellowship in the gospel.

9. What do you think that phrase means and how do you personally live it out?

Paul prayed for his partners in the ministry. They were partners with a purpose. They joined arm in arm to turn their world upside down for Christ. When there was a need to be met in one local congregation, the Philippian church did what they could to meet that need (2 Corinthians 8). They understood they were all on the same team; they served the same King and put all differences aside to accomplish the goal of reaching their community for Christ and caring for one another well. They prayed for one another, the laughed and cried together - they supported one another. They were partners with a purpose.

10. Do you see yourself as a partner with a purpose? How do you demonstrate that you are on the same team as other brothers and sisters in Christ - no matter what?

11. Is there anything in your relationships with other believers that would prevent you from functioning as partners with a purpose? (Is it really worth it holding onto something that holds you back from fulfilling His plan for your life?)

I honestly love looking at how Paul loved the Philippian church. I love how they loved each other. I love you like that. I can't explain it. I don't even know many of you by name, but I love you like that.

We're all on the same team, trying to do this thing called life well. We are all trying to live out this faith life to the best of our ability. Sometimes we blow it. Sometimes we see success on the horizon. But you and I are on planet earth for such a time as this...and if I can encourage and pray for you and if you can encourage and pray for me, then we'll be more effective in accomplishing our ultimate goal.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, "Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor."

We weren't meant to do this thing alone. There's strength in numbers. There's power in our prayers for one another.
We're better together, sweet sister! We're better together! :-)

With that in mind, what can you do to foster old and new relationships with other believers to help them in their journey?

Below are two sisters who are impacting other women with the Word. They don't know each other, but unknowingly, they have locked arm in arm and become partners with a purpose:

Two sweet sisters who are studying with us have been blogging about our study. I can't tell you how much it made my heart smile to see them excited about the Word and blogging about their own personal journey through Philippians! I'd love for you to visit them both so we can begin to develop real relationships with each other. Cyberspace really helps us connect with one another in an unprecedented way!

Karen lives in New Zealand and writes a blog called "Maturing." Kela lives in the states and writes a blog called "Pursuing What is Excellent." Be sure to pop into their blogs and say hi! Let's get connected and do this thing together! If you're doing the same, please let me know.

If you don't have a blog or can't schedule our study in your posts, don't feel bad. You can participate and help develop community with your comments and emails! I love each and every one of you and even as I'm writing this, I can't help but smile! :-) You truly bring joy to my journey and rock my Bible study world!

You won't want to miss Wednesday's study! We'll be looking at love, prayer and a promise.

You can receive your Bible study in your inbox by clicking this link. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.

© Stephanie Shott, 2011

Hi sweet women of the Word! How has your week been? Were you able to familiarize yourself with the wonder woven throughout this precious portion of the Word of God? Girls, I have to tell you, as I continually read through Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, I felt like I could almost hear his heart. He loved that beautiful body of believers!

How 'bout you? What have you gleaned from your study this week? Were the layers you peeled back as sweet to you as they were to me? Oh friend, I wish we could just sit down over a cup of coffee and talk about our study together! My sweet friend, Kela posted her answers to our study in the comments sections! I would LOVE it if you'd be willing to do the same!

Now, I need to let you know we're going to come across some very personal and reflective questions - so I realize you may not want to reveal those recesses of your heart for the world to see. But I want to invite you sweet girls to join the conversation of our community (as much as possible) in our study of the Word together!

Today we're going to look at the key players in our narrative as well as our setting.

If you read through Acts 16, you saw a missionary's dream come true as he reached his first convert and planted his first church in a new continent.

1. Based on your study this week, list the three missionaries that made their way across the European border into the Philippian town in Greece.

We tend to read through places we aren't familiar with as if they're just words on a page, not real places, with real people doing real life together. But that's exactly what they are. Troas was a port town where fishing was most likely one of the its biggest sources of commerce. From there, the dynamic trio sailed across the Aegean Sea and made their way to Philippi.

2. Make a list of the towns mentioned in Acts 16.

3. Look at the list you just made and click on THIS LINK. It's of one of the best sites I've found to take you on a tour of Paul's 2nd missionary journey. You can click on each town and it will give you more information below the map. It's an AMAZING informational site! Meander there. Explore the territory where the trio trod two thousand years ago.

4. Notice their trip took them right through Asia. Have you ever wondered why the Lord prohibited Paul from sharing the Gospel there?

5. When they entered Mysia, they then wanted to travel into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them do so. List some possible reasons why the Lord didn't allow the missionary team to make their way into Asia or Bithynia. (Remember, all answers are only speculation).

6. Have you ever wanted to enter a 'territory' that you thought was the Lord's will only to find out the Lord was closing that door?

There are times when we want to do something for the Lord, yet He says "No" to our anxious hearts. It's easy to mistake the need for the call. Not every door is ours to walk through. We're not always the one to do it; it's not always the right time; others aren't always ready for the message.

It's not always easy to accept God's "No's" - especially when we think the need is so great, but like Paul, when we do, God uses us to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think.

This week we've walked the dusty trails of the Egnatia Way on our way to Philippi. We found that even Paul didn't always get to do what was on his heart - oh no, sweet friend - he got to do more...he got to do so much more than he ever anticipated.

Today, the Lord may be calling you to obey His "No" before He will say "Yes" to your wildest dreams. This weekend, ask the Lord what He is saying "No" to and what He is saying "Yes" to - and then obey, sweet friend. You'll be so glad you did when you find yourself kicking some dust up of your own!

I can't wait until next week! We're going to do some deep sea diving in the Word together and we are in for a treat! How could Philippians be anything less!

Oh, I need this study! And I'm so glad we're in this together!

I also hope you'll invite some of your friends to join our study of the power-packed Pauline epistle, Philippians! If you haven't subscribed yet, you can click here to receive your Bible study in you inbox. Or click on the Google or Networkedblog links to receive it as a feed.

Hi sweet friends. Your second helping of my post hosting Melissa Nesdahl is not an accident - I just believe in her book so much that I wanted to be sure you had a chance to go check it out! I was one of those girls with a bad past and a bleak future. Like Pam Stenzel, I was the result of a rape but blessed by adoption. Pregnant at 17 and a single mom by 19. I wish someone would have taken the time to have taken me down the path of consequences before I actually started stumbling over my own steps. This is important stuff here and I hope you will see how relevant and needed it is!

Have you ever met someone that really shined for Jesus in a real and obvious way? Well, today, I have the privilege of introducing you to a friend whom I've met through cyberspace, Melissa Nesdahl. I love her heart for Jesus and others, and I love the way she writes! She has recently written a book with internationally known speaker, Pam Stenzel, entitled, "Nobody Told Me". Nobody Told Me deals candidly with the physical and emotional consequences of sex before marriage.

So, without further adieu, please welcome my friend, Melissa Nesdahl:

Friends in Christ,

My name is Melissa Nesdahl and I’m honored to be guest posting here on Stephanie’s wonderful blog (Don’t you all just love her?!)

Over the past few weeks you have been walking through a wonderful Bible Study and carefully considered the words you use, how you live out your faith in the everyday world, God’s presence, forgiveness following ungodly life choices, and true discipleship that desires His mindset. In essence, you have been discussing a living, breathing faith in a world that often challenges that life.

So what do I have to do with this, you ask?

Well, like you I am an adult Christian woman striving to live out my faith life to the fullest. I want people to see me/my name and immediately recognize the spiritual fruit and blessing that comes from a life in Christ. Beyond that, I work to help youth grasp this message so in their formative years they can stand strong in the Lord and resist worldly temptations.

I write with Internationally known abstinence educator Pam Stenzel. Recently, we released our first book together entitled NOBODY TOLD ME: What You Need to Know about the Physical and Emotional Consequences to Sex Outside of Marriage.

Teens today are often rushed into making adult choices without complete awareness of healthy boundaries. How far is too far? Am I really at risk? Do I need to see a doctor? How do I handle these consequences? What is God’s design? Does He really care? How do I say “no?” What are safe dating boundaries? Is it too late for me? These questions and more swirl through the minds of developing adolescents often times before their faith is mature, and they need helpful, honest, accurate answers.

To help students grow in their faith, Pam and I took years worth of teens’ shared stories and questions (to keep it in their authentic voice) about God’s design for sex, Scriptural encouragement, media influence, peer pressure, abuse, pregnancy, STDs, emotional heartache, and choosing abstinence until marriage and formatted in a way teens like to communicate. Using a fun Facebook-like style, we meet teens (and all who love them) where they are at and provide them with answers to today’s tough questions so that they aren’t the next to tearfully say to God, their parents, a physician, or a future spouse, “Nobody told me. I didn’t know.”

The best part about this book is that it is applicable to every student regardless of the choices they have made. For those who have abstained, this book will offer a window into the heart of their peers, provide answers to difficult questions they still might have (and be afraid to ask), strengthen them to remain pure until marriage, and offer for them suggestions to help them live that out. If, on the other hand, a young person has made mistakes this book is still for them (making it unique to others) because they will hear stories of young people struggling right along with them, but laced within the message is clarity where there was confusion, hope where there was pain, experienced forgiveness from a loving God, understanding that their past choices don’t have to define their future ones, and practical steps to redeeming their future.

For parents, youth workers, crisis pregnancy workers, mentors, etc. this book is an excellent help because we live in a rapidly changing world. The consequences that they may have faced as a teen are no longer the same as the teens of today. The number of STDs has risen, media exposure delivers wildly different messages, and the people in the home and church haven’t always known how to effectively deliver an abstinence-based message that is both glorifying to God and powerful enough to pack a punch with the students who hear it. This book will place them inside of today’s teenage experience and bring them up to speed on current statistics to help them effectively communicate a message that empowers the teen they love to have a healthy future.

With God’s Word as our guide, we have created a book offering awesome, Godly relationships to any male or female 12 and up. In the process, personal faith with blossom, self-confidence will grow, respect for oneself and the people around them will become the expectation, and a life of wholeness will result.

Endorsed by many, popular Christian musical artist Rebecca St. James is on the cover stating, “This book is relevant, powerful, and packed with truths that all young people need to hear.”

As Christians, we all have prayerful hearts that students will hear and stand on this counter-culture message. Please join me in encouraging the living, breathing faith of our young people that you have been studying the past few weeks!

*Note* Melissa is currently running a giveaway for 5 copies of Nobody Told Me on her blog. Please click here and rush over to enter!

Bio- Melissa Nesdahl is a happily married wife, mother, author, writer, and volunteer who believes that when people recognize their identity and value in Christ they will experience life to its fullest. Combining her passion to write with her love of sharing Truth, Melissa frequently updates her blog, writes product and curriculum with Pam Stenzel, and contributes to ModSquad. Melissa has served as a crisis pregnancy center counselor since 1999 and currently serves on the Board of Directors.

A NOTE FROM STEPH:

Talking sex with your children is never easy, but Nobody Told Me will give you the tools you need to approach this complicated subject with them. I hope you will invest in Melissa's book for yourself, a family member and/or a friend.

I also hope you'll join our study of the power-packed Pauline epistle, Philippians! Click here to subscribe and receive your Bible study in you inbox. Or click on the Google or Networkedblog links to receive it as a feed.

Before I get started, I just have to thank all of you who have joined our Bible study! I've been overwhelmed by the email subscribers and many of you have joined through your readers, as well! I want you to know I love and appreciate you and I deeply value your input through this study. You girls rock my Bible study world!

My mom always made the best chocolate eclair dish! It was one of her signature desserts and she made it like no one could. I don't know what you may call it at your house, but we call it a mouth full of joy! It's scrumptious, but it's also very time consuming. Each of the five or six layers of various yummy ingredients required time in the fridge to set and firm up before the next layer could be added.

This week, our study is something like Mom's chocolate eclair dish - we've read through Philippians layer by layer and each time we pass through each verse of this rich text, we've taken the time let it set and firm up before we add another layer to one sweet study of the Word of God! We are heaping layers of sweetness to every serving of Scripture, sweet friend! Oh yeah - it's SWEET - it's a heart full of joy!

Remember, I encouraged you to take notes as you read through this power-packed, Pauline epistle. Well, let's talk about how it's going so far...

1. What words seemed to jump off the page like a pop-up book?

2. Did you notice the major themes I mentioned?

3. Did you pick up on the minor themes?

4. Has the Lord spoken to your heart through as you've read through Paul's letter to the Philippians?

5. What promises have you found in your readings?

6. Have you noted any questions yet? If so, would you be willing to share them with us?

7. What sweet nugget of truth did you find in your readings this week?

HOMEWORK:

In order to give yourself a little background of the birth of the church in Philippi, read Acts 16 and write out how it began. Also make note of the obstacles Paul and Silas faced while trying to reach Philippi for Christ.

I hope this has your sweet little heart thinking on the Word of God - considering what He has called us to and what He has called us from. I pray He speaks clearly to your heart as we walk through the Word together!

Normally our study of Philippians would be eight weeks, but I really wanted to give you an opportunity to form a foundation - to get a glimpse of where we are going. We've got a great journey ahead of us, ladies, so buckle up and hold on as we prepare to kick some dust up on the Egnatian Way. I can't wait to hear from you, sweet friend!

If you haven't already subscribed to our weekly Bible study, you can click here to receive it in your inbox. You can also click on the Google or Networkedblog feeders to receive it in your reader.

Have you ever met someone that really shined for Jesus in a real and obvious way? Well, today, I have the privilege of introducing you to a friend whom I've met through cyberspace, Melissa Nesdahl. I love her heart for Jesus and others, and I love the way she writes! She has recently written a book with internationally known speaker, Pam Stenzel, entitled, "Nobody Told Me". Nobody Told Me deals candidly with the physical and emotional consequences of sex before marriage.

So, without further adieu, please welcome my friend, Melissa Nesdahl:

Friends in Christ,

My name is Melissa Nesdahl and I’m honored to be guest posting here on Stephanie’s wonderful blog (Don’t you all just love her?!)

Over the past few weeks you have been walking through a wonderful Bible Study and carefully considered the words you use, how you live out your faith in the everyday world, God’s presence, forgiveness following ungodly life choices, and true discipleship that desires His mindset. In essence, you have been discussing a living, breathing faith in a world that often challenges that life.

So what do I have to do with this, you ask?

Well, like you I am an adult Christian woman striving to live out my faith life to the fullest. I want people to see me/my name and immediately recognize the spiritual fruit and blessing that comes from a life in Christ. Beyond that, I work to help youth grasp this message so in their formative years they can stand strong in the Lord and resist worldly temptations.

I write with Internationally known abstinence educator Pam Stenzel. Recently, we released our first book together entitled NOBODY TOLD ME: What You Need to Know about the Physical and Emotional Consequences to Sex Outside of Marriage.

Teens today are often rushed into making adult choices without complete awareness of healthy boundaries. How far is too far? Am I really at risk? Do I need to see a doctor? How do I handle these consequences? What is God’s design? Does He really care? How do I say “no?” What are safe dating boundaries? Is it too late for me? These questions and more swirl through the minds of developing adolescents often times before their faith is mature, and they need helpful, honest, accurate answers.

To help students grow in their faith, Pam and I took years worth of teens’ shared stories and questions (to keep it in their authentic voice) about God’s design for sex, Scriptural encouragement, media influence, peer pressure, abuse, pregnancy, STDs, emotional heartache, and choosing abstinence until marriage and formatted in a way teens like to communicate. Using a fun Facebook-like style, we meet teens (and all who love them) where they are at and provide them with answers to today’s tough questions so that they aren’t the next to tearfully say to God, their parents, a physician, or a future spouse, “Nobody told me. I didn’t know.”

The best part about this book is that it is applicable to every student regardless of the choices they have made. For those who have abstained, this book will offer a window into the heart of their peers, provide answers to difficult questions they still might have (and be afraid to ask), strengthen them to remain pure until marriage, and offer for them suggestions to help them live that out. If, on the other hand, a young person has made mistakes this book is still for them (making it unique to others) because they will hear stories of young people struggling right along with them, but laced within the message is clarity where there was confusion, hope where there was pain, experienced forgiveness from a loving God, understanding that their past choices don’t have to define their future ones, and practical steps to redeeming their future.

For parents, youth workers, crisis pregnancy workers, mentors, etc. this book is an excellent help because we live in a rapidly changing world. The consequences that they may have faced as a teen are no longer the same as the teens of today. The number of STDs has risen, media exposure delivers wildly different messages, and the people in the home and church haven’t always known how to effectively deliver an abstinence-based message that is both glorifying to God and powerful enough to pack a punch with the students who hear it. This book will place them inside of today’s teenage experience and bring them up to speed on current statistics to help them effectively communicate a message that empowers the teen they love to have a healthy future.

With God’s Word as our guide, we have created a book offering awesome, Godly relationships to any male or female 12 and up. In the process, personal faith with blossom, self-confidence will grow, respect for oneself and the people around them will become the expectation, and a life of wholeness will result.

Endorsed by many, popular Christian musical artist Rebecca St. James is on the cover stating, “This book is relevant, powerful, and packed with truths that all young people need to hear.”

As Christians, we all have prayerful hearts that students will hear and stand on this counter-culture message. Please join me in encouraging the living, breathing faith of our young people that you have been studying the past few weeks!

*Note* Melissa is currently running a giveaway for 5 copies of Nobody Told Me on her blog. Please click here and rush over to enter!

Bio- Melissa Nesdahl is a happily married wife, mother, author, writer, and volunteer who believes that when people recognize their identity and value in Christ they will experience life to its fullest. Combining her passion to write with her love of sharing Truth, Melissa frequently updates her blog, writes product and curriculum with Pam Stenzel, and contributes to ModSquad. Melissa has served as a crisis pregnancy center counselor since 1999 and currently serves on the Board of Directors.

A NOTE FROM STEPH:

Talking sex with your children is never easy, but Nobody Told Me will give you the tools you need to approach this complicated subject with them. I hope you will invest in Melissa's book for yourself, a family member and/or a friend.

I also hope you'll join our study of the power-packed Pauline epistle, Philippians! Click here to subscribe and receive your Bible study in you inbox. Or click on the Google or Networkedblog links to receive it as a feed.

If you are receiving this through the email, I'd like to invite you to click this link to watch an introduction to our study together before you get started.

Oh yay! Sweet friends, you have no idea how excited I am to begin this journey with you! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the book of Philippians. If you've ever received an email or snail mail for me, you know my life verses are Philippians 3:7-14, so you know I've been chompin' at the bit to get to this study! It's so rich, so encouraging and so convicting. This will be an adventure you won't want to miss!

Today, I'm going to give you a basic introduction into this power-packed, Pauline epistle. The foundation we lay this week will bring clarity to its context.

This week we're going to familiarize ourselves with the narrative. As you read through the book of Philippians, it's important to remember the people we see are not just words on a page, but real people, with real lives, with real joy and real pain. Paul was in a real jail cell, writing to a real body of believers who dealt with real issues, just like you and me.

Today, I will give you this week's homework and then I will provide questions on Wednesday and Friday designed to examine the heart and inspire application.

HOMEWORK:

1. Read through the book of Philippians this week. You may choose to read it once, twice or even once a day. It's only four chapters, so it will only take about 20ish minutes to read through the whole book. Do what works for you.

2. As you read, take notes of questions you may have or how God speaks to you. Perhaps something jumps off the page in your reading, make a note of that. If you aren't sure about what something means or want to know more, write it down. This study is an interactive one. Your comments and questions are welcomed and encouraged. Be sure to make note of the major and minor themes as you read through this week's text.

3. Read through the introduction notes. Be sure to look up supporting Scripture to enhance your understanding of the background of our text.

INTRODUCTION:

Author - Paul

Date - Sometime between A.D. 60 -A.D. 63

Setting - Paul wrote this letter to the Philippian church from a jail cell there in Philippi. The Philippian church was the first church established in Europe when Paul, Timothy and Silas made their second missionary trip (Acts 16:9-15) around A.D. 50.

Background - The Philippian church supported Paul on more than one occasion and he was writing to thank them for their partnership in the ministry through their generous support (Phil 4:10-20). Paul had other purposes for writing this very personal letter, as well. He wanted to return his faithful partner in the ministry, Epaphroditus, to Philippi with his letter so they would be assured that he had recovered from his near death sickness (Phil 3:15-30). His letter was also meant to encourage those who may have been distressed about his recent imprisonment (Phil 1:12-19and Phil 1:27-20). He also used this letter to commend Timothy's upcoming visit to the church of Philippi (Phil 2:19-23).

Major Themes - Joy, Humility, Unity and Personal Dedication to Christ

Minor Themes - Prayer, Giving, Providence, Perseverance and Care for the Church

Unique Characteristic - Philippians 2:5-11 is known as the Christological Hymn - A beautiful and rhythmic description of Christ's pre-incarnate state, His incarnation, His crucifixion and His heavenly exaltation.

This week, sweet sister, bask in His presence as you read through the Word of the Living God. This is great stuff sister! Life-changing stuff! I'm so excited about growing together in the Word and learning how to live more out loud than ever for our precious Savior! How 'bout you? You ready to do this thing?

Don't forget to take note of questions, comments and verses you stumble upon that seem to whisper, "This is for you!" to your heart! I'll be back on Wednesday and Friday with questions to help us get started in our study and your notes will help you see how God uses your study of Philippians to speak to your heart and change you life!

I also want to ask you to do one thing - ok, two things. 1) Commit to stick with it. Pretend like it's a semester in school and let's do this thing together! Our journey through this book may just make our steps along life's pathway a little lighter and a lot more defined and determined. So, make a commitment to see it through to the end. 2) Ask a friend to join you. Discipleship is deepened in community. We grow closer to one another and stronger through our journey when we're in the Word together. So, let's press toward the goal together girls!

I'm honored you've joined me for this journey through Philippians! If you haven't already subscribed, you can click here to get your Bible study in the inbox. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.

Hi sweet friends! Can you believe we are already at the end of our study? I'm so glad you've taken this journey with me. Every word in every sentence is rich and full - comforting and convicting.

Today's topic is tough talk. Our subject matter is definitely not for sissies. In today's text we find Jesus using words like hate and persecution. Tough words on the heels of bearing much fruit and showing much love.

Before we get into the lesson, please read through our text, John 15:18-27 and familiarize yourself with our Savior's word choices.

1. How many times do you see the word hate or hated?

In Wednesday's lesson, we find that every time Jesus used the word love, He uses the word agape (agapaō) - the strongest and deepest type of love. In contrast, today's study brings us to the word hate, which means to detest - the polar opposite of love.

2. Review our verses for today and summarize the theme of this powerful passage in your own words.

For the benefit of the overall lesson, today I'm going to contextualize our study rather than take you verse by verse through it. The theme of this passage is echoed in 2 Timothy 3:12:

"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."

Persecution was just a reality of life for the early church. The choice to follow Christ often meant that difficult days were ahead. That was true then; it is still true today.

As you read this Bible study with a hot cup of coffee in your hand in the comfort of your cozy home, approximately 493 people will die for their faith today. That translates into about 180,000 people who will be martyred because they trust Christ. According to the Voice of Martyrs, over 200 million Christians are denied fundamental human rights because of their faith. 200 million! The world hates them - because the world hates Jesus.

I've never understood why One who loves the world with His own life could be hated by so many. Perhaps it's because His love calls us to holiness. His ultimate sacrifice leaves us without excuses. Whatever the case, Jesus warned us that the world would hate us. Jesus may call us His friends, but the world calls us its enemy.

Now, let's get real.

Our North American experience is very different than the rest of the world. At least for now. We don't have to worry about losing our homes, our health care, our cars or our lives because we are Christians. However, I am going to say something I know may offend some - I pray it doesn't - but it's what the Bible says, not what Stephanie says...So, here goes...

Many want Christ without the cross He calls us to bear. They want salvation, but they don't want to suffer. The blessings we are afforded in this country have reaped "stony ground and seed among the thorns" types of hearts.

"But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful." Matthew 13:20-22

3. What causes the one who received the seed on stony ground to stumble?

4. What causes the seed that fell among the thorns to become unfruitful?

As missionaries to Costa Rica, we sometimes would meet families who had become outcasts and shunned because they chose to become "born again" Christians. It wasn't as severe as what many other Christians experience, but it was real and it was painful.

NOW LET'S BRING IT HOME:

5. If you were told you would lose your job if you talked about Jesus, what would you do?

6. Read Peter and John's response to possible persecution in Acts 4:17-20. Explain their response.

You find similar stories throughout the New Testament of those who were persecuted because of their faith. They were willing - or more like compelled - to share this Jesus who had changed their lives. But we worry that someone may think we're strange if we tell them about the One who died to save them.

Could it be that we don't suffer persecution because we don't live out loud enough?

Has our American version of health, wealth and prosperity Christianity confused the reality that in this world, we will suffer tribulation? Is our casual Christianity an indication that we are lukewarm - like the Laodicean church? Have our comforts clouded our convictions? Have we been lulled into believing that being a Christian means living in luxury?

In today's text, we find that Jesus told us we would suffer persecution because of our faith in Christ - because of our association with the Savior of the world. It is a hard saying. But Jesus never told us this life would be easy. In fact, He told us just the opposite.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Matthew 16:33

In John 15:18-25, Jesus tells us that if we are identified with Him, the world will hate us. Today's news reminds us of this very truth. Our Christian nation is quickly turning its back on Christ. Christians are criticized and even condemned for their faith. It's coming to America - and it's not going to get any easier to live out loud for Jesus.

But in John 15:26-27, Jesus commands us to press on knowing we are not alone in our pressures and persecutions.

7. What title does He use for the Holy Spirit in verse 26?

Some translations say Comforter, others say Advocate. In the Greek, it is paraklētos. In light of our study for today, look at what that word really means?

summoned, called to one's side, esp. called to one's aid, one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate

He is the One who will come along side of us, comforting us and defending us. He is our Comforter; He is our defender. Persecution comes with the assurance of His presence. So, while these are hard truths that we are learning today, He reminds us that we are not alone. In the midst of all the hate, He gives us hope.

And then finally, He reminds us of our calling.

8. Look at John 15:27 and explain what you think it means to "testify" of Jesus.

I know this hasn't been a touchy, feely kind of lesson. But the Christianity that Christ calls us to-the one He describes in Scripture-is not always easy. But He promises His presence and His peace in the midst of the madness. Hope in the midst of hate.

No matter what you are going through today, our sweet Savior is with you. He is present in your pain as well as in your persecution. He will never leave you; He will never forsake you. Whether you are hated by the world or your heart is hurting because you are facing some difficult days - Jesus is with you - the Holy Spirit is there to comfort you.

Set your face like a flint, sweet friend. No matter what - live out loud for Jesus. You'll have an eternity to be glad you did!

We begin our Bible study on Philippians next week! YAY!! I hope you'll join me for the journey! Invite some of your friends to join too. You can click here to subscribe by email or click the Google feeder link or the Networkedblog feeder link on the right of the page.

Ok, sweet friends, how'd you do with yesterday's study? Are you fruity yet? You all know that's my goal this year - to bear much fruit!

Now we're going to get right into today's study on John 15:9-17, so will you take a few minutes to read those precious verses and familiarize yourself with today's text. Again, I will include supporting verses that I hope you will take a few minutes and look up. I promise, they will enhance your study!

1. Look back over todays passage and count how many times you find the word love or loved.

2. Based on verse 1, how does Jesus love us?

The greatest movie ever made could never hold a candle to the greatest love story of all time. The one in which the God of creation became the babe in the manger so that He could become the Savior of the world. All because of love!

It's theme is woven throughout Scripture. In every page we find whispers of its affirmation. It is what gives mankind faith, hope and peace, joy, strength and courage. All we are and ever hope to be finds its crux in the unfathomable love of God. Without it, nothing else would matter.

If God were holy, but He was not love, we would have no hope. It is because of His love that forgiveness was ever extended. In fact, the cross not only originated from the love of God, but it also defines the extent of the love of God.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Today, as I'm writing this, I'm aware that some of you are going through some difficult days. Perhaps you feel as though your life is crashing in on you and you can't go on. Maybe you just feel overwhelmed by the dailies of life. Some of you may even feel as though God has abandoned you - that He doesn't hear or see you.

I want you to know sweet friend that based on God's own Word (and God cannot lie. Hebrews 6:18) - there is absolutely nothing that can separate you from the love of God.

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

I'm not sure who needs to know this today, but I sense the need to write this to some sweet sister who is going through a difficult time. I want you to know that there is no greater love than God's love, sweet friend. You are the object of His affection and the apple of His eye. He has inscribed you upon the palm of His hands; He knows the number of hairs on your head and the thoughts of your heart. He sees your heart and hears your cry. He loves you with an everlasting love. He will never leave you, He will never forsake you. He has birthed you into His forever family and made you doubly His by adopting you. No one can snatch you out of His hand. You are His child. You are His friend.

As you look back over today's verses (John 15:8-17), please answer the following questions.

3. According to verse 10, what is the correlation between loving God and keeping His commandments?

4. Would you say your life could be described as one that keeps His commandments?

5. According to verse 11, why did Jesus say what He said in these passages?

6. Is your life characterized by the joy of Jesus?

7. In verses 12 and 17, what does Jesus command us to do and to what extent?

8. Can you say you love others as Christ loves you?

9. Do you struggle with loving the unlovable - the ones whose behavior demonstrates that they don't really "deserve" our love?

10. Does Jesus love you because you are worthy of His love?

11. According to verse 13, what is the ultimate demonstration of love?

You may never have to physically die to demonstrate your love for someone else, but are you willing to die to your pride, die to your way of doing things, die to your rights, your will and your feelings so that you may demonstrate that you love someone else more than yourself.

12. What are the 2 basis for our newfound role as friends with Jesus as found in verses 14-15? (There are two mentioned)

Jesus linked our obedience to Him with our love for Him. He also reveals Himself to us based on our relationship to Him as His friend? Think for a moment about the different type of relationship a friend has with another friend and a servant has with a master. Although it's right to submit the the Living God as His servant, it's equally right to obey Him because He is our friend. That relationship establishes the road to fresh revelation. Oh, sweet friends, don't you just love the way He loves us!

As we conclude today's lesson, let's enjoy the truth we find in John 15:16.

13. Please reread verse 16 and explain who chose who and for what purpose?

That verse comforts me and challenges me all in one breath. Can you believe the Living God would look down from heaven, pick out this wretched little girl with a bad past and bleak future and choose her to bear fruit for Him? To make a difference for such a time as this? The question is, am I bearing the fruit He so sacrificially died to see come forth from my life? Are you?

Ladies, I hope you see how rich John 15 really is! I just love, love, love the Word of God! Today's text reminds us that God not only loves us to the max, but He has also chosen us, called us friends and told us He will reveal Himself to us. And, as if choosing to tag verse 17 on the end of this segment and say, "Oh, by they way, love one another!"

God's love in us should equal God's love through us! The question for all of us today is, "Are we walking in the love of God?"

Sweet sister, Bible study isn't for the faint of heart. There are words that will comfort our souls, but there are also words that will convict our hearts. Today, we've experienced a little bit of both in these 9 short verses! Wow! God really does speak to us from His Word! I want to be like Samuel and say, "Speak Lord, for your servant hears. Your servant and Your friend!"

I hope you are enjoying our study of John 15! Oh how great the Father's love for us, sweet friends!

I'd love to walk with you through the Word. If you haven't subscribed, please click here to get your Bible study in your inbox. Or you can click on the Google feeder link or the Networkedblogs found on the right hand of the page.

Hi, sweet friends! Please forgive me for being late with this week's Bible study. I had to get the revised version of my book back to the publisher by today and everything else got put on the back burner. I'm so sorry. I didn't forget you. In fact, I kept feeling like I let you down and I really am sorry for the delay. I'm so thankful for each and every one you. I love you more than you can possibly know! (Oh-I also apologize ahead of time for the typos I'm sure you'll find. I'm putting it out there without proof reading and you girls know how I can mess things up! :-))

Now, with that said, I want you to know that I can't wait to get started with this week's study! Today we are going to launch our little selves right into the study of John 15. John 15 is a pivotal chapter in helping us learn how to walk victoriously through this thing called life. It's found just on the heels of Jesus' promise to His disciples that He was sending the Holy Spirit after He made His sacrificial departure from this world.

As we get started in our study, I want to let you know that I will provide several scripture references throughout our study. They are rich in context and I hope you'll take the time to look up each one. Your understanding of this chapter will be enhanced if you search out these wonderful nuggets.

Please begin by reading through John 15:1-8 and familiarizing yourself with the context and terminology.

John 15 unveils our response to His promise that we won't have to do this life alone. It begins with Jesus' final "I am" declaration and in allegory fashion draws a parallel between the Old Testament symbolic vineyard - Israel, and the New Testament revelation of the real Vine, Jesus Christ. It also is a sweet reminder that the eternal Vineyard Keeper in none other than our Heavenly Father. (Isaiah 5:1-8, Isaiah 27:2-6)

In John 15:1, the obvious role of the branches is to bear fruit. That's what they naturally do. Those that don't are removed; those that do are pruned so that more fruit can be produced from the fruitful branch. The obvious assumption is that if a branch is truly a branch it will be connected to the True Vine and tenderly cared for by our Heavenly Vinedresser. It will bear fruit - at least some fruit. If not, it has either proved itself not to be a branch belonging to the True Vine or a branch that is not fulfilling it's purpose.

There are various theological approaches to this verse, but it would take the entirety of today's study to cover it well. They seem to echo the parable of the talents (Matthew 15:10-32) and the Beatitudes salt and light summons (Matthew 5:13-15). In my earlier post, Jesus - The True Vine, you'll find my take on these difficult passages. You will also find the description of a blossom drop Christian. An unfruitful branch and a blossom drop Christian - may they never be words that describe our lives. May others never have to wonder if we are who we say we are!

Now that we've covered verses 1 - 2 and the concept of burned up branches in verse 6, let's continue our verse by verse study:

1. Compare John 15:3 with John 13:4-17 (focus on vs 10). What do these passages have in common?

When we blow it, we have a tendency to feel as though we are no longer worthy to be used by God. These verses assure us that when we wash our feet by applying the water of John 1:9, God will bring restoration to our fractured fellowship. Sweet friend, Jesus died to pay for our sins as well as our shame. Don't carry the crippling baggage of the guilt and shame your precious Savior died to release you from. Victory is yours because it's found in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:4-5

2. What does it mean to abide in Christ?

3. Notice who is responsible to do the abiding. With that in mind, what do you need to do in order to abide in Christ?

4. What can you (a branch) accomplish on your own?

5. What is the result of one who abides in Christ?

6. What do you think "fruit" is?

In the Old Testament, God often referred to His people as a vine whose branches bore fruit. At times they bore corrupt fruit or no fruit at all and He chastened them. Blessings were also associated with fruitfulness. God blessed the fruitful and disciplined the barren. Like in the parable of the talents, where Jesus said:

"For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away." Matthew 25:29

It's natural for fruit to flourish from a branch that is securely attached to a vine and is carefully tended by a loving vinedresser. The same is true for us. Fruit - the fruit of the Spirit - the fruit of righteousness - the fruit of effectiveness - the fruit of a good testimony. These are the types of fruit that come from the life of one who ABIDES IN CHRIST. No fruit comes forth from the life that is trying to function on its own.

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 5:7-8

7. What is one of the blessings of remaining (abiding) in Christ?

8. If you are basking in Christ's presence, seeking His face and yielding yourself to His will, how do you think that time with Him will affect your heart, your thoughts and your desires?

"This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him." 1 John 5:14-15

9. In John 15:8, Jesus says two things happen when we bear "much fruit." What are they?

Sweet friends, time with Jesus is never wasted. Basking in His presence is like the necessary nutrients for a fertile harvest of fruit to be produced in our lives. It's much more than putting a check on a daily Bible reading plan. It's enjoying Jesus. Worshipping Him. Jealously guarding our time with Him and worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. It's being willing to do what He says because we trust who He is.

Today, if you find yourself in a dry season and abiding in Him is not the utmost priority of your life, I pray you will stop everything you are doing and remind yourself of how great the Father's love is for you. Love Him well, sweet sister. Love Him well. It's not hard to bask in the presence of the One you truly love.

I pray we will bear much fruit in 2011! Herein is our Father glorified!

If you haven't subscribed to our online Bible study, click here to get it in you inbox. Or click the Google Feeder or the Networkedblogs to receive it that way.

Hi, sweet friends! I'm a little giddy right now because I love how the Lord is so involved in the details of our lives even when we don't have a clue. Today, our study on Words brings us to The Power of the Word of God and it just so happens that today I was scheduled to post on Scripture Dig about studying the Word of God.

The Lord knows this little girl has been burning her candle at both ends for quite a while now, so He blessed me with a twofer. :-) And for those of you who have never visited Scripture Dig's site, I know you're going to love it! I'm blessed to be part of a team of 6 women who write for this wonderful site that was inspired and birthed from Teri Lynne Underwood's heart.

So today, I'm going to ask you to click on this link and pop in over at Scripture Dig to finish our study on Words. It won't have the question and answer format we've been using for our Bible studies, but I pray it will encourage us all to make and adventure of studying the Word of God.

Here's the beginning of today's study.

Do you find it difficult to study the Word of God? Many people do. Some, because they aren’t sure where to begin, others because it seems too daunting or they think they have to develop the same study patterns as someone else – while still others struggle with the discipline necessary to make it a part of their daily walk.

But if we really understood the power of the Word of God and the benefits that are ours when we invest time in it, it would become more than a spiritual discipline, it would become as necessary to us eating. Job said, “I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

Let’s look at “why” before we look at “how.” Perhaps then we will more readily make Bible study a part of our daily spiritual disciplines.

CLICK HERE TO FINISH THIS POST AT SCRIPTURE DIG.

IF YOU'RE RECEIVING THIS BY EMAIL, PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:
http://www.scripturedig.com

But before you go, don't forget we are studying John 15 next week and then we're diving into Philippians! If you haven't subscribed yet, click here to subscribe by email or click the Google feed or the Networkedblog feed on the right hand side before we get started! I can't wait to walk through the study of Philippians with you all. Love ya!

Before I get into today's Bible study I want to invite you to join us for a word from the Word! We're are preparing to take a journey through the power-packed Pauline epistle of Philippians begininng January 24th and I'd love to walk with you in the Word! Click here to subscribe by email or click one of the links on the right hand side to subscribe through your Google Feeder or through Facebook's Networkedblog. Be sure to subscribe before we get started in our study of Philippians!

I love knowing we're in the Word together and if you've already joined us, I want you to know, sweet friend, I'm so glad you've joined me again for the second lesson in our study about Words. After Monday's lesson, I realized I needed to think about what I was putting in my coffer. What about you?

Today we're going to see what the Bible says about the power of our words.

Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." and in the NLT, James 3:6 says, " And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself."

The words we say are packed with power; they can speak death into a person's life; they're like a flame of fire; they can corrupt our entire body OR they can speak life into someone's life. The sobering truth is, as Christians, the choice is ours.

Today, we have the opportunity to face the new year with more determination than ever to choose life - not just for yourself, but for those in your sphere of influence - the ones you have the opportunity to speak to.

I recently was at the grocery store when I heard a mother cussing at her little boy, telling him to shut up and snatching him by the arm. He just asked her if he could sit in the cart. An innocent question, but I think I could see the flames of fire coming out of her mouth as she spoke death to her own son. Every time she chided that child you could almost see a little piece of his heart shriveling up.

Maybe you've been the recipient of death words and know how they can crush your spirit, derail your dreams, skew your self-image and hurt your heart. Maybe you don't see yourself as you really are because you believed it when someone else told you you were someone or something you really aren't.

Oh, sweet friends, I wish I could hug every one of you reading this right now, because I know what it's like to find youryself somewhere in the middle of believing you are who and what others have said about you or trusting you are exactly who Christ has created you to be. The place where you try to believe with your heart what you know with your head to be true because Jesus said it was true. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Can I just stop to say the way to find healing for the heart that has been hurt by the callous, the critical and the cruel is to immerse yourself in the Word of the Living God. There you will find the truth about who you are as you allow Scripture to speak life to your life. I'm not sure why we would believe anyone else when the God who spoke life into this dark and empty world is the same God who tells us we were created in His image - fearfully and wonderfully made - that we are perfect in His sight - complete in Him. We are the objects of His affection, the apple of His eye and inscribed upon the palm of His hands. It doesn't get any better than that! Don't you dare believe you are anything less than our Savior died to make you!

Unfortunately, the flipside is also true. We've all been guilty of slicing and dicing people with our tongues. We've all said things we shouldn't. Whether out of anger, arrogance or ignorance, we've all cut others with our sharp tongues. Intentionally or not, it doesn't change the fact that we have wounded others with our words.

In today's Bible study, we're going to evaluate a few Scriptures and see what they say about our words so that we can win the war of loose lips, defeat the need to say more than we should and to help us keep our words in check.

Below are our passages for the day along with some questions and some tips to helps us think before we speak, choose words that will speak life into the lives of others and silence the voices that whisper from our painful past.

In Luke 12:3, the Bible says:

"Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops."

1. What will be proclaimed on the housetops?

2. Ask yourself if you want what you say today to be proclaimed on the housetops. If you can't say "yes" then don't say it.

Ephesians 4:29 tells us:

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."

3. What do you think "corrupt" means?

4. How much "corrupt" communication is permitted to pass through your lips?

5. What IS to come forth from your mouth and what purpose should your words have?

Ephesains 5:4 in the Amplified says:

"Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God]."

6. Based on Ephesians 5:4, list what is not to be coming out of our mouths.

7. Do you allow those types of words to come out of your mouth?

8. How do you think a voice of thankfulness will change your word choices and help you monitor what you say?

There are a host of other verses that deal with the issue of our words. The words we speak are powerful. They have the ability to speak life or death into another persons life.

If you've ever been hurt by hurtful words, you know how it feels. You may not be able to control what others say, but you have the power, through the Spirit of the Living God, to overcome an unbridled tongue. But as we studied Monday, it begins with filling our coffers with good stuff.

Today, I pray you will evaluate your word choices to your husband, your children, your family member, your friends and your coworkers. Are you speaking life into theirs or are you wounding them with your words? Are you stirring the pot and causing division or are you speaking peaceful words of encouragement and forgiveness?

Oh, be careful little mouth what you say. Oh, be careful little mouth what you say. For the Father up above is looking down with love, so be careful little mouth what you say!

"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;Keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3

"We have heard with our ears, O God,
Our fathers have told us,
The deeds You did in their days,
In days of old:" Psalms 44:1

Don't miss Friday's final lesson on "Words". We'll be talking about the Power of God's Word and how it is relevant for every era and every circumstance. Remember, if you haven't subscribed yet, please be sure to do so. We're looking at John 15 next week and then we're gonna dive into Philippians together. So grab a girlfriend and lets study the Word together!

Whoohoo! That's the best word I can come up with for how excited I am to see just how many women have joined the Bible study and are excited about knowing the Lord better and growing in His Word more! You ladies have blessed me with your emails and encouraged me in our journey together! Oh yeah, whoohoo!

WHAT'S IN THE WORKS
We're beginning a new study today and as usual, we will have a lesson today, Wednesday and Friday. But before I get into this weeks study, I want you to know what's in the works. On January 24th I'm going to begin a study of Philippians. It's the bones of the Bible study I'm preparing to send to the publisher and you ladies will be part of the process! I can't wait to hear from you as we travel down this road together!

Since I will continue to do the studies on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, I will only be providing three days of the study each week instead of the five that will be available in the book. But I'll be sure we highlight the important parts of the verses I won't be covering online.

Philippians 3:7-14 are my life verses and I absolutely love how rich and practical this power-packed Pauline epistle is! So I hope you'll make plans to join me each week and to invite some friends to join us all for an exciting, encouraging and challenging study! Remember, women in the Word = women of the Word!

Now let's dive head first into this week's study - WORDS. It was birthed from some blunders I neglected to fix before I scheduled last Friday's post. I didn't have time to edit it thoroughly and Feedburner faithfully sent it to your inbox - errors and all. In the 7th paragraph I wrote, "But God takes us out of the ball game." Oops. What I meant to say was "But God doesn't take us out of the ballgame." What a difference one word makes. What a difference our words make. What a difference THE WORD makes.

Our words are the result of what we think and feel - the overflow of our hearts, often before we take the time to let our minds process them.

Look at what the BIble says in Matthew 12:34-37 -

"33...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

WOW! Most of us have read this passage before but have we ever intentionally used these verses to filter every word we say. If not, shouldn't we?

Let's take a few minutes and put our lives under the microscope of these convicting verses.

1. According to verse 33, where do our words come from?

2. Did you notice the phrase "abundance of the heart"? That word abundance means that which you delight in and that which fills your heart. Based on the words that have come out of your mouth in the last week, what does your heart delight in? What fills your heart?

3. In verse 35, the word treasure means a coffer or a storehouse. That means we can intentionally fill our coffers with "good" things that will overflow into "good" words. What are you filling your coffer with?

4. Do you need to replace the source of treasure from which you are filling your coffer? In other words, do you need to eliminate some of the influences in your life and replace them with the Word of God and other good and godly sources so that you're filling your storehouse with that which will become a well overflowing with good word choices?

5. Verse 36 brings gravity to our reality. It's funny the word idle in the original language means "free from labor; lazy." That means the words we just say off the cuff - those words that just fly out of our mouths - we will give an account for them on the Day of Judgment. As a Christian, we won't have to pay for the sinful words we've said because Jesus paid for all our sins, including our poor word choices. But the Bema Seat of Christ is still a judgment of our works. It's not going to be a cake walk. It's serious business. So, based on the reality of our ultimate judgment, don't you think it's wise to be more cautious with what you say?

6. Since being more cautious with what we say begins by being more careful about what we allow to influence us - What are some changes you need to make in your life to filter what goes into your coffer?

James 3:9-10 says, "With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so."

What we say is a good indicator of what's in our hearts. We aren't going to automatically say what we ought if we haven't filled the coffer of our heart with that which is good. It's important to remember that we are the one who chooses what we store up in our hearts. The overflow will reveal what was there in the first place.

We've all heard the saying "garbage in, garbage out." Well the reverse is also true. "Good stuff in, good stuff out."

So, what are you filling the coffer of your heart with?

Don't miss Wednesday's study of "The Power of Our Words."

I'd love to walk with you in the Word! Please click here to subscribe by email or click one of the links on the right hand side to subscribe through your Google Feeder or through Facebook's Networkedblog.

Do you need to see the Lord do something new in your life, your marriage or your finances? Are you seeking God to open new doors in your ministry, in your career or in your relationships? Perhaps you're desperate for the Lord to do a new thing in your children's lives, in your friend's life or in your community.

Well, here we are wrapping up our study on New Things and I hope this study has helped you draw one step closer to preparing for what the Lord is going to do in your life. I can't believe how many roads I've had to backtrack in order to move forward. How 'bout you?

I've done a lot of traveling down the road of spiritual growth. I've gone backward, forward and made a few circles. I've learned there's a special beauty we can only find in the wilderness - and the streams in the dessert are meant to sustain us in our circumstances, not to deliver us from them. I've learned there's a lot to learn in the wait and in the wilderness and that God delights in doing new things when He knows the time is right.

I've had to deal with some painful realities about where I am and where I think the Lord is leading me. It's not that anything has changed as far as the direction He has been leading me, but this past week I've had to deal with myself in ways I hadn't expected.

It's painfully good to see ourselves as we really are - flawed people in need of a flawless God.

Seeing God do new things often means we have to see ourselves as we really are - positionally perfect, practically not. But one of the greatest truths of all is that the God of the universe delights in using us in spite of ourselves.

On our way to becoming who we were created to be we all blow it. Our humanness assures us of that. But God doesn't take us out of the game. He may put us on the bench, He may place us in a different position, He may even make us make us drop it and give Him fifty, but He still has a plan for our lives - He still uses us - in spite of ourselves.

In fact, the Bible is full of many who had failed God at some point, yet God chose to do something new in their lives anyway.

"Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are." 1 Cor 1:26-28 (NIV)

Let's look at a list of some fruitful failures. I hope you'll take a minute to read each Scripture reference so you can get the full impact of what God can do in our lives, even though we blow it!

Abraham was a cowardly liar (Genesis 12:13-15), before God made him the father of faith (Romans 4:11-13).

1. Do your personal struggles with fear prevent you from having the faith to trust that God wants to do a new thing in your life?

Moses was impetuous and killed a man (Exodus 2:11-12), yet God used Him to set His people free (Exodus 3:7-12).

2. Do you feel like God won't use you because you sometimes fly off the handle and act irrational or have a pms meltdown?

David was a shepherd boy before he became a king (1 Samuel 16:8-13); an adulterer and murderer before he reached his full potential (2 Samuel 12:1-8).

3. Have you ever felt like your past prevents you from having a God defined future?

4. Do you ever feel like your position in life makes you inferior and makes you unqualified for God to do a new thing in your life?

5. Have you ever felt like you blew it and that God was going to give up you?

I could list a host of other imperfect people who God used in a big way. Each of them defective, flawed, imperfect - each of them saw God show up and do a new thing in their lives. They are there for our examples. To show us that we are not limited by our own limitations - that God delights in doing exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or think!

Remember our key verse for this week has been Revelation 21:5.

"Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

I'm so glad that one day, the Lord will make all things new...including you and me. He made us new when He saved us, but on that day, we will be complete - we will be perfect - body, soul and spirit.

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Until then - we live in this flesh. We fail God and each other. Yet, God reminds us that nothing can separate us from His love. Nothing can separate us from the plans He has for us. He still uses us - in spite of ourselves.

Sweet friend, I hope the Lord has used this study to help you be prepared for the New Things He is going to do in your life. It's shaken me up and turned me upside down. Now I just want to go turn the world upside down. I hope you'll join me!

By the way, I shared my first vlog on Wednesday's post. I wanted to tell you all how much I love and appreciate our joint journey in the Word. You make my heart smile big time. But unfortunately, I had no clue what I was doing and didn't include a link for all you who supscribe by email. So, for those of you who didn't get it, you can click here. I hope you feel the hug through the video!

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