I AM.... Lesson 4

This post is to answer the discussion questions for the I AM online Bible Study Lisa at The Preacher's Wife has so wonderfully put together. It isn't too late to join, so feel free to hop over and join in.

"When Life Doesn't Work OutLike You Planned"

Part Two

From the Lesson: When circumstances do not fall in line with our preconceived notions of what is best for us, how do we react? Do you, in my Southern slang, pitch a hissy fit? Do you become angry, bitter, or lash out? Or do you mope, pout, and withdraw?

This is something I think we should stop and ask ourselves several times daily. It can be a real "wake-up" call to some on how they react to certain things. I know personally in the past, I've watched my own children react in a way that I did not particularly care for, and figure out that they've learned that reaction from me, their Dad, other family members, or other people... it's not easy to swallow when you look in a "mirror" at your own child.

• By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months.
• By faith Moses refused to be called a Prince of Egypt.
• By faith Moses denied the passing pleasures of sin.
• By faith Moses considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.
• By faith Moses recognized a greater reward.
• By faith Moses endured because he saw Him who is Unseen.
  

Sisters, when things do not work out like we planned, when the diagnosis is not what we wanted, when the child is in trouble, when the bills are not paid, when the job is just too stressful, when the loved one continues to reject the Lord, the only way we can endure is following hard after the One who is Unseen. Trust in the One who is refining and preparing you to either be delivered or to be a deliverer. On any given day, you will always fall on one side of that line or the other. No matter which it is on this day, the only way to endure is by Faith.

RETAIN - I pray that I can retain this information and remember how much faith Moses had. Continue to learn and grow in my faither - I thank our heavenly Father for giving the Holy Spirit to guide us... for being with us, molding us like clay and refining and preparing the way to be delievered His way, His Will!

Just my thoughts before moving onto the discussion questions:
1. I am going to present to you a little acrostic to begin our discussion today. What is your latest NLIP? (Not Like I Planned?)
There are a few I've been dealing with, and it's amazing how God will use things in our lives to remind us it's time to refocus on Him.
My Little one:
My daily schedule is not working out as I planned. I've had to learn that things don't work out to my timing, but only to His timing. It's hard to give up control - even today.

My Big one:
I made plans several years ago to move forward in my career to become a major executive, but God had other plans for me to primarily stay at home to care for my children and disabled mother. I thank God every day for the opportunity that I've had to be here for them! And look forward to getting a part-time job outside of the home here shortly, if that's what He has planned for me next, which is what I'm seeing happening!

2. How did you react to your NLIP? Are you still upset about it? Happy about it? Baffled by it? Explain.
My reactions to my schedule not going as planned depend on the circumstances... Sometimes I'm content with what is going on, and deal with my emotions later about what I didn't accomplish. Which is not always good, because I can be my own worst enemy. Other times, I get irritated easily and have to remind myself to "Be Still," as I get upset. Prayer is my crutch.

3. Have you ever attempted to step into an area of ministry and found your desire rejected? Did this cause you to question God and yourself? Perhaps distrust what you perceived to be your calling?
When I attended church during childhood and youth years, I was always in the chior, as I love to sing! As an adult, I've wanted to step back into being in the worship team, but it seems as though timing does not work for me right now. The practices are when I teach, and on another night that is not good for husband. Plus, for some reason, since I "put it out there" that I wanted to join, I could not until the last month get myself to church on time. So I made a promise with myself when I realized that was happening; that I would not pursue this worship team any further until I could get to church ontime for three months straight... I'm two months away! In the mean time, I've used my other gift with teaching and helping computer word processing wise within the church. I have so much fun creating newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, etc.

4. Do you harbor any bitterness towards any individual or situation which you believe waylaid your best laid plans?
I try my best to give my irritability, bitterness, anger, you name it to God and ask His help for me to see the situation with grace.

5. Have you had a life experience or trial that left you with a shaken faith because it ended in an NLIP? Please share if you feel free.
My miscarriage... of course I did not plan to not be with my baby. I'm not sure I have enough room to share this here. See if I can make this as short as possible:
Before my pregnancy I had already stepped away from the church due to confusion that I did not even realize at the time. Even though I was not going to church, I was still reading my Bible and praying (but I've learned over all these years - that is not enough, I need fellowship). So, when I lost my baby all I kept asking was, "How could You take my baby from me? What did I do so awful for You to take my baby away? Help me see my sin, so that I can confess. ..." I thought I'd never again step foot in another church. I felt dead. I couldn't bring myself to picking up my Bible - I just wanted to hollar (and I did) at God. It took several months for me to come out of this depression, the hold that Satan had on me; even though, I became pregnant again just two months after my miscarriage. It was hard for me to be joyous in the second pregnancy, as I was mourning my loss and scared I'd loose that one too. It wasn't until a co-worker of mine shared the following with me that I understood God was still with me. He said, "How do you think God gets His highest angels by His side? What does it take to be an Arch Angel?" I had no idea where he was going with this... but I thank him for this! "Think about it, to be right by God's side, you'd have to be "like" Jesus - is that possible for any human being?" I just sat there listening and crying. He continued, "In order to be pure, clean, whole, holy, His blessing, you have to be untouched. If that baby was born of this earth, it would not be clean any longer, as soon as human hands touched it. So, it's okay to mourn, but we also need to praise God for taking your angel out of this awful world, for cradeling him and making him healthy in His arms. For bringing him up as his angel - pure, untouched, clean, holy..." I felt relief, and could eventually then be happy for the second pregnancy. I ended up writing all of this down at the time and reading it in front of my congregation, asking forgiveness for being so angry.

Now - don't get me wrong, I know there are more then this way to become one of God's angels. But this is what got me through and out of my depression. To think, my baby was sitting in God's arms & I will see him when He chooses it's time to call me home, that was incredible to me. I still mourn my loss, but also remember - I wouldn't have my oldest son now, had I not had that miscarriage; and I wouldn't give up my oldest for nothing! But I've learned as I've gotten older as well - I wouldn't give up my miscarriage, the bitterness of that loss is gone. I've been able to help so many others with this same "journey" of their baby --- had I not gone through it, I wouldn't be able to touch others lives as I have. It doesn't make it right, it doesn't make it wrong, it just helps us see, there is another purpose for our child, other then our purpose. God's purpose is what matters.

6. Based on Moses' response of faith to his own rejection, how will you re-evaluate your own experiences or look at future ones differently if a NLIP presents itself?
I've learned that I cannot walk away when trails come. That I need to prepare myself before they come - stay in His Word; so that I can fight with His Word.

WOW, how I needed these reminders.

God Bless, HL

I AM... Lesson 3

Lesson Three

I AM - So You Don't Have To Be
Blog Bible Study Lesson Three

'When Life Doesn't Work Out Like You Planned'
Part 1

Discussion Questions:

1. It was stated in the Lesson that God has made you "once, twice, three times a lady." Where are you in this progression? Obviously we have all been physically born, but are you 'twice a lady'? Have you been born again spiritually? This may be a private matter you'd like to discuss confidentially. If so, email me. If you have already received this gift, write a brief prayer of thanksgiving or testimony.

Quote: "God has made you in the words of Lionel Richie (can I quote him in a Bible Study?:)) once, twice, three times a Lady. (Can't you just hear him singing it or am I totally dating myself?) Here are the three ways: He has placed you just in time, has saved you by His lovingkindness, and either has given or will give you a desire from the 'lower deep of your nature' to accomplish what He intends in your life."

YES!!! Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing me. Showing me that people will disappoint me, and helping me to understand that life is not fair, but you are fair. I am blessed to know that even though I strayed for a while in my teens and late 20's; You Father were still with me, and I thank You for the protection you gave. And I praise You even for the eye opening experiences that I had to endure to bring me back to you. I look forward to our continued journey and me learning more. In Jesus' name, amen.

2. Are you three times a lady? Has God given you a stirring deep within your Spirit to be a 'deliverer'? Do you have a desire or are you already meeting a need in the life of the church, a particular ministry (such as jail ministry, food ministry, etc.) or perhaps individuals who share common issues?

I believe I am in between being 'three times a lady.' As I know some of my gifts, but not totally sure yet what He intends for me to accomplish. I understand and love that I am a wife, Mom, daughter, care-giver... but maybe there is something more? Prayer and time...will only tell.

I share my own experiences with other's whom are going through the same. I give of myself when needed if I can, and usually I make sure that I can. The gifts I've been blessed with (word processing work, PowerPoint, etc) I love using to share with others. I help teach Mission Friends and voluntarily assist the Children's Pastor.

3. Do you ever get tired of waiting for that opportunity to do something
worthwhile for God? Do you ever feel God is using someone else instead of you?

Sure sometimes. But I have also learned that my timing is not always His.

4. What do you consider 'worthwhile ministry'? Are you like me and sometimes find yourself mistakenly thinking it has to be Big to be Important?
I guess you would say that I'm like you, as I try to go above and beyond to help others; which sometimes is not healthy, because I use up all my energy and then am no good to my family. Depression comes - but I'm working through that, and each day is rising better! But yes, I have in the past considered major things that are big to be important. In the past I took on a family of six children, babysitting and transporting because the parents were hardly ever home, always working. That was big... way to much for me to handle my senior year of high school. And I look sometimes and say, "How can doing this flyer, newsletter, PowerPoint, etc be a worthy help?" But I realize as I grow closer to God, that sometimes, that is why I am right where He placed me to do that type of thing on the computer and help that way!

5. Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts test? If yes, what are yours? If no, here's a good one from Ephesians 4 Ministry. Will you take it and come back with a response? Knowing some of you like I already do, I can almost pick out what your gift is before you say it. I can't wait to see if I'm right!

Your dominant gifts are Pastor/Shepherd, Showing Mercy

The results of your Spiritual Gifts Inventory indicate that your number one dominant gift is PASTORING/SHEPHERDING! The Greek word "poimen" means pastor. In Paul's spiritual gifts listing in Ephesians 4:11, this term is translated "pastor." Although the word "poimen" is translated pastor only one time in Scripture it is used sixteen additional times. The remaining sixteen are all translated "shepherd." Therefore, we are actually discussing the GIFT of shepherding, not the POSITION of pastor. Though a good pastor must have the gift of shepherding, everyone who has the gift of shepherding is not called to be pastor. The gift can be used in many positions in a church.

As a gifted shepherd, you have the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by overseeing, training, and caring for the needs of a group of Christians. You are usually very patient, people-centered, and willing to spend time in prayer for others. You tend to be a "Jack of All and Master of ONE," meaning you are usually dominant in one of the speaking gifts (evangelist, prophet, teacher, exhorter) as well. You are often authoritative, more a leader than a follower, and expressive, composed, and sensitive. Your pleasing personality draws people to you.

You have a burden to see others learn and grow and are protective of those under your care. You want to present the whole Word of God and do not like to present the same materials more than once. (I can't totally agree with this - as I usually do read things several times and do studies more then once.) You are willing to study what is necessary to feed your group and are more relationship oriented than task oriented. You are a peace-maker and diplomat - very tolerant of people's weaknesses. You tend to remember people's names and faces. (Really?? LOL; I feel that most of the time I have a hard time remembering names - but this can't be exact all the time.) You are more concerned with doing for others than others doing for you. You are faithful and devoted and may become a workaholic. You can become an all-purpose person in order to meet needs.

People with the gift of shepherding make the best Sunday school teachers and group leaders because their desire is to go beyond just teaching or leading, to shepherd and minister to the daily needs of their students. The position of Sunday school teacher or group leader is an extension of the pastoral ministry in the church. These groups should be shepherded on a small scale the same as the pastor shepherds the whole congregation on a large scale.

Be careful to involve other people; don't try to do it all yourself. Work on making people accountable. Do not be overly protective of your "flock." Because of these potentially weak areas, other people may think it is your job to do all the work; they rely too heavily on you. You may be expected to be available at all times, know all the answers, and be at every function. Learn when to say no.

Beware of Satan's attack on your gift. He will cause discouragement when the load gets heavy, and pride because your "sheep" look up to you. You may develop family problems because of too little time and attention. You may become selfish when "sheep" feed in other pastures.

HOW CAN YOU USE YOUR GIFT? This gift is a great help in many areas. You may serve as a Sunday school teacher, small group leader, pastor or assistant pastor, bus captain, special ministry leader (such as youth, children, men, etc.), nursery worker or as a half-way house or other type shelter volunteer. You may consider serving as a dormitory leader in a college, orphanage, children's home, etc. Scout troops would appreciate your assistance as a den leader.

I look forward to continuing through this study and greatly appreciate Lisa for sharing this study openly. If you'd like to join us in the study, click on the icon at the top of the page or in my sidebar.

Additionally wanted to note that I pray I can retain all of this information and especially the analogy of: I, me, was placed just in time to have an impact on this earth through 'unrecurring incidents' of obedience, just like Moses. How extraordinary to think of myself in such a way. Also we all could use this reminder: "It took Moses 80 long years to be ready for the buring bush. This may serve to tell us that we have some waiting to do!"

God Bless Everyone, HL

I AM... so you don't have to be - Bible Study!

I came across this Bible study on Moses! Thank you Lisa, at The Preachers Wife for writing and keeping this study going!



The study started in April of 2007, although you can join in whenever you like. If you would like to participate - click on the picture directly above!

Lesson 1

Just In Time

Acts 7:17-20

"But as the time for the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt. It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father's home." (NASB)

Here are some questions I would like for you to consider in response to what God is showing us in these Scriptures:

1) Are there any circumstances or relationships in your life where you can see God has intentionally placed you to be a light for Him?

There have been many different situation that I am blessed to be a light for Him. Examples fulfilling my mind at the moment are my being able to teach in the children's wing at my church, and certain other people that I've come in contact with that I have helped or am helping with their walk!

2) Can you honestly describe yourself as a woman with a 'yes' in her spirit?

Unfortunately, not always. But I am getting better at having this 'yes' in my spirit; not worrying about what other's think because the only one that matters is my heavenly Father!

3) Are you in an emotionally and spiritually healthy place today? If so, what will you do with your series of unrecurring events? Will you commit to ask for spiritual eyes to see opportunities to defend a weaker sister?

I mostly feel that there are still many opportunities for me to need a defender, as I'm still growing. But I feel that I will always be growing, learning! Therefore, as I get stronger - yes I welcome opportunities to defend a weaker sister.

4) If no, are you taking steps to seek out wise counsel from a sister you admire or perhaps a Christian counselor if needed? If not, will you resolve to do so?

I have taken steps as I now have a mentor through email, and am working on being accountable to another sister at church. I thank God for surrounding me with the Sister's in Christ that he has, and welcome more on my journey!