To Live Is Christ…Week 5

A Phone Tree Bible Study Series (January 1, 2012 – March 4, 2012)

To Live Is Christ – The Life and Ministry of Paul

Phone Tree Bible Study Model: Treasure Hunting (Scripture Emphasis); Discovering Riches (Personal Study Option); So Says Beth (Lesson Summary and Quotes); The Journey to Self (Questions to Consider); Connecting (Take Away Points)

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Week 5: An Unfamiliar Road

Treasure Hunting: Acts 17:16-34; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Acts 18:1-17, 18-20, 19-25; Acts 19:1-23

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Discovering Riches: Do some background research on the Nazarite vow.

So Says Beth: In week 5, Beth affords us a look at ancient Athens. She touches on several key observations about the city itself, as well as its people. Additionally, she talks about the rare spot that Paul finds himself in and his response to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

- “We have been called to take the gospel to every nation. We must awaken to our responsibilities and our human inadequacies for the task.” (p. 96)

- “Aloneness exagerates our emotions and sensitivities…Solitude can also exaggerate negative feelings.” (p. 99)

- “God often proves Himself when we feel we have the least to offer.” (p. 101)

- “Even when the enemy tries to batter us and make us lose confidence, God can steal the victory with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” (p. 102)

- “…God never lets our heads get so lofty that our feet leave the ground” (p.105)

- “God wants to be found. He does not will for any to miss Him; and He is so gracious to show up right where we are looking – so He can take us beyond anything we’ve ever seen.” (p.113)

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The Journey to Self: (Answer one, some, or all.)

1) What insight does Isaiah 46:8-11 provide? (Read it and reflect.)

2) Is your heart resistant to taking the Gospel to others? (See Matthew 28:18-20.)

3) Am I willing to go forward with God no matter where He takes me or what He requires me to do? (Spend time journaling about this.)

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Connecting:

- Godly discernment is of value to the Christian who strives to abstain from all manner of foolishness and ignorance.

- God is the Highest. No other god can ever or will ever take His place.

- Sometimes we are placed in difficult situations, but we must remember that God is bigger than every one of them.

- The extraordinary works of the supernatural God are all around us; we simply need to look.

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Stay tuned to The Phone Tree to follow special To Live Is Christ blog links.

 

CSS Blog Tour…LIGHT UNDER THE HOUSE by Aaron L

What inspired you to write this story?

I feel very strongly about the breakdown of the family and fatherlessness and how there is much dysfunction and despair because of it. I wanted to tell a story to shed some light on the situations that many face and hopefully bring some type of reversal to the current dynamic in whatever small way I could. I wanted to challenge men, fathers especially, to be who they were created to be.

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The Phone Tree Bible Study Group was provided with a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview. The CSS blog tour is managed by Christian Speakers Services.

 

The 12 Days of Praise Winner

And the Winner is…Archie

You will be receiving a gift copy of Greg Paul’s book, Close Enough To Hear God Breathe.

 

Do You Trust Me?

A Special Phone Tree Series on Confronting Your Faith

“…yet will I trust in Him (I will hope in Him)…” – Job 13:15

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Do you trust Me?

The year of my BIG S-T-R-E-T-C-H, 2011 to be exact, was the year of “have you considered my servant Kim.” It was a year of great grace and much growth. Any and every challenge imaginable seemed to come my way – in my personal walk, in my relationships with others, and in my professional life. Little did I know that my 2011 struggles would lead me toward a direct confrontation with my faith and a trust challenge of extreme magnitude. As I headed into 2012, however, I soon realized that the LORD had a divine plan in place meant to steer me toward the question – “Do you trust Me?”

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Am I brave enough to answer His question?

The obvious answer to this Spirit-inspired question was yes. But beyond the obvious yes, what existed? What was my faith all about? I spoke about having it. I taught lessons about living with it. I prayed about it. But what evidence did I have to show that I had a yes-I-trust-You-God kind of unconditional faith. Had I demonstrated an unwavering faith in the face of the countless injustices and Job-esque trials that I had dealt with in 2011? I was ready to find out what my real faith was all about.

After a gut-punching year, 2012 rolled around, coming forth as a year of Jubilee. This new year, which is to be the year of my emancipation from that which is unholy, unrighteous and unjust, was heralded in as the time for my restoration and rebuilding as it relates to my faith. I knew a radical transformation would be taking place where my trust and dependency on God was concerned. I did not know how it would come forth, but I knew that it would.  As such, God presented a Word to me that would change the course of my life and alter the way I chose to look at my dependency on Him.

The life-giving Word that He gave me was reach. Beyond that reach came a test that required and continuously requires blind faith and total trust in the One who is enough.

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Do you trust Me enough to be enough? 

In the days after The Day After the Next Day journey I began walking, I vividly recall having a conversation with the LORD about the direction He was leading me in. He knew the ways I was to take (Job 23:10), but the question was did I trust Him enough to get me to the place He wanted me to be. Did I trust Him enough to be enough? And now, since my emancipation proclamation, do I trust Him enough to be utterly, entirely, totally, and completely dependent on Him for my everything?

My answer…YES!

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Confronting Your Faith Truth #1: You must trust God beyond your capacity to trust. This requires an extreme dependency on the Spirit of God who dwells within you.

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Q4U: When God takes the time to show you your real faith, what is your response to Him?

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Reach(ing) 2012…Upward, Inward, and Outward

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Join me next week as I talk about the gift of transparency and learning to look beyond the immediate.

 

To Live Is Christ…Week 4

A Phone Tree Bible Study Series (January 1, 2012 – March 4, 2012)

To Live Is Christ – The Life and Ministry of Paul

Phone Tree Bible Study Model: Treasure Hunting (Scripture Emphasis); Discovering Riches (Personal Study Option); So Says Beth (Lesson Summary and Quotes); The Journey to Self (Questions to Consider); Connecting (Take Away Points)

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Week 4: Unexpected Sojourners and Wider Paths

Treasure Hunting: Acts 15:36-41; Luke 1:37; Acts 16:1-10; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:17; Acts 16:16-40; Acts 17:1-9

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Discovering Riches: Do some background research on the Bereans.

So Says Beth: Week 4 is all about partnerships, pathways of purpose, and praise. This week, Beth discusses Paul and his fellow brothers in Christ – Barnabas,Timothy, Luke, and Silas – as well as others. She also leads us further down the winding road of history, making us aware of Paul’s second missionary journey and the special circumstances that contributed to his growth in the faith.

- “We may plan to stay forever and commit with noble intentions to do one thing for the rest of our lives. But when the Spirit of God moves within us, we must move with Him or be miserable.” (p. 74)

- “Anyone with the maturity to surrender entirely to God is mature enough for God to begin using…” (p. 79)

- “Life is not only about receiving Jesus and one day seeing Him. Life is also about walking with Christ and learning from Him on the winding road.” (p. 82)

- “…even the most noble plans of God’s anointed servants sometimes differ from the plans of God.” (p. 82)

- “Spiritual maturity often means having the courage to admit we’ve made the wrong plans and seeking God for the new direction.” (p.83)

- “A sense of peace will virtually always accompany His [God's] will and direction – even when the direction might not have been our personal preference.” (p. 84)

- “Wherever there is an awakening, you can expect opposition.” (p. 90)

- “We all need to learn to study the Scriptures for ourselves.” (p. 91)

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The Journey to Self: (Answer one, some, or all.)

1) What encouragement can be gained from Deuteronomy 7:9? (Review and personalize.)

2) What does it mean to pray in the Holy Spirit? (Reflect on Jude 1:18-19.)

3) Is your heart truly devoted to God and to the work He has called you to do? (Spend time journaling about this.)

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Connecting:

- What God has for each of our lives is perfect for His glory to be revealed.

- Where loss may be experienced, God always has a blessed gain prepared to fill the loss.

- Bondage in Christ equals freedom in life.

- Obedience in the faith correlates with a Spirit-directed walk.

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This Week’s Special To Live Is Christ Blog Link:

Even Paul Needed an Attitude Adjustment @ The Covenant of One

To learn more about this circle of Christian fellowship, go to The Covenant of One.

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Stay tuned to The Phone Tree to follow additional special To Live Is Christ blog links.

 

The God Whom Moses Knew

A Phone Tree Book Review

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The God Whom Moses Knew by Dr. J. Rogers Nelson  is a detailed fictional account of the life of Moses and his relationship with God. Written in a matter-of-fact tone, this book spans the life of God’s chosen servant from adulthood to old age.

Offering glimpses of the symbolic past and present of Moses, Dr. Nelson allows readers to see him, his family and his kinsmen in an interesting light. By providing rich detail and a colorful backstory, this novel makes the reader aware of even the smallest considerations, such as the role of Moses’ siblings in the great deliverance.

This book would be a good read for those who enjoy a creative take on Scripture.

Phone Tree Rating: 3/5 Stars ***

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I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

The Day After the Next Day

A Special Phone Tree Series on Confronting Your Faith

It is with sincere regret that I tender my resignation.

These were the words that replayed through my mind repeatedly over the course of weeks as I dealt with injustices and silent inactivity on the job. After months of trials and patient waiting, it all came to an abrupt end when thoughts met action and I elected to submit my separation notice to my place of employment.The significance of my action was paramount in that it had a direct connection to my faith. And while I learned much about myself, other people, and the ways of the world through the course of my work site challenges and the process that led to the submission of my resignation, I learned much more about my faith, my relationship with God and about the things that really matter to me as it relates to the work of the kingdom and the glory of God.

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If hindsight is 20-20, then confronting one’s faith is 20-20 plus.

The day after the next day, better knows as the day when my new faith walk began, was a key moment in the confronting my faith-obedience journey that God was now calling me (and had been calling me) to walk. It was the day when the dust settled. It was the day when I realized it was just God and me. Life to life. It was the day when my eyes were opened and my sight was restored. It was also the day when I understood that confronting my faith was about utter dependency and about trust, transparency, and God’s timing.

In looking back at the sequence of events and the timing of the grace lessons that God had sent my way, I realize that my resignation was inevitable. It had to happen. Time and time again, I was confronted with Truth versus untruth and Righteousness versus unrighteousness. I was faced with the question, “Is your faith genuine?”

In my Bible studies, I recall how the LORD continuously repeated the themes of faith, trust, hope and deliverance. In my prayer life, my focus had been on being holy, walking uprightly, and trusting God to lead me into His divine work. My quiet meditations were centered on God’s timing, my obedience, and on fruitful missions meant for His glory. The fasts that I engaged in were done so that I could better align myself with the Spirit of God, allowing Him to rid me of the “poisons” of life, which included detoxification from my own personal poisons and toxic habits.

The day after the next day, I stood face-to-face with myself and at the feet of God.

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Over the course of the next three weeks, I will be talking about the three profound and deeply revealing truths that God shared with me on the day after the next day journey He established for my faith walk. If you are ready to confront your faith, I would ask that you consider joining me.

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Q4U: When God gives you a directive, do you follow it the first time?

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Reach(ing) 2012…Upward, Inward, and Outward

 

Coming Soon…

Go to MaryDemuth.com or Amazon.com to learn more about this powerful book.

(A 2012 Phone Tree Book Club Selection)

Get your copy today. Make plans to join the discussion.

 

To Live Is Christ…Week 3

A Phone Tree Bible Study Series (January 1, 2012 – March 4, 2012)

To Live Is Christ – The Life and Ministry of Paul

Phone Tree Bible Study Model: Treasure Hunting (Scripture Emphasis); Discovering Riches (Personal Study Option); So Says Beth (Lesson Summary and Quotes); The Journey to Self (Questions to Consider); Connecting (Take Away Points)

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Week 3: Miles and Missions

Treasure Hunting: Acts 12-15; 2 Peter 3:9; John 1:12-13; 2 Timothy 3:10-11; 2 Corinthians 4:17

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Discovering Riches: Complete a study on the word exhortation.

So Says Beth: In week 3, Beth provides us with detailed accounts of Paul’s journey into missionary work. We meet a number of people who were both for and against his Spirit-inspired works. We are also made aware of the types of sufferings and hardships he had to face.

- “The Holy Spirit not only sends, He also equips.” (p. 54)

- “God wants to amaze us with the wisdom of His Word. He wants to blow our minds and widen our vision! He wants to show us how relevant He is.” (p. 56)

- “Whether God uses natural means or supernatural means to deliver us from danger, both are divine provisions.” (p. 61)

- “We escape from the clutches of evil every time we draw near to the embrace of God.” (p. 63)

- “The freedom God gives is to come out and be separate from the practices of the former worldly life.” (p.71)

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The Journey to Self: (Answer one, some, or all.)

1) What is the significance of Ezekiel 34:27? (Review and personalize.)

2) Why is it important that we exhort one another? (Meditate on this concept.)

3) When we suffer for the sake of Christ, what lesson is the Spirit teaching us? (Spend time journaling about this.)

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Connecting:

- When we are called to follow Christ, the road we take will be filled with grace and growth opportunities.

- Many will oppose us as disciples of Christ, but God will equip us to endure.

- There is joy in suffering.

- Deliverance is guaranteed in Christ.

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Stay tuned to The Phone Tree to follow special To Live Is Christ blog links.

 

But I Say

Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:21-48

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 Encountering the unexpected stressors of the day or the wear and tear of life can take much out of the well-intentioned Christian. It can be overwhelming to say the least. One might even say that it can momentarily shock the system when challenges or dilemmas that have nothing to do with self but everything to do with Satan are faced. In instances such as this, one must remember to reflect on and be obedient to the Word of God so that success is always at hand and so that actions are Word-directed versus world-driven.

In Matthew 5:21-48, the LORD reveals key lessons on how to move from a place of uh oh, I can’t believe I did that or acted that way to OK God, You are right…in the world, not of the world.  I’ll do what You say.

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When the world says do harm by any means necessary (murder, death, kill with words or ways), the LORD says, do not be angry, do not harbor ill feelings or speak foolishly, instead, go and practice peace.

When the world says desire this or that, feed your cravings, and partake of that which satisfies the flesh, the LORD says, practice the art of self-control, discipline yourself, and divorce yourself from that which contributes to sin.

When the world says it is alright to unrighteously part ways with those who are positioned in your life, the LORD says, walk upright, doing righteous acts toward those around you.

When the world says it is okay to say things without consequence or regard, the LORD says, be mindful of what you say and let your yes be yes.

When the world says if someone comes against you, offends you or treats you wrong, now handle it, the LORD says, turn the other cheek, perform a kindness, and do good toward all men.

When the world says love but hate, the LORD says love and pray.

When the world says give but don’t give everything, the LORD says, give and do not turn away.

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The difference between success and failure in dealing with the unexpected stressors of the day and with the wear and tear of life comes down to applying and living out the Word of God or not. More than that, it begins and ends with obedience to the “But I Say” God and His perfecting love.

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Q4U: Does the world tell you what to do and how to act or does the Word of God tell you what to do and how to act?

 

Calendar Talk and Lessons on Grace

Each day that I live, I learn something new and different. I learn things about myself. I learn things about the world. But most of all, I learn things about God.

In learning about God and about the things of God, I have become more and more aware of His grace and its impact on my world. As such, I began taking note of this both figuratively and literally.

Somewhere between the year’s genesis and the now, I began making notes on my calendar. The notes were not part of a goal or plan; I simply wanted to keep track of the lessons I learned and of the flowers I had given to the special people I came across from day-to-day.

What began as calendar talk has now become a wonderful daily exercise in lessons on grace.

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Challenge: Over the next week, make it a point to write down one or two key lessons you might have learned each day. You may also go a step further and jot down a few words about the special flowers you extended to a friend or a stranger.

(This could be the start of something amazing.)

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Reach(ing) 2012…Upward, Inward, and Outward

 

To Live Is Christ…Week 2

A Phone Tree Bible Study Series (January 1, 2012 – March 4, 2012)

To Live Is Christ – The Life and Ministry of Paul

Phone Tree Bible Study Model: Treasure Hunting (Scripture Emphasis); Discovering Riches (Personal Study Option); So Says Beth (Lesson Summary and Quotes); The Journey to Self (Questions to Consider); Connecting (Take Away Points)

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Week 2: Finding the Way

Treasure Hunting: Acts 6:1-9:31; Acts 26:1-32; Galatians 2:8; Romans 5:8; Philippians 3:12; 1 Timothy 1:15

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Discovering Riches: Compile a comprehensive list of characteristics and/or notable traits about Saul (before his conversion) and then Paul (after his conversion).

So Says Beth: Week 2 shines a light on a more mature Saul. During the course of our study, Beth makes us aware of the Saul-Stephen connection, of a light from heaven, of a higher calling, and of a message and mission originating from the Divine.

- “Only Jesus could turn such a self-proclaimed enemy of the gospel into one of the greatest lovers of the gospel who ever lived. If He could change Saul and mark eternity with his life, God can change us.” (p. 30)

- “Only in Christ can a man or woman become an instrument of impressive unquestionable might – yet remain a vessel of humility, an object of grace.” (p. 32)

- “Grace never draws a line with a willing soul.” (p. 38)

- “God shares vision most often with those who are prepared to receive it.” (p. 45)

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The Journey to Self: (Answer one, some, or all.)

1) What does it mean to be a “chosen instrument” of God? (Review Acts 9:15 and personalize it.)

2) How do you live a life filled with grace and power? (See Acts 6:1-8.)

3) How well do you know the One who so obviously knows you? (Spend time journaling about this.)

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Connecting:

- The reach of God goes far beyond our pit of sin.

- Forgiveness is love’s answer to relationship.

- Speak God’s truth in the face of friends and foes alike.

- There comes a time when we must all go into quiet isolation with Christ if we are to see the works He would have us do for His glory.

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This Week’s Special To Live Is Christ Blog Link:

From the Road to Damascus by Lisha

To learn more about Lisha and her amazing writing, reviews, devotionals and interests, go to Extramilegirl’s Blog.

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Stay tuned to The Phone Tree to follow additional special To Live Is Christ blog links.