...When We'll Meet Again?
Hi, Ladies!
Our next Aspire will be Wednesday, January 6th, 9:30-11:30am at the Jumpstart Building in Scappoose.
Meanwhile, may the Lord inspire you to seek Him as you begin the New Year. And may you spend time giving, loving, and laughing with joy -- for God is with us!
I hope to see you next week.
Love, Karen
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
More Lies Women Believe About Themselves
What matters the most?
As we wrap up our study of Chapter 3, we come to two more untruths that we women are prone to believe about ourselves.
We must remember that one of the areas that is particularly impacted by our view of God is our view of ourselves. If we do not see Him as He really is - if we believe things about Him that are not true - invariably, we will have a distorted view of ourselves.
11. The lie: Physical beauty matters more than inner beauty.
Many women look at magazine covers and long for such clear skin, such smooth thighs, such a flat stomach, such a perfect nose. The billions of dollars women spend every year trying to look young or become beautiful attest to the power of this lie.
The Truth: At best, physical beauty is temporal and fleeting.
Proverbs 31:30, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she will be praised."
While there's nothing wrong with being physically attractive, Christian women should be more concerned about cultivating true, inner beauty of the spirit - the kind of beauty that increases rather than diminishes with age.
The Truth: The beauty that matters most to God is that of my inner spirit and character.
1 Timothy 3:3-4, "Do not let your adornment be merely outward -- arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel -- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gently and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
But What About My Needs?
The following lie focuses on our deep, personal longings. Like the lie about "rights," many women feel that God owes them the fulfillment of their deepest longings. While the longings themselves may not be sinful, the danger is that we will begin to demand that God meet our expectations.
12. The lie: I should not have to live with unfulfilled longings.
By focusing on our unfulfilled longings, we can miss the fact that God by His very presence fulfills our deepest needs. He promises that one day we will lack nothing.
The Truth: I will always have unfulfilled longings this side of heaven.
The Truth: The deepest longings of my heart cannot be filled by any created person or thing.
Psalm 73:25, " Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You."
Psalm 34:8-10, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is not want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing."
Pray This Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to seek to reflect the beauty, order, excellence, and grace of God through both my outward and inner person. I ask You the grace to walk in this way. Amen.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Demanding Our "Rights" Leads to Bondage
"I Have My Rights!"
Chapter 3 -- 73-76
However, true freedom comes when we yield our "rights" and expectations to God.
Jesus is our true example of One Who yielded His rights to God. Jesus gave a description of Himself in the Bible and this is what He said:
Matthew 11:29, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle [or meek] and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
We know that Jesus was perfect and the character he embodied was perfect, too, and you and I cannot hope to attain such perfection this side of Heaven! We also realize that left to ourselves, there is not one good thing in us.
On the other hand, according to Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we have access to God's grace that enables us to do all things! He empowers me to respond without anger when I feel my rights have been violated.
Meekness is yielding all my personal rights to God, so He is free to accomplish His will in and through me.
Reflecting Upon the Lord
Jesus Christ is the source of all things. He is the power that sustains and rules the world that we live in. He works out all things to bring glory to himself. Our Lord is all-powerful and every knee shall someday bow and declare Him the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He deserves our praise.
Romans 11:36, "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen."
And yet, He gave up all of His rights. These were not perceived rights, but they were the rights legitimately due Him.
Philippians 2:8, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."
The Lord asks us to learn to do the things He does. The same "rights" we hold onto and refuse to yield to God will turn into bondage for us. However, if we yield our "rights" to the Lord, He will lead us into freedom.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Real Remedy to Low Self-Esteem
Accepting God's Design
Chapter 3 -- Pages 68-73
Many people try to tell us that we need to "love ourselves," and that will solve all our problems. The problem is that we already do love ourselves. That comes naturally. What often appears as a lack of self-love is actually a faulty view of God and our value to Him. We need to learn to receive God's love so His love can fill us and then overflow to others.
8. The lie: I need to learn to love myself.
The Truth: By faith, I need to receive God's love for me.
Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
The Truth: I already love myself. I need to deny myself and let God love others through me.
Matthew 16:24-26, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?'"
Another lie is found in this phrase that sometimes spills out of our mouths without even a thought, "I can't help the way I am." We have built a nation full of victims -- whenever someone does something wrong, it's usually someone else's fault.
While it's true that our circumstances do shape us, we are responsible for the choices we make. As Christians, the Holy Spirit lives in us and gives us the power to obey God.
9. The lie: I can't help the way I am.
The Truth: If I am a child of God, I can choose to obey God.
The Truth: I am responsible for my own choices.
Joshua 24:15,"And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
The Truth: I can be changed through the power of God's Spirit.
Philippians 2:13, "...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."
A Final Thought
God pursued a relationship with you and me when we were estranged from Him. Apart from the Lord, there is no good thing in us; yet, He did not give up on us. He loves with an unconditional love and proved it by sending His Son to die for our sins. Jesus paid the penalty and died in our place -- and He did nothing wrong!
How can we respond to such a love as this? By offering ourselves to Him.
Lord, have Your way with me. Mold me and make me into what pleases you. I offer myself to you. Change me into the image of Christ. Amen.
Chapter 3 -- Pages 68-73
Many people try to tell us that we need to "love ourselves," and that will solve all our problems. The problem is that we already do love ourselves. That comes naturally. What often appears as a lack of self-love is actually a faulty view of God and our value to Him. We need to learn to receive God's love so His love can fill us and then overflow to others.
8. The lie: I need to learn to love myself.
The Truth: By faith, I need to receive God's love for me.
Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
The Truth: I already love myself. I need to deny myself and let God love others through me.
Matthew 16:24-26, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?'"
Another lie is found in this phrase that sometimes spills out of our mouths without even a thought, "I can't help the way I am." We have built a nation full of victims -- whenever someone does something wrong, it's usually someone else's fault.
While it's true that our circumstances do shape us, we are responsible for the choices we make. As Christians, the Holy Spirit lives in us and gives us the power to obey God.
9. The lie: I can't help the way I am.
The Truth: If I am a child of God, I can choose to obey God.
The Truth: I am responsible for my own choices.
Joshua 24:15,"And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
The Truth: I can be changed through the power of God's Spirit.
Philippians 2:13, "...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."
A Final Thought
God pursued a relationship with you and me when we were estranged from Him. Apart from the Lord, there is no good thing in us; yet, He did not give up on us. He loves with an unconditional love and proved it by sending His Son to die for our sins. Jesus paid the penalty and died in our place -- and He did nothing wrong!
How can we respond to such a love as this? By offering ourselves to Him.
Lord, have Your way with me. Mold me and make me into what pleases you. I offer myself to you. Change me into the image of Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Lies Women Believe About Themselves
Seeing Myself as God Sees Me
Chapter 3 -- Pages 63-67
The first lie we may believe about ourselves has to do with our worth. Many of us feel inferior and worthless. The problem arises when we allow others to decide our value instead of accepting the Truth that, if we are in Christ, we are dearly loved children of God.
It's important to know that God's perspective of you and me is very different than what we may have heard on the playground when we were children, or from a coach in school, or from a parent because of anger or stress.
Instead of continuing to be negatively influenced by those lies from the past, let's learn from the Word what God's assessment is.
What does the Lord think about us?
Psalm 139:16-18 (The Message)
"Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day. Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful! God, I'll never comprehend them! I couldn't even begin to count them— any more than I could count the sand of the sea."
Romans 8:1-2 (The Message)
"With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death."
1 Peter 2:9 (The Message)
"But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted."
In Christ, we have been transformed "from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted."
We have value.
That's the Truth.
Love, Karen
Chapter 3 -- Pages 63-67
The first lie we may believe about ourselves has to do with our worth. Many of us feel inferior and worthless. The problem arises when we allow others to decide our value instead of accepting the Truth that, if we are in Christ, we are dearly loved children of God.
It's important to know that God's perspective of you and me is very different than what we may have heard on the playground when we were children, or from a coach in school, or from a parent because of anger or stress.
Instead of continuing to be negatively influenced by those lies from the past, let's learn from the Word what God's assessment is.
What does the Lord think about us?
Psalm 139:16-18 (The Message)
"Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day. Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful! God, I'll never comprehend them! I couldn't even begin to count them— any more than I could count the sand of the sea."
Romans 8:1-2 (The Message)
"With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death."
1 Peter 2:9 (The Message)
"But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted."
In Christ, we have been transformed "from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted."
We have value.
That's the Truth.
Love, Karen
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Believing the Truth About God
Continuing to Trust Him
Chapter 2 -- Pages 54-61
In a very real sense, whatever lies people believe about God will affect how they approach everything else in life.
For example, if you doubt God's ultimate goodness, then you will be prone to discouragement and bitterness. You may wander outside of God's will to look for acceptance and love, and instead find yourself surrounded by pain and disillusionment.
In contrast to the way of uncertainty, let's focus on what the Bible tells us about God. Our belief system must be grounded in what the Bible says. God's Word contains the Truth about Him and, therefore, gives us a firm foundation on which to stand.
By searching out the Scriptures, we will find the Truth that will expose the lies that we have believed or that we have been tempted to believe.
Let's look at the final three lies in Chapter 2.
4. The lie: God is not really enough.
The Truth: God is enough. If I have Him, I have all I need.
Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
5. The lie: God's ways are too restrictive.
The Truth: God's ways are best.
Deut. 6:24-25, "And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us."
6. The lie: God should fix my problems.
The Truth: Life is hard.
Romans 6:21-22, "...because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now."
The Truth: God has an eternal purpose He is fulfilling the the midst of my problems.
James 1:2-4, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
A Final Thought
According to James 1:21-25, it is not enough to hear the Truth. We must obey the Truth and allow it to become a part of the way we think and live. If we obey the Truth of God's Word, we will be blessed in all that we do.
Love, Karen
Chapter 2 -- Pages 54-61
In a very real sense, whatever lies people believe about God will affect how they approach everything else in life.
For example, if you doubt God's ultimate goodness, then you will be prone to discouragement and bitterness. You may wander outside of God's will to look for acceptance and love, and instead find yourself surrounded by pain and disillusionment.
In contrast to the way of uncertainty, let's focus on what the Bible tells us about God. Our belief system must be grounded in what the Bible says. God's Word contains the Truth about Him and, therefore, gives us a firm foundation on which to stand.
By searching out the Scriptures, we will find the Truth that will expose the lies that we have believed or that we have been tempted to believe.
Let's look at the final three lies in Chapter 2.
4. The lie: God is not really enough.
The Truth: God is enough. If I have Him, I have all I need.
Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
5. The lie: God's ways are too restrictive.
The Truth: God's ways are best.
Deut. 6:24-25, "And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us."
6. The lie: God should fix my problems.
The Truth: Life is hard.
Romans 6:21-22, "...because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now."
The Truth: God has an eternal purpose He is fulfilling the the midst of my problems.
James 1:2-4, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
A Final Thought
According to James 1:21-25, it is not enough to hear the Truth. We must obey the Truth and allow it to become a part of the way we think and live. If we obey the Truth of God's Word, we will be blessed in all that we do.
Love, Karen
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Trusting God
What We Believe About God
Chapter 2 -- Pages 46-53
What we believe about God is foundational to our whole belief system. If we have wrong thinking about God, we will have wrong thinking about everything else. What we believe about God determines the way we live. If we believe things about Him that aren't true, we will eventually act on those lies and end up in bondage.
Many times, we do not even realize that we're believing a particular lie. I'm asking you to think about these carefully, pray to the Lord and ask Him to show you, and then prayerfully reflect. After that, if you recognize one that has deceived you:
Name it,
Confess it,
Repent of it,
Take in the Bible Verse that is the Truth.
Remember, the Truth exposes the lie for what it is and loosens the grip that the lie has had on you. Read the verse that reveals the falsehood you have believed, even memorize it, and keep it in front of you.
Start with this one:
1. The Lie: God is not really good.
The Truth: God is good, and everything He does is good.
Psalm 106:1, "Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."
2. The Lie: God doesn't love me.
The Truth: God's love for me is infinite and unconditional.
Romans 8: 38-39, "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. The Lie: God is just like my father.
The Truth: God is exactly what He has revealed Himself to be in His Word.
John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word [Jesus] was with God, and the Word [Jesus] was God."
The Washing of The Word
The rest of Chapter Two includes three more lies that women believe about God, and we'll get to those in the next post. Meanwhile, ladies, continue reading daily in your Bibles. As we get to know the Word intimately, we'll recognize the "counterfeit" for what it is.
Ephesians 5:25-27, "...Just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."
Chapter 2 -- Pages 46-53
What we believe about God is foundational to our whole belief system. If we have wrong thinking about God, we will have wrong thinking about everything else. What we believe about God determines the way we live. If we believe things about Him that aren't true, we will eventually act on those lies and end up in bondage.
Many times, we do not even realize that we're believing a particular lie. I'm asking you to think about these carefully, pray to the Lord and ask Him to show you, and then prayerfully reflect. After that, if you recognize one that has deceived you:
Name it,
Confess it,
Repent of it,
Take in the Bible Verse that is the Truth.
Remember, the Truth exposes the lie for what it is and loosens the grip that the lie has had on you. Read the verse that reveals the falsehood you have believed, even memorize it, and keep it in front of you.
Start with this one:
1. The Lie: God is not really good.
The Truth: God is good, and everything He does is good.
Psalm 106:1, "Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."
2. The Lie: God doesn't love me.
The Truth: God's love for me is infinite and unconditional.
Romans 8: 38-39, "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. The Lie: God is just like my father.
The Truth: God is exactly what He has revealed Himself to be in His Word.
John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word [Jesus] was with God, and the Word [Jesus] was God."
The Washing of The Word
The rest of Chapter Two includes three more lies that women believe about God, and we'll get to those in the next post. Meanwhile, ladies, continue reading daily in your Bibles. As we get to know the Word intimately, we'll recognize the "counterfeit" for what it is.
Ephesians 5:25-27, "...Just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Steps Toward Freedom
Changing Direction
Chapter 1 -- Pages 40-41
Throughout this study, we are going to be identifying and practicing three steps as we move from bondage to freedom. As a matter of fact, we'll review them so many times that you'll know them by memory!
Before we begin, however, let's remind ourselves the reason it's important to move forward in them.
2 Peter 2:19b, "for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him."
John 8:32 "Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
Simply put, You are a servant to your sin. You must do what it tells you to do. You will stay this way for the rest of your life unless you ask Jesus to come in and take over. When you ask Jesus to be your Master, He takes you seriously.
The Lord will show you the Truth so that you can walk in freedom!
Are You Ready? Let's Go!
1. Identify the area(s) of bondage of sinful behavior.
What are the issues in your life where you are not living in freedom as a child of God? Once you pinpoint those areas, please don't just try to eliminate them. You may have already tried that, only to fail. It's because you must shovel out the root -- which leads us to the next step!
2. Identify the lie(s) at the root of that bondage or behavior.
What lies have you listened to, believed, and acted on that have put you in this state? The answer may not be immediately apparent. So, you must go to the Lord. Ask Him to help you see what you have been believing that is not true.
3. Replace the lie(s) with the Truth.
Satan is a powerful enemy. His primary weapon is deception. His lies are powerful. But there is something even more powerful than Satan's lies -- and that is the Truth.
This is why it is so important to put a name to the lie. Once you have done this and repented of believing it, you have an effective weapon to overcome deception -- the weapon of Truth.
A Victorious Turning Point
Ladies, I'm praying for all of you that the Holy Spirit will reveal exactly what He wants you to know this week. We are not approaching this study in a way that commands an over-night success rate. No, many times the lies that permeate are ones that have taken a life-time to worm in.
However, if you are diligent and sincere in your quest for freedom, then the Lord will bless you with with His presence.
Proverbs 8:17, "I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me."
Luke 4:18, "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty those who are oppressed."
Love, Karen
Chapter 1 -- Pages 40-41
Throughout this study, we are going to be identifying and practicing three steps as we move from bondage to freedom. As a matter of fact, we'll review them so many times that you'll know them by memory!
Before we begin, however, let's remind ourselves the reason it's important to move forward in them.
2 Peter 2:19b, "for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him."
John 8:32 "Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
Simply put, You are a servant to your sin. You must do what it tells you to do. You will stay this way for the rest of your life unless you ask Jesus to come in and take over. When you ask Jesus to be your Master, He takes you seriously.
The Lord will show you the Truth so that you can walk in freedom!
Are You Ready? Let's Go!
1. Identify the area(s) of bondage of sinful behavior.
What are the issues in your life where you are not living in freedom as a child of God? Once you pinpoint those areas, please don't just try to eliminate them. You may have already tried that, only to fail. It's because you must shovel out the root -- which leads us to the next step!
2. Identify the lie(s) at the root of that bondage or behavior.
What lies have you listened to, believed, and acted on that have put you in this state? The answer may not be immediately apparent. So, you must go to the Lord. Ask Him to help you see what you have been believing that is not true.
3. Replace the lie(s) with the Truth.
Satan is a powerful enemy. His primary weapon is deception. His lies are powerful. But there is something even more powerful than Satan's lies -- and that is the Truth.
This is why it is so important to put a name to the lie. Once you have done this and repented of believing it, you have an effective weapon to overcome deception -- the weapon of Truth.
A Victorious Turning Point
Ladies, I'm praying for all of you that the Holy Spirit will reveal exactly what He wants you to know this week. We are not approaching this study in a way that commands an over-night success rate. No, many times the lies that permeate are ones that have taken a life-time to worm in.
However, if you are diligent and sincere in your quest for freedom, then the Lord will bless you with with His presence.
Proverbs 8:17, "I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me."
Luke 4:18, "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty those who are oppressed."
Love, Karen
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Opening Your Eyes
The Strategy of Deception
Chapter 1 -- Pages 32-39
As we revisit the Garden in the Land of Eden, we learn that the next words that come from the mouth of the serpent demonstrate an out-and-out attack on God and His Truth.
Genesis 3:4-5, "Then the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'"
God had told the couple that they would surely die if they ate of the one tree (Genesis 2:17). In complete opposition, Satan told the woman that she would not die, thereby calling God a liar.
God personifies Truth. Deuteronomy 32:4, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He."
Satan is made up of lies; therefore, truth does not abide in him. "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. (John 8:44)
We must remember that Satan does not want our best. On the contrary, he wants to destroy us! And he begins in our minds...
So What Did the Woman Do?
In the first place, Eve listened to the lie. Listening to things that are not true is the first step toward ultimate bondage and death.
Next, she began to dwell on it. She engaged the enemy in conversation and began to think about what he said.
After that, the woman began to believe what he had told her. Even though his words clearly contradicted what God has already said, she believed him.
Finally, she acted on the lie. Beliefs produce behavior!
Do you identify with Eve?
If you identify with Eve, believe me, you're not alone! Satan keeps using the same strategy because it works. And we are not the exceptions to the rule.
There is a way to move from bondage to freedom, and we'll talk about that next time. Meanwhile, pray that the Lord would reveal to you the areas in your life of bondage or sinful behavior. Thank Him for making you aware of Satan's strategy, and ask Him to bring you to the place of recognizing the lie for what it is.
Romans 8:37, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
God loves you and is giving you grace to make it through.
Love, Karen
Chapter 1 -- Pages 32-39
As we revisit the Garden in the Land of Eden, we learn that the next words that come from the mouth of the serpent demonstrate an out-and-out attack on God and His Truth.
Genesis 3:4-5, "Then the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'"
God had told the couple that they would surely die if they ate of the one tree (Genesis 2:17). In complete opposition, Satan told the woman that she would not die, thereby calling God a liar.
God personifies Truth. Deuteronomy 32:4, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He."
Satan is made up of lies; therefore, truth does not abide in him. "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. (John 8:44)
We must remember that Satan does not want our best. On the contrary, he wants to destroy us! And he begins in our minds...
So What Did the Woman Do?
In the first place, Eve listened to the lie. Listening to things that are not true is the first step toward ultimate bondage and death.
Next, she began to dwell on it. She engaged the enemy in conversation and began to think about what he said.
After that, the woman began to believe what he had told her. Even though his words clearly contradicted what God has already said, she believed him.
Finally, she acted on the lie. Beliefs produce behavior!
Do you identify with Eve?
If you identify with Eve, believe me, you're not alone! Satan keeps using the same strategy because it works. And we are not the exceptions to the rule.
There is a way to move from bondage to freedom, and we'll talk about that next time. Meanwhile, pray that the Lord would reveal to you the areas in your life of bondage or sinful behavior. Thank Him for making you aware of Satan's strategy, and ask Him to bring you to the place of recognizing the lie for what it is.
Romans 8:37, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
God loves you and is giving you grace to make it through.
Love, Karen
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Knowing Your Enemy
Prologue and Chapter 1 -- Pages 27-32
It all started in the Garden of Eden. You know the familiar story.
Two human beings lived on earth at that time, a husband and his spouse, and their dwelling place was Eden. The one animal described as extremely cunning lived there, too, and he went right up to Eve. His goal was to challenge her belief system with a question designed to make her doubt. He was the devil.
"Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?"
His mission was accomplished and her uncertainty spread because of the question he asked. The story goes on and we'll examine it carefully as the weeks pass, but for now let's look at the method used by Satan to drive a wedge between God and His creatures.
The devil rightly assumed that the man and woman were not likely to support anything that appeared to be an all-out assault on God. He knew that, instead, he would have to subtly trick them, to deceive them, to seduce them by making an offer that appeared to be reasonable -- you know, not entirely "anti-God."
This is the way Satan operates. This mode of operation springs out of his character, which is diabolical, deliberate and planned. Let's see what the Bible has to say in regard to the creature in the garden:
John 8:44, "[The Devil] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it."
2 Corinthians 11:14, "And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light."
1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
A Very Real Enemy
Satan is a very real enemy and he would like nothing better than to make you and me ineffective for the Lord and His Kingdom. The question we should ask ourselves is, "How can we discern the difference between Truth and deception?
Lord, help us as we contemplate these things. Help us to stay in Your Word and to be aware of the truth that no matter how powerful the enemy is, You are more powerful. Amen.
It all started in the Garden of Eden. You know the familiar story.
Two human beings lived on earth at that time, a husband and his spouse, and their dwelling place was Eden. The one animal described as extremely cunning lived there, too, and he went right up to Eve. His goal was to challenge her belief system with a question designed to make her doubt. He was the devil.
"Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?"
His mission was accomplished and her uncertainty spread because of the question he asked. The story goes on and we'll examine it carefully as the weeks pass, but for now let's look at the method used by Satan to drive a wedge between God and His creatures.
The devil rightly assumed that the man and woman were not likely to support anything that appeared to be an all-out assault on God. He knew that, instead, he would have to subtly trick them, to deceive them, to seduce them by making an offer that appeared to be reasonable -- you know, not entirely "anti-God."
This is the way Satan operates. This mode of operation springs out of his character, which is diabolical, deliberate and planned. Let's see what the Bible has to say in regard to the creature in the garden:
John 8:44, "[The Devil] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it."
2 Corinthians 11:14, "And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light."
1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
A Very Real Enemy
Satan is a very real enemy and he would like nothing better than to make you and me ineffective for the Lord and His Kingdom. The question we should ask ourselves is, "How can we discern the difference between Truth and deception?
Lord, help us as we contemplate these things. Help us to stay in Your Word and to be aware of the truth that no matter how powerful the enemy is, You are more powerful. Amen.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free
The Power of The Truth
Introduction -- Pages 15-23
John 10:10, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
The Lord Jesus speaks to us Himself when He explains that He has a different life for us. It's different from what we've known; it's different from what we now see with our eyes; it's different from what we might think we deserve.
There is freedom in Christ. And even though you may not be experiencing it now, you know in your heart that it's true.
Do you find yourself just existing, coping, surviving, or struggling along? The problem is that you have believed a lie, one of any number of lies in Satan's arsenal. Oh, you don't have to believe all of his lies; in fact, many of us would probably pride ourselves on not believing many of his lies.
But there may be just one, just one little lie hanging like a luscious piece of fruit, one little lie that we have picked and eaten.
John 8:31-36, "Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'
They answered Him, 'We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?'
Jesus answered them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'"
Have you given up hope that you could ever be free?
Then, this Bible Study is for you! It's not too late for you to join us this Wednesday morning at 9:30 at the Jumpstart Building.
We're going to examine the Truth of God's Word every week. We're also going to fellowship together because it helps to know that we're not in this alone. We need each other and we need the Lord to help us apply His principles to our lives.
You will experience life-change as a result. I guarantee it!
Love, Karen
Introduction -- Pages 15-23
John 10:10, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
The Lord Jesus speaks to us Himself when He explains that He has a different life for us. It's different from what we've known; it's different from what we now see with our eyes; it's different from what we might think we deserve.
There is freedom in Christ. And even though you may not be experiencing it now, you know in your heart that it's true.
Do you find yourself just existing, coping, surviving, or struggling along? The problem is that you have believed a lie, one of any number of lies in Satan's arsenal. Oh, you don't have to believe all of his lies; in fact, many of us would probably pride ourselves on not believing many of his lies.
But there may be just one, just one little lie hanging like a luscious piece of fruit, one little lie that we have picked and eaten.
John 8:31-36, "Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'
They answered Him, 'We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?'
Jesus answered them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'"
Have you given up hope that you could ever be free?
Then, this Bible Study is for you! It's not too late for you to join us this Wednesday morning at 9:30 at the Jumpstart Building.
We're going to examine the Truth of God's Word every week. We're also going to fellowship together because it helps to know that we're not in this alone. We need each other and we need the Lord to help us apply His principles to our lives.
You will experience life-change as a result. I guarantee it!
Love, Karen
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Here We Go!
You have found the official ASPIRE blog! Thank you for joining me.
I'll be blogging once or twice a week throughout the 2009-2010 school year. If you're unable to attend the weekly Bible study at the Jumpstart Building on Wednesday mornings, then I invite you to follow along with me right here!
If you ARE able to make it to the Bible study, then the invitation is for you, too. Hopefully, you'll be encouraged throughout the weeks to walk out the promises of God -- to hold fast to the Truth of His Word -- and to ASPIRE to be all you were designed to be in Christ.
"But take careful heed to do the commandment...to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul,” Joshua 22:5.
I'll be blogging once or twice a week throughout the 2009-2010 school year. If you're unable to attend the weekly Bible study at the Jumpstart Building on Wednesday mornings, then I invite you to follow along with me right here!
If you ARE able to make it to the Bible study, then the invitation is for you, too. Hopefully, you'll be encouraged throughout the weeks to walk out the promises of God -- to hold fast to the Truth of His Word -- and to ASPIRE to be all you were designed to be in Christ.
"But take careful heed to do the commandment...to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul,” Joshua 22:5.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Announcing
I am thrilled to announce the 2009 start-up date for Aspire, A Women's Bible Study!
Date: Wednesday, September 9
Time: 9:30am-11:30am
Place: Branches Jumpstart Building
What will we study?
Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Will I be able to bring my kids?
Childcare is provided for babies of 0-24 months. Preschool classes will be provided for those 2 years old and up.
More details and answers to all of your burning questions coming soon!
Date: Wednesday, September 9
Time: 9:30am-11:30am
Place: Branches Jumpstart Building
What will we study?
Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Will I be able to bring my kids?
Childcare is provided for babies of 0-24 months. Preschool classes will be provided for those 2 years old and up.
More details and answers to all of your burning questions coming soon!
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