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AdvancedMinistry Because our five sister studies are located all across the Dallasmetroplex every year we combine forces and enjoy serving together.  This year we decided to clean out our closets.  Who knew that we had that much stuff ready to give?  Due to the economy that hasn't quite bounced back, we chose to ask our women to donate gently used, clean clothing of good quality.  And, our women are absolutely wonderful!! From overflowing hearts (and storage spaces) we collected dresses, blouses, pants, shoes, purses and other accessories.  We also had a good sampling of men and children's clothing.  I've never seen so much stuff and lots of it, I must confess, I was tempted (tempted-but overcoming the whispers of the evil one) to keep for myself.  And, what did we do with all the donations?  We gave to two very worthy ministries.  In the Dallas area our Lake Highlands group gave their clothing to Vickery Park a ministry to refugee families.  Our Scofield group donated some children's clothes to them as well.  Families come to the area often without anything except the clothes on their backs.  "Just minutes from Northwest Bible Church is Vickery Meadows, a community that is home to many African refugees. Having come from war-torn countries and years spent in traumatic Refugee camps, the transition to life in Dallas is very overwhelming. After arriving in Dallas, the government supports refugees with resources for up to 4 months. In that time, the refugee adult is expected to learn English, get a job, and learn all the nuances of American culture necessary to survive.  The government begins the process of resettlement, but these refugees need more than the government can provide..."  The world has come to our doorstep, how can we refuse to help?   http://home.vickerymeadow.org/community-services/community-outreach-committees The rest of the clothing was donated to an equally deserving group: The Samaritan's Inn in McKinney, TX. This ministry offers a "comprehensive homeless program that helps willing people gain dignity and independence...it is a holistic program that teaches self-sufficiency and life skills.  To assist the needs of individuals and families before, during, and after a homeless situation, the Innprovides interactive in-house programs..."   http://www.thesamaritaninn.org/  People who need a touch from Jesus are everywhere.  I am so thankful to be part of an organization that sees the need and responds.  May blessings fall upon hose who gave.  May the blessing of God fall upon those who received.  And, may lives be changed today and forever as His grace is being poured out lavishly into our hearts (Ephesians 1:8). Touched by His hands to touch others, Susan   http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=34273 34273 Sat, 12 May 2012 15:20:00 +0000 One chapter...twenty three verses...such a little book...but packed with powerful truth.  This past week my Bible Study group (which I love!) opened Paul's love letter to Philemon and God spoke to my heart. Philemon was very probably a wealthy man.  He lived in Colossea (modern-day Turkey) and his home (which was big enough to have a guest room) was the meeting place for the church in that city.  Philemon was a Christian and he came to know Jesus probably through the teaching and preaching of the Apostle Paul when he ministred in Ephesus.  Philemon was also a slave owner.  One of his slaves, Onesimus, ran away from his master.  Why?  We don't really know.  It's probable from the text that he stole something. We do know that he made his way to Rome.  We also know that this runaway slave somehow/somewhere came in contact with Paul who was under house arrest.  We also know that Onesimus placed his belief in Christ and he became a valuable friend to Paul.  Paul calls the runaway "his very heart," but in spite of their close relationship, Paul sent the slave back to his former owner because Onesimus had to make things right with Philemon, his wronged master. In this letter the Apostle urges Philemon to not only receive Onesimus, but to forgive him and even go a step further and reconcile with his brother.  Did the master forgive and reconcile?  We don't know for sure, but Paul was absolutely confident that he would obey and extend both forgiveness and reconciliation! How did Paul know that Philemon would restore Onesimus?  Philemon's character spoke for him.  Philemon was hospitable.  His faith was expressed in obedience and love for God's people.  And, in that love he "refreshed the hearts of the saints." Could the same thing be said of me?  Am I hospitable?  Do I extend forgiveness to those who wrong me?  Do I strive for reconciliation in my relationships?  Is my faith evident?  Do I love others around me?  Does God refresh the hearts of others through me? It's a tall order, but I am encouraged that all things are possible with Christ (Philippians).  I am confident that I have Jesus' divine power within me (2 Peter)...enabling me to attain godliness and excellence.  Therefore, I pray that I might be a Philemon to others around me - faithful, obedient, hospitable, loving, forgiving, restoring, and refreshing hearts just as Christ has done all of that for me! http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=32219 32219 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:44:00 +0000 The phone rang…2:30 in the AM…March 11...3 years ago this coming Spring.  My heart stopped.  It had to bad news (or a prank call…oh, how I wished it had been a prank call).  My Aunt Tuttie was on the phone.  I immediately thought that she was going to give me some bad news about my father.  It wasn’t about Dad, but the news was bad.  My youngest brother, Stuart Alexander, a police officer in Corpus Christie, was killed while on duty.  At 12:30 that morning a 21 year old man, Daniel Lopez, fleeing the scene of a domestic violence call, used his vehicle as a weapon after Stu had placed road spikes across the highway.  Stuart’s division responded to a domestic violence call.  When they entered the area, Daniel threw a 14 year old girl out of his vehicle.  He proceeded to ram one of the police vehicles and then he peeled out, believing that the officers were seeking him because of his indiscretions with a minor.  As a juvenile offender Daniel had a rap sheet – he had been in and out of trouble since he was 11 years old.  And, at the time of the fatal incident, the young man was on probation…indecency with a child.  Stu suffered severe head trauma and he died as a result of his injuries on his way to the hospital.  In an instant his life on this earth was over.  In an instant Daniel’s life was forever changed.  Almost 2 years ago now Daniel was tried.  He was convicted.  He sits on death row.  The life of Daniel’s family was changed in that moment.  And, our lives have been changed.  Stuart’s wife, Vicky, is a widow.  His son is fatherless.  His grandchildren are without their beloved Poppa.  I am without my little brother.  Even though the pain and sorrow of grief are almost overwhelming at times, God calls me to extend forgiveness.  Have I done so?   In Philemon that’s exactly what the Apostle Paul is calling his friend, Philemon to do.  Onesimus, Philemon’s slave, had run away from his master.  As we learned in our lesson, not only did he run away, but he very probably stole something of value on his way out.  But, by the hand of God Onesimus found his way to Rome; he encountered the Apostle; he heard the message of good news; he believed in Jesus; and he was spending his time serving Paul while God’s man was under house arrest.  Therefore, Paul urges Philemon, a leader of the Colossian church, to open his home and heart to the former slave just as he had opened his home and heart to the believers in Colossae.  Paul confidently exhorts his co-laborer in Christ to first forgive and then as we’ll see in our lesson next week to go a step further and reconcile with Onesimus, the former slave/brother in Christ.  The letter to Philemon is the smallest of all the prison epistles.  Even though it is the smallest, the 25 verses in this very personal correspondence of the Apostle is a beautiful picture of what God has done for us, His children.  God has not only extended great forgiveness in His grace and mercy, but he has reconciled us to Himself…He has brought us from death to life.  He has freed us from the slavery of sin.  He has given us peace…once we were the enemy of God, but now we are the friend of God.  We were far away, but have been brought near by the precious blood of Jesus Christ!  And, what God has done for us…He expects us to do for others:  Matthew 6:15, Matthew 18:21-35, Mark 11:25, Luke 6:36, Ephesians 4:32, and Colossians 3:13 all command us to forgive…not suggest…command.  Because God calls us to this standard, let’s talk about the process of forgiveness as we answer two questions: What is biblical forgiveness and how do we forgive those who have hurt us? So, what is biblical forgiveness?  Is it a conscious choice, a physical act involving the will, or is it a feeling, an emotional state of being?  Biblical forgiveness is a choice we make through a decision of our will, motivated by obedience to God and his command to forgive. It is a choice that can and should (eventually) result in a feeling of peace that brings a sense of contentment and security to our emotional state of being.  REPEAT  It is not forgetting what has been done, but it is releasing the offender of the debt of their sin. Now that we know what forgiveness is…How do we forgive those who have hurt us?  What are the steps in this process? (yep...the harder of the two questions)  First of all, we need to deepen our understanding of God’s forgiveness of us.  God has astoundingly, absurdly forgiven us…totally!  He has cast our sins into the depth of the sea to remember them no more.  He has flung them as far as the east is from the west.  His forgiveness is complete.  It is final.  It cannot be undone.  He has lavished us in His unconditional love and Jesus’ love has cancelled our debt of sin…He’s released us from every single one of our vile offenses!  The more we come to grasp the depth of our depravity and the completeness of our forgiveness, the more we will be prompted by the Spirit to humbly extend that same grace to others.  As we come to a deeper understanding, we also need to realize that forgiveness is risky.  The offender may offend again…perhaps in the very same way.  It is risky, but it is possible as we rely upon God.  Nope!  Can’t do it in our own strength.  Our very nature wants to hold on in bitterness.  We want to extract revenge.  We want our offenders to hurt as much or more than we hurt.  So, we must rely upon God and His nature in us to extend forgiveness.  Only as we rely upon God to forgive in and through us can we take the next step in the process and release the offender from his offense against you.  As we pray cancel the debt.  Express to God that you relinquish your perceived right to collect upon the debt…let go of any anger, any rage, bitterness, let go of the desire for revenge.  Let go.  Release, and allow God to do His business in that other person’s life.  This is not our job…it is His.  Lean in and let I go again and again if needed.  Forgiveness is often a process.  And, the deeper the hurt and the pain, the longer this process can take.  It’s OK…keep leaning and releasing “seventy times seven” if needed.  In the process sometimes we need to actually verbally offer the offender forgiveness.  Let them know that you are releasing them…let them know you are relinquishing your right to hang on.  They may or may not accept your forgiveness.  If that’s not an option (and it may not be), sometimes it’s helpful to visualize the process of forgiveness.  Get a bunch of helium balloons and write out the offenses against you and take them outside and let them go.  Jot down those crimes against you and burn the paper or tear it into shreds.  Evaluate whether or not you need to do these things…God will let you know.  And, lastly for us today (even though this is not an exhaustive list) if repentance occurs (and it may not, but forgiveness does not depend upon this step)…if the offender is sorry for what they have done and wish to make it right…resume the relationship.  Reconciliation is the step that goes further.  This is what Paul asked Philemon to do for Onesimus…not just forgive, but reconcile, because this is what God has done for us!  So, have I forgiven Daniel?  I’m in process.  Step by step by step.  God is faithfully transforming my heart.  He is giving me freedom.  He is bearing my pain.  As I lean into Him, He leans into me and He’s replacing the anger, bitterness, rage, depression, and pain with His peace and comfort.  God knows what He is doing.  I don’t have to understand it.  I don’t have to like it, but trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey! How about you?  Is there a Daniel in your life?  Corrie Ten Boom stated, “Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.”  Regardless of the temperature of your heart...forgive and release the prisoner - YOU! http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=30868 30868 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:14:00 +0000   You don’t know me - so I’ll share a few important things about my life:  I’m NOT a permanent resident – just visiting on my way to GLORY!  I’m a servant  - not by force and not for pay.  OLD in years but NOT wise – however - by the merciful love of God - I am making progress through trials.  Physically short in stature – yet I am tall in God’s kingdom -  because - I stand on the broad shoulders of Christ my Savior - who lifts me to the sky!  But enough about me – allow me to tell you about my family:  My earthly father desired more than anything to give me the best but was often unable to do so because of limited finances – MY Heavenly Father owns the world!  I was blessed with a sister who loved me with all of her heart…..but her heart could not last – I now have many sisters in Christ who fill my own heart’s emptiness with their love.  My precious husband who has provided for me and given comfort for 53 years is not well, but I have a Heavenly Father who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow – He will be my provision and comfort FOREVER!  I am blessed with sons and little ones who call me GRAND - I am NOT grand - but I am ROYAL – the child of a King.  My position in the Heavenly family was not only by birth – God adopted me at the request of His Son, Jesus – And my adoption was costly – Jesus paid for it with his life!  I am LOVED!  God's beautiful daughter, Wanda WANDA KNOWS WHO THE REAL HER IS...MUCH OF HER STORY CAN BE OURS BECAUSE THAT SAME FATHER WHO LOVED WANDA...LOVES YOU AND SENT HIS SON, WHO THROUGH THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE MAKES IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO BE IN AN ETERNAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ONE TRUE GOD!  DO YOU KNOW WHO THE REAL YOU IS? http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=28576 28576 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:56:00 +0000 Wow!  What a great weekend!  I had so much fun Sunday night!  My church (along with several other churches and organizations) was privileged to take part in a program called Love Where You Live.  On Saturday many had the opportunity to go into the community to serve those who needed to have some things done around their homes.  Fences were torn down and rebuilt; yards were cleaned and spruced up; trees were cut back; painting was done; alleyways were transformed; trash was picked up; numbers were painted on curbs; unused muscles were straining; burdens were lifted and hearts were full! And on Sunday? Celebration of job well done!  A block party was enjoyed by many. Hot dogs, cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn, and chips were devoured by all.  Hope no one went home with a tummy ache.  I had the privilege of doing two different things...overseeing the Bounce House with my friend Kara (boy do those kids have lots of energy) and then face painting with more friends...no, I'm not very good at it, but I try hard :) But my greatest privilege?  Watching boys and girls and Dads and Moms walk off with an armful of school supplies!  Smiles all around!  And, my next greatest privilege?  Being part of an organization that has a big heart!  The women of Bible Discussion Groups put their resources together and purchased the school supplies...pencils, glue, scissors, paper, tissues, rulers, pens, markers, crayons, etc...the table was overflowing due to their generosity!  Will our gifts of love have an eternal impact?  I don't know.  They might.  They might not!  But, that's not my worry...that's God's business.  Did our gifts of love make a difference?  You bet!  How do I know?  Those smiles all around were evidence of that fact! So, a great big thanks to the BDG women who took the time to make a difference! Love, Susan   http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=27647 27647 Mon, 3 Oct 2011 21:10:00 +0000 Paul didn’t give up. He didn’t let up, and he didn’t shut up.  Again and again in the book of Acts we read that he went first to the Jews with the grace-filled message of Jesus Christ and then he went to the Gentiles.  He taught, he preached, he begged, he reasoned and he wrote letters of love to those that he encountered on his missionary journeys.  Paul persevered and with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he wrote a good portion of the Epistles. The apostle didn’t give up, let up, or shut up.  Through his letters to the churches Paul left a legacy of grace and faith!  Transformed by Jesus Christ, the converted terrorist pursued his divine mission and impacted his world…his world and ours. And, that legacy is a source of hope for you and me.  Hope…Yea…Because if Paul could be changed by grace from a violent aggressor into a humble, yet powerful, spokesman for Christ so can we!  If the chief of sinners found forgiveness and purpose, so can we, as God’s super-abounding love and grace fills our lives!  Transformation marked the Apostle Paul.  Will we allow our God to transform us?  Will we embrace Paul's exhortation in Romans 12:1-2 ( So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.  Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. THE MESSAGE)? And, just like the Apostle Paul, Christ's transformation will leave a legacy of love!  How cool is that?  Impacting others today, tomorrow and for generations to come.  "Be ye transformed"  and don't give up; let up; or shut up!! http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=26880 26880 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:49:00 +0000 The Apostle Paul has left us a grand legacy because he didn't give up (as discussed last week).  Nor, did he let up!  And, he had every reason to do so…listen to Paul validate his apostleship to the church in Corinth. “I am, even more so, a servant of Christ: with much greater labors, with far more imprisonments, with more severe beatings, facing death many times. 11:24 Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes less one.   11:25 Three times I was beaten with a rod. 43  Once I received a stoning.   Three times I suffered shipwreck. A night and a day I spent adrift in the open sea. 11:26 I have been on journeys many times, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from robbers,   in dangers from my own countrymen, in dangers from Gentiles, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness,   in dangers at sea, in dangers from false brothers, 11:27 in hard work and toil,   through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, many times without food, in cold and without enough clothing.  11:28 Apart from other things,   there is the daily pressure on me of my anxious concern for the churches.”  Paul never let up! I've never been beaten for the cause of Christ.  I've not faced death.  Stones haven't been thrown my way because of my faith. Yet, I've often "let up" in the face of perceived adversity.  I must confess that I've "let up" and not shared Jesus with a co-worker that got mad at me when I shyly tried to bring Christ into our conversation.  I've "let up" with a neighbor that hasn't been very lovable.  I've "let up" with family members because I've wanted to please them and gain their approval.  And, I've wanted to "let up" several times in the face of pressures in ministry.  Basically, I am a wimp! But, that's not the real problem.  God knows that I'm a wimp and He delights in using me in spite of me.  The real problem is that I am often this world - focused and not heavenly minded.  I am often more concerned about what man thinks and not what God thinks.  Even though I am already seated in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2), my feet are made of clay and too firmly planted in this world. My husband, on the other hand, is heavenly - focused.  And, frankly, I love that about him!  He has shown me for over 30 years how to focus on the things that really matter and not on those things that will pass away.  My prayer?  That I will be more like him (as he is more like Christ)! I don't want to continue to be a wimp.  I want, like the Apostle Paul, to leave a legacy.  My prayer?  Jesus help me not to "let up" when the going gets rough.  Help me to presson.  Help me to see people as you see them...lost and without hope apart from you.  Let me be more concerned about You and the ones you loved and died for, and less concerned about me.  Father, help me not to "let up"!!!!!!!! http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=26771 26771 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:36:00 +0000 ONE MAN'S LEGACY...Beaten, bloodied and left for dead, harassed, endangered, run out of town, criticized, his authority questioned by the very people he chose to serve, falsely accused, shipwrecked, and eventually martyred for the faith he so boldly proclaimed, the Apostle Paul, according to Chuck Swindoll, “didn't give up, let up, or shut up.”  Let me introduce you to the man who would become the Apostle Paul because he didn’t give up…according to his own biographies in the books of Acts and Philippians, Saul was from Tarsus in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey).  He had all the right credentials: born a Roman citizen but raised to be a Hebrew among Hebrews from the tribe of Judah; circumcised on the 8th day; brought up in Jerusalem and educated with strictness under one of the greatest teachers of the law.  Saul lived his life, blamelessly, according to that law as a Pharisee, and he was zealous for Jehovah God!  And, a persecutor of the Way…the church…overseeing, with approval, the death of Stephen; tying up men and women…rounding them up and throwing them in prison.  UNTIL…on the road to Damascus…life turned upside-down and inside-out by the blinding truth of Jesus Christ!  Paul could have given up right from the very beginning.  He could have chosen not to believe. Unfortunately many make this choice.  But Saul didn't...he chose to believe and because he did our lives have been touched by the legcy he left for us in the Scriptures.  Too, the Apostle could have let his past (a chief sinner) deter his future (a saint of the Most Holy God).  How many of us have chosen not to go forward with God because we're in bondage to the past.  Have you ever had thoughts like, "Surely God can't use me...I've so screwed up...I'm not worthy of Him."  Well, guess what?  Those kinds of thoughts are absolutely true.  We've all screwed up and none of us are worthy of God!  Yet, in His infinite mercy at the cross of His beloved Son, He extends forgiveness.  When we can't forgive ourselves that's like a slap in the face to God.  When we can't forgive ourselves, we're really saying that the Son's sacrificial death upon the cross isn't enough.  If you find yourself thinking these kinds of thoughts...STOP BUYING INTO THE LIE OF SATAN!  Read this passage from 1 Corinthians 1 about the message of the cross... 1:18 "For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God...Has God not made the wisdom of the world foolish? 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world by its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased to save those who believe by the foolishness of preaching...For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, 24  and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.25 1:26 Think about the circumstances of your call, 26  brothers and sisters. 27  Not many were wise by human standards, 28  not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position. 29  1:27 But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. 1:28 God chose 30  what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, 1:29 so that no one can boast in his presence..." Don't let your past keep your from serving God today and tomorrow!  God has chosen YOU...YES, YOU in all your weakness, in your foolishness, and in your lowliness so that He will be glorified in your life!  So, don't give up on God...He'll never give up on you! Saul didn't give up and let his past deter him from his future.  Nor did he give up when he preached his first sermon in the synagogue.  After preaching the Jews tried to kill him!  But, according to Acts 9:25 the disciples put him in a basket and lowerd him over the wall.  Saul escaped and went to Jerusalem.  Saul didn't let the "failure" of his first sermon stop him from serving God.  Have you failed?  I know that I have many times.  Don't let that define you...don't give up.  Saul didn't and he traveled to Jerusalem! But, in Jerusalem he could have given up once again when the disciples in (verses 26-27) that city were afraid of him and did not believe him.  But, he didn’t give up!  Barnabas, the encourager, came along side of Saul and spoke up for him.  Yea for Barnabas!  Today...who needs your encouragement?  Who needs you to come along side of them and help them to keep on keeping on?  Will you be a Barnabas in other's lives? Nevertheless, the Apostle did not give up!  And, because he didn't, he left us a priceless legacy in his Love Letters to the Church!  He didn't give up.  Nor did he let up, or shut up...but more about that later this week :)  Press on my friends!  Don't give up!  God wants you to leave a legacy too...leave a legacy in a worrld desperate for the love of God!  Blessings to you from me: susan...a chief sinner just like Saul! http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=26607 26607 Wed, 7 Sep 2011 22:24:00 +0000 This past Saturday I ventured forth with our Jr. High group from my church and we went to Hawaiian Falls.  Stocked with a cooler of snacks, beach towel, sunscreen (lots of it cause the temp was over 100* again!!), book (which I didn’t even glance at)…we boarded the bus and arrived at the park to stand in line for 30 minutes.  Did we have fun? Yes!  Did we get sunburned? Yes!  But, not too bad because we slathered on the stuff (unfortunately, I forgot my hat L).  Were we wiped out after 8 hours in the surf and sun? Yes!  Was it worth it?  Yes it was as we built memories with a great group of kids! While at the park; however, I was reminded of the biblical truth that’s in James 1:13-16. “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters.”  The process of temptation in our lives is always the same (why should Satan change tactics?  He doesn’t need to because they continue to work).  According to the passage God does not tempt us, rather we are our own worse enemy as we are tempted from the evil that lies within our hearts.  Satan entices us with “our own desires.”  He knows exactly what will tempt me to stray from God’s ways.  And, He knows what to use in your life, as well.  He’s clever!  But, thanks be to God that “greater is He who is in us than He who is in the world!”  If; however, we allow the process of temptation to continue, then it  “gives birth to sin” and that leads to the pool of  “death.”  Something always dies when I choose to sin!  So, why was I reminded of this fact at the Falls?  On one of the tube rides a gal in front of  us (after she was already heading down the ride) tried to stop herself by planting her feet.  Was she successful?  Not for long.  Once you get on, gravity does the rest and you rocket down the chute and empty into the pool below.  You can’t decide to quit (without risking bodily harm) halfway down the slide.  Once you start, you end up in the pool…always!  And, that’s what reminded me of the process of temptation in my life.   If I don’t want to end up in the pool of death, I need to get off at the top of the slide…the beginning of the process.  If I choose to wait till I’m sliding halfway into the process…maybe not bodily harm but spiritual harm floods my life.  Are more slides in my future?  You bet as the Father of all Lies is relentless.  What do I want to do?  Get off at the beginning!  Thank goodness we have an Advocate who was tempted in all things just like we are and He waits for us to call upon His All-powerful name.  We call and He comes immediately to our defense!  Not only do we have Jesus, but we have the Mighty Spirit of God living within us who delights in coming to our rescue while we live and breathe in theWaterParkof life that (for now) is Satan’s  playground.  Join me in thwarting the process of temptation in our lives!  Together we can overcome and give all the glory to God!  Because He lives!  susan http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=25386 25386 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:03:00 +0000 This past week I found myself walking on holy ground as I spent some time in John Chapter 17.  Wow!  What a privelege to be a fly on the wall while Jesus talked with His Dad.  The clock was ticking down as Christ looked toward going to the cross for all of mankind.  Either as He left the Upper Room or as He headed toward the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus spent time with the Father.  He prayed for 3 things. He prayed for Himself.  He asked the Father to glorify Him as He finished the work that the Father set for Him.  What exactly was the Messiah asking His Father to do?  Jesus wanted the Father to be evident in His life as He willingly sacrificed Himself for you and for me so that we could come, as sinners, to a most holy God!  To glorify the Father is to make God bigger in a world that needs to see Him.  The people in Jesus' world needed to see God.  The people in our world need to see Him.  Am I living my life in such a way as to make God bigger for those around me?  I pray so!  Jesus also prayed for His followers...those who had made the choice to walk with Him and learn of Him...the disciples (all except Judas), the women who met His needs, and others like the woman at the well, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea who believed in Christ as the Son of God...Jesus prayed for all of them!  He prayed for God help them remain loyal so they could experience unity.  He asked God to give them joy.  He wanted the Father to keep them safe while they were in the world.  And, He asked God to set them apart (sanctify) with the Truth so that they could fulfill their mission-the spreading of the good news.  Jesus knew that his followers were going to abandon Him.  He knew that they wouldn't be able to stand with Him in the end.  He knew that they would need the strength of the Father to help them through the ordeal of the cross.  He knew, so He prayed for their needs.  And, we have those same needs.  have you asked the Father to fulfill those needs?  Have I? And, last but not least, Jesus prayed for me.  He prayed for you.  he prayed for all of us who would come to Him due to the disciple's initial ministry.  In verses 20-26 He prayed for our unity (to make us "one" so that they world would know that they are loved by the Father) , and our glory as we seek to make God bigger in the world we live in.  So, as I walked on holy ground this week I am convicted to live in unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ.  I am convicted to live like a box of crayons...lots of differnt colors working together to make the picture beautiful!  Will you color with me? Blessings to you this week! susan   http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=24888 24888 Sat, 9 Jul 2011 16:55:00 +0000 Well, it’s been awhile since my last posting because life has been busy!  After months of pray and preparation my friend, Gail and I had the privilege of going to serve on a mission trip in Kusadasi, Turkey (a seaport town about 30 miles outside of Izmir).  We had a great time!  Entrust, a world-wide mission organization that seeks to empower others in ministry, meets every other year for teaching, encouragement, and vision casting.  In 2011 Gail and I served several families.  We spent time with the children so that their moms and dads could attend the conference without worrying about their kids.  It was tiring, but we had a blast!  We were with the children for 3 hours in the morning and another 3 hours in the afternoon.  Every time we were with them we shared stories of people who exhibited godly characteristics in their service to Christ, matching biblical figures with those who lived and served in recent history.  One morning, for example, the children acted out the story of Paul and Silas and the Philippian Jailer.  Then we talked about Fanny Crosby and her attitude of Joy.  The children (ages 2-14) especially seemed to enjoy the stories of the different heroes of our faith.  Every day we worked in notebooks, played games, went outside, enjoyed crafts, and even found time for a trip into town for ice cream!  Due to the great generosity of many we were able to take 3 full suitcases of supplies.  We had planned from the beginning to donate those supplies to Entrust workers when we left, but God moved in a different direction and we left the supplies with some of the hotel staff that we had come to know and love.  After the conference was over we were able to take a three day trip to the seven cities of Revelation including Ephesus, Smyrna, and Thyatira.  It was fun to walk down ancient Roman streets and see the marvels of their technology.  It was awe inspiring to walk in the same footsteps of the Apostles John and Paul.  My favorite site was a place called Hierapolis.  The warm spring waters fed a modern-day pool that had Roman ruins in the bottom of it!  Those same calcium filled waters spilled over the cliff side.  We were able to take our shoes off and wade in warm spring pools.  The cliff side looked like it was covered in snow!  And, through the experience our faithful Father reminded me of several things: the power of prayer as faithful people lifted us up every day, and simplicity of life through the eyes of the children, the incredible freedom that I have as an American believer (freedom that many others do not have and unfortunately I take for granted), and the joy of serving God with good friends!  Yes, my life has been busy.  But, fulfilling as I am humbled and honored that God would use me and the gifts that He’s given to make a small impact in a place called Kusadasi! Because He is! susan http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=24545 24545 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 23:05:00 +0000 Lieutenant Stuart Alexander was intentionally struck and killed by a suspect while attempting to deploy stop sticks on SH 358 at 12:10 am. The suspect had just assaulted another officer at a disturbance call and was fleeing the area at the time. The suspect was shot and wounded a short time later after ramming several police cars. Lieutenant Alexander was transported to Spohn Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Lieutenant Alexander had served with the Corpus Christi Police Department for 20 years.” In our journey in this world there are times of both joy and pain as the Scriptures say, “there’s a time to rejoice and there’s a time to weep.”  Two years ago last week, tragedy entered into our lives (and into the lives of the family of the young man who committed this crime) in the early morning hours as my little brother’s earthly life was cut short. Grief enveloped my heart!  But, in the tears there has been a ray of hope because I know that one day I will be with him again and we will be with God forever.  In that day “there will be no more tears; no more hurt; or no more pain.”  Why do I believe this to be true?  By the grace of God I believe that His Word is true.  Over 30 years ago I placed my faith in Jesus as my Savior.  I realized my need for Him and believed!  Not a year after I believed, I had the tremendous privilege of sharing that same good news with Stu, and while floating on inner tubes on an East Texas Lake, he put his trust in Christ.  Also, in the turmoil there has been a sense of peace…”a peace that passes all understanding.”  Now don’t misunderstand me…I don’t really like what God has allowed to happen in our family.  I don’t really understand why the Father allowed the good guy to die and the bad guy to live (except for the presence of sin in this world.)  But, after walking with Jesus through the ministry of the Holy Spirit for 30+ years, I know that God is “working all things for our good and for His glory.”  I know that God will bring redemption and life out of evil.  I’ve had my doubts in the past (and that’s OK to doubt), but today my mind is doubt-free. Today as I’ve allowed myself to dwell on my favorite memories of Stuart, there’s a bitter-sweetness in my heart.  I grieve for our earthly loss (by the way, why do people call it a loss?  I know where he is…He is not lost…oh well), but I sing (not literally, of course, as I can’t carry a tune in a bucket) because there is HOPE! My prayer is that you too, dear readers, have this same sense of hope founded in the beloved Word of God for Jesus said in John 14:1-5 “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God.  Trust also in Me.  In my Father’s house there are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And, if I go…I will come back and take you to be with Me…”  In hope, Susan http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=14632 14632 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:26:00 +0000 This past week our Bible Study group looked at this aspect of God.  The name, Jehovah Raphe, first appears in Scripture in Exodus 15:26.  The people of Israel, after miraculously leaving Egypt and crossing the Red Sea, entered the Desert of Shur where God tested their faith.  How did He test them?  They walked for three days in the desert, but they didn’t find any water. Desert sands scalded their feet. Their cattle were perishing. Their children’s tongues were swollen. Their lips were parched. And, when they did find water, it was bitter! So, how did the people respond?  They began to murmur and complain!  In spite of their reaction, God brought healing to the bitter waters and the people were saved.   As I think about this Old Testament story, four thoughts come to mind.  First, God allowed the people to experience the bitterness of the water…then He made it sweet.  They experienced the desert before they experienced the relief.  Many times this is how God works in our lives first so that we’ll come to know Him initially and, second, come to know Him more and more as we grow.    Our Father makes sin bitter to us. He makes us see how corrupt and wretched we are. Then he heals us by his grace.  God wounds. Then He heals. God strips us before He clothes us. He humbles; then He exalts.  Second, before there was healing at the waters of Marah, there was prayer.  Moses called upon the name of God and God healed the waters.  Likewise, in our lives we need to call upon our merciful Father for healing.  God can and does heal, and even if He chooses not to do so, He has a plan and a purpose.  I don’t like it when God doesn’t work the way I think He should, and that’s okay, because I’m learning to trust Him as He is all about His glory and my good.  A third thought? The waters were not healed until the tree was cast into them.  The tree is a picture of Christ Himself and it is a picture of His cross.  (See Revelation 22:2 with 1 Peter 2:24.)  Spiritual healing is possible for me and for you because our Great Physician gave His life on a Roman tree of death!  And, last, but not least, the bitter waters of Marah were completely healed when the tree was cast into them.  The moment one places their belief in Christ; the very instant that they trust in Him for salvation, they are made completely whole…spiritual wellness is theirs immediately!  When God heals a soul, He does so completely and forever!  (See Colossians 1: 12-14 with 2:9-15.)  What a timely lesson for me!  This past month I learned that my Dad will need to have heart surgery.  The tissue that separates the right and left sides of the heart is enlarged and it’s blocking the function of the aortic valve.  It’s been a struggle for me to think that I might become parentless if things don’t go well.  But, that’s not true!  I have a heavenly Father who will never leave me!  Nope!  Never!  That’s a comfort!  So, what do I need to do?  Trust my heavenly Dad with my earthly Dad.  http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=14631 14631 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:26:00 +0000 Stories, tales, legends, yarns, narratives…whatever term you wish to use…people love them!  Little people love them.  Medium – sized people and even big people love good stories.  Ursula K. LeGuin, an American author who’s written novels, poetry, children’s books, and essays, once said, “There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories.” Almost 29 years ago (WOW! I can’t believe it’s been that long!) a friend invited me to a Bible study that was meeting in my home town. She didn’t like it!  But, I decided to stay and give it a try. Truth be told… I wanted to come back because my baby girl was loved and cared for by some wonderful women in a nursery, and that freed me up to interact with other adult women.  Anyway, through that decision (selfish though it was), God changed the story of my life. In Bible Discussion Groups I met tons of women who loved Jesus; who loved His Word; and who loved others…including me! We met every week in small groups after studying our lessons by ourselves at home.  After the group time everyone would come together and a teacher would give a wrap – up lesson.  Even when I didn’t do my lesson I was still welcome. I didn’t know very much about the Bible then, but I was never judged or criticized. The groups were a safe place to share and learn from one another. Through the ministry of BDG God grew my love for His Word. The more I got into the Bible, the deeper I wanted to go. I realized that the Bible is God’s love letter to me.  It is a map for my life.  It’s a guideline that helps me navigate my way in this crazy world. Not only did I fall in love with God and His Word, but wonder of wonders after a while I was asked to lead a group and then even more amazingly I was eventually asked to do some teaching. Today, I shudder when I think about that first teaching session, but God is faithful and He promises that His Word doesn’t go out void; rather it accomplishes His purposes – the purposes that He sets forth. Now I’ve been teaching for almost 25 years. Again, I can’t believe it! But, I love it! Teaching has defined my life. It has given me purpose. It has brought a great deal of joy to my heart! And, it’s been fun to see God work in me and through me (in spite of me) to touch the lives of others. So, that’s my story with BDG. My life has been forever changed because God delights in using everyday people to impact His world. Isn’t He great? How about you? What’s your story? Is Jesus present in your story? Has He used His Word in your life? Have you been touched by others who love Him? I hope so! If not, there’s no time like the present to begin your life – story with the Father who loves you and wants to be in relationship with you! Blessings to you! Susan http://www.biblediscussiongroups.com/index.cfm?i=13042&mid=25&blogid=4691&comments=14630 14630 Sat, 11 Sep 2010 12:26:00 +0000