So by date, here is each Bible study/fellowship meeting we have had since we began on 17th November 2014! A majority of these lessons have been inspired by one of my favourite women of God - Joyce Meyer! Love her preachings.
Here they are!:
Lesson 1) Removing Distractions 17/11/14
Bible verses: Matthew 30-33
One of Satan's more cunning weapons is distraction. He knows if we become sidetracked by the cares of the world that, more than likely, we will begin to neglect our time with God.
To keep us faithful and in close fellowship and communion with Him, sometimes God wants us to remove distractions that are separating us from Him, even if it hurts.
For example, if our career or desire for money or social status are more important to us than pleasing God, we need to get our priorities straight. Or maybe a relationship is keeping you from spending time with God and you're looking for that person's attention and approval more than God's. The bottom line is, any situation or desire in our life that keeps us from being led by the Holy Spirit or living for God is an unhealthy distraction that's not good for us.
God wants us to be moved by His Spirit, not by distractions. So today, set aside all of the distractions of life and purposely focus on God. When you seek God first with your whole heart, you will find Him. He's always there waiting for you.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I ask You to help me remove all of the distractions in my life, even if it hurts. Help me to seek You above all else and be led by the Holy Spirit in my daily life. I want to live for You!
My notes: ...so that is the way I would have hoped to open this fellowship group and study, to remind ourselves as well as myself that I want to draw closer to God and therefore place my growth with Him before anything or anyone else, so that He can guide my footsteps during my life here on earth as well as in Heaven
Lesson 2 - 03/12/14 - Passing Life's Tests
Life is filled with challenges that test our determination and our faith in God. Whether we're faced with the impending threat of evil or with everyday hassles, the quality of our character is sure to be tested on a regular basis.
It would be a great mistake to overlook the fact that God tests our hearts, our emotions and our minds. What does it mean to test something? It means to put pressure on it to see if it will do what it says it will do. Will it hold up under stress? Can it perform at the level its maker says it can? Is it genuine when measured against a true standard of quality?
God does the same with us.
Are you being tested today? The key is to keep trusting God, even if you don't understand. There is no such thing as trusting God without unanswered questions, but when you push ahead, despite your doubts, He will build you up and make you strong.
Prayer Starter: Lord, when tested, I want to be ready, holding up under pressure, following You no matter what. Show me daily how to put my trust in You, even when I struggle with unanswered questions.
Psalm 7:9
My notes..we all face tests in life and can define it in several ways, I brought up the struggle of companionship and hopes in finding a husband, and that the men I have encountered and situations I have been in add to the meaning of tests that we face in life, and how we should always overcome and trust God throughout the process.
Lesson 3 - 19/12/14 - You Have Potential
It's amazing how many gifted people there are who just sit on the sidelines of life and do nothing. They never take a step forward to use the gifts God has given them because they don't believe they're gifted in the first place. Are you one of them?
The truth is, God has given each one of us gifts, talents and abilities. He has a great plan for you and has equipped you to do great things for His Kingdom. But until you see yourself the way He sees you and trust Him to enable you to use your gifts, you won't live up to your God-given potential.
If you're struggling with low self-esteem, a poor self-image and lacking confidence, I want you to know that God created you with amazing potential. And when you trust God and believe you can do whatever He says you can do, you will fulfill His destiny for your life.
Remember, "all things are possible with God." When you put your confidence in Him, you will be free to live up to your potential.
Prayer Starter: God, help me to see myself through Your eyes, with the gifts and talents You've given me. I believe that You made me with great potential because You are a great God. Today, I put my confidence in You and believe that all things are possible with You!
Bible verses Mark 10:27
Lesson 4 - 09/01/14 - Fasting
During this time of the year we spoke about fasting; the Daniel's fast in particular.
The Daniel's Fast is based on the fasting experiences of the Old Testament Prophet. It’s a partial fast where some foods are eaten while others are restricted. Most people use this method of fasting for 21 consecutive days.
Entering into a period of extended prayer and fasting is like pushing the “pause button” on life so you can draw nearer to God. The Holy Spirit joins you in this experience as you open your heart to receive from the Lord.
You have a choice when you fast. You can focus the food and matters of the flesh. Or, you can enter into a deep spiritual experience with the Lord so He can work in your life and on your behalf. Don’t settle for less by catering to the flesh. Instead reach out for the best and allow God to minister to you.
We spoke about the importance of fasting - when you are READY. When you grow in the word and have intimacy with God, you then learn about the true meaning of sacrifice = fasting. Grow in knowledge and spirit before applying these actions into your life.
Do things with love and take heart!
5) 30/01/15 - God Has a Great Plan Just for You!
We need to refrain from comparing ourselves to anyone else because God doesn't want us to be frustrated and feel unworthy of the blessings He desires to give us.
Comparing our lives with other people's lives is unfair, to them and to us. It's unfair to them because if we become jealous of what they have, what they know, how they look, etc., we start to resent them. Then we can no longer appreciate them as the wonderful person God made them to be.
It's unfair to us because it limits God's plan for our lives. Comparison says to God, 'I want to limit Your work in my life to this and nothing else. I just want to be like this other person.'
But God has an individual plan for each of us. His plan for you is greater than you could possibly imagine. Stop looking at His plans for others so you can walk in the plans He has for you and receive the blessings they bring.
Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, help me to examine my heart honestly and expose any jealousy, resentment or frustration in me that has developed from comparing myself to others. I want to be all that You want me to be and live the life You have for me.
- had amazing fellowship words also from guest speakers Eti and Kanayo who gave advice to each person as well as speaking truth and word about THE word.
Scripture references:
Galatians 6:4 [New International Version (NIV)]
4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,
Jeremiah 29:11 KJV- For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 1:5 KJV - Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Isaiah 40:31 KJV- But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV- Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6) 13/02/15 - Speaking truth!
Speak Truth
What situations make hedging the truth most tempting to you? What does this reveal about your motivations or values? And how can you better align your motivations, values—and words—with God?Genesis 20
Practice Self-Control
What has happened in your life and relationships when you failed to exercise self-control? Here is help for identifying weaknesses and fortifying your governance of strong emotions, deep desires and unconscious habits.
Judges 16
Respect Your Body
People appear in many shapes and sizes—all given bodies by God. How do you misuse or neglect your body? What should you do to care for your body? Why is your body important to living with integrity?
Corinthians 6:12-20
Expect Temptation
Temptation is unavoidable. Though God promises not to let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, you still must prepare yourself to deter or defeat the temptations that are part of daily life. What tempts you most? What can you do to deal with temptation?
Genesis 39
