Tuesday, March 9, 2010

An Open Door- Bible Study Part 2


Find
Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth, shall you not know it? - Isaiah 43:18-19

What does this verse say to you about God's ability to heal your brokenness?
I believe that God can heal all of my brokenness, and make my life better than ever.

Read Luke 4: 18-21
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." - (NIV)

Jesus quoted from the Book of Isaiah and made a declaration regarding the brokenhearted. Read this passage substituting your name for "the poor", "the brokenhearted," "the captives,""the blind," and "those who are oppressed." How does this passage speak to your life? It tells me that God can fix any problem that I may be dealing with.


Describe a time when you started over. How did that experience make you feel? What were the positive emotions you dealt with? What were the negative emotions you faced?

I would say a time that I started over, was after my hysterectiomy. I had totally concentrated on trying to have a baby for 16 years. After the hysterectiomy, I was so broken hearted, and actually grieving over the babies I would never have. I did not know if I would be able to face life without children, but God healed my hurt.

"Good grief!" I said. "Lord, this is not funny. I have no idea what to do here! (p.13). Have you ever had an experience that caused you to say something like this? If so, describe that experience. Christmas Eve, when my lovebug nearly died, our lives drastically changed. When we were told that he has CIDP, the sister disease to MS, we felt totally zapped, and lost. Lovebug is not able to work, so our finances have been affected in a major way. But, God is still here with us, carrying us daily. He meets all of our needs, and loves us through everything we must face.




Feel

What do you think is the difference between experiencing brokenness, and your life being broken? God allows us to be broken so we will learn to rely solely on Him. God sometimes steps into our lives and breaks us—not maliciously, but purposefully—so we will be emptied of pride, and become truly useful to Him. God teaches us to embrace brokenness, so we can become fully surrendered, discovering His deep love, and true purpose for our lives.




How can you find hope in the midst of your brokenness? How do you feel about yourself when you are broken before God? How does He feel about you? You can find hope in the midst of your brokenness by clinging tightly to the hem of His garment. When I am broken before God, I feel that God is seeing the real me, and is taking what is broken, and renewing me. He always cares for me, and loves me, through it all.



Take a few moments and list some of the Scripture passages that have been most encouraging to you.


Matthew 6:25-34, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifea]">[a]?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Mark 10:27, "Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

Isaiah 40:31,

"but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Follow

Describe a time when you have heard the Lord say, "Just follow me." Right now, lovebugs health problems, my health problems, and our financial problems. But, the Lord tells us daily to just follow Him, and that is what we are choosing to do.


What encouragement can you give someone who is struggling with the consequences of previous poor choices? God loves you regardless, and He is more than willing to give you more chances, to make better choices. Open your heart totally to Him, let Him lead you in the choices you make for your life.


How can you better follow God in the days ahead? Through prayer, diving into His word daily, giving my all for Him.


Summarize the instructions of Luke 4:18-21 by completing the following statement:

Because Jesus said believe in me, I will believe that anything is possible through Him.

In your study journal, write a prayer expressing your thankfulness to God for healing your brokenness. Throughout the coming week ,use this prayer as part of your conversations with God. Dear Father God, I thank You for healing my brokenness time after time. You never fail me, You are daily renewing me. Glory to Your holy name.

13 comments:

Hootin Anni said...

This is so inspirational. You carry enough for all of us...I look up to you.

April said...

I agree completely with Hootin' Anni...to say that you are inspirational is an understatement! You don't allow anything to keep you down for long because you KNOW that God is on your side. Oh, what a difference that makes! :)

luvmy4sons said...

Brokenness...no one likes to be broken. And oh the joy of being made new. Trusting the Lord in the breaking is so key. Thanks for these wonderful verses. There is some breaking going on at our house. some scary breaking actually. I needed this post. Thank you!

Leaon Mary said...

Hey girl,
Just popped in to see how yall are doing. Haven't been blogging much but have missed you so much and keep you in my prayers.
Beautiful post...
I love your transparency Denise.
Have a great day!
holykisses xoxo
Lea

Grace on the Narrow Path said...

Denise,
Great post my friend!!! So much power in those words. My life verse comes from John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. King James Bible.
Thank you my friend for making me remember this verse. Please continue to pray for me as I will for you and lovebug.
I love you.
Your sister in Christ,
Bren

grace said...

thansk for sharing... im blessed

Saleslady371 said...

Isn't this a great study? You are an example to me of a woman who trusts her Lord.

Peggy said...

Blessings Denise, Wonderful truthful answers! You inspire me, sweet sis!

Love you and thanks for your prayers! Praying for you & Lovebug, I know that is heavy on your mind & heart! Hope your health is well.

Please leave one on the Lighthouse of Prayer, not for me but the others in the post:) thanks...Layla Grace's family, Shelby & family & Melanie Bella Mella! I know you have your own blog with prayers but I need you joining me over there, when you get a chance, please.

Irene said...

Your words and your faith are so encouraging and strengthening my faith. Thank you, dearest Denise.

my home sanctuary said...

Denise I only have a min. I didn't read your post yet but wanted to share this. It cracked me up so I am sending you a laugh.


http://frommelanieshometoyours.blogspot.com/
Take care sweetie,
Sherry at My Journey Back

Debra Kaye said...

Oh my dear friend, your love for the Lord is so pure considering the heartache in your life. I look up to you and your lovebug.

Blessings to you both.

Marsha said...

What a GREAT study this is! I'm going to enjoy gleaning from you since I'm not able to join in right now.

Love you bunches! PRAYING.

Anonymous said...

You are so open and honest about your's and your husband's circumstances. I always feel this sense of awe at how inspirational you are when you open the door into your lives and share with us.

You truly are an inspiration to me, Denise, and I am so grateful to the Lord that He led me to you. You have such a sweet, sweet spirit and I just love you! Thank you for everything you are!! God bless you today and every day!!