Saturday, January 1, 2011

A Patient Woman

“A Patient Woman”



“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)


Other scripture references:






As We Gather
As we gather may your spirit work within us, As we gather may we glorify your name.

Knowing well that as our hearts begin to worship, We’ll be blessed because we came.

Here I Am To Worship
Light of the world, you stepped into the darkness,
Open my eyes, let me see.
Beauty that

Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that you’re my god.
You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me.

And I’ll never know how much it cost to lay your life upon that cross, and I’ll never know how much it cost to lay your life upon that cross.


Scripture Sharing, and Discussion
These texts are taken from the NIV translation.  The words “man”, “brother”, and “he” have been changed to “woman”, “sister”, and “she” to personalize it for our study.  The words could also be changed to “I” and “me”.

Praise, Prayers, and Time of Prayer (Small Groups)
Let’s take some time to share “…so that we may be mutually encouraged by one another’s faith.” (Romans 1:12).  Let’s pray for one another through the week!

I Waited
I waited for the Lord on high, I waited and He heard my cry. (2x)


Shut De Do
Shut de do, keep out de debil, shut de do, keep de debil in de ni-e, shut de do, keep out de debil.  Light de candle, evryting is all right.  Light de candle, ev’ryting is alright.

Oh when I was a baby child (shut de do, keep out de debil)
My momma used to sing dis song (shut de do, keep de debil in de ni-e)
Oh, many toils and many trials (shut de do, keep out de debil)

I Am A Woman (CH#452)
I am a woman called to be a servant; Bound by the grace that Your love imparts. Lord, make me humble, teach me to follow; Make me a woman of your heart.

I am a woman called to speak with wisdom; Shining a light that will lead to You. Lord, give me courage to be Your witness; Make me a woman of Your truth.

I am a woman purchased by Your mercy; Bought by love that would spare no cost. Lord, make me holy, loving You only; Make me a woman of your cross.




Questions for Discussion

1.    What does it mean to be patient?








2.    What does scripture teach us about patience and being patient?








3.    Who are some biblical persons who showed patience?








4.    Who are some biblical persons who did not show patience?







5.    List three ways that you can be patient during times of trouble.

1.

   2.

   3.


******************************************

Life By The Spirit

“Life by the Spirit”
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.  For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.  They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.  I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

(Galatians 5:16-26)

Gathering Prayer
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.  Amen.
(Matthew 6:9-13)

Sharing
“…so that you and I may be mutually encouraged by one another’s faith.” 
(Romans 1:12)

Song:  As We Gather
As we gather may your spirit work within us
As we gather may we glorify your name.
Knowing well that as our hearts begin to worship
We’ll be blessed because we came.

Song:  Matthew 11
Come unto Me, all who are weak
Weary and heavy laden.
Gentle am I, humble in heart,
And you shall find rest for your soul.

All things are given unto those who believe,
Princes and lowly ones His blessings receive.
And just when I think that means everyone but me,
Jesus comes beckoning to me.

Enter the Holy gates just as you are;
No need for a happy face just come with your heart
And Jesus will bring us a joyful melody
If only His calling we heed.

We are his little ones, children of God.
Children and fellow heirs of His kingdom come.
And we share the greatest love the world has ever seen
Here in the Lord’s family.

Scripture Sharing and Study: Galatians 5:16-26

Song:  Speak, Lord
Speak Lord, I’m listenin’.  Plant your word down deep in me;
Speak Lord, I’m listenin’.  Please show me the way.

Sometimes my heart is slow to follow you; teach me to hear and understand.
And I’m told the things You promise, and I hope they all come true,
And I know what waits for those who wait and put their trust in You.

Sometimes I stumble on my way to you; Stretch out again your healing hand.
And I’m told the things You promise, and I hope they all come true,
And I know what waits for those who wait and put their trust in You.

Song:  I Will Change Your Name
I will change your name, you shall no longer be called:
Wounded, outcast, lonely, or afraid.

I will change your name, your new name shall be:
Confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one, faithfulness, friend of God,
One who seeks my face.

Song:  Prayer of St. Francis
Make me a channel of your peace. 
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord.
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.

Make me a channel of your peace. 
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, only light.
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.

Oh Master, grant that I may never seek
so much to be consoled as to console.
To be understood as to understand.
To be loved, as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
In giving of ourselves that we receive,
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.

Song:  I Will Trust In You

When I can’t see you, I know you’re there,
When I can’t feel you, I will not fear,
I will trust in you and I will not be afraid.

And when the battle is close at hand,
You are with me to help me stand,
I will trust in you, and I will not be afraid.

I will not (I will not), be afraid (be afraid)
I will not (I will not), be afraid (be afraid)
I will trust in you, I will trust in you.

And when the darkness is closing in,
And I am running against the wind.
I will trust in you and I will not be afraid.

Cause when I’m standing upon that shore,
And the battles they’ve gone before,
I will trust in you and I will not be afraid.

Song:  I’m Gonna Sing

I’m gonna sing and I’m gonna dance,
and I’m gonna praise the Lord.
I’m gonna lift my hands up to the
one my soul adores.

Worship Jehovah, He is my song.
Worship Jehovah, all day long.
Worship Jehovah, He is my lord,
Worship Jehovah, forever and ever more.

A Joyful Woman

“A Joyful Woman”

2Consider it pure joy, my sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1:2-3





Other scripture references:

Psalm 90:14









Job 39:13


As We Gather
As we gather may your spirit work within us, As we gather may we glorify your name.

Knowing well that as our hearts begin to worship, We’ll be blessed because we came.

Spirit Song (CH#384)
O let the Son of God enfold you, with His Spirit and His love; Let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.  O let Him have the things that hold you, and His spirit, like a dove, Will descend upon your life and make you whole.

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.

O come and sing this song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy. Lift your hands in sweet surrender to His name.  O give Him all your tears and sadness; give Him all your years of pain, And you’ll enter into life in Jesus’ name.

Matthew 11
Come unto Me, all who are weak
Weary and heavy laden.
Gentle am I, humble in heart,
And you shall find rest for your soul.

All things are given unto those who believe,
Princes and lowly ones His blessings receive.
And just when I think that means everyone but me,
Jesus comes beckoning to me.

Enter the Holy gates just as you are;
No need for a happy face just come with your heart
And Jesus will bring us a joyful melody
If only His calling we heed.

We are his little ones, children of God.
Children and fellow heirs of His kingdom come.
And we share the greatest love the world has ever seen
Here in the Lord’s family.

Potluck, Scripture Sharing, and Discussion
These texts are taken from the NIV translation.  The words “man”, “brother”, and “he” have been changed to “woman”, “sister”, and “she” to personalize it for our study.  The words could also be changed to “I” and “me”.



Praise, Prayers, and Time of Prayer (Small Groups)
Let’s take some time to share “…so that we may be mutually encouraged by one another’s faith.” (Romans 1:12).  Let’s pray for one another through the week!

I Will Change Your Name
I will change your name, you shall no longer be called:
Wounded, outcast, lonely, or afraid.
I will change your name, your new name shall be:
Confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one, faithfulness, friend of God, one who seeks my face.

Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace
Make me a channel of your peace. 
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord.
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.

Make me a channel of your peace. 
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, only light.
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.

Oh Master, grant that I may never seek
so much to be consoled as to console.
To be understood as to understand.
To be loved, as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
In giving of ourselves that we receive,
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.

I Am A Woman (CH#452)
I am a woman called to be a servant; Bound by the grace that Your love imparts. Lord, make me humble, teach me to follow; Make me a woman of your heart.

I am a woman called to speak with wisdom; Shining a light that will lead to You. Lord, give me courage to be Your witness; Make me a woman of Your truth.

I am a woman purchased by Your mercy; Bought by love that would spare no cost. Lord, make me holy, loving You only; Make me a woman of your cross.



Questions for Discussion

1.    What does it mean to be joyful?









2.    What does scripture teach us about joy and being joyful?









3.    Who are some biblical persons who showed joy?









4.    Who are some biblical persons who did not show joy?









5.    List three ways that you can be joyful during times of trouble.

1.


   2.


   3.



******************************************

A Woman of Faithfulness

“A Woman of Faithfulness”

22”Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in her heart but believes what she says will happen, it will be done for her. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:22-24

2Consider it pure joy, my sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1:2-3

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, she should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to her. 6But when she asks, she must believe and not doubt, because she who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-6

8 For by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8

Other scripture references:
Matthew 24:36-51



Biblical persons who showed faithfulness:
Ruth
As We Gather
As we gather may your spirit work within us
    As we gather may we glorify your name.
Knowing well that as our hearts begin to worship
    We’ll be blessed because we came.

Blessed Be Your Name
Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow, blessed be Your name.
Blessed be Your name when I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness blessed be Your name.

Every blessing You pour out I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord blessed be Your
    glorious name.

Blessed be Your name when the sun’s shining down on me
When the world’s “all as it should be” blessed be Your name.
Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering
Though there’s pain in the offering blessed be Your name.

You give and take away, You give and take away
My heart will choose to say Lord, blessed be Your name.

Forever
Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King.
His love endures forever.
For He is good; He is above all things.
His love endures forever.
Sing praise… sing praise…

Forever God is faithful,
Forever God is strong.
Forever God is with us, Forever!

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm,
His love endures forever.
For the life that’s been reborn,
His love endures forever.
Sing praise, sing praise, sing praise, sing praise.

From the rising to the setting sun,
His love endures forever.
By the grace of God we will carry on,
His love endures forever.
Sing praise, sing praise, sing praise, sing praise!

Scripture Sharing and Discussion
These texts are taken from the NIV translation.  The words “man” and “he” have been changed to “woman” and “she” to personalize it for our study.  The words could also be changed to “I” and “me”.

Praise, Prayers, and Time of Prayer
    Let’s take some time to share praises and prayer requests “…so that we may be mutually encouraged by one another’s faith.” (Romans 1:12).  Let us remember to pray for one another through the week.

Be Like You (words and music by Peter Eide)
Teach me to love, teach me to serve
Teach me to tell of the truth of your Word
Help me be weak, help me be strong
To love what is right and to hate what is wrong.

I know that I have a long way to go
    until I’m made pure and true
But ‘til that day, this Lord I pray,
     help me to be like You.

Teach me to trust, teach me to pray
Teach me to walk in the faith to obey
Help me be weak, help me be bold
Help me to serve both the young and the old.

Teach me to stand, teach me to fall
Down on my knees in response to Your call
Help me to die, help me to live
Help me to share the true love that you give.

I Am A Woman (CH#452)
I am a woman called to be a servant;
    Bound by the grace that Your love imparts.
Lord, make me humble, teach me to follow;
    Make me a woman of your heart.

I am a woman called to speak with wisdom;
    Shining a light that will lead to You.
Lord, give me courage to be Your witness;
    Make me a woman of Your truth.

I am a woman purchased by Your mercy;
    Bought by love that would spare no cost.
Lord, make me holy, loving You only;
    Make me a woman of your cross.






Questions for Discussion

1.    What is faith?








2.    What does it mean to be faithful?









3.    What does scripture teach us about faith and being faithful?









4.    Are we being faithful if we gossip?  What about when we __________ or ____________?









5.    List three ways that you can show your faithfulness to God.  Remember these in times of trouble!

1.

   2.

   3.



******************************************
Song:  As We Gather


C                          F              G7
As we gather may your spirit work within us

C                          F          G7
As we gather may we glorify your name.

F           G             C                    Am7
Knowing well that as our hearts begin to worship

Dm7       G                        C
We’ll be blessed because we came.

A Loving Woman

“A Loving Woman”

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16


The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
    Psalm 103:8


“Because she loves me,” says the Lord, I will rescue her; I will protect her, for she acknowledges my name.  She will call upon me, and I will answer her; I will be with her in trouble.  I will deliver her and honor her.  With long life I will satisfy her and show her my salvation.”
Psalm 91:14-16





Other scripture references:










Biblical persons who showed love:
The woman with the alabaster jar of perfume (Luke 7)
Shine Jesus Shine
Lord, the light of your love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness shining;
Jesus, light of the world, shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth you now bring us;
Shine on me, shine on me.

Shine, Jesus, shine!
Fill this land with the Father’s glory;
Blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire!
Flow, River, flow!
Flood the nations with grace and mercy;
Send forth your word, Lord and let there be light!

Lord, I come to Your awesome presence,
From the shadows into Your radiance.
By the blood I may enter Your brightness.
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness;
Shine on me, shine on me.

As I gaze on Your kingly brightness,
So our faces displace Your likeness,
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story,
Shine on me, shine on me.

Lift Up Your Heads, Oh Zion
Lift up your heads, oh Zion! (repeat)
For the King of glory reigns over all.
He is loving, faithful and true,
He is reigning over you,
He shall wipe away every tear.

Hear O Israel  (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is one Lord.
Thou shalt love the Lord our God with all of thy heart,
Thou shalt love the Lord our God with all of thy soul, Thou shalt love the Lord our God with all of thy mind,
Thou shalt love the Lord our God with all of thy strength.

Scripture Sharing and Discussion
In Psalm 91, the word “he” and “him” have been changed to “she” and “her” to personalize it for our study; it could also be changed to “you” and “your”.

Praise, Prayers, and Time of Prayer 
“…so that we may be mutually encouraged by one another’s faith.” (Romans 1:12). Let us remember to pray for one another over the week! 

The Lord Is My Light (Psalm 18:2-4, 27)
The Lord is my light, the Lord is my shield,
Praise the Lord for the love for the love He reveals,
Safe journey, shelter and home,
Safe in the Lord alone.

Hear O Lord, my cry to You, Turn not away, for You are my life; Turn not Your face from me.

Seek Your face, You said, O Lord.  My heart says to You: Your face Lord I seek; hide not your face from me.

Just one thing I ask You, Lord: To dwell in Your house, the days of my life, watching Your beauty, Lord.

Wait for the Lord, and let your heart be strong, wait for the Lord…

You Are Compassionate  (Psalm 103)
You are compassionate and gracious,
patient and abounding in love,
As far as the east is from the west,
You took the sins we were guilty of…
And you deal tenderly with us (repeat)

And higher than the heavens, So great is Your Love,Yes, higher than the heavens is Your Love. (repeat)  …for us.

The Servant Song
Sister, let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you. Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant too.

We are pilgrims on a journey, we are sisters on the road, We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load.

I will weep when you are weeping, when you laugh I’ll laugh with you.  I will share your joy and sorrow ‘til we see this journey through.

I will hold the Christ light for you in the nighttime of your fears. I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear.

When we sing to God in heaven, there will be such harmony—born of all we’ve known together of Christ’s love and agony.


Questions for Discussion

1.    What is love?







2.    What (who) are some biblical examples of love?







3.    Why does God love us so much?







4.    How (why) is the world’s image of love so different from God’s image?






5.    List three ways that you can show your love to (for) God.  Remember that we honor him when we love others who are difficult to love!

1.

   2.

   3.


******************************************

A Disciplined Woman

Fruitful Fellowship
Proverbs 12:  A Disciplined Woman

We are glad you could join us in this time of fellowship “…so that we may be mutually encouraged by one another’s faith.”
(Romans 1:12).
Gathering Prayer

Time of Worship and Praise
    As We Gather (#131)   
    Good Evenin’ Lord (OH)
    I Am A Woman (#452)
    Sanctuary (#655)

Scripture Study
Discussion Questions (Proverbs 1:1-7)
    What can we gain from these proverbs?
    Are they straightforward or riddles?

Discussion Chart (Proverbs 12:1-28)
God’s Way    What It Looks Like    The World’s Way    What It Looks Like
















           


Time of Prayer






Time of Meditation and Songs
    My Grace Is Sufficient For You (OH)
    Teach Me To Love (OH)
    I Will Trust In You  (OH)
    Forever (OH)

A Blessed Woman

“A Blessed Woman”
 (Psalm 1)



1Blessed is the woman
    who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
    or sit in the seat of mockers.
2But her delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law she meditates day and night.
3She is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
    Whatever she does prospers.

4Not so the wicked!
    They are like chaff
    that the wind blows away.
5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.





As We Gather
As we gather may your spirit work within us
    As we gather may we glorify your name.
Knowing well that as our hearts begin to worship
    We’ll be blessed because we came.

Spirit Song (CH#384)
O let the Son of God enfold you
    with His Spirit and His love;
Let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.

O let Him have the things that hold you,
    and His spirit, like a dove,
Will descend upon your life and make you whole.

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.

O come and sing this song with gladness
    as your hearts are filled with joy.
Lift your hands in sweet surrender to His name.

O give Him all your tears and sadness;
    give Him all your years of pain,
And you’ll enter into life in Jesus’ name.

Search Me O God (Psalm 139:23-24)
Search me, O God and know my heart.
    Try me and know my anxious thoughts.
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
    And lead me in the everlasting way.

I Am A Woman (CH#452)
I am a woman called to be a servant;
    Bound by the grace that Your love imparts.
Lord, make me humble, teach me to follow;
    Make me a woman of your heart.

I am a woman called to speak with wisdom;
    Shining a light that will lead to You.
Lord, give me courage to be Your witness;
    Make me a woman of Your truth.

I am a woman purchased by Your mercy;
    Bought by love that would spare no cost.
Lord, make me holy, loving You only;
    Make me a woman of your cross.



Scripture Study and Discussion: 
Psalm 1: A Blessed Woman
This text is taken from the NIV translation.  I have changed the words “man” and “he” to “woman” and “she” to personalize it for our study.  You could also change the words to “I” and “me”.

Praise, Prayers, and Time of Prayer
    Let’s take some time to share praises and prayer requests “…so that we may be mutually encouraged by one another’s faith.” (Romans 1:12).  Let us remember to pray for one another through the week.

More Precious Than Silver (CH#88)
Lord, you are more precious than silver.
    Lord, you are more costly than gold.
Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds,
    And there’s nothing I desire than more of you.

Make Me A Servant (CH#669)
Make me a servant, humble and meek
    Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.
And may the prayer of my heart always be:
    Make me a servant, make me a servant,
    Make me a servant today.

The Lord My Rock (Psalm 19:14)
Let the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in thy sight, O God.
Help me Lord to bridle my tongue
    and speak only words of grace.
And teach my lips to speak the language of love.

O Lord, my rock, my strength, my song
My king, and my redeemer.





 Questions for Discussion

1.    Who does the Lord watch over?









2.    What qualities does a righteous woman possess?










3.    What happens to the wicked?










4.    What does the Lord delight in?









5.    How can you be delightful to the Lord?