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.



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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.