Bible Study - Matthew 5

Read Matthew 5

There are so many different points that I could make here. But I will keep it simple. Our natural reaction
when someone insults us, or asks something of us, is to push back or ask for something back. I caught myself doing this just yesterday. But Jesus tells us to give more than what was asked of us. Jesus tells us that when someone is mistreated, we are to help them up. When someone is rejected we are to accept them. And all these things we are to do in love.

Eye for Eye

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

We are here to create a culture of honor, and respect. We are here to be the body of Christ. And Christ is God; 

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
We are here to be love to those without love. To show them that they have worth, and that someone cares.
Do Something: Show someone love and respect when the world says they don't deserve it. Encourage those around you find their identity in Christ, not things of this world.

Who Are You?

Too often lately I have found myself questioning who I have become. I look ate my life and see only the bad things - the failures, the decisions poorly made, the opportunities lost - when I should be looking at the good things - the promises, the triumphs, the good choices, the lessons learned. The past few days I have stood in front of the mirror to look myself in the eyes and tell myself who I am, what my life is about, that everything will be ok because I am a child of God. I just need to trust Him; His timing is perfect. But the conscious decisions I make will also affect my outcome.

I want to share with you some of the things that I can remember saying through the Spirit one night. These were things that were reassurances of who I am and will be and are based off the question "Who Are You?"

Nothing is about you, it's all about God. You are a piece to His puzzle, a very important, unique and individual piece that is beyond compare. You are: Child of God, Heir to the throne of Grace, Athlete, Daughter, Friend, Counselor, Teacher, Follower, Leader, Servant, Passionate, Intelligent, Beautiful beyond compare, Gracious, Gifted, Humble, Honorable, Respectful, Loved by the most high God, Confident - Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Not your friends, not your enemies, and most importantly, not yourself.

Confidence and respect were the hardest for me to write down because I fail to see them as I look at even the good parts of my life. Many say I am respectful, but I know all to well that that is not true in all cases across my life. And some would venture far enough to say that I am confident in who I am, but I see a little girl cowering in the corner. But God is doing so much more in my life than I can see on the outside.

I want to encourage you next time you look in the mirror to look yourself in the eyes and declare God's blessings upon your life!

We won't accomplish anything in life if we say "God do with me as You will," then don't listen to anything He says! When we tell God that we are willing, we must truly be willing to do whatever He calls us to do. We need to trust Him with every choice that we make.

Bible Study - Acts 5

Ananias and his wife would not give wholly to God. We still do this today, whether we are scared of God, or do not trust Him.
Most of us have some part of our lives that we try to keep from God. But this ends up hurting us, for we are not putting our full trust in the LORD, out God, and King. Simply stated, if we fall to the enemy's will, we will surely die. As was the case for Ananias and his wife.

So great were the works of God through these men that people crowded the streets with the hope that Peter's shadow would fall crossed them.
We need to walk with such an expectance of God, that we are set apart from everyone around us. People should be able to walk by us and feel the presence of God just pouring out of our lives. This happens when we abandon ourselves completely to God, holding nothing back.

The Apostles were taken prisoners, in an act of jealousy, because of God's good works through them. However, an angel of the LORD came to the apostles, and released them of the shackles, telling them to keep teaching at the temple in Jesus' name. And so they did. When again they were taken to the high priest, he was determined to put the men to death. But it would not be so for a Pharisee, Gamaliel, spoke that Peter and the other disciples may live. For he said, "if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God."
I could speak at lengths about this, but I will keep it brief. nothing you seek to do yourself will work, it will fall apart, but if you are dependent on God, and His plan for your life, you will have success beyond imagination. It all comes back to trusting God, and giving Him your all.

This also relates to being the Bride of Christ, when you marry someone, you are giving them your entire life, trusting them to provide for you and keep you safe. How much more shall we put our trust in He who formed us in the womb?

Everything Happens for a Reason - Advice for Everyone (but mostly kids)

Everything that happens, happens for a reason. At times, things can, as life, feel backwards, upside-down, or inside-out. But if you can love those who hate you, can’t you make the best of even the most obscure situations? Darling, learn to question your situations that you may find the good in it, not to drain it of patience.

Bible Study - Esther 5

Esther’s Request to the King

1 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.2 When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

3 Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.”

4 “If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”

5 “Bring Haman at once,” the king said, “so that we may do what Esther asks.”

So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared. 6 As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, “Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”

7 Esther replied, “My petition and my request is this: 8 If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”

Haman’s Rage Against Mordecai

9 Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai. 10 Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home.

Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife, 11 Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. 12 “And that’s not all,” Haman added. “I’m the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow. 13 But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.”

14 His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself.” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the pole set up.

Esther faced death by going before the king unannounced, but because God was with her, Xerxes was not compelled to do her any harm. God sent Esther to be his servant, and He strengthened and helped her.

Isaiah 41

9 I took you from the ends of the earth,

   from its farthest corners I called you.

I said, ‘You are my servant’;

   I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;

   do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Discuss:

All → If you were Mordecai, and knew how much the king’s highest man wanted you dead, would you still stand outside the castle gates for the sake of your niece(who you raised), and your people?