Welcome

Hello, and welcome to Study His Holy Word.

This blog site has been active for quite some time now, but truly was not successful the first time around. Therefore, I am trying it again, with a special group of people that are involved in the "40 Days of Prayer" Series at my church. I am recommending that the individuals in my group use this blog site to reflect upon our daily exercises, have discussions regarding each day's lesson and just share any thoughts or feelings you may have. I think this will be a wonderful way to share our information and who knows......maybe we will get some "outsiders" to join in as well. Anyway, I will post on here EVERY day what my thoughts and feelings are about the exercise, so feel free to comment all you want. I hope we find this to be a very valuable tool.

"And all God's people say.....AMEN!"

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Week 3: Day 4

The verse in Timothy was a wonderful verse, but now that it mentioned Lois and Eunice I am going to have to research them more and learn more about them. I like the recap sentence that was in our book that stated "The faith that lives in him is the result of the faith that lived in them." I can only hope that the people in my life receive some of their faith from my influences.

God definitely worked in my life today. Brian had surgery today for a hernia and I was EXTREMELY nervous and worried for his well being. It wasn't a huge or overly dangerous surgery, but any time you are put under general anastesia there is always the risk of complications. I can't explain how worried I was the entire time, and was very happy with the Dr. finally came out and told us that everything went well.

That's how God worked in my day today.....did He do anything special for you today? Share with us if you feel compelled to do so.

God Bless
Lori

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Week 3: Day 3

So, what is God doing? This set of exercises has really made me examine my relationship with Him. It is easier for me to pray to Him, glorify Him, praise Him, and just generally converse with Him since these exercises began. It is easier when each day I am instructed to read certain scripture and then have questions or reflections to concentrate on and evaluate. I guess sometimes I work my best when I am simply just told what to do!

I definitely am feeling like I need to worship, pray, reflect, and love Him more. I find myself being pulled more and more toward His presence. I want to be with Him more, to give Him more of my time, effort and energy. I find myself dreaming of a time when I don't have to work so many hours and can devote more time doing His work. I want to be a better disciple, to help others more, to give more and to live more simply. God is definitely trying to tell me something.......hopefully I will be able to figure out just what sometime soon.

God Bless.....until tomorrow!

Lori

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Week 3: Day 2

This exercise really took me by surprise this evening. See, Drew and I were emailing back and forth today about how "OPEN" I am. I was getting concerned that this was not such a good thing sometimes. Drew was explaining to me how my openness challenges him and can often be challenging to others. But that more times than not this is a good thing.

Then on my way home I called Margie (My sounding board!) and asked her if my openness intimidated her, or made her feel uncomfortable at times. We had a long conversation about how open and sometimes brutally honest I am.

Both of these conversations ended with these individuals reassuring me that my openness is part of my nature, part of my faith, and basically should not be a part of myself that I concentrate on changing. Thanks guys, I love you both!

Anyway, back to our exercise for the day. Saul's conversion in Acts is nothing short of a miracle. He "sees" the light and begins to do God's work immediately. Boy, do I wish it were that cut and dried for me! I can only wish that God himself would just open my front door, tell me what he wants me to do, and allow me to fulfill everything he places upon my shoulders!

Our Challenge for the week is to tell people about what God is doing in your life and to begin with individuals that we trust......well, I guess I am starting with my group (and the world) on this blog! God definitely worked in my life today with the conversations I explained above. He allowed me the time to have a conversation with both Drew and Margie and to absorb what they were telling me and then express my return feelings to them. God is making it clear to me, through their loving guidance, that I shouldn't change how open I am, and that my openness can allow others to feel safe with me and become more open themselves.

Challenge yourself this week to be a little more "OPEN" and share what God is doing in your life with someone whom you trust!

God Bless and Goodluck! God and I are both on your side!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Week 3: Day 1

How is God moving in your life? This was a lot harder for me to answer than I initially thought it would be. I read the verses over and over, and attempted to truly "see" how God is working.

This weekend I was at the "Women of Joy" conference and heard a lot of great speakers and musicians. I had some wonderful fellowship time with 7 other women, reflecting on our lives, relationships, etc. It was a great experience for me and I learned a lot from these women and the conference. One of the most important moments of the weekend, was when I was driving home with Margie and I confided to her that I don't know when the Lord is speaking to me, or if it's just my own voice telling me what I want to hear. It is hard for me to determine and I question myself constantly. The reason that this moment was so important to me was because she confessed to me that she is sometimes the same way. It put my heart at ease a little to know that I am not alone in this feeling.

Once I read the verse for today, I did that same action.....questioned myself over and over on how God is working in my life. A lot of time I truly don't know. I will attempt to share what I "think" God is doing, but as I said, I'm only guessing.

God is working in my life because my faith is becoming deeper and deeper a part of my life. I find myself asking myself daily on "WWJD" in every matter of my life. I feel my faith growing and thus my life is actually becoming harder on the outside of my faith.

God is working in my life because my outer relationships are being tried and I am having to defend my faith more and more to those closest to me. I am praying for Brian, Tawni, and others in my family to truly become Christians and accept the Lord as their savior, but as I pray for this more and more, it seems that they are getting further and further away from Him. I know that this is God working because being saved is NOT an easy process and is not just someone's prayer being answered.

God is working in my life because my thoughts of my future have totally changed since becoming a Christian. I was always looking for when my life would "start". I was always waiting for something, but I didn't know that what I was waiting for, was to become a Christian. Now that I have given my life to the Lord, I am no longer waiting for "whatever", it is here. HE is here.

Well, I've shared some of how God is working in my life. How is he working in yours?

God Bless and more tomorrow.
Lori

Friday, March 25, 2011

Week 2: Day 5

I am currently in Louisville, KY at the Women of Faith conference. This is my first time at this conference and I have already gotten SO much out of it that it has been worth every penny. I am here with Margie Ropp, and 6 other new friends that I have met today. These women are all wonderful people and it is fun getting to know new Christian Followers.

In order to be a good "Leader" and to fulfill the contract that I signed to complete this 40 days of prayer, I brought my laptop, bible, and Faith and Sharing booklet with me on my trip. Reading Mark 10:13-16 this evening made me think of the special children in my life. KK, Wyatt, Blane and our new addition Miss Faeth. I definitely have prayed for them tonight and had them in my heart. The scripture that we read for today tugged at my heart because I didn't understand why the disciples would rebuke the children from touching Jesus. Jesus states "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." This means so much to me, because it simply means that we all must trust and believe in God in a naive, and innocent manner. Children are blunt, honest, and innocent, which most of us should be when it comes to loving God. He knows EVERYTHING even before we talk to him, or show him, so as adults we can't "trick" him, we can't lie to him, or try to convince him of things that aren't the full truth. This is basically what this scripture means to me because we should be totally honest, innocent, and naive "as a child" when approaching Jesus.

So, let the Lord take you in his arms as he would a "child" and pray for him to bless you the same way he blessed the children.

God Bless and I will post again tomorrow evening.

Love,
Lori

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Week 2: Day 4

This story from Luke definitely hit home for me today. I just prayed yesterday with Pastor Drew for a part of my life that is "bleeding". To be perfectly honest, there are several areas in my life that are bleeding; patience for some issues with Brian, money management, my work life, etc. I said a prayer this evening for all of these "bleeding" items. I have trouble surrendering control sometimes to the Lord, but this is one of those times when I really need to release it all to Him. Not only that, I need to be there to teach Brian to reach out to God as well.

I have made the decision to discuss with Brian his need for our Savior and Lord. The scripture in our Faith and Sharing book is definitely one that I will use when we have our conversation. Romans 10:14 is the perfect verse to share with him during this discussion. We have talked about it previously, but the conversations have always been "superficial" We haven't had an in depth, full discussion about my feelings about him needing to seek the Lord. I am going to the "Women of Joy" conference this weekend and that will give me 3 wonderful, faith filled days to think and contemplate this conversation. Then, I will be ready for our conversation when it happens.

"Heavenly Father, give me the strength and wisdom to be a positive and educational disciple to my husband. That is one of the biggest parts of my life that I feel is "bleeding" right now and I need to grab hold of your hem and not release it, but allow myself to be dragged along with you during this difficult time. Please place the correct words in my mouth and the warmest feelings in my heart during our conversation. Please speak to Brian and allow him to reflect upon his feelings and open his heart to your love for him. In your heavenly name......Amen"

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Week 2: Day 3

I read the entire Luke 15 chapter, as our book suggested. It was an incredible story that makes a very valid point about who God searches for and making it easy to understand why he seeks the "1".

I found this very interesting after the day I have had. Work was VERY hard today, all relationships were hard, homelife was hard, etc. Anyway, I have prayed A LOT today and have asked God to be with me and to give me the strength I need to get through my trials today. Let's just say that I am hoping that he "searches" for me as the lost sheep, coin, and/or son.

More important than that, I am praying that He is searching for Brian. Brian is most like the lost coin. It seems that he is "hiding" behind the couch, in the cracks of the wood floor, or maybe even inside the vacuum bag. Now, I am just praying that the Lord uses me and my faith to flush Brian out of his hiding place and puts him right in the path of the Lord so that he can't be missed and finding him will be easy.

Who do you find to be the "1" in your life? How do you think you can be a disciple and help the Lord "find" that person?

God Bless and have a GREAT Thursday!
Lori

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Week 2: Day 2

What would I put on my altar to God once it was built? Well, let me first say that as I imagined building my altar, I imagined that it will never be finished. I will continue to build upon my altar as I walk with Him each day for the remainder of my days here on earth and after I leave this world. In a way, this blog is part of my altar....I am "building" my relationship with the Lord each day of this journey and I can't even explain what this experience has done for my faith.

What would I "offer up" to Him? Goodness, that's a hard one to answer because there are several things that I would give to Him. I would love to spend more time studying His Word as this blog is titled. I do give as much time as possible with all my obligations in this world, but boy do I wish there were more hours in each day simply to be "with" HIM! I have given him a habit that I have broken since my walk with Him began and even though I am not sharing here what that habit was, let me tell you that it was a very hard to give up!

As I continue to pray for Brian (the person on my heart) I am hoping that his altar will begin to build soon.

God Bless you all......until tomorrow.....Goodnight!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Week 2: Day 1

Wow! I had never read this scripture (Romans 8:31-39) before. I haven't made it all the way through the bible yet and this was one portion I hadn't gotten to.....man I had sure missed a good one. I think I feel almost "invincible" like God's love for me makes the whole world conquered on my behalf!

In our lesson it states to "receive that love anew and dwell in it richly" I will be certain to do that all this week!

We are ALL loved by God regardless of our past, our actions, our thoughts, our behaviors, etc. etc. It's amazing to me that there is that kind of unconditional love, but this scripture proves it!

How did this scripture make you feel? What are your thoughts and comments?

God Bless!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Week 1: Day 5

Acts 8:26-40 feels like it speaks to me personally. I feel like Philip sometimes and that I have been guided to speak to someone that is not "saved" or an unbeliever, or to be with someone that doesn't quite understand God, the Holy Spirit, or scriptures. This role confuses me, because I am such a "new" Christian myself, that I don't know enough about the scriptures to use as examples. I can't imagine having the duty to baptize someone immediately after they accepted the Savior into their lives.

My prayer today was for Brian and that he may open his life to Jesus, accept the Lord as his savior and decide one day to be baptized and become a true Christian in his heart.

What were your prayers? Who does this scripture make you think of, or pray for.

Give me your thoughts.

God Bless!
Lori

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Week 1 Day 4

What do I like about Heartland? Are you kidding me? I like EVERYTHING about Heartland. I like everything from the actual building, to the Pastors, to the people, to the lessons, to the soap in the bathroom.

I feel like the disciples in Acts 2: 42-47. We are a small congregation, so I feel like those first few disciples that would get together and worship. Heartland is such a loving, caring, and welcoming place. It is definitely like family.

I am going to a conference tomorrow on how to "market" our church, so I am hoping that I learn how to communicate to others my true feeling of love that I have for my church. God loves me and has shown me so much lately, that I can't wait to share His love with others by inviting them to HCC.

I hope you are enjoying this 40 days of prayer so far. I am truly getting the most out of this experience.

God bless you all.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Week 1: Day 3

The scripture for today Luke 9:18-27 is interesting on many levels. First of all, at the beginning of this passage, Jesus is asking what the crowds call him; as if he were worried about popularity, and then asking the disciples (his "friends") what they call him. This hit home with me because sometimes it is hard to know what people think of you when you are truly a Christian. And it is also hard to accept that we truly shouldn't care what people think of us here on earth, because it is our eternal life after our death that truly matters.

Also, when Jesus informed his disciples that everyone will reject him and he will die on the cross, he also stated that if they want to be with him that they must die as well. My favorite verse in this week's lesson is:

"25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?"

In my opinion that pretty much sums it up! Let me know your thoughts.

Until tomorrow......God Bless!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Week 1: Day 2

This scripture (Ephesians 2: 1-10) really got to me. I hadn't read it before and it is SO hard to believe that God loves us that much that he gives us eternal life simply by his grace. I believe that we all "gratify the cravings of our sinful nature" from time to time, but this passage states that because of HIS great love we are made alive again with Christ. It is such a blessing to be loved by God in this way.

It talks about being saved by grace and through faith. My faith has definitely grown today after reading these verses.

Let me know how the rest of you feel and we will definitely discuss this lesson on Sunday. Thanks and I will see all of you soon.

God Bless!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Kick off Meeting and Week 1 Day 1

Hello Everyone,

It was REALLY nice meeting with all of you today. I think we will have a really great group of people working together during this 40 days of Faith Sharing. I am very excited!

I have completed Week 1/Day 1:

Starting with Psalm 139 I thought was a great way to begin. The entire section of scripture was uplifting and enlightening as to how God knows each and every one of us even before we exist.

The text that really stood out to me were: "You have searched for me", "You knit me together in my mother's womb", "all of the days ordained for me were written in your book before none of them came to be" These text really made it stick in my mind that I am a creation of God and that he knows EVERYTHING about me even before it happens.

Brian and I discussed our reflections on this scripture. His account of when God was present in his life and leading him was when he truly accepted the thought of things should be done right, that it is easy for him to do that right thing because that's what God wants him to do and that is how he was raised.

My reflections were a little different. I have more direct contact with God at specific times that I can remember. There is NO doubt that God brought me to Brian in my life. I was meant to be with him and that he was the one for me, I just wish it hadn't taken so long in my life. God was also very present in my life last Easter when I gave my testimony and became a member of HCC.

What are your reflections? What scripture pieces spoke to you? You can let us know here, or just write them in your book and we will discuss them later.

Thanks again for being in our group and I look forward to the next 40 days with you.

God Bless!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

40 Days of Prayer

Hello All,

This blog is a blog that I created some time ago and it never really "took off", but I did think we could use it as a tool to communicate about the 40 days of prayer. I picked up all of the booklets last night at church and will distribute those on Sunday during our first meeting. Don't forget that we are meeting during Sunday School Time in the Sanctuary. I felt this time was best, since we will all be there for church anyway!

I am preparing as best I can in order to "lead" this group; however, your feedback, comments, contributions, etc. are GREATLY appreciated and invited.

My thoughts are that after each day's "exercise" that individuals could share some of their thoughts, feelings, reactions, etc. on this site and the rest of us could discuss via this blog.

If I have it setup correctly you will ALL get an email when I post a new message and you can always reply to my blog messages.

I am looking forward to sharing the next 40 days with all of you in learning more about God's Word.

God Bless and I will see you all on Sunday!

Lori