May 26
Read Mark 1:9-13
I received this study at a seminar held by my BSF class. I attended this particular seminar because I just felt like I was supposed to. You know that feeling, like something beyond your control is tugging you a certain direction? That was the Holy Spirit. After going through the seminar and getting this material, I didn’t know what I was going to do with it. One suggestion was to have a neighborhood bible study, but my neighborhood consists of me, my husband, and 3,000 pigs! That night as I logged on to Facebook, the wheels in my head started turning. The idea of an online study where anyone from Oklahoma to Florida could participate began to form. Again, that was the Holy Spirit. God uses the Holy Spirit to direct us and show us what we are supposed to be doing to bring glory to Him. After I had created the blog and invited over 200 people, the doubts began to pop up. What if nobody wants to do it? What if it’s not what they expect? What if? What if? Just because we are doing the right thing doesn’t mean we will always feel right about it. Even Jesus was tempted by Satan! (To read a more detailed account, check out Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) When we follow the Holy Spirit and do what God is calling us to do, we are not immune to Satan’s temptations. But the good news is, God is more powerful than Satan! “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18 NIV) So, let’s start doing what God is calling us to do, let’s do our best to live the way God wants us to live, and maybe someday we will hear the words “You are my son/daughter, with you I am well pleased.”
Principle: The Holy Spirit anoints for service after which testing may be expected.
Application:
1. How have I affirmed Jesus Christ as God’s Son?
2. How will I choose to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading even when the way is lonely and drab?
3. How am I allowing trials to strengthen me for the service God gives me?
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"Wild animals and angels"...don't we all have some of both? In my life are a few people who rip me or what I do and others who encourage me and strengthen my faith. The wild animals keep me on my knees. They force me to depend on God. The give me opportunities to learn to love my enemies and bless those who curse me. The angels keep me in the game. They remind me that what I do is important. They help me keep my eyes on the mission. Some of you who read this have been an angel to me. For example, it is incredibly gratifying to see someone who grew up in my church leading an online Bible study. Thanks Sarah. You're an angel.
ReplyDeleteIt is a difficult lesson, I think, but a good reminder that the Holy Spirit can and will lead us into and through tough times and periods of trial. Sometimes I expect the Holy Spirit to indentify the bad stuff ahead and help me avoid it altogether. But we are given trials for a reason (just like Jesus) and I must remember that it is God's Spirit who will help me through them.
ReplyDeleteSometimes as the end of the BSF year I just want to have "me" time. Big sigh of relief and let's take a break. Seems maybe that is part of the testing too. Following the leading of the Holy Spirit isn't just for the task, but for the day by day living in Christ. I am already blessed by this study. Delighted to be led by my daughter, and to see part of God's work through BSF continue and grow. Thanks Sarah!
ReplyDeleteIt is very refreshing that Jesus was tempted too, but he was Perfect! And we are so Unperfect. Sometimes, I feel like I've messed up so many times that I'm sure he's tired of hearing my prayers of repentence. Reading and thinking about Jesus being tempted reminded me of one of my favorite verses: 1st Corinthinas 10:13 it says that: "No temptation has seized you excpt what is common to man. God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you are able, but when you are he will provide a way of escape." I love this promise! When we do go through trials and temptations, it is definitly something that we can handle, but only with his strength. Not on our own, but with him, we can conquer trials and temptations.
ReplyDeleteYes, We do have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. The hard part is listening to the Holy Spirit when tempted and not beliving the lies that the world tells us.
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice reminder that even Jesus was tempted and had to rely on the Holy Spirit to keep Him strong. Jesus was the perfect son of God. So for me as a sinner I will need to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me more. I need to stay in God's word and strengthen my relationship with Christ to make this task come as second nature.
Continuing Bible Study after BSF is a great start for this. Thanks for listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I think it's interesting that "at once" after having an awesome God encounter Jesus is sent into the desert. I know in my life that times when I feel closest to God are often followed by “desert” times where I face trials and must rely on the Holy Spirit to know that God has promised that he is right there, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Maybe God gives us those encouraging times, those glimpses of Him, to carry us through the desert times. What a great comfort and humbling thought to know that even Jesus had to be tempted by Satan and protected by angels.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your willingness to follow through with this online Bible study, such a great idea. Being a nerd, I have a routine of things that I check daily online, it's fantastic to have something encouraging that I can view and give my input as well. Thanks for encouraging me along with others around you.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, I think the first few verses here are a lot about encouragement. I had the privilege of being baptized by my own father, and I remember him saying "this is my son, with whom I am well pleased." This meant a lot to me, the affirmation by him that he was pleased with the direction my life was going. Since we are created in the image of God, I can only imagine that hearing this was very encouraging to Jesus. It was just the encouragement needed to help him through the upcoming trials.
James 1: 2-3 says: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Trials grow and mature us into people that God can use to reach the people around us. Without them we wouldn't grow. Considering it "pure joy" is far easier said than done, but this verse helps me have a positive attitude about the trials to come. Jesus is of course our perfect example; I pray that I can withstand temptation so that it will flee from me, just as we are told Jesus did in the desert.
Sarah, dear one, maybe this would be better as a personal message, but I feel so incredibly privileged to know you. I have known you in many different roles, but I love knowing you this way. I also love that I have access to the thoughts of many who have been on this journey longer than me! Additionally, we (Joe and I) mentioned...I mean BRIEFLY mentioned this online study to our students, and they became excited about the idea. These are kids we have been trying to get excited about the Word for some time, and all the sudden, we have a way to deliver the Word to their world! Sarah, this is incredible. The Spirit spoke, you responded, and now, a whole other group, students you don't even know, will be touched because we are going to start posting bits of our own study for them. I think our Father is pleased! This is what I have been praying for; Sarah thank you for opening our eyes!
ReplyDeleteSo, I'm a little behind on my comments. But, I think finding a way to serve is really difficult. I often think if only I could sing or if only I didn't work and could help with the programs that happen during the day. I know there are things I'm good at. It's just difficult to find a way to put them to use.
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