Lifework: Purpose of Marriage

Life Work:

Going to the Chapel and we’re gonna get married…

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Genesis 2:24 ESV

 Life Work Assignments:

(1)   The truth is most of us did not enter into marriage in an effort to show the world Christ’s covenant with the church. Instead, our reasons can be somewhat superficial. He was nice. He had a good job. He made us laugh. Think back about the reasons you entered into the marriage covenant. Were your reasons God honoring or self honoring? Be honest. If you find there were some selfish motivations, ask God to forgive you of those.

(2)   Marriage is designed by God. He knew we were not made to be alone. Yet, for us military wives, we spend much of marriage alone. But, God knew we would. Think about the ways you can use the design of marriage, showing covenant to the world, in a military marriage. What might that look like in times of waiting?

(3)   Our society is quick to end marriage. We are so quick in fact that many are ending it before it even starts with choosing cohabitation instead of the permanence of marriage. What are the dangers of this mentality? How does looking at marriage from such a disposable point of view seep into our minds as Christians? The rate of divorce is no different between those who claim to be Christians and those who don’t. Why do you think that is? What impact has society’s view on marriage had on us as believers?

(4)   Start thinking about the covenant of Christ and the church. What were the terms? What was the binding sacrifice? How did Christ view His bride? Begin to apply that covenant and that relationship to your own marriage. What are some ways you need to bend grace towards your spouse? What are some ways you need to display the covenant of the loving God with His people in your own home? How can you do that regularly?

(5)   Marriage is God’s doing and it is His design. How can remembering that help your marriage? How can it strengthen your marriage? Do you believe now that perhaps God designed marriage to make you holy, not happy? How does that change your actions?

Circumstance, Shmircumstance

Life Work:

Circumstance, Shmircumstance

Scripture Memory Verse:

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

-        Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

 Life Work Assignments:

1.)    Take an honest assessment of yourself. Do you find yourself dependent on circumstance and independent of Christ? Or do you rely wholly and completely on Him alone and are independent of external circumstance, that is content?

2.)    The truth is most of us are pulled and pushed by circumstance. They determine our mood. They determine our attitude. They determine our actions. They control us. Circumstance usually gains control over us through our thoughts. Take a look at your thoughts and compare them to Philippians 4:6-9. Where are your thoughts coming from? Magazines or tv shows? A negative group of friends? Constant self-centered thinking? What do you need to do to make your thoughts reflect Philippians 4:6-9?

3.)    Look at Hebrews 11. Look up some of the stories of those mentioned in this Chapter. Answer these questions for the people listed in this chapter:  What was their circumstance? How could they have been swayed by it? What natural emotions might you have felt in their circumstance? How did they go against their natural inclination to depend on circumstance and how did they depend on God?

4.)    Read some verses on thoughts and attitudes. Meditate on them. Think about what they meant for the writer. Do some research about who wrote these verses and what they mean.

5.)    Contentment, regardless of what is going on around you, is a learned behavior that starts with knowing God’s truth. If you find yourself being pulled by what is going on in your circumstances, get into God’s word. Start learning His promises to you and memorize them. Speak them to yourself when you find yourself being pulled. Renew your mind daily. Read Hebrews 4:12 and Romans 12:2. Renewal is a process. It is done over and over again. God’s word is the only way to learn this process.

6.)    One of the greatest ways we can become dependent upon God instead of circumstance is to turn every fear into a prayer. When a thought pops into your mind that encourages you to become dependent on circumstance, turn it into a prayer.

Week 2- Spiritual Gifts

Life Work:

Finding and Using your Spiritual Gifts

Scripture Memory Verse:

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…”- Romans 12:4-6

Life Work Assignments:

1.)    Now that you “know” your spiritual gifts (if you don’t, take an assessment), you have no more excuses! Now it is a matter of praying for and finding opportunities to use them to STRENGTHEN OTHERS. Start looking around you. There are broken people everywhere. How can you strengthen them today? How can you use your gift to increase their faith through a difficult storm? Pray John Piper’s prayer, “Lord, Oh how I want to strengthen people’s faith today. Grant that at the end of this day somebody will be more confident of Your promises and more joyful in your grace because I crossed [her] path.”

2.)    In addition to gifts given to us by our Heavenly Father, He also gives us talents and passions. Make a list of your talents and passions. This will reveal other ways you can STRENGTHEN OTHERS.

3.)    Operation: Hope Front is growing! We are adding new ladies to the group and preparing for a conference in May. Think about ways your gifts, talents and passions can be used in this group. So often God is wanting us to go into our sphere of influence and shower those around us such as the ladies in this group and our families with our gifts, talents and passions so that we may STRENGTHEN OTHERS. Look around and find opportunities. Start something. Do something. Move forward. You will be surprised to see how God will allow that to move you from outside your own problems and issues into doing something that matters eternally.

4.)    If you haven’t figured it out yet, the purpose of these Holy Spirit helpings of abilities are to STRENGTHEN OTHERS. Walk around your world with that distinct purpose. Do it everywhere you go. If you know you have the gift of mercy and see someone hurting, take the time to sit with them and listen to them. If you know your gift is that of teaching, find someone who is a new believer or an unbeliever and offer to sit with them and teach them about God’s word. Christianity isn’t a “book knowledge” faith. You have to DO something with what you learn from His word!

Week 1- Ebenezer Stones

Life Work:

Ebenezer Stones

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

Life Work Assignments:

1.     It is so easy to get caught up in the past. Past mistakes. Past regrets. Past accomplishments. Take an honest look at how you are caught up in the past. The word “dwell” means to live in, to make one’s home. How are you setting up shop and living in your past life or choices? How is that keeping you from seeing the “new thing” God is trying to do in your life?

2.     Sometimes, we need to dwell on our past. Our past with God. The ways He has delivered us. The ways He has kept us safe or prevented something from happening. But, also the ways, He has carried us through the most difficult of circumstances. Continue reflecting on your own personal “Ebenezer Stones” or stones of help-things, people or events that have happened that God used to remind you of His presence. Create your own Ebenezer reminder. Maybe you go for a walk, praying about the ways God has helped you this past year and take some things you find such as rocks with you. Maybe you create a bracelet or piece of jewelry to wear and remind you of your Ebenezer’s. Maybe you write something and keep it tucked in your Bible. Just create a physical reminder of how God has shown himself to you this past year.

3.     After we dwell on our past with God, we need to start looking forward. If you haven’t already, complete a Spiritual Gifts assessment. Start praying about how God wants you to serve this ministry and others. Ask Him to reveal how He wants you to use your gifts!

Weariness Life work

Life Work:

Come all you weary…

Scripture Memory Verse:

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  

-Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV

 Life Work Assignments:

1.)   Complete the three steps Sara Horn mentioned from Joanna Weaver’s Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World:

1.      Make a list of all activities you and your family do.

2.      Pray over that list and prioritize it, assigning each a number from one to four.

3.      Eliminate all the fours.

2.)   Think about the word “renew” and that meaning “exchange of strength.” Start practicing “exchanging strength” with God. When you feel overwhelmed, turn it into a prayer and ask God to exchange strengths with you.

3.)   Start each day like Christ did. Go to your Father first thing. Bring your to do list to your prayer time and ask Him to help you complete the “one thing” He has in store for you for that day. Ask Him to help you get done what He desires you to get done, not just what you think needs to be accomplished.

4.)   When someone asks you to do something for them or to be a part of a group or committee, start responding with, “Let me pray about it.” Then, PRAY about it! If you find yourself not having a peace or clear answer about taking on the task, politely decline. Even Jesus did not help every person he came in contact with. He chose based on who his Father wanted him to help.

5.)   Read “Slow Down” on page 159 of Faith Deployed. How can you eliminate some “hurry” in your life? Schedule at least one day a week where you and your family have NOTHING planned. Use it as a day to renew yourselves.

Lesson/Lifework: Difficult Times

Difficult Times

Introduction: It has been said that we are all either going into, in the midst of or coming out of a storm. Suffering and difficult times can be the one thing that can keep us from deepening in our faith. The question of why a good God allows certain things has been asked by all of humanity. Today, we are going to look at the “whys”, “whats” and “hows” of difficult storms in our lives. Watch Nooma Video entitled, “Rain.”

Discussion:

I.                    Why does God allow suffering?

a.       On this sheet of paper, I want you to write down the top 5 difficult times in your life on one side. Keep it brief, just a word or sentence, no need to explain and you will not have to share these unless you want to. What are some of the general themes of our suffering? (Loss, disappointment, physical pain, military life)

b.      So, what is usually the first question that both Christians and non-Christians ask in the midst of a storm? (WHY?) Why? Why did God allow this to happen? Just off the top of your head, without giving specific answers about specific sufferings in your life, what are some of the “whys”?

                                                               i.      Let’s read Isaiah 55:8-13. First thing we need to understand about suffering: God’s ways are not our ways. While He MAY reveal to us some of the why’s in our various difficult storms, He will not reveal them ALL. There are reasons that will extend beyond our comprehension on this earth. Secondly, we need to recognize that EVERYTHING that happens on this earth that God allows is for one purpose and one purpose only: His glory. Keep these things in mind as we talk about difficult times.

c.       Let’s take a look at some of the reasons God may reveal to us as to “why” he allows us to go through a storm:

                                                               i.      To refine us:

1.       Proverbs 17:3

2.       1 Peter 1:6-8

a.       Trials and sufferings are tests. What would you say the main thing they test are based on these verses? (our faith and our heart)

b.      Why would God need to even test our faith? (because of all the junk and impurities that exist in our lives).

c.       We’ve got to keep in mind God’s ultimate goal for us. Let’s read Matthew 22:36-38. His goal for us is not our temporary happiness or comfort on this earth. Instead, based on this verse, what is it? (to love Him with all we have)

d.      Sometimes sufferings come as a way to lead us to complete devotion to Him and Him alone. Like the gold being refined in the the furnace, He will use the fire of trials to strip away all the impurities in our lives.

                                                             ii.      To grow, mature us or for a higher good:

1.       Romans 5:1-5: According to these verses, what is the ultimate result of suffering? (Hope) Notice this process though. It starts with suffering. The more and more we suffer, the more we persevere through trials. As we continue to persevere, God adds character to us. It is through this character that we ultimately find hope. Hope is what the world needs more than anything. Sometimes it is through our hope in the midst of what looks to be a horrible mess that others can come to know Christ. We’ve all said it, “If she can have hope in the middle of that trial, surely I can in the middle of my seemingly smaller one.”

2.       James 1:2-4: Suffering is used to complete us, making us lack nothing in our spiritual walk.

                                                            iii.      To show his power:

1.       2 Corinthians 12:9-10: God’s power is revealed in our weakness. Think about this. He can show His redemptive power in the midst of a powerful storm more so than He can through a life that is comfortable and untouched by difficulty. Which is more amazing: the man who falls from a 20 story building and lives or the one who falls from his bed and lives? God’s hand can be seen more in the stories that are riddled with hardship and heartache.

                                                           iv.      To become more like Christ:

1.       Philippians 3:7-12: To truly live out the Christian faith, we HAVE to be willing to lose it all, everything on this earth. We need to strive towards understanding our Savior and what He went through on our behalf, rather than striving towards a life that is completely comfortable and free from all heartache. Jesus experienced the most excruciating pain anyone on this earth has ever felt. He underwent torture, hatred, abuse, and the most horrific thing we as Christians can imagine, separation from His father as He took on every sin we ever committed. A lot of times we as Christians have this goal of using Christ to get us the life we want instead of the life God wants us to have.

II.                  What does suffering reveal?

a.       His Character:

                                                               i.      Most of us have a very warped view of who God is and what He is about. Some things God is not:

1.       He is not an insurance policy, where if you pray enough, go to church enough, tithe enough, He will keep bad things from happening.

2.       He is not a vending machine, where we insert our prayer coin, and push the button and He will give us what we want.

3.       He is not a cosmic killjoy, watching from high above in an effort to catch us messing up so he can smite us.

                                                             ii.      Suffering can reveal to us some of the truths of God’s character:

1.       His sovereignty:

a.       Psalm 3:4-5: Our next breath is dependent on God. How can suffering show us His sovereignty that is control in all situations?

2.       His goodness:

a.       Romans 8:28: Not all things will be good, but they will all be worked for our good. There is a difference.

                                                            iii.      Suffering can reveal our own failures and needs:

1.       Our sins and idols:

a.       Jeremiah 2:13: Sometimes suffering is the direct or indirect result of our sin. Sometimes it can force us to pry back our hands that are clutching idols, that is things in our lives that we have elevated to a position reserved only for our creator. What are some things we can put in the place of God that He can sometimes force us to suffer without in order to regain His rightful position in our lives?  (HUSBANDS- God will use deployment as a way for us to take away that idol of our husbands and replace it with our reliance on HIM alone, children, stuff, etc.)

2.       Our need for Him:

a.       Think back to the video. When did the baby realize he needed his father? Was it during the sunny, beautiful part of their walk or was it in the midst of the thunder and lightning? God is a relational God. Above all else, more than He wants you to do good, more than He wants you to follow His commands, He wants to have a relationship with you. Suffering will reveal our need for a relationship with Him more quickly and more dramatically than a life that has never seen hardship.

b.      C.S. Lewis said, “"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

III.                What should we do through our own suffering?

a.       Allow it to grow and refine our faith. Use it to ask God hard questions. Job did. Just be prepared if God says I can’t tell you the answers.

b.      Allow it to draw us nearer to Him:

                                                               i.      Psalm 22:24

                                                             ii.      Psalm 34:17-19

c.       Allow it to reveal our ministry:

                                                               i.      2 Corinithians 1:3-7: Your suffering will show you your ministry. You have all experienced military life and the hardships and challenges that go with it. Guess where God wants you to serve? Military wives. But beyond that, you each have a unique story, a unique experience, a unique suffering and guess what, God is going to use you uniquely in other ministries. If you’ve suffered a miscarriage or the loss of a child or fertility issues, guess who God might have you serve. If you’ve been through a divorce or difficulties in your marriage, guess who God might have you serve. If you’ve overcome addiction, eating disorders, or alcoholism, guess what? In addition, the fact that you have suffered will open you up to ministry of anyone who has suffered.

                                                             ii.      Remember, it does not last:

1.       Revelation 21:3-4: Suffering is temporary. It will only occur while we are on this earth. Eventually, God will remove all our suffering and all our tears and they will not even be a memory. We HAVE to keep this in mind.

IV.                How do we minister to those who are suffering?

a.       Never assume someone is ok based on their outward appearance. Consider Plato’s words, “Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” We all are going through, coming out of or in the midst of our own battles.

b.     

c.       Don’t offer contrite responses or minimize their pain with “It could always be worse, at least ________, etc.” Recognize and acknowledge their hurt.

                                                               i.      Proverbs 14:10: Don’t think of someone else’s suffering as minimal. Suffering is relative. Each person’s struggles will be dependant upon what they have been through in the past and what God has done in their lives. Just because you might see something as not a big deal, it may be a tragedy in the life of another.

d.      Offer to journey with them.

                                                               i.      Job 2:11-13: This was perhaps the best thing Job’s friends did in the midst of his suffering. They just journeyed with him through his pain. They wept with him. Their hearts were broken for him.

                                                             ii.      Romans 12:15

e.      Pray for them:

                                                               i.      Often we cannot conjure up the right words or do anything to help someone but the best thing we can do is pray unceasingly.

f.        Encourage them through scripture:

                                                               i.      Send notes of scripture or emails. Just be sensitive to timing. When someone has just experienced a death of someone near to them, it may not be the best time to say, “God works all things for our good.” Allow the time of mourning, but then encourage them appropriately and as God leads you to scripture verses for them.

Conclusion: Look back at your list of your 5 greatest hardships. Just off the top of your head, on the other side of the paper write why God may have allowed it or what He has revealed through it. Does it point you to your ministry? Has he grown, refined or matured your faith? Did He reveal His character or power through it?

Life Work:

Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen…

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:2-4 NIV

1.   Make a detailed list of all the storms you’ve been through that you consider significant in your life.

2.   Next to each storm, pray and ask God to reveal one thing which He has brought through that storm: refining, growth or maturing of your faith or the faith of someone around you, revelation of His power in your life, forming us to be more like Christ, an aspect of his character, an idol we have or a sin, our need for Him or something else?

3.   What is your natural response to suffering or difficulty? Do you cry out to God? Do you allow Him to carry you? Or do you fight it with every ounce of your being? How can you allow trials to do their work in you better? Can you find joy in the midst of difficult times?

4.   Looking back at your list of storms, what ministries are you equipped for? As a woman, you are equipped to minister to women first and foremost. As a military wife or member of the military, you are equipped to minister to those in the military life. Now look at specific experiences: victim of sexual abuse, child of divorce, struggles with eating disorders, addictions or alcohol or maybe it is something less “severe”. Maybe you have always struggled with depression or anxiety. Maybe you have suffered from a low self-esteem or self-worth. Pray for God to reveal specific groups of women He wants you to minister to and then be ready for Him to put them in your path!

5.   How do you need to minister in someone’s pain right now? Or how do you need to be ministered to? Do you need to/need someone to journey through pain with? Do you need to/need someone to pray? Do you need to/need someone to encourage through scriptures? If you are in need, be sure you seek out someone you trust to minister to you during your difficult storm. People can’t read minds and sometimes we can suffer because we don’t let anyone know we are suffering!

Loneliness Life Work

Life Work:

All by myself…don’t wanna be, all by myself…anymore

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” –Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Life Work Assignments:

1.       Sometimes the first step in dealing with loneliness is admitting that we are in fact lonely. Most people don’t know what is going on inside of us, unless we let them in and tell them. If you are feeling lonely, first admit it to God. Tell Him why you think you are feeling this way. Is it because of your husband’s deployment? Is it because you are keeping your guard up with others so they can’t get in? Is it because you isolate yourself? Then, find someone who you think can be a friend to you during this time and admit it to them.

2.       Often times, we can make up stories in our heads about other people when in fact we ourselves are guilty of the same thing! Sometimes, we can say, “no one ever invites me out or tries to be my friend,” when in actuality we never attempt to invite others or be their friend. Actively try to engage people. Call someone up and ask them to do something with you. Sure, you might get rejected, but keep trying if at first you don’t succeed. Call others in this group or other “circles” in your life until you find someone who is willing to have another friend.

3.       Some of you may not be dealing with the feeling of loneliness in your life right now. Praise God for that! But, undoubtedly, you have experienced a season of loneliness. Be actively seeking those who are lonely and comfort them in their time of loneliness. What are some actual things you can do to show someone else they are not alone? Can you send them a card? Can you invite them over for dinner? Be creative and then, do it!

4.      Aloneness is not always a bad thing. If your husband is away or if you are just feeling as though you are in a season of loneliness, use it to grow closer to God. Use times of aloneness for prayer and studying His word. Converse with God as frequently as you do your husband when he is home and you will find your relationship with God grow abundantly. Share the same concerns you would share with your husband, with your Creator. Share your daily thoughts, just as you would with your husband, with God. The conversation we are suppose to carry on with God isn’t meant to last just in the morning, before a meal or at night before bed, it is meant to be continuous.

Trust (Night Study: 10/12 and Day Study: 10/14)

Life Work:

Wait for it, wait for it…

Learning to Trust

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

-Luke 11:11-13 NIV

 Life Work Assignments:

1.) Make a list of some things you have recently cried out “But I want it!!” to God. That is, what are some of the things you have wanted God to give you?

2.) Think about times when you prayed for things and God said no or not now because He had something better in store. Make two columns. In the first write “What I wanted” and in the second write “What I Got.” Then, list the things you asked for and what God eventually gave you instead. When you are feeling impatient or are lacking trust in God’s plan, reflect on those things

3.) Start looking at whether or not in your heart of hearts you trust God and that He has your ultimate good in store for you. If you find that you don’t truly trust Him, work that out with Him this week during your prayer time. Ask Him to increase your trust.

4.) Go to http://www.biblegateway.com/ and search the word “Trust”. Look at some Bible verses and stories that deal with trusting God. Make a box of 3x5 cards with verses on trust that you can refer to at times when you find yourself lacking trust.

Temptation (Night Study did this 9/28, Day Study will do 10/21)

Life Work:

Slow Fade

Scripture Memory Verse:

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 

-1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

 Life Work Assignments:

1.)   This week, try to recognize the temptations you have. What is enticing and alluring you to deviate from the straight path God set before you? Write down the temptations you are facing and pray to God to show you the way out. As you go through the week, write down what He reveals.

2.)   The best way to stop temptation from ever spiraling into full blown sin is to combat it with God’s truth. However, before you can do that, you need to know God’s truth. Take an honest look at how well you know God’s truth. Do you spend time in His word each and every day? If not, start having a daily time to read your Bible. Do you hide scripture in your heart? Remember Christ’s perfect example of how to combat the enticements and alluring promises of Satan: to quote God’s word directly. When we know God’s word by heart, we can immediately combat the lies and tantalizations of Satan.

3.)   Casting Crown sang words that ring true for so many of us, when they said, “The journey from your mind to your hands is shorter than your thinking/Be careful if you think you stand you might just be sinking/It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away/It’s a slow fade when black and white are turned to gray.” Slow Fade, Casting Crowns. Sometimes we think it is ok to focus our thoughts on things as long as we don’t act on them. But our thoughts can quickly become our actions. Take a real close look at what you think about and what you put into your thoughts, in other words the music, the television, the reading, or anything else that we focus on. Are there things that are lulling you into a slow fade? Do you need to turn away from certain places? Pray to God for the wisdom and discernment to show you areas in your life that could potentially turn black and white into gray.

Baggage

Life Work:

Baggage Check: Forgiving as we have been forgiven

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV

Life Work Assignments:

1.      Take some time to really think about what baggage you are carrying. Some of the ways you know you haven’t forgiven someone is that you: continually bring up the past action in current arguments or conflicts, seeing the person or place where it happened makes you feel the same hurts or pains, or if you wish something bad would happen to the person. Make a list of all the people you have not forgiven and pray to God to reveal areas of unforgiveness in your life.

2.      Start reflecting on what God’s gift to you meant. There was a time where you have hurt someone or not done what God wanted you to, yet He forgave you. What would your life have looked like if everything bad you ever did was never forgiven?

3.      Love. Do Good. Bless. Pray for. This is what we are supposed to do towards those who have hurt us. Take a sheet of paper and make 5 columns. Set it up like this:

NAME

LOVE

DO GOOD

BLESS

PRAY FOR

In the first column, list all the people you have not forgiven from Life Work Assignment #1. Then, for each person write specific actions, you can do to LOVE, DO GOOD, BLESS, and PRAY FOR each person. Keep in mind, forgiveness is an action so DO the things you have written down.

4.      Rob Bell talks about that there are some situations in which forgiving is not forgetting. Situations of abuse or extremely unhealthy relationships may require us to get away from the relationship or set up boundaries. If one of the people you have not forgiven falls into this category, think about ways you can forgive without being in the same negative situation. Sometimes all we can do is pray for someone. Sometimes we may need professional help to create boundaries or get to a safe place, away from that situation. Do whatever it is that you need to do in those types of relationships.

Ladies who attended- What did God reveal to you about your own baggage this week? Anyone want to share some forgiving ACTIONS He prompted you to take????