Category: 90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Welcome to day two of Jesus–90 Days with the ONE and ONLY.

“How can this be?”

I have said this in a little different wording, more like: “Lord, I don’t know how you can do this.” Some of our sister, Wanda’s last words were, “I don’t understand.”

It’s all about the same thing – trust.

Trust goes beyond hoping so – it’s believing with all our heart. Mary did question, but she also believed. When we look at things through human eyes sometimes there seems no way – but with God – He is “the way, the truth and the life”.

When we add Him in the equation it balances out every time. Our circumstances may be like Algebra: when you figure out what the variable is, or what “x” equals, and put the answer in for “x” – it works every time! In our life equation “x” = God! He’s the answer.

Beth asked, “What would we do if God never called us to greater things that were more His size?”

Maybe we need our faith to speak up and go ahead and request the “biggie” like, instead of : “Lord, save my child,” say: “Lord save him, and saturate his life with the Holy Ghost, and use him to be a mighty man of God!”

When Mary actually trusted and surrendered everything to the Holy Spirit she said, “Lord I am your handmaid.” In other words, “Whatever Lord – I trust you!” This is the biggie!

I once read somewhere that “Faith is like holding a hand in the dark.” Maybe it is dark where you are in your life – just keep holding His hand.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for this time with You. You are my faithful friend. Thank You for sending Your “One and Only” Son to save me. Help my desires mimic your desires, making me more like You. I pray a special blessing for those today that are joining with us on this 90 day journey that You would draw us close and breathe on us with your presence. Help us answer “yes, I am your handmaid” to everything you’ve called us to do–In Jesus name–Amen.

Join us back here tomorrow for another day with Angie, as we journey on. Don’t forget to read in your own book and make your own notes!

Keeping the faith,

Aimee

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The Bible Study will follow this post. We would like to thank each of you for joining and participating with us on this journey! Just a couple of things to know as we begin: We will be taking turns writing the devotions on each day and will be using the comment section to respond to each one of you! We regret that, with the time involved, we won’t be able to ‘visit’ each one individually everyday, but will stop by as time allows.

The weekends will be yours to study and reflect on your own. Feel free to share with us any nugget you take away from those two days! We will meet each of you back here each Monday morning (barring any computer problems that may arise—as I have had this weekend—which prevented the scheduled posting of this blog!)

We want you to know that YOU are appreciated! And to show our appreciation to you, at the end of the Bible Study, we will be having a “give-away” among the participants. I have a list of names, but some may have had something come up. So we will use the comment section and my e-mail inbox, as well as anyone that attends church with Aimee or myself that may be following along and can’t comment. Just be sure you let us know that you are reading along and studying with us!
We are expecting amazing growth in our own spiritual lives–and in yours as well! Keep us updated on how things are going for you. Invite someone to join us on this journey!
Above all—keep the faith,
The Sisters,
Aimee & Angie

Welcome to day one of Jesus– 90 Days with the ONE and ONLY.

Give Him the Name Jesus.

Jesus. What do you feel when you hear His name? Power? Peace? Comfort? For me, all of those and more.

Beth Moore asks the question: “What hope does He stir up in your spirit?” I listed out several things —-as just saying His name in my mind pushed the play button of my life’s tape. I saw myself at various times “relying solely” on His name. Remembering lying prostrate on the floor crying out His name is usually first in my heart and mind. I felt the peace that only His name brings.

It is hard to fathom what might have been Mary’s feelings being told this news. Trying to “place myself” in her shoes, I think I would feel completely unworthy. Totally aware of my own human nature—afraid of failing El Olam, the Eternal God, the Everlasting God.

El Roi–the God who sees. Nothing is hidden from His view. Aimee and I shared a recent devotion from Psalm 139. The psalmist David said “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise.” That is the perfect picture of God’s all seeing, all knowing eye. His eyes are omniscient. I wrote in the margin of my book, “nothing is hidden from His view.”…Nothing. He’d been watching Mary’s life. He had been watching the way she was brought up. He watched and knew her obedient and willing heart. It was not one put on for show. It was honest. Sincere. Considering that nothing is hidden from His view, I wonder if Mary tried to recall any part of her life for closer examination. I know that every single time I have been asked to participate in a project—or take on a new assignment for the LORD, my shortcomings and all the areas I feel unqualified in come rushing to the forefront of my mind like the ocean waves crashing on the shore. I wonder if this happened to Mary.

Beth reflects a bit on the “whereabouts” of Mary—suggests what she might be doing. I don’t know why I have always thought this—but for some reason, I have always pictured Mary in the barn–doing her daily chores. Going about her daily routine…perhaps she was contemplating God. Maybe–singing a song of praise to the top of her lungs! Or quietly humming to herself.

No matter where she was—it is evident—she was alone. As Aimee and I discussed recently—knowing that Mary was alone gives us reason for reflection in our own lives. Aren’t we usually “alone” when we feel the Lord speaking to our hearts? We feel that nudging in our spirits—that causes us to pause and lean in to Him for a listen? Has He ever told you something in the deep part of your heart/spirit that took your breath away? I imagine that for Mary—this visit from Gabriel—simply made her catch her breath! I can almost hear her intake of air as she realizes that she is no longer alone!

“Highly favored”, were the angel’s words. I have recently witnessed two different fathers expressing to their daughters their love and complete admiration for them. Not only for what they have accomplished in their lives…but just because they belong to them—they are part of them. They are proud of them—and it shows in the smiles—the love—and the words of affirmation. I think that is something that God was expressing through the angel Gabriel, “Mary, you are highly favored!”—Sort of even saying “He’s been watching your life!”

The exchange between Gabriel and Mary has always intrigued me. Many years ago I wrote a play for our church for a Christmas production. I found myself longing to have a “hidden camera” for the scene between this pair! Her racing pulse must have been evident to Gabriel because he quickly assured her with “fear not”. And, I like to imagine, when he spoke aloud the Name the infant was to be given —peace swept over her like a warm blanket. It does for me.

Jesus

A more powerful name does not exist. But not just because of the name itself—Beth relayed that it was a commonly known/used name in those days. However,it is the Owner of the name that brings the peace and power!

I was so blessed by this first day of study—as we joined Mary in the “barn” —(or wherever you have pictured her!) I was glad to be privy to this intimate conversation between the messenger of the holy God and the daughter He chose to bring His life into the world. I have really thought much about my own life—and how I conduct myself on a day-to-day basis. I know there are many times I fail. But as the microscope is targeted on my heart—I am allowing HIM to peel away the pain from the past years and create clean flesh—remove the stone—and the areas where I may have begun to harden due to some harsh realities of life. I WANT to be a fit vessel. I want to be considered “favorable” by Him.

I hope you have answered the questions she posted for us on page 5–these are personal reflective questions…I answered mine—laying my heart bare for HIM to know and see. I write in the margins of my book and use a highlighter as well. You do what suits you best! Above all—listen closely for what He may say to you in these 90 days! I am looking forward to this journey with you!

Father in heaven, thank You for this incredible Gift of life that YOU freely gave to each one who chooses to believe and follow Your path. I am unworthy of this on my own…but through the life, death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus—we are made worthy—His bride! Fill me with wisdom and knowledge as we study Your Word. Help us to be able to share this love with others! This incredible love! Thank you for this opportunity! We give You all the praise—in Christ’s name we pray~Amen.

Sisters of Faith—we journey on! Aimee will be sharing from her heart tomorrow—so read up! Be ready! I love you all!

Keeping the faith,

Angie

When this book first arrived on the shelves at LifeWay Christian Store I felt compelled to buy it. Right then. Trouble was, no money right then. So I waited. And waited. I soon forgot about it. More books arrived to pique my interest!

Around Thanksgiving last year, Wanda and I had discussed both of us getting this book and doing the study together. I thought “what fun”! I could picture it in my head…(I am a dreamer), us sitting together at my house or at hers, talking, learning, sharing over a cup of some sort of delicious tea—and of COURSE one of Jeff’s incredible cakes!

For my birthday this past year, Wanda gave me a gift card to LifeWay. She knew how much I enjoyed that store! She also bought one for Aimee—the baby sista—her birthday had been in August, but each one of us have a tendency to get so busy we sometimes are late with gifts for birthdays, you know how it can be sometimes!

I left work one day at lunch and scurried over to LifeWay, this was in December, a few days after my birthday, and knew exactly what I wanted when I walked in. This Bible study. I was already currently involved in a study, but I was excited about doing this one. I had in my mind to buy one for Wanda too, as a surprise for her birthday in February so that we could do the study together.

However, life changed. After Wanda left this life for the Greater Life, we stumbled around a bit—in search of ourselves. We are found in Him.

Wanda gave Aimee her gift card to LifeWay, about a week after I had received mine. It wasn’t until after Wanda had passed away that Aimee used her gift card.

Wanda was an exceptional mother and wife—like none other I have known. Today, she is with the One and Only! In His very presence! Oh, how I miss my darling sister. Even though I know she is happy and whole….I still miss those daily (sometimes 5 or more times a day) phone calls! I still miss her tiny frame sitting beside me in Wednesday Night Bible Study at church as well as on Sunday. Okay, I must stop here with this. Or the keyboard will become a bigger mess!
So as we open our books to discover more about Jesus, our One and Only, let us empty ourselves of self. Allow Him to be poured into our hearts as never before.

Something that I would like each of us to do as we begin, is put our heart’s desire onto paper. In black and white. A letter to our Lord and Saviour if you will. On the blank pages before the first study, write out what you NEED. What food you lack–nourishment for your soul. If you want to be more private (if you don’t want anyone to have access to your words), write in on a seperate page, seal it in an envelope and you may even want to secure (glue) the envelope to the inside of the hard cover of the book.

At the end of these 90 Days with Him, reflect back over what you have written to the Lord of your life. See where you are spiritually. I would also like to propose a challenge to each one of us participating. Earnestly seek Him about something that we might need to lay aside for this period of study time. Perhaps television, or maybe another form of entertainment that may consume your time—time that you can devote to studying His word. Maybe one meal per day. Maybe—-hold on to your seat—-maybe “dessert”—for this time. I leave that between you and God.

I’m only suggesting this. You may not feel led to lay anything aside. That’s fine. The point is to put our ALL into this study. Seeking the Lord each day with fervency before you go to your quiet place of study.

Okay—I am posting this in plenty of time. The comments will be turned on—feel free to interrupt—with your thoughts—we will go back and forth with the conversation —sharing what we think—and feel with one another! There’s still time to get your book if you don’t have one. Join us—I think it will be good!