Study with Me - Chapter 12

Hello everyone,

Well it's been a fun few weeks of traveling and vacationing (part of the reason why this took so long) but back home and time to get serious and committed about my studies again. The Joyce Meyers conference was great and had some real good time of fellowship with my buddy that ended up joining me. I will be posting more on what I learned from her in the future.

Well again if this is your first time here, I am hosting a Bible study using the book "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyer. Jump in any time and comment or if you want you can go back and see what we have said in previous posts and chapters.

Chapter 12 - An Anxious and Worried Mind

What a great time for this chapter to come along. God's timing is great. With prices rising and jobs being cut it could be very easy for our flesh (our carnal being) to get in fear. Being worried and anxious can also cause us to take these cares on instead of giving them to God. What am I going to do about this? I have got to figure this out. If you look at both of those questions, it shows where our faith lies.... in I. Instead of focusing in the "am I" we need to being focusing on the almight "I am" - God.

1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (nlt)

I once heard that when we try to do things on our own, or figure them out ourself, it is like telling God you can handle it better than He can. Ouch! Give the problem to Him.

Worrry will not stop coming to us, we will always be able to find something to worry about.

John 10:10 says : The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (nlt)

We can't continue to focus on the storms of this life or what is going on in this world and expect God's blessings to flourish in our life. Where our focus is, is where our heart is, and where our faith is. We can however choose not to let it make a home in us. We can choose to trust God in and through the storms that come at us.

Read Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus Walks on Water 22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. (nlt)

Notice how when Peter had his eyes on Jesus, he too could walk on water. However the moment he looked at the storm - he started sinking. We need to set our sights and focus on God, now more than ever.

Isaiah 55:8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. (nlt)

Over the next few days pay attention to worried thoughts and anxious thoughts that come to you. Purposely focus on giving them to God.

Father I thank you that you are more than enough for all of us. I ask that you help us identify parts of our lives that we are trying to fix on our own. Help us to release those areas and lean on you. I don't need to know how you will protect us, I just need to receive it. Thank you for your wisdom and discernment that you give to each of us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Have a Blessed Week everyone!

Lynn