My being an excellent woman does not really depend on anyone else; it depends on my deciding that I will be God’s woman who fears Him, who derives her worth and security from Christ, and who is then free to serve and love others. p.108
Proverbs 31
Note the characteristics of excellence that the Proverbs 31 woman exemplifies.
Romans 8:28,29 What is our assurance?
I Corinthians 1:4-9 How does this assure us?
Phil 1:6 How does this assure us?
Phil 2:12,13 How does this help us in life?
Make these personal to your life today.
Determine what you need to work on.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
The Story of A Tomb
The Story of A Thumb
It is fitting that this story be told on Easter. It seems just like yesterday, that I was asking for prayer because Fred chopped off the end of his thumb. Many times in the last six weeks, the prognosis seemed questionable. There were times as I looked at the injury, that my faith was not believing what my eyes saw. How like God to teach me once again that faith is not sight. God does not do things because we believe. He does things to increase our faith and to be glorified. I stand amazed. Today as I looked at Fred’s thumb, there were no visible signs of stitches. The thumb has reattached and is growing back. As the dead skin scabs and peels off, new skin is growing underneath.
This reminds me of the story of Easter. In fact it could be called the Story of the Tomb. It was then that God showed us that He could take what was dead and give it new life. The blood of my Savior crucified and resurrected gave us opportunity for life with Him for all eternity. That same Savior forced blood from a thumb that was living to a part that was dead and made it alive again. Our family has witnessed God’s power in a miracle that we will never forget. What could have discouraged and depressed us pushed us to be blessed by the Healer and Comforter. My God reigns.
As the thumb heals and the story is told, there will continue to be many more paragraphs and chapters to be written of other God stories in the life of the Gratto family. Blessings to you all and many thanks for your prayers and concern for us.
It is fitting that this story be told on Easter. It seems just like yesterday, that I was asking for prayer because Fred chopped off the end of his thumb. Many times in the last six weeks, the prognosis seemed questionable. There were times as I looked at the injury, that my faith was not believing what my eyes saw. How like God to teach me once again that faith is not sight. God does not do things because we believe. He does things to increase our faith and to be glorified. I stand amazed. Today as I looked at Fred’s thumb, there were no visible signs of stitches. The thumb has reattached and is growing back. As the dead skin scabs and peels off, new skin is growing underneath.
This reminds me of the story of Easter. In fact it could be called the Story of the Tomb. It was then that God showed us that He could take what was dead and give it new life. The blood of my Savior crucified and resurrected gave us opportunity for life with Him for all eternity. That same Savior forced blood from a thumb that was living to a part that was dead and made it alive again. Our family has witnessed God’s power in a miracle that we will never forget. What could have discouraged and depressed us pushed us to be blessed by the Healer and Comforter. My God reigns.
As the thumb heals and the story is told, there will continue to be many more paragraphs and chapters to be written of other God stories in the life of the Gratto family. Blessings to you all and many thanks for your prayers and concern for us.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Week 10 Wisdom
Wisdom is our greatest tool for our quest of excellence.
James 1:2-8 Asking and not believing is offensive to God. Have you ever done this?
I Samuel 17:45 How can this verse help us in life.
Numbers 11:23 What does this mean to you?
Discuss the chart on p. 102-103 and its relevance in your life.
Note what you are willing to do to gain and operate with wisdom.
James 1:2-8 Asking and not believing is offensive to God. Have you ever done this?
I Samuel 17:45 How can this verse help us in life.
Numbers 11:23 What does this mean to you?
Discuss the chart on p. 102-103 and its relevance in your life.
Note what you are willing to do to gain and operate with wisdom.
Week 9 Purity
Discuss a verse or section that had special meaning to you.
God can see what man cannot.
I Samuel 16:4-7 How can you use this principle in your life?
Psalm 51:10-17 How can you get and use a pure heart?
Psalm 139:23,24 Make this your prayer this week.
God can see what man cannot.
I Samuel 16:4-7 How can you use this principle in your life?
Psalm 51:10-17 How can you get and use a pure heart?
Psalm 139:23,24 Make this your prayer this week.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Week 8 Gentle and Quiet Spirit
This characteristic is not exemplified in the absence of trouble.
Acts 16:22-36 Discuss the attitudes of Paul and Silas and the results.
Acts 7:51-8:3 Contrast this story with the previous one.
Remember this week, we are to display Christ’s character regardless of the outcome or circumstances.
Acts 16:22-36 Discuss the attitudes of Paul and Silas and the results.
Acts 7:51-8:3 Contrast this story with the previous one.
Remember this week, we are to display Christ’s character regardless of the outcome or circumstances.
The Cost of Being a Good Samaritan
As you read Luke 10:25-37 you will recognize the story of the good Samaritan. You may be familiar with the principles in the parable that Jesus told. Jesus made it very clear that living in obedience meant we were to love God completely and then love our neighbor completely. This sounds like a fairly simple task. He noted in his story that those who knew the biblical principles for living were the very ones who chose to ignore their "neighbor" in distress while the man from the despised people group lived out what the others preached. I have learned under painful circumstances that we don't get to choose who our neighbor is. I must love and forgive the person God puts in my life at my workplace, my neighborhood and yes, my family. Strive to live out caring for your neighbor for God loves obedience most of all. Saying and doing are very different. Words without actions are empty.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Week 7 Discretion
Discretion involves giving up our rights.
It also involves planning ahead and sacrifice.
II Corinthians 6:3-10 How can you relate to the early Christians in regard to your life?
I Corinthians 8:9-13 How was Jesus an example of this?
I Corinthians 10:11-13 Talk about this assurance. Trust and obey.
Hebrews 4:12-13 Great reminder.
How do you struggle with the principle of discretion?
It also involves planning ahead and sacrifice.
II Corinthians 6:3-10 How can you relate to the early Christians in regard to your life?
I Corinthians 8:9-13 How was Jesus an example of this?
I Corinthians 10:11-13 Talk about this assurance. Trust and obey.
Hebrews 4:12-13 Great reminder.
How do you struggle with the principle of discretion?
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