Angela,

I like what you wrote.I guess we all can take a few min when we see a rainbow tkae time

out and thank God for the promise that he made about not flooding the earth.  If He made that promise

then think of all the other promise He has instore for us and the things yet to come.

Hi everyone,

                   I've really enjoyed the last two studies both have touched my heart in ways I've needed most.  In the flood God revealed much of His character and compassion for His people.  Every time I see a rainbow I think of His promise to us and it lifts my spirit, I've shared this with the kids many times and to see the wonder in their eyes and their natural curiosity about God's works is pretty neat.  I also see how today's times and the time of Noah before the flood compares and that makes me pause because history is repeating itself. I'm thankful the Lord is still working in my life and has blessed me with the opportunity to join this Bible study and know my faith will grow by doing so.  I hope my obedience to Him will be a light to someone seeking to know Him and my actions will reflect His grace in all I do.

Hello friends,

Hope you have had a good week.  I hope you have enjoyed doing

Bible study as much as I have.. My audio is still not working

so  much.  It worked for a few min till I went to reread the

questions then it quit working.

I enjoyed reading the lesson today.  I choose question

Why did  Abrahams faith grow  as he walked  with God?

I  think that after God blessed him with his son Isaac

that he loved so much  and he went   to the land

Moriah  to sacrifice  Isaac   had  him  already  tied

down  on the  wood  was about  to  stab  him  when

the  angel  of  the Lord  shouted  to  him from heaven

lay  down  the  knife  do not  hurt  the  boy  in any way

Then God  sent  a ram  to  sacrifice  instead.  I think  that

this  could  have  been where  Abrahams  faith  grew  he loved 

Isaac  so  much but  he wanted to listen  to  Gods words.

A)  Question   Can  you  identify  ways  in  which  your  faith

has  grown  in the past  year  or two?

I  can't  say  so  much  in the past yr or two.  I know about 8yrs ago

or so  when  Mark asked me to marry him I was talking to my dad

about that daddy said you never know  what God has planned

for you in Huntsville.  Shortly  after marrying Mark  moving here

8 months later daddy moves to Hunstville  where he was here

for almost 5 yrs when Mark and I started to take care of him

until he passed away in 2010 ..

I didn't  wk for the first month I was here.  I did wk  at the

Good shepherd mission.  One a.m.  I was saying  my

prayers  letting God  know how  much I missed wking with

the kids and wanted to get back  in that again. After working

with kids for 12yrs  I feel  like that is my  calling..

Well God  answered that prayer.. I had two  phones  calls

from two  schools  one  for a sub the other 30 hrs a wk

well 8yrs later  I am  at the 2nd school.

So  the answer to the 2nd part of the question  if God can answer

that prayer what more  can he do for me if I would just let him.

I have a hard time with this I am trying if I would let go

let Him  have it..  I tell him  all the time God, Abba, Daddy

you are daddy daddy's take care of their childern

you promised and a promise is a promise.

True faith steadfastly obeys God!

I love the part were Vicky says "Faith dwells in the inner heart, but obedience is the multifaceted, observable, external manifestation of faith." Some time ago I put it all together in my head in kind of a backwards way. Lack of obedience is a manifestation of a lack of trusting God, which ultimately is a lack of faith. I guess maybe I was right.  It has stuck with me and God often speaks this to me when He's speaking to me to do something.

I've recently found myself in a difficult situation at work and haven't been sure how to handle it.  I was given the opportunity to voice my concerns, yet I didn't say anything.   I must say that I didn't sense Him urging me at that moment to speak my concerns, but I now realized that I was listening for Him either.

This lesson reminded me that my obedience doesn't promise comfort and that everything will be easy going.  Noah might have been safe and "dry" in the ark, but I can't imagine it was fun or even remotely comfortable.  Think about the stench alone. YUCK!   Yet, Noah was obedient and faithful to endure.  He was richly blessed as a result.

In my situation, I immediately sensed God's disappointment. I "rationalized" every reason in the world to keep my mouth shut. One big reason was fear of the outcome.  I didn't want things to become uncomfortable and I imagined every possible thing that could go wrong if I were to speak up.  God provided another opportunity today and I heard Him urge me to just say it.  I did. I can't say I said everything that needed to be said, but I did begin the conversation.  I'm hoping I didn't screw up yet again and God will open more doors for me to discuss other areas of concern in this situation.

I have to be comforted by "Steadfast obedience over time within difficult and incomprehensible circumstances, despite the opposition and rejection of others, follows the example of Christ and will ultimately result in incredible blessings from God."

Cain and Abel (better late than never)

First of all, some of the questions in the study are really tough (especially before you listen to the audio) :) I really got stuck on on thinking Why did he kill Abel?, What was the progression that led to Cain killing Abel? And through this I realized that it was a heart condition. Cain gave his sacrifice-the smallest amount he could give. I wondered why did Cain give anything at all, and I think he gave because he felt he was suppose to give as she mentions in the recording, he was religious. Abel gave his sacrifice and it was the best. He gave the best of the best. It was a heart condition! Abel wanted to give his best and Cain gave because "it was what you did" (if that makes sense).

I couldn't get off this thought; the reasoning behind both of their sacrifices, the level of their sacrifices and then God's response. I started to think "Do I give my best to God?", "Do I give with the right heart?" and "Is God pleased with what and how I give? Our giving doesn't just include money but also time, resources, our talents and gifts, etc. 

I want to have the faith to give my best every time in every situation. I know that God has blessed each of us with special talents and gifts and I want to use and give those to bring God the most glory. Cain's talent was working with the soil and it wasn't that he gave fruits (less valuable than meat) that God disapproved of, it was that he didn't give his best and didn't give with the right heart. Abel's talent was working with the flocks, and he used that talent to give the best he could. I want to use my talents to give God my best.

Last thought (I promise)- I know that I am His. But I also know how easy it is to do things out of rituals. I get ready in the mornings in the same order (down to order I dry off after a shower :) ) and church can be the same way. It is easy to get into the habit of going to church because I always have, pray because I always have, read the Bible because I was taught to, etc. I want everything I do to be because of my faith in Christ not because it is what I have always been taught to do. 

Sorry if this was too long, I can get long winded! I hope each of you has a great week!

hhh
Hello friends,

I hope all of you have had a good weekend and weekend.

I sure hope I have been doing all this right.  I have had a hard

time with this lesson this week.. I tried several times  to

log on to the audio was not able to hear.  So I am going

to try and type what I think the question number 4 about

the rainbow is telling us.  God promised Noah that He (God)

would never flood the earth again.  I  think  we can  look

at it this way  If God  promised  He would never  flood the

earth   why do we have a hard time  trusting Him  now

with things  children  family,  health, homes,jobs, parents.

could it be we need to listen more to that still small voice.

I  think it is hard to do all this because  we get in such a hurry

we won't it now and don't wait for Gods timimg His  timing is j

right..I know I am guilty  of not waiting on God.

I feel bad about this.  I am trying.  Maybe if we take on one

thing at a time and sit back and see what God can  do  wait

listen to that voice  then we can  what God can do.

I don't  think that God will flood us with a whole bunch

of things  all at once.. Just like the how he  flood the earth

I don't think  He would do that with our everyday  life..



I am  not  sure on how we can show  all these  to our

children seeing I do not  have any children of my  own.

Maybe by  planting a seed  and watch it grow  That might

be away  showing  how  God  takes  care of the flowers 

and keeps His promise.  This might be away  to show  them

if God takes  care of flowers  then He  will take  care of us

He  promised.

Amber

I am sorry to hear that you have had a hard week  hope things get better.. Maybe when you say your prayers let God know God
Iam so sorry I have been negative this week I am not sure why
I have been this this way please help me to see things the way you
see things and people the way you see them.  Have a nice evening


Karen

Faith for the Future

I've meant to say that I blog for myself, not for others.  I don't find my posts funny or overly enlightening.  What they are are the honest words from my heart.  With that being said, I'm going to start by being honest with all of you.  I've struggled with this lesson this week.

1. I first struggled with initially understanding why Abel's sacrifice was seen as "commendable," while Cain's was not.  I don't think it became clear to me until I listened to the lecture.

2. I have had a horrendous week.  I've become bogged down in negativity.  I could feel myself withdrawing from God or at least not actively seeking Him out.  I was reveling in misery.  This was a very clear picture of my lack of faith.

I did spend the week contemplating the question that asked about being intimate with God and thought it was a pretty simple answer for me.  It was about spending time with God and getting to know Him.

After prayer this week and listening to the lecture, it's so much more.  I think intimacy is not possible with out faith.  But I also think faith is going to be difficult without an intimate relationship.  How can you faith someone without knowing them and fellowshiping with them?

Yes I used faith as a verb. Faith is just that. It is an action.  And it's an action by choice.

My choice today is to faith God.  To do this, I have to intentionally seek Him out everyday and trust that my future is secure in Him, despite whatever difficulties I might face on earth.

I know this wasn't long, and I might not have even been real articulate, but it's very clear to me what I have to do first.  Feel free to hold me accountable and I asked me if I sought after God on any particular day.  I'm sure going to try.

I like you wrote Mary.  I think now days people need to forgive

others.just like how God has forgiven us  It is hard to do but we need to try.

We need to forgive others because there might come a time when we need that persons help who we have not forgiven yet.  How would we feel if we went to that person. 

We need  to remember that Bible verse I can't remember where it is

about being quick to listen slow to speak.  I hope I am doing this right all those thaughts were on my mind.

Hope all of you have a great rest of the week.

Karen

I chose question #2

2. What are some of the reasons that can cause us to begin to hate other believers?
jealousy, self-righteousness, pride
A. If we have a “just” cause and there is no repentance or desire for forgiveness, are we justified in harboring resentment?
I don't believe we would ever have a good enough reason to hold on to resentment. I thank the Lord that he forgives my confessed sin and looks on it no more.
B. What must we do? (Matt. l8:15–17; Eph. 4:32)
Confront the one who you feel wronged you. Take care to be kind and forgiving.
C. Why is it necessary? (Heb. 12:15)
We are to operate through God's grace.  Bitterness can be the beginning of trouble spreading and affecting others negatively.
D. Who gets the advantage when we don't forgive?
Our enemy, the devil.
E. Is there someone in your life now that you are bitter towards? What will you do about it on the basis of this lesson?
Continue prayer to be willing to forgive.
F. If the situation doesn't change, how can you change? (l Thess. 5:18; 4:1; Phil.4:8)
Think on things that are good and continually praise the Lord for my blessings.
G. How can forgiving be done by faith?
God knows how to handle any situation better than I do. 
see Romans 12:19

Have a great week everyone and God Bless !
Zephaniah 3:17

Hello Friends,

I hope all of you are doing well.. I hope I am doing this right.. I enjoyed listening to the

audio. One of the questions if I read right was asking how many times does  the word

brother appear. I counted 5 but on the audio I believe I heard the lady say 7.. I think

the reason there are so many God is trying to tell us that are brothers and sisters

are important to us.  They are important to God as well.. We  need to help them when

they are in need.. Then she said something about telling her son to clean his room

he did not clean it the way she wanted.  The son asked why he need to clean

she told him that that was her rule.. Just like God he sets up rules for us to

follow to help us and keep  us safe..If I understood right that When  Cain

left the presence of the Lord  It is like when people turn away from God

AS LORD AND SAVIOR THEY  WILL GO HELL.. I hope I did this right.

Please let me know if I did this right..Till next time hope all of you have a good week 

with The Lord.

Hello My name is Karen Altz

My husband and I have been coming to UHBC for 8 yrs. I have no children just my 4 legged children Abbie and Bailey and the many strayes I take care of.  Mark and I have been married 8 yrs in March.  He is the love of my life. I teach 1-2yr  olds Mark and I are involved in The Christain Motorcyle Assoc.  I am so glad to Have a Bible study on line since I don't see so well at night this is great for me.  I am looking forward to talking with all of you.  I so happy my Best friend Mary is doing this study with me.. Thank you so much Amber for setting this up for us.   



Karen

Of course, I'm last minute...

This has been a crazy week for me and here I am posting my own post at the very last minute. I kept thinking I'd get it done earlier, but something always came up.  Isn't that the case with Bible study a lot of the times?  Maybe it's just me.

I finally found time with no kids, no laundry to be done, no dishwasher to be emptied and I find myself in a hotel room in Austin listening to a screaming baby next door and the sounds of five o'clock Austin traffic outside my window.  No peace and quiet as I write this. So goes my life.

I explained in my previous post how this study came about, but I didn't tell you much about myself. I have been a born again Christian since I was twelve or thirteen and was baptized at UHBC in what is now the student building.  My parents are members of UHBC and I was raised in what I consider a very faithful family.  That doesn't mean we were perfect in any way. We had have issues and make mistakes everyday.

I am a teacher by "trade" but also know that it's no accident I'm there. This is what God intends for me to be doing at this point in my life.  I have a wonderful husband who loves the Lord and am the mother of two beautiful children. If I start talking about my kids, that's all this will turn into.  My little family is my life.

I'm a firm believer that God's call on my life is different at different points in my life.  I've never felt like there's been a lifelong calling from Him other than to have an intimate relationship with Him.  At this point, I sense God is beginning to show me more and ask more of me.  I'm not sure in what area or what way, but it's there. I'm hoping through this study and the series we are experiencing on Sundays with Richard will lead me to what it is I'm being called to do, but I also know that it's all in God's time and when He's ready, it will be evident to me as well.

This week.... Work your way through the questions and then listen to the audio.  Break it up into manageable segments. For your post this week, choose one of the "Application Questions" to discuss or anything else from this week's study that you feel God is speaking to you about.

I've enjoyed reading the other posts and comments and am looking forward to those this week.

Hi, I'm Christi

Hi, I'm Christi Jowell. I am a 7th grade math teacher in New Waverly and love it. I am 29, single/never married, with no kids. I love to sing, dance (though I'm not very good at it), puzzles, and cuddling with a good book.

As for my testimony, I grew up in the church. I accepted Christ when I was 7 or 8 at VBS at University Heights. Honestly my walk with Christ since then has gone up and down and thankfully He is faithful and takes me back with open arms. 

For the past year I have actively been seeking where and what God wants me to be and do. He started with having me join the children's ministry and teach 5th/6th grade Sunday School. I just began the next step in what I believe God is calling me to do, and that is to be a foster mom, which scares the living day lights out of me! :) I keep questioning what I feel is God's will and then I remember that if I had thought of it myself I wouldn't be this scared out of my mind!

That's me in a nut shell!

My name is Mary and I have been born again since I was about 13. Through the trials in my life, the Lord has taught me to not stray from his path and protection. I find myself at this point struggling with the way forward and yet Ps 46:10 says "Be still and know that I am God". It is difficult for me to know when the Lord wants me to stop doing and just wait for him to work or to start doing when I've been sitting still. One of my favorite verses about faith that I draw on quite a bit is Proverbs 3:5-6 God bless, Mary

Uncharted Territory

I guess I decided to start this first post with some explanation as to where this idea of a blog Bible study first came from.  A group of women from UHBC met together to share ideas about different directions and formats for women's ministry to move in our church.  I happened to share that several years ago my friend and I found ourselves in situations that did not allow us to attend Wednesday night Bible studies, but knew we needed an accountability partner and to be fed spiritually.  We chose a Bible study and decided that we would share our thoughts and prayers with each other via a blog.  There were really no "rules;" we were just trying to find a medium of communication that would be convenient for both of us and not tie us down to a specific time or place.

I honestly didn't think much about my sharing, but Gwynne Johnson was listening and approached me later about the possibility of trying this as an option this fall. Fast forward to now and this small group of us is really jumping out into uncharted territory.  There doesn't seem to be anything like this already out there and in the digital age in which we live, this may definitely be God working to call out to those who might not otherwise venture through the doors for traditional Bible study.

After much prayer, I truly believe that God led me to the bible.org study titled "Footsteps of Faith: Following the Call," by Vickie Kraft. I've been struggling for a while with what God is calling me to, but everything became very real to me - and affirmed that this was the right study for us - this past Sunday when Richard preached about being open and willing to following God's call:

• Whenever He calls us 
• Wherever He calls us
• As long as He wants
• Only at His calling

At this point in my life, I'm still praying about what exactly God is calling me to in many areas of my life and I"m sure I'll share more of that as we progress through this process and better get to know each other, but I now understand He was calling me to get involved in our women's ministry in this way.

So where do we go from here? There really aren't any rules.  I've shared the schedule in the sidebar of the blog and just above that is the link to the curriculum.  Once you click on the link to the curriculum, you will see a list of links that takes you to each lesson. In each lesson, there is a blue bar that says "Related Media." Clicking on this will take you to the audio file(s) for each lesson.  My suggestion is to start the week's lesson by reading the given text and answering the questions and then listen to the audio file that gives some clarification.  I feel like working through the Word first will give us an opportunity to "hear" God without someone else's interpretation interfering. However, remember I said there were no rules. So, you may choose to listen to the audio first and then work your way through the questions.

My initial thought is that we will each write a post, pose a question, or comment on others' post by the Wednesday listed on the schedule for each lesson.  Obviously this is evolving, so if something's not working, let's adjust as we go.

For this first week, listen to the introduction and read the accompanying materials.  There isn't a set of questions for study and honestly you can skip over the   part where she provides the timeline she used and the "Study Suggestions and Format." Start with the "Introduction" and then skip to

Discovering God’s Word for Yourself
An Introduction to Inductive Bible Study Methods

This section is just good stuff. As far as blogging - in an effort to get to know each other in this virtual world - this week, share about yourself. Who are you? What's your testimony at this point in your life?  I look forward to really getting to know each of one of you better and am in constant prayer for each of you and where God leads each of us through this.