Thursday, June 28, 2007

I AM - Lesson 9


Join us over at The Preacher's Wife for the ongoing I AM bible study.

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, rate yourself on how often your conversation is seasoned with the works of the Lord on your behalf? If you speak very little of Him, is there a reason you know of? If you speak often, how do people respond?

I am afraid to admit that it is probably a 4. It truly depends on who I am talking to. I have learned to be wary of any "religious" conversation as a public school teacher. I will try to jump in and share my viewpoint if the students have initiated the conversation. I love what I do and try to be salt and light in what can be a dark place, but I struggle with how much I can share without getting a backlash. My students are aware on the first day of school where I stand as I describe who I am. I always hope that how I live is different and that they can understand why.

2. Have you experienced a Set Up for a Show Up when you were uncertain whether the situation was the chastisement of the Lord or a temptation of Satan?

We probably all have - I just can't think of one right now.

3. Have you ever or are you now experiencing any Job trials where you can still not identify any wrong-doing on your part?

It seems that I suffered as a child as a result of my parents sin, but not directly related to anything that I did.

4. Apply this principle: How can my response make my God famous? Will obedience result in my sanctification and God's Glory?

My response to God is always a mirror of what He has done for me. If others can see that, even those closest to me like my husband and kids, then this makes Him famous. We all love to talk about famous people - so why shouldn't we be talking about God!

I think that my obedience is making me more like Christ - which is one goal. We should always be able to point to Him as explain why we do what we do. Why did we respond in the way that we did? Etc.

5. Does the origin of our affliction matter in view of the fame God can gain from it?

God is amazing and can use any affliction whether self imposed or not. He is always trying to find a way for us to see Him better - to know Him better. He made the Israelites suffer more so that they would be able to see the pit that God got them out of. Sometimes, in order for me to see God, He needs to be the only thing I can see at the bottom of my pit. It is all about perspective.

Blessings and thanks for reading-

7 comments:

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

'We all love to talk about famous people - so why shouldn't we be talking about God!'

Isn't that the truth? I will never forget teaching a Bible study a few months back - most of the participants of the day group are Senior women..I like to have never got them to stop talking about Anna Nicole Smith so we could talk about Jesus! :))

Thanks for your input this week! :)

Denise said...

I enjoy your open, and honest answers, bless you.

Kate said...

I taught in a public school for several years before I began staying home with my kids. I don't think there is a place where you must guard your tongue the way you must in a classroom. You have a HARD job. Your students are blessed to have you LIVE out your faith before them.

Kate

Deborah said...

What a blessing you are! Yes our God is so famous, loved your honest open approach

Connie Barris said...

I have a surprise for you on today's post.. come and visit

Etta said...

I have encountered that same issue, having come from the public school setting. It's hard to remember that you don't have to be that on guard everywhere else!

I like when you said, "We all love to talk about famous people - so why shouldn't we be talking about God!"

This is a great reminder that if we can share news about Paris Hilton, who we don't know and don't care to, we can certainly talk about our Lord and Savior and our Best Friend!

~Layers*of*Me~ said...

Lovely and charming answers!

God Bless You!