Category: Bible Study

Bible Study, The River Youth Group, Uncategorized

Overcoming Double-Mindedness: A Call to Single-Minded Faith

agingenglishmajor

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught between two opposing forces—one that calls us to follow Christ and another that invites us to indulge in the world. This inner tension is known as double-mindedness, a condition where we are pulled in different directions, torn between living for God and pursuing worldly desires. But what does the Bible say about this struggle, and how can we overcome it?

James 4:4: A Stark Warning Against Double-Mindedness

James 4:4 (NIV) warns us about the consequences of being double-minded, saying, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” This scripture is a stark reminder that we cannot serve two masters. When our hearts are divided, our relationship with God suffers, and we are unable to fully experience His love and His will for our lives.

What Does Double-Mindedness Mean?

Double-mindedness is described in James 1:8 as a state of instability, where one is tossed by the waves of doubt and confusion. James 1:6-8 (NIV) says:

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

This instability keeps us from receiving what God has for us. It’s like standing on the edge of a cliff, unsure whether to step forward or step back. But God calls us to choose Him wholeheartedly.

The Dangers of Double-Mindedness

When we allow double-mindedness to take root, it leads to spiritual confusion and separation from God. The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:24 (NIV), “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Here, Jesus makes it clear that we cannot split our loyalty between God and the world. When we try to balance both, our hearts become divided, and we lose sight of God’s ultimate purpose for our lives.

Psalm 119:113 (NIV) speaks to the importance of loyalty to God’s Word, saying, “I hate double-minded people, but I love your law.” This highlights the deep disconnect between a mind that is divided and a heart that is fully devoted to God. If we want to grow in our faith, we need to give God our undivided attention.

The Solution: Single-Minded Devotion

How can we overcome double-mindedness and live out the purpose God has for us? The answer lies in wholeheartedly committing ourselves to God and His will. James 4:8 (NIV) gives us the solution: “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” This verse urges us to draw near to God, to purify our hearts, and to choose Him above all else.

Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) also encourages us to press forward with single-minded devotion: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Here, Paul sets an example of focusing solely on Christ and His calling, refusing to be distracted by the things of this world.

Practical Steps to Overcome Double-Mindedness

  1. Make God Your Priority: Every decision you make should be filtered through your relationship with God. Ask yourself, “Does this bring me closer to God or pull me further away?”
  2. Spend Time in His Word: God’s Word is the ultimate guide to help you stay focused on Him. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Meditate on Scripture, letting it renew your mind and align your desires with His will.
  3. Pray with Confidence: When you pray, believe that God hears you and trust in His answers. James 1:6 reminds us that we must pray with faith, not doubt.
  4. Seek Godly Counsel: Surround yourself with people who are committed to following Christ. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” A supportive community can help you stay focused and accountable.
  5. Let Go of the World: Let go of worldly desires and distractions that compete for your attention. Romans 12:2 (NIV) urges us to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Allow God to transform your thinking and your actions so you can live fully for Him.

Conclusion: A Life Fully Devoted to Christ

Double-mindedness pulls us in two directions, creating instability and confusion. But God offers us a life of clarity, peace, and purpose when we choose to follow Him with an undivided heart. By seeking His guidance through prayer, reading His Word, and living out His truth, we can experience the fullness of His love and the power of a single-minded devotion to Him.

Reflection

  • Are there areas in your life where you feel double-minded? What is pulling you in two directions?
  • How can you commit to following God with an undivided heart?

Prayer

Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness in guiding me through the challenges of life. Help me to focus on You and Your will, removing any distractions or doubts that might pull me away from You. I choose today to lay aside anything that competes for my attention and to follow You with a pure heart. Transform my mind and my spirit, Lord, so that I may live with a single-minded devotion to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Hashtags:
#DoubleMinded #Faith #FollowJesus #StayFocused #UndividedHeart #OvercomeDistractions #Scripture #GodsWord #Devotion #ChristianLiving #TrustGod

Bible Study, The River Youth Group, Uncategorized

Word Study: Enmity – A Heart Divided

agingenglishmajor

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

A Note: Understanding Double-Mindedness Through the Lens of Enmity
In our walk with Christ, one of the most critical areas to address is the battle of the mind. James 1:8 tells us that a double-minded person is unstable in all their ways, torn between two conflicting desires. But to truly understand the depth of double-mindedness, we must first grasp the concept of enmity—the hostility that exists between us and God when we allow ourselves to be influenced by worldly desires and values. Enmity is not just an external force; it begins in the heart, and it shapes the way we view and respond to God’s will. This word study on enmity is essential in understanding the underlying spiritual conflict of double-mindedness, as it reveals the spiritual battle between God’s kingdom and the world’s influence. When we understand enmity and its effects, we can better recognize how double-mindedness keeps us from fully embracing God’s peace and His purpose for our lives.

Word Study: Enmity – A Heart Divided
Scripture Reference: James 4:4, Romans 8:7, Galatians 5:17

The word “enmity” often comes up in discussions about relationships—whether it’s with people, God, or the world around us. The Bible speaks of enmity as a deep-seated hostility or opposition, especially when it comes to the relationship between us and God. It’s a word that signifies more than just disagreement; it represents a state of spiritual warfare, a force that keeps us from true peace and communion with the Creator.

What is Enmity?

Enmity is defined as the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. In Scripture, it refers to our human state of opposition against God or against His ways. It’s more than a mere disagreement or misunderstanding; it speaks to a fundamental spiritual divide, where one is actively at odds with the ways of God.

In James 4:4, we read:
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” (NIV)

Here, James is not just referring to superficial choices but a deeper divide that happens when we allow ourselves to be consumed by the world’s values, desires, and distractions. This divide creates a conflict in our hearts between the things of God and the things of this world, leading us to a state of enmity with God.

The Root of Enmity: Sin and the Fall

When we go back to the beginning of humanity’s story, we see that enmity has existed since the Fall of man. In Genesis 3:15, God speaks to the serpent, foreshadowing the conflict between the serpent (Satan) and the woman (Eve), a prophetic declaration of the ongoing spiritual battle. This sets the tone for the enmity that sin has caused between humanity and God.

Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

This verse represents the first indication of enmity that would continue throughout the Bible, culminating in the ultimate victory of Christ over sin, death, and the enemy. Sin is the root of enmity because it separates us from God, and it is through Jesus that the power of sin is broken, and the peace of God is restored.

The Battle Within – Enmity Between Flesh and Spirit

The tension between flesh and spirit is a battleground where enmity plays out in our lives. In Romans 8:7, Paul describes the natural enmity of the flesh toward God’s will.

Romans 8:7 (NIV)
“The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.”

This hostility is not passive. It’s active opposition, preventing us from submitting to God’s will and living according to His ways. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, and this inner conflict brings a war within our hearts—a spiritual enmity that only Christ can resolve.

The Power of God’s Peace

In Galatians 5:17, we see the ongoing battle between the flesh and the spirit:

Galatians 5:17 (NIV)
“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

Here, we see that our sinful nature—the flesh—is constantly at odds with the desires of the Spirit. But praise God, He does not leave us in this state of conflict! Jesus came to break down the wall of enmity, reconciling us to the Father through His sacrifice.

Ephesians 2:14-16 (NIV)
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”

This is the good news: Jesus came to end the enmity, to reconcile us to God, and to bring peace between us and the Father. Through Christ, the wall of separation is torn down, and the enmity of sin is defeated.

Overcoming Enmity

As believers, our task is to choose the things of God, to seek His will and to make peace with Him, and through that, make peace with others. When we choose friendship with God over the world, we walk in His victory over enmity.

We are no longer slaves to sin but children of God, called to share His peace and His love with others. As we recognize the work that Christ did to break down enmity, we should live lives marked by peace, love, and reconciliation.

Romans 5:1 (NIV)
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Reflection

Is there any area of your life where you are still experiencing enmity—whether it’s with God, others, or yourself? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these areas, and invite Him to bring healing, restoration, and peace. Jesus has broken down the wall of enmity, and His peace is available to you today.

A Prayer for Peace and Reconciliation

Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to bring an end to the enmity that existed between us and You. Thank You for reconciling us through His sacrifice on the cross. Help me to walk in Your peace, to choose friendship with You over the things of this world, and to live in a way that reflects Your love and grace. I ask that You remove any enmity in my heart and replace it with Your perfect peace. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Hashtags:

#Enmity #PeaceWithGod #GodsPeace #Reconciliation #Romans5 #JesusIsPeace #BrokennessHealed #HealingThroughChrist #LivingInPeace #ChristOurPeace #RestoredRelationships #FreedomInChrist

Bible Study, The River Youth Group, Uncategorized

Understanding the Healing at Bethesda

agingenglishmajor

A Lesson on Faith, Restoration, and Abiding in Christ

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

In our upcoming Wednesday night class, we will explore the story of Jesus’ miraculous healing at the pool of Bethesda, found in John 5:1-15. This story isn’t just about physical healing—it’s a powerful reminder of Jesus’ compassion, authority, and deeper spiritual truths. To enhance our understanding, we can also reflect on John 15:4, which says: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” 🌿

The Scene at Bethesda Jesus’ question to the paralyzed man, “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6), invites us to consider our own willingness to be healed and transformed. When Jesus commanded, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk,” the man’s obedience led to immediate restoration. This act challenges us to respond to Jesus’ call with faith and action.

Connecting John 15:4 to Our Lesson Jesus’ teaching in John 15:4 reminds us that true transformation and sustained healing come from abiding in Him. Just as the man at Bethesda had to trust in Jesus’ words and act on them, we too must remain connected to Jesus to experience spiritual growth and life. Without this connection—without abiding—we cannot hope to overcome the struggles that leave us feeling paralyzed, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Jesus’ Teachings After the Miracle Following the miracle, John 5:16-30 records how Jesus declared His divine relationship with the Father and His role as both life-giver and judge. He called those listening to recognize that His work was aligned with God’s will and authority. Similarly, by abiding in Jesus, we align our lives with His, allowing His strength to flow through us and bear fruit that glorifies God. 🍇✨

Prayer for This Lesson 🙏 Heavenly Father, thank You for the story of Jesus’ compassion and power at Bethesda. Teach us to trust You and abide in You as the source of our strength and healing. Help us remember that in You, we find life and restoration. When we feel overwhelmed or paralyzed by life’s challenges, may we seek Your presence and respond to Your invitation to be made whole. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study Challenge for the Week This week, I challenge you to reflect on areas in your life where you may feel spiritually or emotionally paralyzed. Read John 5:1-15 and John 15:1-8 each day and consider:

AbideDownload
  • What does it mean for you to “abide in Jesus” in those areas?
  • How can you respond to Jesus’ call to “rise and walk” in your own life? Write down your thoughts or share them with a trusted friend or family member who can support your journey of faith.

✨ Remember, Jesus’ call to healing and restoration is an invitation for all of us. Trust in Him, stay connected to the vine, and bear fruit that lasts. ✨

#FaithAndHealing #AbideInChrist #BibleStudy #BethesdaMiracle #TrustInHim #SpiritualGrowth

Feel free to share this with your friends and encourage them to engage with the scriptures throughout the week! Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you all this week. Please let me pray for you this week! 😊

Bible Study, The River Youth Group, Uncategorized

🌟💪Walking in Authority: The Centurion’s Faith and Our Power in Christ 🌟💪

agingenglishmajor

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

In the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter a powerful story that highlights the authority of Jesus and how it reflects on us as His followers. The account of the centurion who asks Jesus to heal his servant (Matthew 8:5-13) provides profound insights into understanding authority, faith, and the impact we can have in the world around us.

The Centurion’s Humble Request 🙏

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached Him, pleading for help. He explained that his servant was paralyzed and suffering. In a remarkable demonstration of humility, the centurion acknowledged that he did not deserve Jesus to come under his roof. Instead, he recognized Jesus’ authority and simply asked, “But just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8).

This statement reveals the centurion’s deep understanding of authority. As a military leader, he knew that words hold power. When he commanded his soldiers, they obeyed without question. Similarly, he understood that Jesus’ words carried authority that transcended physical distance.

Jesus’ Response to Faith ✨

When Jesus heard the centurion’s faith, He was amazed. He remarked that He had not found such great faith even in Israel. This moment highlights the significance of faith in recognizing Jesus’ authority.

“Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” — Matthew 8:10

Jesus then declared that the centurion’s servant would be healed, affirming that faith in His authority can lead to miraculous outcomes.

Our Authority as Christ Followers 🕊️

As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in the same authority that Jesus exemplified. Just as the centurion recognized Jesus’ power, we must acknowledge that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us (Romans 8:11). This means we have access to God’s authority in our lives and can bring about change, healing, and restoration in the world around us.

When we pray, we are not merely hoping for something to happen; we are exercising the authority given to us through Jesus. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) reminds us of this:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” 🌍

Reflection and Application 💡

As we reflect on this passage, consider the following:

  • Faith in Action: How can you exercise your faith in Jesus’ authority in your life? Think of areas where you can pray boldly, trusting in His power.
  • Recognizing Authority: Are there situations where you’ve hesitated to act in faith? Reflect on the centurion’s example and remind yourself that Jesus honors genuine faith.
  • Sharing the Good News: As you recognize your authority in Christ, how can you share this message with others? Look for opportunities to encourage those around you to trust in Jesus’ authority.

Scripture to Ponder:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 ❤️

Closing Prayer 🙏

Heavenly Father, thank You for the authority You have given us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to recognize and embrace this authority in our lives. Strengthen our faith as we step out boldly, trusting in Your power to heal and transform. May we walk confidently, knowing that we can make a difference in the world around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Conclusion 🎉

Just as the centurion’s servant was healed through faith in Jesus’ authority, we too can experience His power in our lives. Let us strive to cultivate a deep faith that recognizes and embraces the authority we have as followers of Christ. May we walk confidently, knowing that our words and actions can bring healing, hope, and transformation.

Hashtags

#Faith #AuthorityInChrist #CenturionsFaith #Healing #GodsPower #ChristianLiving #Matthew8 #GreatCommission #Romans828

Let me know if you need prayer! I would love to pray for you.

Bible Study, The River Youth Group

Agenda for 5.12.21

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Desiring a Purpose: Mary Magdalene

Agenda for 5/12/21

Opening

What does it mean to be chosen?

Being chosen by God means you get CALLED by NAME.

It means that I have been called by my name and asked to follow Him. It means that the Holy Spirit baptized me in FIRE for my God, the Father, and Jesus, the Son. I will keep my eyes on my prize because I am part of the bride of Christ. 

Mary Magdalene/The Chosen Season1, Episode 1

Isaiah 43:1 – Thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 

Isaiah 49:1 Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you people from afar. The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.

Matthew 3:11 – I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire

Answer this question: how can we successfully tap into the power of Christ so that He can rescue us and COMMUNE with us? 

Work Session  (Focus on Mary Magdalene and  Healing)


Here is the link to the youtube of Season 1/Episode 1 and 2. The reason why I think that The Chosen

is such a powerful teaching tool because it shows the INTIMATE nature of the relationship that Jesus had with the people during three year ministry. The word intimate means: close friends, familiar and close. Jesus knew these people. He lived with them, he loved them, and he ministered to them and with them. How much more will He do for us? 

Closing 

Which flawed character in Episode 1 do you identify with the most? I find myself  fascinated with Matthew, yet I feel Mary Magdalene is more closely related to me. Our family history with mental illness has been a curse for generations, yet I believe that the Lord is healing us and releasing me and my children from the bondage of mental health issues and tormented thoughts. He renews my mind each day. 

How do I fight my battles?

Bible Study

Agenda for 5.5.21

agingenglishmajor

Wait on the Lord Agenda for 5/5/21

Opening

Sometimes, the waiting and the listening gets harder to do for us, God’s children. We look for answers, and we want to understand in our human minds what is happening around us when the very answer is in the Spirit. I have asked myself several times this week: Why? How? Why? In these times where there seem to be no answers, we must let Jesus and our Father know our hearts, and we wait with the EXPECTATION that He hears us and WILL answer us. 

Proverbs 16: 16 “ Get wisdom—it’s worth more than gold; choose insight over income every time.”  The Message Bible translation 

What situations do you need to ask God for insight? 

Work Session 

Closing 

Bible Study, Building Your Flock, The River Youth Group

Agenda for 4.28.21

agingenglishmajor
Isaiah 61:3

Wait on the Lord Agenda for 4/28/21

Opening

I’ve heard “do as I say and not as I do” so MANY times throughout my childhood, and I must admit that I have said it myself. However, I have high hopes that my girls (all four of them) will learn from my mistakes, and that they will WAIT on the Lord.

Psalms 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

There were so many times in my younger mind that I felt such obsession to HURRY!! I believed that I had to accomplish ALL my goals by 30, live ALL my dreams, and do ALL the things. My twenties were fraught with wrong decisions and sad endings. Then, by my 30th birthday, I had to face the one variable that was the same in all my strife: RUSHING. Waiting did not exist to me. By that age, I found myself sick, tired, and weak in spirit. What had I done to myself? What all had I ruined? Why had I self sabotaged so many times, especially in my relationships? Now that I am in my 40s and analyzing my failures through the eyes of the Spirit, I see that the crux of my entire problem presented itself in my failure to WAIT.

Isaiah 40:31 – But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

What have you failed to WAIT on the Lord to help you to figure out?

Work Session 

By 2016, I began that year with the prayer to God that I wanted a family, a husband, and another baby. I would have to be willing to give my heart, my time, and my trust to someone else if I really wanted to remarry. The questions of who to marry and when to marry are life altering questions and with life altering answers. I realize that my own daughters who are 14, 16, 19, and 20 will soon be faced with the same situation that I was in 2016. Ultimately, I asked God first: Who do you want me to marry? When will I know it’s the right time? I asked the Lord these questions on December 5, 2015, and on December 9, 2016, Chris called me for the first time, and on December 10, 2016, we went on our first date to Roddy Baptist Church the very church we grew up in and first met each other. We were married and had Liam in 2016. That year obviously was a great year of God’s FAVOR in my life.

My daddy and my paternal grandmother died in December 2016, yet I still consider that the year of God’s FAVOR because He acknowledged my heart and gave me the desires of it. He also provided comfort and peace beyond understanding.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Closing 

In that peace and comfort, I had a loving, supportive husband who put up with my moodiness and my devastation. He stood beside me and was so patient with me as I grieved. His patience and understanding helped me see more of the promises of my Father. Even now, there are so many times that Chris has the most simplistic and realistic perception of our life and circumstances; this calm, peacefulness is exactly how I need to see our life and our conflicts. I tend to over complicate things, and he just knows exactly how to get to the heart of the matter. I’ve learned so much through our trials and our triumphs, and I am a very blessed woman. I know my children see my humanity and my weaknesses. I hope that they are able to learn from my mistakes and lean always on the understanding of the Father as they learn to wait on Him.

Bible Study, The River Youth Group, Uncategorized

Advice to Our Daughters

agingenglishmajor

Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

I’ve heard “do as I say and not as I do” so MANY times through out my childhood, and I must admit that I have said it myself. However, I have high hopes that my girls (all four of them) will learn from my mistakes, and that they will WAIT on the Lord.

Psalms 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

There were so many times in my younger mind that I felt such obsession to HURRY!! I believed that I had to accomplish ALL my goals by 30, live ALL my dreams, and do ALL the things. My twenties were fraught with wrong decisions and sad endings. Then, by my 30th birthday, I had to face the one variable that was the same in all my strife: RUSHING. Waiting did not exist to me. By that age, I found myself sick, tired, and weak in spirit. What had I done to myself? What all had I ruined? Why had I self sabotaged so many times, especially in my relationships? Now that I am in my 40s and analyzing my failures through the eyes of the Spirit, I see that the crux of my entire problem presented itself in my failure to WAIT.

Isaiah 40:31 – But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I remember once after my first divorce a conversation a dear aunt of mine had with her son, which is my cousin:

“Mama, I am sad that Jennifer and Mark aren’t married anymore. I don’t understand what happened. How can I keep from ending up like her?”

“Son, you WAIT on the Lord. Whenever you choose a mate or deal with a problem, WAIT on Him to help you make those decisions.”

My 25 year-old-self was devastated at this conversation, especially since I was sitting at the very same table with them, and my mistake was so raw at that time. I allowed that conversation to separate me from Christ because I felt such horrible shame and loss. I was such a naïve young woman and a very immature Christian. Now, I remember that conversation and comprehend it so differently. My aunt discerned the answer that she gave to my young cousin. The Holy Spirit helped her discern her answer; I see it plainly today.

I should have WAITED on Him. I should has sought the answers in prayer, in fasting, and in focusing on the word. It seemed that I chose every other option that the ones that I should have. The song Graves into Gardens has always spoke to my heart since the first time I listened to it.

Graves Into Gardens

Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake

I searched the world
But it couldn’t fill me
Man’s empty praise
And treasures that fade
Are never enough

Then You came along
And put me back together
And every desire
Is now satisfied
Here in Your love 

The world as well as my inability to look beyond it with my spiritual eyes led me astray. I was a lost boat in a swift, harsh current. The waves crashed and carried me haphazardly toward the wreck that my life had become at 30. I was twice divorced, raising two girls alone and working two jobs as a high school teacher and college instructor. The loss of the family for my girls will forever change their lives and damaged their little hearts and minds. What I felt was right for me in unrenewed mind devastated my daughters. Not only did my bad decisions damage my daughters, but they also upended and devastated my husbands’ lives and extended family’s lives. I faced my failure and vowed to never remarry again. I believed if I have a committed, married life again that could protect myself and my children from destruction (or so I thought).

By the age of 36, I had spent ten years hating men and sticking to my ridiculous vow. That decade should have provided me with the time to WAIT on the Lord and to learn from my mistakes. However, I still had lessons to learn, and just like parents will do, God taught me the hard way since I couldn’t look to Him due to my hard headedness and my hard heart.

By 2016, I began that year with the prayer to God that I wanted a family, a husband, and another baby. I would have to be willing to give my heart, my time, and my trust to someone else if I really wanted to remarry. The questions of who to marry and when to marry are life altering questions and with life altering answers. I realize that my own daughters who are 14, 16, 19, and 20 will soon be faced with the same situation that I was in 2016. Ultimately, I asked God first: Who do you want me to marry? When will I know it’s the right time? I asked the Lord these questions on December 5, 2015, and on December 9, 2016, Chris called me for the first time, and on December 10, 2016, we went on our first date to Roddy Baptist Church the very church we grew up in and first met each other. We were married and had Liam in 2016. That year obviously was a great year of God’s FAVOR in my life.

My daddy and my paternal grandmother died in December 2016, yet I still consider that the year of God’s FAVOR because He acknowledged my heart and gave me the desires of it. He also provided comfort and peace beyond understanding.

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

In that peace and comfort, I had a loving, supportive husband who put up with my moodiness and my devastation. He stood beside me and was so patient with me as I grieved. His patience and understanding helped me see more of the promises of my Father. Even now, there are so many times that Chris has the most simplistic and realistic perception of our life and circumstances; this calm, peacefulness is exactly how I need to see our life and our conflicts. I tend to over complicate things, and he just knows exactly how to get to the heart of the matter. I’ve learned so much through our trials and our triumphs, and I am a very blessed woman. I know my children see my humanity and my weaknesses. I hope that they are able to learn from my mistakes and lean always on the understanding of the Father as they learn to wait on Him.

Father,

I ask that you teach my daughters to see people and to see situations as You see them. Continue to mold us into Your image. Bless and keep us, Lord.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Bible Study, The River Youth Group

Reflecting on Tonight’s Class @ The River Church

agingenglishmajor

There are so many times in a day that nothing seems to go right no matter how hard you try. Tonight, I experienced issues in my classroom at church. The internet wouldn’t work. I couldn’t play the video that I had planned to play for the last two weeks. My agenda only had one passage from Isaiah 43, and I couldn’t play my song due to the internet issue. However, I trusted the Lord to do His work because Jesus and the Father work seven days a week! I, on the other hand, am FALLIABLE, FRAGILE, FRAZZLED, yet I have FAITH to know that God always shows up and shows out!

The Father and the Son

16Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews began to persecute Him. 17But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.” 18Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.…” John 5:16-17

I let the Holy Spirit lead my teaching while we focused on the main passage of Isaiah 43: 1-7 my ultimate goal as the teacher of our Youth Group is for my kids to KNOW Him. It’s taken me 43 years to even reconcile in my head that God sent His Son just for me and would tear down His entire creation just to come after me. I hope that they can understand how special their PERSONAL relationship is before the end of the night and KNOW this spiritual truth now before they officially grow up.

One of my kids introduced me to his sister tonight, and we had four more Youth than we did last week. I know that HE moved. He touched them. He loves them. They are His for Eternity. I pray for REAL Holy Spirit baptized, REAL TALK WALK with the Lord for my babies.

I met Jesus this morning in my truck on the way to school; I felt Him inside it with me. The experience began with my hearing “Forever Amen” for the first time. There was something about the lyrics that presented a RAW longing to experience a relationship with Christ. It shook my everything. I wanted to share it with ALL my friends when I got to work. The joy of the Lord renews my mind, my faith, and my hope each day. I pray that my kids feel Him and rest in Him. God, bring a FIRE for you that burns white hot. Bring it on this earth for these young people. We are ready for you.

The unplanned night was just how God wanted it to be: He wanted us willing and waiting on Him. What a night. Thank you, Lord, for having NOTHING go my way and EVERYTHING go your way.

God bless you all. Praise Yahweh! Bless Yesuah.