Monday, November 15, 2010

::Psalm 27::

"The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?...One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple."
::David in Psalm 27:1,4::

During last term, I wrote 3 teaching outlines for my Old Testament class. I posted the first outline I wrote which was on Josiah previously in a blog post. I really enjoyed doing this, and since I have previously taught a ladies' small group during my senior year at Harding, it came fairly easy to me. The last one had to be on a psalm, so I automatically picked my absolutely favorite psalm, favorite passage of Scripture actually, Psalm 27. One of the verses is at the top of this blog. It is the chapter I go to most during good and difficult times. It challenges me and uplifts me. My favorite verse changes often because life is constantly changing, but I love the entire psalm.

I got 100 on this outline, and decided to use it for a small group lesson I gave this past week. We have a ladies' small group on Tuesday nights, and it was finally my turn to give the lesson. I thought about many different topics, but I knew that all of us are feeling some fear of forming teams and looking ahead to field times and the unknown. Psalm 27 has many applications, and one of them is definitely to address fear.

Ultimately, my lesson was about the best way to get rid of fear is to seek after God wholeheartedly. When we are looking into the face of God, there is nothing to fear.

We had a lot of really good discussion, so I jumped off of that and didn't follow this outline strictly but more as a reference. I thought it went well, and I know the lesson was what I needed to hear right now. Here is my teaching outline:

“WHOM SHALL I FEAR?” 
Text: Psalm 27

Purpose of Lesson: To understand that seeking after God and trusting in Him takes away fear. There is nothing and no one to fear when we strive to be in the presence of God for He will never leave us.

Principles of the Text: When the Lord is the light and salvation of your life, as well as the defense, there is no reason to fear even an army at war against you (27:1-3). If God is the most important thing in your life, He will protect you; as He exalts you, your reply ought to be of praise and sacrifice (27:4-6). With so much to fear in life, God is the constant. He is near to those who seek Him (27:7-10). Despite what people say about you, follow God’s path and seek His understanding. His way is not our way, but it is good (27:11-14).

Opening Question: What do you fear? What would you consider the worst thing that could happen to you? Why do you fear this?

Discussion Questions: 
1. How does fear gain power over our lives?

2. Why is fear such a bad thing? Why do we need to trust in God instead?

3. What does it mean that God is “my light”?

4. How has God protected you already in your life?

5. Why is it so difficult to trust God in your own life when bad things happen?

6. Why is waiting, especially for God, so difficult for us?

7. What is your “one thing” that you seek after? What makes it your number one priority?

8. What should be our reaction to our salvation? How should it change our priorities?

9. How do we seek the face of God?

Application: Think about your “one thing” that you seek after in your own life and evaluate it. Is your life filled with fear? Are you afraid of what could happen? You need to look at what your heart desires. Throughout this week, try to be aware of your motives and the desires that drive your actions and try to focus your life on God; the only One who can take away fear. Simplify your life and seek after your "one thing." If God is at the center of your life, there is nothing to fear. Trust Him and wait on His timing. He won’t abandon you. “Be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).

***Again, if you'd like to use this outline or some of the ideas, please ask and give credit! Thanks.

-ej

Saturday, November 13, 2010

::I'm a Survivor::

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
::Paul in 1 Timothy 4:12::

We have had a somewhat stressful time these last few weeks as we have sorting teams and choosing fields. As of two nights ago, we have a "potential" Ukraine team of 2 guys/2 girls! I'm really really excited about the 4 of us working together, but we shall have to wait to see if anything changes. The official announcement of teams will be in the beginning of December, but it is possible for changes to be made after that. However, I really hope it stays the 4 of us :).

Ukraine is my first choice field, and my top choice for girl is also wanting to go to Ukraine! After getting to know the missionary a little and hearing about the work and possibilities in Kharkov, I have felt a calling to go there. Nothing is set in stone yet, but I feel God may already be preparing me for Ukraine.

Last night was the Sunset youth girls' retreat! It was the second all-night girls' retreat I've had in nearly a week at the same place. There was cookie-decorating, karaoke, necklace crafts, games, food, a lesson, and even some sleep. The theme was 1 Timothy 4:12, which is always a good verse for young people to hear.

During karaoke, one of the songs sung was "I'm a Survivor" by Destiny's Child and I noticed a line I had never heard before:
"I'm not gonna compromise my Christianity (I'm better than that)"

I've heard that song many many times before, but next time I might sing it with a new attitude. I'm a survivor. And no matter what happens, bad or good, I'm not gonna compromise my Christianity.

-ej

Friday, November 05, 2010

::Oct 2010::

"October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter." ::Nova Bair::

Here is a link to download my October newsletter: October Newsletter.

If you'd like to receive the newsletter by email, please leave your email and let me know at http://kontactr.com/user/ejtotheworld.

And just for me, please follow my blog or leave a comment saying hi! ;)

Thanks! Love you all.
-ej

::Hiding Place::

"Seek goodness everywhere, and when it is found, bring it out of its hiding place and let it be free and unashamed." 
::William Saroyan::

I apologize for taking a week off of blogging. I have been fighting off sickness as well as having some preoccupations for my time. My sister has been ill and had her gallbladder removed this past Tuesday in Arkansas. She is still recovering from the surgery, but is doing much better! Also on Tuesday, I had the honor of speaking in Ladies' chapel at Sunset. I really enjoyed the opportunity, and it was so encouraging to hear responses from everyone.

Our last field presentation was on Monday. Wednesday night after church, we actually filled out our lists for top fields and our "dream team"! It's really exciting to be working on teams now. For the next week, we can move our names around into different fields on a board in a AIM room. We will start forming our own teams that way, until we reach a stand-still and the director's will have the final say on teams. Please be in prayer for this whole process and for all of the AIMers to give any worry to God.

We had a AIM girls' lock-in last night, which was a lot of fun! We discussed the different stages of relationship with Jesus. Tomorrow we have a cook-out in Hart, and I'm not even sure of my own plans for the evening!

For the rest of this post, I thought I would share some pictures from our Paducah/Harding trip!

  on the Paducah church bus

flowers at my host home in Missouri
"To behold the beauty of the Lord" Psalm 27:4

Pinocchio statue in St. Louis' City Garden

the St. Louis arch

morning devo in Paducah

climbing in the garden of the gods in Illinois:
"In the secret place of His tent He will hide me... 

...He will lift me up on a rock" Psalm 27:5b


-ej