Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The Word: Part Two

There will be a test….
Remember hearing that in high school or college? Ugg. I hated that. Can’t we learn this stuff without being tested on it too? It seemed to take the fun out of learning. No, it didn’t work that way in class and it doesn’t work that way in life. We need to expect the test. (BM) Or rather testSSSS, right? Oh yes.


One of the first scriptures Beth gave us under this point is 1 Corinthians 10:13. This is a verse I wrote on my heart years ago, probably because it was a part of some Bible study. I had not really pondered on this verse until a few months ago at my ladies group. It was almost like it came flooding back to me that night. It has since come up several times in the last few months. If you aren’t familiar with the verse, here it is. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

God does not tempt us. Temptation comes from satan to make us fall. Trials come from God to make us stand. (BM) Yet even in satan’s temptation our God still doesn’t end it there. No, He provides an escape door. He provides a way out. He provides an alternative. He provides they way to stand up to the temptation.

We will have tests and trials. He is testing us to prove the Word TRUE! The Word is not laying idle in us. We need to wait for it to come to pass and proven to be true. (BM) Waiting is hard but we must put it to the extreme use.

Ephesians 3:17 …rooted and established in love. We must know that we know that we know that God loves us. I’d guess if asked we’d all say “yes, I know God loves me.” Several have told me lately that God loves me and this has been my reactions also. “Yeah, I know.” It seemed to make a larger impact with the words Beth spoke and with the emphasis of truly knowing that we know. When going through a crisis you must know that you know that you know that He lavishly loves you. (BM) Lavishly loves us. These words still ring reinforcement and strength in me. It is easy in crisis, pain, and trials to think He’s forgotten us. He must not love me that much.


Take root below and bear fruit above. 2 Kings 19:30 The “root” is to know that you know that you know that God loves us and has not forgotten us in our time of suffering.

We’ve heard it many times that in exactly the times we need God the most, we feel Him the least. Isn’t that the truth. I’ve never understood why that is. However, Beth continued to say because worrying is over powering us. (BM) I never put worry into the equation to see it is the reason for our disconnect feeling. We can’t get a Word over it because worrying is chocking us. Anxiety chokes the Word right out of us!!!! (BM)

Wow. That seems to be opposite of our goal of keeping His Word hidden in our heart. Yet, we have the “power” to keep it hidden or choke it out. Our decision to worry or not worry gives power to whether the Word is hidden in our heart or to choke it out.

That gives us even more motivation to conquer the worry and anxiety because it is stealing the Word from our heart and choking it from us. Thus the reason our all-knowing God told us not to be anxious. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

The enemy watches us not bowing down to God when we are anxious. (BM)

He will birth our passion THROUGH our pain. (BM) Through our pain, not going around it, not escaping it, not removing it, but THROUGH it. Passion from pain. Wow. I just love those words. I know those three words bring so many promises of God’s to us. We cannot understand His ways and we never will on this side of Heaven. Only the Almighty One can bring such beautiful and glorious passion from such horrific pain and tragedy.

These words, passion from pain, remind me of Romans 8:28. In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

He makes beauty from ashes.
He makes passion from pain.

Every one of our lives has purpose, a destiny set aside for you before the foundation of the world. (BM) Wow, what vastness this shows of God. Thousands of years ago He set out MY purpose in this world from 19_ _ until (?) when He calls me home.

We need to change our perspective of what we go through!!! (BM) Oh how very true this is. Perspective is SO much of the battle. It is very hard to have a God-perspective because we are not God. But with His help God will enlarge our human perspective into something closer to His perspective. We will never fully achieve and perfect our perspective. It’s been amazing that slowly but surely, God has even changed my perspective. He is allowing me to step out of my disaster and see it from a glimpse of His perspective and what He can accomplish through me, through this disaster, and through the birthing of my passion. It is only through the grace of God that we can step out of our tragedy (and tragedies they are) and see the purpose and passion He is birthing. That is just awesome to know so much good is coming from so much bad. For me, my 'disaster' still hurts very deeply but it’s like a warm fuzzy blanket on a cold day. God is wrapping is arms around my pain and comforting my broken heart. I must continue to still go through the pain but His loving arms through purpose and passion bring such comfort to me.

Beth continues to say God doesn’t have us to through the tests just for us. It’s not about us. Then why? To be able to minister and testify after the disaster. (BM) Again wow. Minister after the disaster. I know the I’ve already ministered and testified to God’s greatness through my disaster. It’s been a slow progress and I can only hope my ministering and testifying are much more than I even know. I know my ministry and testimony will just continue to grow and grow through this journey and the revelations God brings me.

Remember this…
Satan’s plan is to lose our effectiveness not our salvation! (BM)
We know the enemy cannot take our salvation, that is between God and His believer. Remember, he can only tempt us in our lives but he does not make our decisions for us. Rather, satan knows he has no power over our salvation but he can influence our effectiveness for God’s Kingdom. He can tempt us to not pray and be in God’s Word daily. He can tempt us with using our time for our selfish desires instead of Kingdom purposes. He can tempt us to not attend church, Sunday School, or fellowship with other believers. He can tempt us to not tithe our firsts to God. He can tempt us to not serve in the church and our community. He can tempt us to not share God’s love with others. He can only tempt us. But if we fall into his temptation, we can become less effective in our walk to minister to others and testify for His greatness.

Birthing Passion Through Pain,

If anyone would like a full copy of all my notes, I'd gladly email them to you. Leave me a comment with your email. It's about six pages (double spaced.)

30 comments:

Skoots1moM said...

Choosing right over easy...He never lets us down when we choose His way!

Yolanda said...

Isn't it amazing how we both posted, and I believe, with IMPACT for the Kingdom. We are learning to apply The Word, and what we are learning, GLORY TO GOD!!

Love ya,
Yolanda

Nicole said...

I would love a copy of your notes. Yeah! I love Beth Moore's teaching. Thank you for offering.

I was sitting in church on Sunday thinking about how I have such a misconception of God's love for me. There is part of my heart that believes that His love is based on my actions/works and not just because He loves me because I'm me. I have prayed for the last few days that God would show me His love more. I want to really "know" His love. For me, I notice that I start to get anxious when I have thought a sinful thought about someone else or myself or anything in general. I believe the reason I get anxious is because there is a misconception about God's perfect love.

I am reminded of the scripture that says "Perfect love casts out fear." How do I understand that perfect love more??? Well, I believe two ways are to read His word daily and ask the Lord to show me more of Himself. I believe God is really wanting us ALL to know His love (particulary recently and currently as I have had others tell me that Jesus loves me, and I have heard sermons and speakers talk on this subject a lot lately. If I don't understand Jesus's perfect love for me then I live in fear, and I can not live in fear and faith at the same time. I choose either one or the other.

I hope that made sense. I am thinking through this as I'm typing.

Very good stuff. The Lord is soooo good. I am encouraged today, through you relaying Beth's words, that I am on the right track in my walk with the Lord, and that I am hearing His voice.

So, Satan get behind me with those lies...because you have to in Jesus Name!

Thanks Paula!

Nicole

Runner Mom said...

Hey, girlfriend!
I loved your post! I went back and read the previous one as well. You take much better notes than I did! And, yes, I would love an emailed copy as well :).

Your comments were very precious. GOd is going to work in you and through you during this "disaster" portion of your life. I love the tie in with Romans 8:28. Yo are so grounded in your faith--what a blessing to those of us who read your blog.

Love ya,
Susan

Amy said...

~"When going through a crisis you must know that you know that you know that He lavishly loves you." (BM)~

I can hear and see her saying these words so passionately.
I need to remember this statement when I am doubting and being fearful of my circumstances.
This is a jam packed thought provoking post, Paula.
You have given me much to ponder, friend.:)

And I would also love a copy of your notes.;)

God Bless,
Amy:)

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Dear Paula,
Thank you so much for visiting me so that I would be led to visit you! Your words have penetrated my heart when my heart needs penetrated with His Word! It came at a time when I truly needed to hear words so uplifting. I love Beth Moore's studies and have been a part of them at my church. I have found them to be extremely uplifting and insightful to get me through some extremely difficult times. Please e-mail me your notes on this subject at momsidner@yahoo.com. I know I will find them helpful and beneficial at this time.

I will be visiting you regularly and I am starting a new category of "favorite inspirational blogs" to visit on my side bar. I would like to add you to it if I may. Please let me know if that is alright with you.

God Bless YOU! Big Hugs Sherry

Lynn - JnL4God said...

Hi Paula,
Checking in on you to see how your doing. You've gotten some great insight from Beth and God's word. He is doing a reall work in you, and that is awesome. Let him mold you sweets I'm eager to see what He's training you up for. Have a wonderful day and week.
Loves,
Lynn

Abba's Girl said...

Wonderful post! Passion from pain, what a wonderful way to word it. My small group was talking about this last night. I will direct them to your post. Blessings to you.

Annette

Mia said...

The Lord has brought that verse to me (Corinthians 10:13)three times in the last 24 hours! And I know JUST why too!!
Thanks Paula for being an instrument for God today!!

Sharon said...

Wow never looked at quite like that, but you are sooo right.
You have taught me so much thank you from my heart. So glad of this bloggie world, that I have you in my life of learning. I know you are going somewhere, the Lord is truly setting you up for something, and I hope I get to sit beside you the whole time.
I guess you could say I will be lost with out ya..
God Bless youuuu my sister in Christ
Sharon

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Paula,
I wish I had seen Beth speak I did get to meet her in a workshop here in Hawaii and I enjoyed it so much. You took really great notes!!!

Hugz Lorie

Unknown said...

"That is just awesome to know so much good is coming from so much bad."

I loved this. This is what I'm studying in the bible study I'm doing. What looks like death is actually birthing new life in you. I just lvoe that. And looking back on things that were horrible to me at the time, I can see the good that has rsults from them.

I've loved reading all the things you learned from Beth's teaching.

Unknown said...

Oh I forgot my email for the notes:
mtaylor918@bellsouth.net

Laura said...

Hello, my friend! I am writing from our condo at the beach, the ocean singing to me outside my window! It's funny, we've been having a wonderful time, but I feel like I miss you! The boys have been getting up so early--I just haven't been able to spend the time writing that I wanted. But, I've been experience the goodness of God! I feel so sad that the end of our vacation is drawing near!
I love this post, dear one!
There was this: "Lavishly loves us. These words still ring reinforcement and strength in me. It is easy in crisis, pain, and trials to think He’s forgotten us. He must not love me that much."
So true. My memory is weak. One thing I have realized this week is that I don't want to have to take a vacation to feel as close to HIm as I have in the past few days! I want HIM everyday!!!!
Thanks for inspiring me,Paula!

Anonymous said...

You do take great notes! Thanks for sharing!

~Amy~ said...

I am beside myself reading this post..... I would so love to have a copy of your notes. I love being under the teaching of Beth Moore....
amy041774@yahoo.com

GOD'S LADIE said...

How I so needed this word. I hit a point where I began to lose my effectiveness and I feel soooo horrible for letting other things be 1st in my life besides the ONE who "lavishly loves me". However, I know that I know that I know that I serve a merciful, forgiving GOD who will pick me up and cleanse me.

I will definately love a copy of your notes!

Thanks so much,
LaTonya

Melanie said...

Oh, wow... I needed this today. Thanks so much for sharing all about the conference with Beth Moore. It has really been what my heart has needed.

Have a great weekend!

Laura said...

Hey, Paula! We just got home from vacation this evening! Sad to leave the beach behind, but happy to be in my comfy place. Now it's back to unpacking, laundry, and school starting in two days!! EEK! I want to go back...

Gail said...

I truly...don't know how I found you. All I can say is....GLORY BE TO GOD!!! What insight, what wisdom! You are a blessed teacher! I have pasted and sent your wisdom to so many I know in need. Your words bring..Joy, hope, and faith! Keep going! A really BIG FAN!!!!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

One of the best things I remember Beth saying about our "pasts" is on the topic of full redemption. She says that "when our pasts begin to work for us instead of against us...that's full redemption." It took me a long while to feel like God could use my "junk" from long ago. It's only been in the last few years I've felt ready.

Everyday, I deal with people who are going through similar issues, and I always feel so grateful for the freedom that I now have to talk about my story and to offer support.

Thanks, Paula, for these insights into your weekend with Beth. Looks like we're going to be hearing from a ton of Siestas who just returned from San Antonio. A weekend with God and his Word via Beth, is always a heart full!

peace~elaine

Jenn @ Casa de Castro said...

Beth Moore ROCKS and so does this post! Thanks for yet another amazing post. Your words spoke to me today.

Joyful said...

Wow Paula - you took some serious notes. Thanks for sharing here. I would love a copy of your notes if you are willing to share them. Thanks.

Have a blessed day,
Joy

Shirley Mary said...

"Passion from pain"
There is a song that starts off, "He washed my eyes with tears that I might see"

Janet Erskin Stewart wrote, "Joy is not the absence of suffering but the presence of God."

Paula, your writings continue to bless and cause us to ponder on these things.

On my blog you asked how old my daughter was. Actually she was 51 but there were hurts deep in her heart that needed healing. Children can carry hurts or scars all of their adult lives and sometimes parents are never even aware of them.
I am so thankful that God allowed me to "see her heart" and witness the healing.

mary

Mia said...

Stop by, I gave you an award!

Lisa said...

Hi Paula!
Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog yesterday. I have to tell you, you made me laugh at myself with your first comment about how you usually read things that are brief. I TOTALLY understand, and after I wrote that post I was thinking that it was way too long and that if it were me, I probably wouldn't take the time to read it. :) But I knew you meant it in a good way, so, thank you. And thank you for taking the time to read it.

I do take your thoughts about me as compliments, as it shows what God can do in and through a person through their surrender. I love that people do not perceive me to struggle with my call because that tells me that God is, indeed, shining in my weakness. I like to always tell people who I am rather than what they think, but I love that God can change a person who is not naturally inclined to do something and empower them to be His messanger. I'm unworthy, but I'm grateful.

Well look here...now I've gone long, again. Surprise, surprise. :) Thanks, again, for your words. I heard your heart.

Lisa :)

Lelia Chealey said...

Great post. Beth Moore is such a teacher of His Word!! Thanks for sharing this with us. I'll take a copy of your notes. Ya got my e-mail! ;)

Loved all you said throughout it too...great stuff to really sink my teeth into.
Love ya,
Lelia

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

I am a BM folower so please send me your notes since I missed this conference!! I miss you girl! I continue to pray for you.

In His Graces~Pamela

Tracy said...

Hi Paula,
First, thank you for your sweet words of encouragement and also for your prayers. Means so much to me.

Remember I told you I had fallen behind on reading posts? Yesterday, I got on and printed off a number of them to read on my bus ride home. Your last two were among them. I LOVE the way you shared your Beth Moore insights. It was so great to experience those teachings anew, particularly with your added insights.

It's beautiful to see the way God is working in your heart. It shows itself all over your blog!

Blessings, sweet friend.
Tracy

Skoots1moM said...

yep, i'm indeed bledded!