The Beth Moore Opportunity

I had a wonderful experience last weekend. Beth Moore with Living Proof Live blessed Columbus, Ohio with a conference! The worship was led by Travis Cottrell and I must say it was an awesome experience. I can't describe the feeling of being in a stadium with 7000 women who are of like mind and heart and worshiping the God of all creation. Whew! I love Travis's rendition of the Revelation Song. I'm still singing it in my head.

Typical of any Beth Moore teaching, it was deeply rooted in Biblical Truth. The key word for the event was Prepare. Beth taught us that our Father prepared the earth for us with exactly what we as humans needed for life. More than that, she opened our eyes to the truth that it is our responsibility as believers to prepare our hearts and minds for the unique plan God has prepared for each of us. Our preparation meets His preparation and we thrive. What a breath taking picture of the love of the Lord for us.

Another aspect of the weekend that I thoroughly enjoyed was hanging out with a fine, funny, energetic, Bible-loving group of women. The fact that it was a multi-generational group ranging from 21 years to 54 years was extra cool. We were all linked by our love of Bible study and worship and, of course, eating chocolate. What a beautiful example of one generation learning from another (and visa-versa). We are made to love and fellowship together and life is good when we do.

Thank you Beth Moore, Lifeway Ministries and Living Proof Live for providing an opportunity for us girls to get away and rejuvenate!

The Warning

I am very fortunate to be blessed with a group of wonderful ladies who love to gather on Sunday evenings for Bible Study. Each is beautiful and unique and I thoroughly enjoy them all. Currently, we are in a study by Beth Moore called "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things". It deals with spiritual warfare and it has truly been an eye-opener. I have been encouraged to be alert at all times to the schemes and lies of the enemy who is roaming and roaring like a hungry lion to devour me - or more specifically my testimony. Here a the prin3But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.ciple questions listed in the first week's homework under the title of: The Warning.

1. 1. What does 2 Corinthians 11:3 say Paul feared for the Christians of his day?

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your
minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to
Christ

Paul was concerned that the Christians of his day would be deceived by the serpent and led astray just like Eve was. It is important to note that Paul is taking about people who are devoted to Christ, not people who are living an ungodly life. We are all in danger of seduction and we must be ever watchful and alert.

2. What does Luke 10:18 suggest about Satan's present power?

He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Satan is the prince of this world. He is like a lame-duck president who has temporary authority but will give his power up Jesus returns. Satan is angry because he knows his reign is temporary.

3. According to 2 Timothy 2:26 what is Satan's objective?

and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will

Satan wants to make the clean feel unclean. He wants to take Christians captive to do his will. He does this through temptation and trials. We can fight against the influence of the enemy by choosing to behave out of what we know is truth rather than how we feel.

4. What does Hebrews 10:24-25 tell believers to do?

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching

Many who report beging seduced by Satan describe feeling isolated and alone. Clearly the enemy loves isolation. He wants nothing more than to draw the believer away from the healthy relationships with other believers. Afterall, other believers might recognize the seduction and warn the one under attack of the danger. Hebrews tells us to meet together often so that we can encourage each other and cheer each other on. If we are involved with anything that is separating us from godly people, we must beware.

5. According to 1 John 5:18, how would you explain the difference between Satan's being able to attack us and not being able to grasp us?

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.

A born again believer cannot continue in sin because the seed of God is in him (I John 3:9) The enemy and his demons can attack and have some temporary control but it won't be for eternity because God keeps his children safe. It is the diving presence of Christ within the believer that preserves him against all evil. The wicked one cannot grip, grasp, or lay hold of the true Christian.

Father I pray that I will always hang on to the simplicity that is in Christ who is the one ultimate influence. Keep me awake and watchful. May I walk continuously in prayer and daily surrender. Amen

What has praise and worship brought to your life?

In one of Beth Moore's devotions from her book, "David," she asked the question: "What has praise and worship brought to your life?" I grew up in a church was wasn't very demonstrative during the worship service. We sang the old hymns which are beautiful but sometimes felt routine. But I really latched on to the song "How Great Thou Art". My heart would soar when we sang it. It remains very special to me to this day. Many years later, my husband and I visited a different church and I was truly blown away by the worship service. There was an emphasis on praise in the music and in the attitudes of the people. I realized what I had been missing for so many years! It was the kind of praise and worship that can make my heart blaze with emotion because it reminds me of who God is! So to answer the question "What has praise and worship brought to my life?"...the answer is SWEET PEACE. I feel peace because I realize how small my problems and worries are compared to His majesty and power. Lord, help me to always remember the words of Job: "Your mysteries are higher than the heavens, deeper than the depth of the grave, longer than the earth and wider than the sea." How Great Thou Art!