Summer Break ~ Mary Poppins

Tonight I read a post from my cousin on Facebook, "Wish I could be Mary Poppins for a day, I could get my entire house organized in a day." This statement made me think of our Bible Study. When you think of Mary Poppins, who do you think she is most like, Mary or Martha? Why?

Looking forward to starting up our Bible Study Again. Thinking we can start back on this the week of September 10th. We can get started with chapter 5 or 6. Hope everyone's summer was a good one!

Review of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6

What is living room intimacy? Joanna writes in chapter five “When we couldn’t reach up to heaven, heaven came down to us and welcomed us into the Living Room through the door way of Jesus Christ.” This is living room intimacy. Having Christ available to us in our own special place. How awesome is that?

Chapter 5 really spoke to me and I have many highlights in this chapter. So many things I want to remind myself and remember. I am guilty of having so many excuses for not spending time with Jesus. I keep telling myself that when I retire, I will have lots of time to spend reading God's word and having that "living room intimacy" with Jesus. Let's hope that day actually arrives! Why is it that we make excuses? When we spend time reading God's word or spend time with Jesus, doesn't it make us feel good? We should want that feeling everyday. When I say this, I am speaking to me too. Stop those excuses!

In chapter 6 I realized that my mother-in-law is the first Christian to live in such a way that I can clearly see Christ. Through her and her friends and their walk with Jesus I can clearly see how Christians follow the Lord's example. They serve others as well as Jesus and show love to all. Oh, sure once in a while they talk one way and live another way, but for the most part they are good examples of how to follow Christ. These ladies live in a way that they serve others with love and spirituality. I can say, "I know who they are!"

As Joanna puts it, "One life can make a difference. ...get connected to the Vine so that we start bearing fruit. Let's start living in such a way that Jesus sticks out all over. Let's start loving in such a way people can point at our lives and say, "I know who you are!"


Quotes from Joanna Weaver

Chapter 5
Christ wants to spend quality time with me.
The place Mary found at Jesus’ feet is the same place available to you and me.
Jesus came to show us the way to the Father’s house.
If I don’t take time to read God’s Word, I won’t hear His loving call.

Chapter 6
We’ve been filled with a great treasure for one purpose: to be spilled.
Whether we like it or not, we’re the only Jesus some will ever see.
It isn’t enough to call ourselves Christians. We must live like Christians.
If we call ourselves Christians, then our lives should be unmistakably and obviously Christlike.
A need is not necessarily a call.
A true passion for God will naturally result in a compassion for people.

Chapter 6

This week in Bible Study we will go over both chapters 5 and 6. Please post your posting to chapter 5 under chapter 5 before our Friday meeting and post chapter 6 under this posting before our Friday meeting.

April 16-20th

1. Read chapter 6 from the book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.
2. Answer the questions from the study guide. Post your responses to questions 1 and 2 under the comments section below. As others post, feel free to respond to their posts.
3. Bible readings for chapter 6: John 13:1-17; Mark 1:29-34; Mark 6:30-34; Mark 7:31-35; and Acts 3:1-10. 

Postings

1. Dwight L. Moody said, "Of one hundred men, one will read the Bible; the ninety-nine will read the Christian." Who was the first Christian in your life to live in such a way that you could clearly see Christ? How did this person affect your life?
2. Read the story of the little boy and the evangelist on page 97. How would you like Jesus to "stick out all over" in your life – that is, what attitudes and characteristics of the Savior would you like God to develop in your life?
3. What spoke to you most in this chapter? 

Easter Week ~ Chapter 5

We will not have Bible Study this week since it is Good Friday. I also thought maybe we should take 2 weeks for chapter 5 since we are all preparing for Easter weekend. Our next Bible Study will be April 13th at 11:15 am in room 72. We will discuss chapter 5. Feel free to post your responses this week if you can.


Week 4


1. Read chapter 5 from the book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.
2. Answer the questions from the study guide. Post your responses to questions 1 and 2 under the comments section below. As others post, feel free to respond to their posts.
3. Bible readings for chapter 5:   Isaiah 41:9-10; Ephesians 2:13-14; Psalms 90:12; Isaiah 40:29-31;
Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9; Psalm 10:4; James 4:6-7; Psalm 42:11; John 14:1; Hebrews 13:6; 2 Corinthians 4:7-10; John 15:5; Romans 8:15-16; 2 Corinthians 11:2.


Week 4 Postings

1. Someone has said that each of us were created "with a God-shaped hole" and that we will never be truly satisfied until we fill that space with him. Unfortunately many of us, as Teri described on page 69, fill up on spiritual Snicker Bars. What do you turn to instead of God when you’re feeling empty?
2. I’ve written that intimacy with God comes through Prayer + the Word + Time. Which of these three disciplines is most difficult for you? Which comes easiest?
3. As you prepare for Easter who are you most like, Mary or Martha? Explain.

Week 3: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Week 3
1. Read chapter 4 from the book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.
2. Answer the questions from the study guide. Post your responses to questions 1 and 2 under the comments section below. As others post, feel free to respond to their posts.
3. Bible readings for chapter 4 Luke 10:38-42; Luke 18:18-25; 1 Corinthians 13:3 and Philippians 3:4-7; Galatians 3:3; Titus 3:5; Philippians 3:13-14; Acts 26:9-15; James 1:4

Week 3 Postings
1. Read the wagon and the rocks story on pages 48-51. Take a look in your wagon. Which rocks has God asked you to carry? Which rocks have you unwisely and sometimes unconsciously volunteered to carry for someone else?
2. Do you ever feel the driven, perfectionist, spiritual Martha Stewart coming out in you? What does she look like at home? What does she look like at church?
3. Share a favorite thought or moment from this week's study.

We have just finished chapter 3 in our book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver. Here we see the downfalls of worry and once again see that God commands us not to worry. Our worries can be from small things in life to very large things in life. Some of us are born worriers, which can be a real problem in our daily life. We have read about the Ten Signs of a Big Worrier and see that it can be harmful to our personal life, our health, and even interfere in our work. Don't let worry become a battlefield of your mind. Here are some ways to tame your worry:

1. Don't worry alone; talk your fears out with someone.
2. Exercise regularly and get the rest your body needs.
3. Take care of mistakes ~ confess and forgive.
4. Don't let yourself speak negatively, even about yourself.
5. Know the difference between worry and concern.
6. Trust God

Although I have not read this, I have heard great things about Joyce Meyer's book, Battlefield of the Mind. This book is devoted to getting the reader to change their thinking. It also helps in showing one how to tear down the strongholds that Satan puts in our minds.

Finally, remember to meditate on these steps to victory over worry. (1) Be anxious about nothing; (2) Pray about everything; and (3) Be thankful for all things.

Prayer Requests

Remember to visit our prayer wall each week and lift others up with your prayers. Post a prayer or a praise report as often as you like.

Joanna Weaver Quotes from Chapter 3

"Concern draws us to God. Worry pulls us from him."
"When God tells us in the Bible not to worry, it isn't a suggestion. It's a command."

Extension on Chapter 3 & Prayer

Spring break was so enjoyable that I did not take time to read my chapter. Now it is time to go back to work and start back up on reading. Since I did not see any other posts this week, I decided that maybe everyone needs another week to read Chapter 3. I look forward to reading your posts this week and seeing you at Bible study on Friday.

This came to me in an email from Renee Swope of Proverbs 31 Ministries. It was written for her Bible study group, but as I read it this morning I thought of our Bible study group.

"My prayer for you

Lord, we gather together from so many corners of the world to seek You. I sense many of us feel like we are suffocating under the weight of the world and all of our worries.The enemy would love to keep us there but YOU have come to carry our burdens and give our hearts a place to breathe. Even though we haven't all had time to read Chapter 3 and some are still a few chapters back, we receive your grace and know that we are right where You knew we'd be today! Help us take a few minutes to care for our hearts tonight. We ask that YOU would help us to feel the power of Your love, peace and grace as we pray these promise together: Jesus, I pray that you would search me and know my heart; try (examine) me and know (show me) my anxious thoughts. Reveal to me if there is any hurtful way in me (towards myself or others), and lead me in Your ways. When concerns consume me, please remind me that You are with me, holding me by my right hand and guiding me with Your sweet counsel. It's so hard for me when my flesh and my heart fail, but I know You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever - and in that promise I find peace and comfort. Help me turn my burdens over to You tonight, knowing that You will take care of me and all that I care about. Remind me that You are my shepherd, and my Provider so that I shall not be in want. You promise that when I dwell in the shelter of You, the Most High, I can rest in the shadow of You, the Almighty. You are my refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes (and my worries and doubts), and with Your right hand You save me. Lord, I want to seek you and trust You to show me the path You have for my life so that I can be filled with joy and peace in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Based on Psalms 139:23–24; 73:23–26; 55:22; 23:1; 91:1–2; 138:7; 16:11."

Week 2: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Week 2
1. Read chapter 3 from the book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.
2. Answer the questions from the study guide. Post your responses to questions 1 and 2 under the comments section below. As others post, feel free to respond to their posts.
3. Bible readings for chapter 3: Luke 8:14; Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:25-34; 1 John 4:16-18

Week 2 Posting ~ answer as many of the following as you like.
Chapter 3

1. Martha wanted Jesus to tell Mary to help out in the kitchen, but instead of giving her what she wanted, Dr. Jesus made a diagnosis: "Martha, Martha . . .you are worried and upset about many things." If you had been Martha, how would Jesus’ words have made you feel?

2. According to Dr. Edward Hallowell, over half of us are what he calls chronic worriers. Which of the ten signs of a big worrier on page 33 do you struggle with? How do worry and anxiety spill over into your daily life and affect your behavior? your physical health?

3. Finish this sentence: Therefore (insert your name) I tell you do not worry about…

Today's Bible Study

Today's Bible study was enjoyable. We shared some of the answers we had to our questions, read some of the scriptures referenced from the chapters, and also shared some personal experiences. It is wonderful to hear one another's life experiences as well as being able to read about the life experiences that have been posted to the blog. God has entered each of our lives in many different ways.

Spring break is next week, but we will continue to the next chapter. Everyone will need to blog as we will not hold Bible study next week. Please interact through the postings. I will post another message to the blog regarding our next chapter over the weekend. My overviews of the first two chapters are below. Hope everyone is enjoying the book!

Chapter 1 Overview

Matthew 11:28-30

Today's New International Version (TNIV)

   ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Repeat and meditate these verses until they become part of you. Hear God speak to you. Use Bible Gateway to look up the verses in different versions and find the version of the Bible that speaks to you more. Sometimes I read the NIV and it speaks to me and other times I read the NLV and it speaks to me more than a previous version of the Bible I read.

After reading chapter one I continue to see that we get caught up in our everyday responsibilities and let our commitment to God go for a day or two. We tend to commit to the Lord on Sundays only. We all need to work on our "holy makeover" and receive God's word every day. The Bible tells us we can receive a new heart; if we are in Christ, we are a new creation; and good will come to us and can remain. Receive all good things through God, and receive your holy makeover.

Joanna Weaver Quote, "It’s impossible to be in the presence of Jesus and not be changed."

Chapter 2 Overview 

Psalm 103:1-5

Today's New International Version (TNIV)

"¹ Praise the LORD, my soul;

   all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

² Praise the LORD, my soul,

   and forget not all his benefits—

³ who forgives all your sins

   and heals all your diseases,

⁴ who redeems your life from the pit

   and crowns you with love and compassion,

⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things

   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."

Read again and see all the ways God shows his love for us. He forgives our sins, heals us from sickness, redeems us from our sorrows, gives us love and compassion, and satisfies our desires with good. Wow, that is powerful.

The "Deadly D's" of distraction, discouragement and doubt often overtake us when we feel alone. Martha was distracted by preparing her home, discouraged when Mary did not assist her, and doubted her Savior when she had the opportunity to worship at his feet. These are all works from the devil. Think about how God has helped you when you felt alone and were hurting. If you can't answer this, remember to take your concerns to the Lord the next time you feel alone. Don't let distraction, discouragement, and doubt take over. Know that God cares and loves us in many ways. Read Psalm 103:1-5 one more time for encourage and faith in the Lord.

Joanna Weaver Quote, "Doubt, left unchecked, can fester into unbelief."

Friday Meeting

I am thrilled to see a few of us use this blog to post some of the responses to the Bible study questions. I enjoy reading the posts from all of you. Thank you for sharing!

We are meeting on Friday at 11:15 am in room 72 at Estherville during lunch. Bring your study guide with your answered questions so that we may discuss these two chapters a little more. Our meeting time always goes by very quickly so we want to be prepared. If you can't make it, check the blog again Friday night or over the weekend for next week's information.

"We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

Week 1 Postings Due Soon

Post your week 1 information under comments here.

Week 1 Posting ~ answer as many of the following as you like.
Chapter 1
1. What preconceived ideas did you have about Mary and Martha before reading this book? Which woman do you relate to most – Mary or Martha? Explain your answer.
2. One woman told me, "My life is like a blender – and it’s stuck on frappe!" What inanimate object best describes how your life currently feels?
3. Finish this sentence: If I were a perfect Mary I would _______.

Chapter 2
1. The story of Mary and Martha stirs up memories of sibling rivalry for many of us. What battles with your sibling do you remember the most? What did you do to get your parents to notice you?
2. Read Luke 10:38-42. Have your ever asked Martha's question, "Lord, don't you care?" What was the situation? How did God answer your question?

Bible Study Begins Today

We'll begin our 10 week Bible study today. We have ordered books for everyone and are awaiting their arrival. Once you receive your book you can begin by reading chapters 1 and 2. As you read, you may want to have a journal or notebook so that you can note your favorite sections or write down comments. You could also use the study guide for this if you choose. When you finish the chapter answer the study guide questions.

Getting Started
1. Say a prayer or write a letter to God asking him to guide you through your journey with this Bible study.
2. Select a time of the day that you will read and work on your Bible study. Typically we will read one chapter a week. Our first and last week, we will read two chapters.
3. Use the Prayer Wall for any prayer requests that you have. Check this wall when you can to see if there are any requests that you need to pray for.

Week 1
1. Read chapters 1 and 2 from the book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.
2. Answer the questions from the study guide. Post your responses to questions 1 and 2 under the comments section below. As others post, feel free to respond to their posts.
3. Bible readings for chapter 1: Luke 10:38-42; Ezekiel 36:26-27; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 1:6; and Matthew 11:28-30.
4. Bible readings for chapter 2: Luke 10:38-42; 1 Kings 19:1-18; Mark 4:35-41; Isaiah 43:1-2; and Psalm 103.

Welcome to Bible Study

There are no special qualifications to join this Bible study. All you need is a desire to know God, a desire to see yourself and others grow in grace, and a willingness to step out and see what God wants to do through you. We want this to be an enjoyable experience for all.

We have chosen Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver as our Bible study. We selected the book because many of us are struggling with the duties of Martha with the desire to be more like Mary. This book is about Martha, who is similar to a Martha Stewart of today, serving and preparing for Jesus; and Mary, who worships Jesus. The two sisters of Lazarus both have important roles neither of which is right or wrong. As women of faith, we need to find a balance between these two roles of service and worship. This Bible study focuses on helping us find that balance between our relationships with people and our relationship with God.  

This blog has been created for us to communicate as a group outside of our weekly meeting. Each week we will be assigned a chapter or chapters in the book to read. The Bible study guide has eight questions. The first two study questions are for discussion or reflection. I would suggest that we "blog" these two questions under the comments section to get our group started. This also gives us the opportunity to respond to each other's comments too. The other questions go deeper into the study. Some of these could be discussed and shared at the group meeting each week.

Don't let this blog scare you away from being part of this wonderful Bible study. It is here for us to enjoy the experience and to connect to one another. If you can't make it to the group meeting, maybe you can post and interact with others through the blog. Let's have fun with this as we bring ourselves closer to God.