Those Who 'Walk in Faith'

On this day at Bible study we invited Kristy Hales to come. We all felt like she and Mike are great models for us as we go through this particular Bible study. She is experiencing first hand the stages of walking in faith. And we all know that they are not always pleasant. We prayed with her. With thanked God for her and asked Him to protect her from the obstacles that would make her doubt and not trust God who has called her to their journey. Please continue to pray for them and encourage them. What about you? Do you know that 'walking by faith' is not always easy or pleasant? Can you share with us how the blessings of following Christ far outweighs the struggles you may experience?

Rearview Mirrors and Lines In The Sand

Thanks to all the ladies who made last week's discussion great! And thanks especially to Angela for getting us to dig deeper on the issue of faith. Can't wait to see what you all are thinking this week.

This week at Bible study we all agreed that life gets hard when you make a decision to 'live by faith'. Things that might not have been an issue to you before seem to grow into an area that now requires faith. The greatest illustration for this was the story in Chapter 2 about the rearview mirror. How true is it that we do use our rearview mirrors for dangerous and unnecessary things like putting on makeup while driving or fussing at our kids. And there is truth in the fact that we can not look behind us and in front of us at the same time. It IS much safer to stay focused on the road ahead! The same is true for our faith walk. I think it would be great for us this week to use a dry erase marker to write on our rearview mirror the things in our life(good or bad) that keep us from focusing on the road God has called us to. What would that be for you?

The book also talked of drawing a line in the sand. We are 'to leave our past behind and determine to proceed foward with God.' We discussed how that does not always mean changing your physical location, but that it is most of the time the act of changing your mind-set and spiritual perspective. But the part that hit us the hardest was the sentence: Leaving is usually an act of obedience and not a desire of the heart.

What about you? What is behind the line in the sand for you? What is in your rearview mirror? If faith is so hard why do we continue living this life? What are the advantages of 'living by faith'?

Practical Thinking vs. Faith Living

This morning the Journey ladies met and discussed Chapter One. Everyone present felt like this chapter was exactly what they needed. Here are a few things that were discussed:

-significance- Sometimes we find ourselves feeling like what we do in life is of no significance. But the author encourages us to realize that living in faith begins in the little things. We can not be so set on the big, glorious wishes in our life that we miss out on the faithfulness of the little things. We are to be faithful in everyday responsibilities and God will then entrust us in the larger.

-practical vs. faithful- Here is the thought? Do you find yourself being practical with your life? Does everthing have to be orderly and make sense? And in that, do you miss out on living in faith? Can we do both?

Let's here your thoughts.

Our first meeting January 18th

At our first time together we all received our books. There are few books left to purchase at Journey. Let me know if you need one. You can also buy this book at CBD and Amazon. The price is $10.

Since we just received our books, we discussed what 'Walking in Faith' meant to each of us. We would like to hear your thoughts on this too. Some thoughts that were brought up on Thursday:
- Walking in Faith doesn't always make sense which brings us to trusting God more.
- Walking in Faith requires us to give God the small things in our life along with the big.
- And the 'open hand' illustration. Where faith is described as a hand letting go not clingin on.


What about you? Let us know. We are so glad we live in an age where we can involve those of you that can't be there in person on Thursday. So glad you have joined us!

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith

Walking in Faith will change the way the reader...

-recognizes God’s opportunities for growth
-hears God speak through His Word
-understands herself as a unique creation of her Heavenly Father
-survives life’s hardest places

This book study started Thursday, January 18th. There is still time for you to join the group! Come along with us!