Tuesday nights I (Ashley) lead a small group bible study for 10-12 students. This semester we have been going through Acts. This week we are looking at Acts 14. In this chapter Paul and Barnabas perform miraculous "signs and wonders" in the name of the Lord. The people in Lystra misinterpret these acts and start to worship them as gods. Paul and Barnabas were so distraught at idea of taking the place of God, and being worshiped that they tore their clothes. They tried to explain the good news of Christ with the people, but the they would not listen.
This got me thinking about idolatry in our culture. On the surface this commandment seems a bit outdated. People are not making golden calves to bow down to....are they?
I ran across this video in my research for small group tonight.
I like what Mark Driscoll says at the end of the video. The commandment that seems to be the least relevant "may be the most relevant commandment of all."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Quote of the Day
I am currently re-reading the Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers. I highly recommend it to anyone. I am overcome by the goodness and sovereignty of the Lord each time I read anything by Francine Rivers, but especially this series.
I read this last night and made it my own prayer to to Lord.
Search me, Lord, and cleanse me. Let me be a tool in your hands and not a slave to my weakness.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Pride
My bible study time this morning centered on 1 Corinthians 13 and the meaning of Agape love. This is a familiar passage to many. The phrase that stuck out to me was "Love is not proud". I looked up several passages about pride and one that hit me between the eyes was Psalm 10:4
Did that take the wind out of you too? Yesterday from the time my alarm went off until I fell asleep putting Abby to bed I was busy. I went from one thing to the next without one thought turning to the Lord. I was frustrated with all I had to do, and then pride reared it's ugly head. That led to quarrels and me being short with the kids. Sound familiar?
I read this poem this morning.
Beth Moore-Praying God's Word
Father, please help me to always make room in my thoughts for you, God. Don't allow me to continue on in pride that stops me from seeking you. Amen.
In his pride the wicked does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God
Did that take the wind out of you too? Yesterday from the time my alarm went off until I fell asleep putting Abby to bed I was busy. I went from one thing to the next without one thought turning to the Lord. I was frustrated with all I had to do, and then pride reared it's ugly head. That led to quarrels and me being short with the kids. Sound familiar?
I read this poem this morning.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny...because
you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment...because you
"deserve better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge...because you already
know it all.
I cheat you of healing...because you're too full of
me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness...because you refuse to
admit when you're wrong.
I cheat you of vision...because you'd rather look
in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship...because
nobody's going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love...because real romance
demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven...because you
refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory...because I convince
you to seek your own.
I am Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I'm always looking
out for you. Untrue.
I'm looking to make a fool of you.
God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry...
If you stick with me
You'll never know.
Beth Moore-Praying God's Word
Father, please help me to always make room in my thoughts for you, God. Don't allow me to continue on in pride that stops me from seeking you. Amen.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Be it ever so humble...
there is no place like home!
That's right, we are home! Greg and I had a wonderful time on our trip out west! The Lord poured out blessing after blessing. Seriously, I would love to sit down with each of you and tell you about our journey day by day! I do not want to bore you, so I will just hit the highlights here. Friend me on Facebook to see all the pics.
Our first morning in CA we went down to breakfast and noticed several guys with guitars headed out to the patio outside the breakfast area. Greg asked someone what was going on out there. It turns out that KUTLESS, our favorite Christian band, was playing a worship set for a small gathering of Christian Radio Reps. The guy Greg asked was the lead singer for Thousand Foot Krutch, another Christian band. He let us join him to hear Kutless. After the devotion time we met a couple members of the band. What a way to start our trip!
Two of our six days in LA we went to Universal Studios...It was a lot of fun. Here are a few pics.
The other 4 days we spent exploring the city and up into Malibu...here are pics from those days.
The last 3 nights of our trip we spent in Las Vegas. Greg and I have always wanted to see Vegas, so we had a blast walking around and seeing all the hotels. We bought tickets in advance to see a Cirque Du Soleil show, and it was fun. We also had fun in Madam Tussaud's seeing all the wax figures. Our last night in Vegas we decided spur of the moment to go see Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian hotel!
Here are a few pics from Vegas.
Over all we had a great trip. I don't think either of us could pick out one certain thing we did or saw as our favorite. Our favorite part of the trip was just being together. It was nice to rediscover that we are also best friends...not just Mom and Dad, or any of the other hats that we wear each week.
Thank you for your prayers.
That's right, we are home! Greg and I had a wonderful time on our trip out west! The Lord poured out blessing after blessing. Seriously, I would love to sit down with each of you and tell you about our journey day by day! I do not want to bore you, so I will just hit the highlights here. Friend me on Facebook to see all the pics.
Our first morning in CA we went down to breakfast and noticed several guys with guitars headed out to the patio outside the breakfast area. Greg asked someone what was going on out there. It turns out that KUTLESS, our favorite Christian band, was playing a worship set for a small gathering of Christian Radio Reps. The guy Greg asked was the lead singer for Thousand Foot Krutch, another Christian band. He let us join him to hear Kutless. After the devotion time we met a couple members of the band. What a way to start our trip!
Two of our six days in LA we went to Universal Studios...It was a lot of fun. Here are a few pics.
The other 4 days we spent exploring the city and up into Malibu...here are pics from those days.
The last 3 nights of our trip we spent in Las Vegas. Greg and I have always wanted to see Vegas, so we had a blast walking around and seeing all the hotels. We bought tickets in advance to see a Cirque Du Soleil show, and it was fun. We also had fun in Madam Tussaud's seeing all the wax figures. Our last night in Vegas we decided spur of the moment to go see Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian hotel!
Here are a few pics from Vegas.
Over all we had a great trip. I don't think either of us could pick out one certain thing we did or saw as our favorite. Our favorite part of the trip was just being together. It was nice to rediscover that we are also best friends...not just Mom and Dad, or any of the other hats that we wear each week.
Thank you for your prayers.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Hollywood, here we come!
Tomorrow morning Greg and I are headed west! We have been planning this trip in celebration of our 10 year anniversary for over a year. It is hard to believe it starts tomorrow!
Greg's parents are here to take care of the kids while we are gone...keep them in your prayers.
Come back in 10 days to see some pics!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Whew!
The PJ party went very well. I am still recovering from staying up until 3:30am! We had 22 girls come for all/part of the night.
The night started off with a HUGE game of Apples to Apples, followed by our group's favorite game... Catch Phrase! And what sleepover would be complete without a silly game of Truth or Dare! I have not laughed that hard in a long time!
Our discussion on Purity went well. We talked about it being more than Physical intimacy, but also a mindset. Instead of wanting to know where to draw the proverbial "line" in a physical relationship we talked about how to honor God in all parts of our dating or non-dating relationships.
Towards the end of the discussion part of the night one girl asked the question, "I know how to spot Mr. Wrong, but how do I know when it is the right person at the right time?" To answer her question I told everyone the story of how the Lord brought Greg and I together.
We ended the night by watching the movie "The Ultimate Gift". I highly recommend it.
Thank you for praying for us. We had a good time and a really good discussion about things that are affecting these girls right now.
The night started off with a HUGE game of Apples to Apples, followed by our group's favorite game... Catch Phrase! And what sleepover would be complete without a silly game of Truth or Dare! I have not laughed that hard in a long time!
Our discussion on Purity went well. We talked about it being more than Physical intimacy, but also a mindset. Instead of wanting to know where to draw the proverbial "line" in a physical relationship we talked about how to honor God in all parts of our dating or non-dating relationships.
Towards the end of the discussion part of the night one girl asked the question, "I know how to spot Mr. Wrong, but how do I know when it is the right person at the right time?" To answer her question I told everyone the story of how the Lord brought Greg and I together.
We ended the night by watching the movie "The Ultimate Gift". I highly recommend it.
Thank you for praying for us. We had a good time and a really good discussion about things that are affecting these girls right now.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
It's PJ Party Time!
This Friday night I will be hosting the ACF girl's PJ party! This has traditionally been one of our best attended events. 20-30 girls will pack into our apartment to share a lot of laughter, food, and discussion on a topic that is affecting their lives.
Our topic for Friday night is Purity. This is an area that has come up a lot in my small group during prayer request/accountability time. Please pray for the Lord to soften hearts and guide our conversation Friday night.
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