*** Bible Study Check In 9/4***

littlecookie

Hi everybody, welcome to the Bible Study Check-In. If you’re new, please jump right in the thread. If you would like a prayer partner please PM@MrsG80inTN @littlecookie and we will work to assign you one. If you’re having trouble getting in touch with your prayer partner, please let one of us know as well.

This is a list of the current prayer partners. Please respond to your prayer partner's post and/or communicate via PM:

@littlecookie & megrae12 @cherylanddoug

@MrsG80inTN & @mara005

@graceanne927 & @bluedaisy0627

@mrsjg2013 & @mrandmrsk91011

@elliecat17 & @jj32

@thegiantfam & mrspip

We continued with Psalm 40 this week at church and I still think it’s really good for this group. This week he used versus 11-13. I was hoping to be able to post the actual sermon, but it’s not up yet. He talked about the first plea in this section from David (v.11) being about God’s character (mercy, love and faithfulness), not about activity. He said we can and should ask for what we need, for activity. David does this in verse 13; but how awesome is it for us to think about and focus on who God is.

Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. ¹² For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. ¹³ Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me.

We have a former American Idol contestant leadig worship for a few weeks before he moves to LA to try and hit it big and he sang an awesome version of U2’s 40. The U2 version is here.

1. What elements of God’s character do you need him to show you right now? If you’ve been solely asking for activity from him, will you ask him to show you these things in addition to the activity?

2. Prayer

3: Praises

QOTW: What age is your earliest memory from? Feel free to share what you remember if you like.

Elliecat17

1. What elements of God’s character do you need him to show you right now? If you’ve been solely asking for activity from him, will you ask him to show you these things in addition to the activity?

Right now I need God to continue to show me His love and comfort. But I have been finding it in reading the bible, my cats, the little actions that my husband does, the sunrise and set. I have struggled with God's love in the past, and this isn't the same. I don't feel like God has left me, but I am having a hard time accepting his choices for me at times.

2. Prayer

My prayers today are pretty big, will you please pray for a friend of mine who is letting her depression and anxiety get the best of her? I have unsuccessfully been reaching out to her, because I want to help her. I've been there where it all feels like it can be too much for one little person to handle. I want to be able to help, but I also know that until she wants the help it will do no good. So please pray for her!!

3: Praises

This cool summer is turning into a beautiful fall!! I am starting to get back into the swing of things at work. (This may sound creepy, but I love watching the neighbor kids walk to the bus stop, My cat and I think they are cute with their instruments and books). Waking up every morning with my health.

QOTW: What age is your earliest memory from? Feel free to share what you remember if you like. 

***** WARNING******

My earliest memory is when I was 3.5. I remember bright white hall ways, that I was wearing my favorite pink sweater with white hearts on it, and that I carried a grey cat like toy with a plaid vest sew on it. The cat rattled when he shook. And I remember being oh so very excited because I had a baby brother.

Elliecat17

@jj32 Oh my! Your poor nephew! I will be praying for him!

littlecookie

@Elliecat17‌ praying for your friend. Depression is a tough beast. Hope she opens up to you

@jj32 my word! Many prayers for your nephew both emotionally and physically. I'm glad he's doing ok.

littlecookie

 What elements of God’s character do you need him to show you right now?I think I've been able to see his love and mercy (as well as talk about it to people who ask me things like how I keep faith), but I am asking him now to show me his faithfulness. 

2. Prayer: Same as last week. I've got friends that are dealing with way more than their "fair share" of difficulty. Please pray for strength, peace and comfort, as well as healing and faith. 

3: Praises H and I have been able to spend a lot of nice, quality time together which I value so much. Also, my church. I'm growing and having a good time all at once.

QOTW: I don't remember super early. I really don't remember anything before first grade when I was 5. I remember the first day, my teacher coming to the door to greet us. 

mrsjg2013

@elliecat17- Prayers for your friend's struggle with depression.  I have felt myself slipping into that at various stages of my life, and I don't know where I'd be without the support of great friends like you!

@jj32- I'm so so sorry about your nephew!  How scary!!  I pray that he continues to heal physically and that he is able to recover emotionally as well.

@littlecookie- Prayers for your friends who are likely feeling overwhelmed by their struggles.  May they find peace and comfort in God and in one another.

@mrandmrsk91011- Continued prayers for your husband on his job search.  Also praying that you are filled with wisdom and strength to get through your work struggles.  

mrsjg2013

1. What elements of God’s character do you need him to show you right now? If you’ve been solely asking for activity from him, will you ask him to show you these things in addition to the activity? Honestly, I'm eagerly seeking any communication with/from God.  Being fairly new to my faith, I have yet to distinguish my own thoughts/feelings from His messages to me in my life.  I'm reading the Bible several times a week, a new book about finding faith in difficult circumstances, and a daily devotional.  I'm truly seeking Him for the first time, and I guess I'm just looking for Him to reveal Himself to me.  I've really been praying to see/feel that His way is superior to my own- trusting Him enough to give Him the control in my life.  This is where I struggle... how to know when I'm moving down a path that is my own or that He has guided me towards.  I'm not sure if this answers the question exactly, but it's what came out when I started typing!

2. Prayer  That I will remain peaceful and free of fear/anxiety as I enter into my first TTC cycle since our most recent loss.  That God will lead me towards people, experiences, and opportunities that will grow my faith and character.  (I'm so thankful that He lead me to you... even if it meant getting "flamed" on the general board!)  For my MIL's and FIL's health... they have both fallen multiple times recently, FIL may have early Parkinson's, and MIL has been warned about changing her diet/exercise habits to avoid becoming diabetic.  MH is an only child (and very much a typical only child), so this is hard on him- he's worried about them, worried about me, and is now again worrying about TTC.  He feels like he has to be so strong for everyone else, so prayers that he is able to find the strength he needs and the peace to rest in the fact that he is doing all he can for those he loves.

3: Praises  For my DH- my rock.  For all of things I so often over-look... the food in my cupboards and refrigerator, the reliable car in my driveway, the many comforts in my home. 

QOTW: What age is your earliest memory from? Feel free to share what you remember if you like.  ****Warming****

My earliest memory is from the day my parents brought my little brother home from the hospital.  I clearly recall the "sailor" outfit he was wearing... that's how I remember it anyhow.  It had blue and white stripes.  My mom always thought I made that up (I had just turned 3), until she found a picture of that day and realized I was right!