Am I Married to Christ?
One of the most profound take-aways I had this week was in Day 1, where the author discussed the concept of being married to Christ. I don’t know about you, but the Scripture that she pointed us to clearly revealed that in my friendship with this world, in my conforming to this world, I become an adulterer. Wow, I never thought about it that way! In everything that I put before Christ, every person I put on a pedestal, I am “cheating” on God. This has really changed the way I approach things this week. It has made me really take to heart what I am doing and how it is perceived by God. I’ve been constantly asking myself, What does this look like from His eyes? I loved this picture of how the Lord loves me in Hosea.
I will betroth you to me forever: I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. — Hosea 2:19
What a picture of His love for me: He sees me as His bride.
*Be sure to read an important note about this week’s online Bible study chat time change below!
Finding Contentment
I am comforted to know that finding contentment was even a problem for Rachel, who seemed to have it all. In Day 3, the whole discussion about Rachel really got me thinking about myself and my own joy and contentedness. A few years ago, I really struggled with joy and being content–in a BIG way. I was never happy. No matter what blessings I received, I never saw the beauty in my life. The only thing I could focus on was the thing I didn’t have, which, at the time, I felt like was most important. This week in our study, it made me so sad to see Rachel so unhappy. Despite the fact that she had beauty beyond measure and she had her husband’s undying love, it wasn’t enough. She still stole a foreign god from her father’s house, to help make things better. In the eyes of the women in her day (and even ours), she had it all. But, unfortunately, like ourselves, “the eyes of men are never satisfied” (Proverbs 27:20).
Being Content
Over the last few years I have learned the keys to being content. That learning didn’t come out of a “feeling.” It came out of obedience and a choice. I chose to be happy and content where I am. It wasn’t easy. But I found that if I glorified the Almighty God right where He had me, trusting Him in His goodness, the joy, hope and peace would come. And it did!
What struck you the most in this week’s study? Anything you could relate to? What did God teach you?
:: REMINDER: Be sure to join us for our Facebook Chat HERE TONIGHT AT 8PM CST. Just for tonight, the study has been moved. Even if you haven’t finished the homework or gotten your book yet, you will enjoy the discussion (plus great prizes from LifeWay Christian Stores!).
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I can’t believe I missed another week I was trying to go over 3 weeks notes then I realized that week 4 was up. Sorry Kelly! Its an awesome powerful study!! I love it so far! Is it changing to Mondays instead of Tuesdays going forward?
Hello all,
Keep trying Ivette – and I believe the change stated it was only for that week…(God bless)
I’m a little behind due to my comcast wires being burnt due to a fire across the way. No one was hurt as far as i have been told. The only damage was a few garage sidings melted and our utility pole is charred hence melted or burnt wires, no phone internet or cable. More bible study!!!!
Anyway this study, yea I say the same thing each week its opening me wide up and I can’t wait to see these principles in my life when we finish….
Anyway in my devotion with Max Lucado on July 18th the word was “contenment” look at what he says:
Contentment is a strange street vendor roaming, looking for a home, but seldom finding an open door. further down in the devotion he says “we are too busy to be content”….at the end of the devotion he says “So the vendor moves on. When I asked him why so few welcomed him into their homes, I charge a high price, you know. My fee is steep. I ask people to trade in their schedules, frustrations and anxieties. You’d think I’d have more buyers……….But people seem strangly proud of their ulcers and headaches….I made a list of the things I COULD do to trade my frustrations for peace and rest….This study reminded me of this share from my devotion time.
This blessed me and it seems Max got it from No Wonder They Call Him the Savior