Dec 28th Small Group News!

Happy Monday Ladies!

I don't know about you, but the last year has brought tremendous blessings and growth in my life, and a big part of this change is because of you!  I am looking forward to what God has planned for us in 2016!

Tonight at 8 PM we will be closing out our year long study on the Women of the Bible with Priscilla. Her story can be found in Acts 18-19.  I look forward to seeing you there! And, if you are new to ALM, please come tonight and join in so that you can get a 'feel' for what to expect during our new study, "50 Days of Transformation".

Here is some important information regarding our upcoming study...

BEGINS:  Monday, January 11 at 8 PM  |  Wednesday, January 13 at 1 PM (AZ time)

BOOKS CAN BE PICKED UP:

• Saturday, January 2 - before & after service
• Sunday, January 3 - only between the 9:15 & 11 am services.
• Saturday, January 9 - before & after service
• Sunday, January 10 - only between the 9:15 & 11 am services.
• For ALL services I will be standing near the Bookstore

BOOKS WILL BE MAILED: Just as soon as I get them.

• If you live outside of the Glendale/Phoenix area and cannot physically pick your book up at the Vineyard, you will need to email me your address as soon as possible.

THE LOCATION OF THE VINEYARD, GLENDALE CAMPUS

I think that just about covers it. As always, please be inviting those women you know who might be interested in our Online Study. Let me know if you have any questions!  See you tonight!

Blessings,

Kathy

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Dec 21st Small Group News!

Happy Monday Ladies!

Can you believe that Christmas is already upon us!!  In just 4 days we will be celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ!  So exciting.  For those of you who are traveling I want to pray for safe travels, and for all of us I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Tonight at 8 PM we will be discussing the life of Lydia, whose story can be found in Acts 16:6-40. The questions will be announced during our study.

As you know, we are gearing up for our "50 Days of Transformation" Bible Study in January.  I am so excited to announce that we will have 2 dates/times available for this study.  They are...

Mondays at 8 PM beginning on January 11, 2016

Wednesdays at 1 PM beginning on January 13, 2016

Those of you who live in the Peoria area can pick up your books during the weekend services at the Vineyard on Saturday, January 2nd.  If you can't make it to the Saturday service, please let me know! I will be mailing out the books to those of you who are out of state that week as well, so if you haven't sent me your address, please do so as quickly as possible!

I think that covers it for today's announcements!  See you tonight!

Blessings, Kathy

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Dec 14th Small Group News!

Happy Monday Ladies!

Last week I sent out an email detailing our new study coming up in January, "50 Days of Transformation". I am looking forward to it, and I hope you are as well. As mentioned in the email I need to know how many books to 'order', so please let me know if you will be attending Small Group for this study as soon as possible.

Once again, you are invited to join me tonight at 8 PM as we study about the life of Dorcas. 

 

Her story can be found in Acts 9:36-43. She was an inhabitant of Joppa, a town on the Mediterranean coast thirty-five mile northwest of Jerusalem. She belonged to one of the earliest Christian congregrations and she was a disciple known for her practical works of mercy.

The questions will be posted tonight, during group.

See you there!




Kathy

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

New Bible Study starting January 11, 2016

January 11 through February 29

The only way to change your life is to change the way you think.

Authentic Living Ministries will be joining Vineyard Church North Phoenix during their new series, "50 Days of Transformation". During this series, based on the Transformed study, we will learn about the habits, truths, and characteristics that enable change - lasting change - to happen in our lives.

Each person who attends small group will receive a free book which contains service notes, daily devotional readings, and small group materials. The books will be available closer to January, and **will need to be picked up in person at the Glendale Vineyard location. When we get closer I will announce the date they need to be picked up on.

I am asking for your help in spreading the news about this study, and about this online group! If you've been blessed by our previous studies, please consider making it a priority to invite the women in your life to our Monday night Small Group.

Thank you for making Authentic Living Ministries a part of your life, and I am looking forward to what God has prepared for us in the coming year!

**If you do not physically attend VCNP and would like the book in it's entirety, you will need to pre-pay for shipping/handling costs.  Contact me via the email button on the Blog and we will work it out. Otherwise I will be posting download links for each session, individually.

Nov 30th Small Group News!

Happy Post-Thanksgiving Ladies & welcome back to another night of Small Group!

Tonight's guest is 'The Widow with Two Coins'.

Though extremely poor, she is one of the most great-hearted people in the Bible. Just after warning his disciples to watch out for teachers of the law, who devour widow's houses, Jesus caught sight of her in the temple. He may have called attention to her as a case in point.

Her story can be found in Mark 12:41-44  |  Luke 21:1-4

Our questions for the night are...

1. Why would Jesus watch people putting money into the offering? What do you think he was looking for?
2. What did Jesus see about the woman that others in the crowd missed? What might Jesus see about you that others around you might miss?
3. What was significant about the widow's offering? Why do you think Jesus pointed the widow's offering out to his disciples? What did he want them to think, to understand?
4. How does the widow's offering compare to the offering Jesus was about to make? What was similar about it? What was different?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Nov 23rd Small Group News!

Hello Ladies!

As most of you know we moved this weekend to our final apartment.  In the midst of all the unpacking I plumb forgot to send this as an email update!  

Tonight at 8 pm we will be discussing...

Please see your books for the scripture and the questions.

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Nov 16th Small Group News!

Well, hello there! I am so very glad to know that we will be spending another Monday together! We meet Monday, November 16th at 8 pm.

Before I post the Monday night update, I wanted to take a moment to ask that we all spend some time in prayer for the families and nations that were attacked this last week.  Both Paris and Lebanon have been dealt a horrible tragedy with the recent terrorist attacks, many lives were lost, and so many more were altered in the face of such despicable actions.

Thank you for your prayers!

Tonight's lady we will be discussing is Mary of Bethany.

Mary appears to have been a single woman, totally devoted to Jesus. The gospel portrays her, by way of contrast with her sister, Martha, as a woman of few words. As Jesus neared the time of his triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to Passover, she performed a gesture of great prophetic significance, one that offended Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus.

Her story can be found in: Matthew 26:6-13  |  Mark 14:3-9  |  Luke 10:38-42  |  John 11:1-12:11

Our questions for the night are...

1. Do you hear verse 32 as an accusation, a statement of fact, or what? Why? (John 11:32)
2. Put yourself in Mary’s place. Your brother, who lives with you and supports you, has died. Then Jesus raises him. How do you react?
3. Why do you think Mary made such an extravagant gesture, using perfume worth a year’s wages?
4. Could Mary or anybody else at this dinner have predicted that Jesus might be arrested in less than a week? What makes you say that?
5. How can you express your love for Jesus? Where does money fit in, if at all?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Nov 9th Small Group News!

Welcome to another night of great Bible study and amazing fellowship!

Join us Monday, November 9 at 8 pm as we discuss Martha.

Active and pragmatic, she seemed never at a loss for words. Though Jesus chastised her for allowing herself to become worried and upset by small things, she remained his close friend and follower.

Her story can be found in Luke 10:38-42 and John 11:1-12:3

Our questions for the night are...

1. What do the words "opened her home" (10:38) tell you about Martha?
2. Often, this story puts Martha in a negative light and Mary in a positive one. Do you think that's fair? Why or why not?
3. Martha was frank with Jesus. What does that tell you about her relationship with him? Why do you think she complained to Jesus instead of going directly to Mary?
4. If Jesus were to come visit you today, would you busy yourself with preparations, as Martha did, or sit at his feet, like Mary? Which position would you be most comfortable with?

Food for thought:

Read John 11:27

We often study Martha and her shortcomings. However, this statement, made after her brother, Lazarus, had died, reveals another side of Martha. What does her declaration here tell you about who Martha really was?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Nov 2nd Small Group News!

I'm so happy to announce another night of wonderful Bible Study with an awesome group of Ladies! 

I can hardly believe it's already November!  This month is all about thankfulness, and as we take a few moments to ponder what we are truly thankful for, I would like to say that I am so thankful that Christmas is only 7 Fridays away!  ;)

Join Authentic Living Ministries tomorrow night, Monday, Nov 2nd, at 8 pm as we discuss the Syrophoenician Woman.

Though a Gentile, she addressed Jesus as "Lord, Son of David." Her great faith resulted in her daughter's deliverance.  Her story can be found in Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30

Our questions for the night are...

1. This woman was not an Israelite. What might have been her response to Jesus' statement that he had come "only to the lost sheep of Israel"? Why do you think she didn't give up?
2. How persistent are you in prayer?  Do you give up easily? Or do you keep praying until you get a definite answer? 
3. What was meant by the "crumbs" in verse 27? What was this woman saying?
4. When have you asked for little and received much? Were you surprised? How often do we settle for the "crumbs" when Jesus really wants to give us the whole loaf?

Food for Thought:

When a needy person approaches you, do you respond like Jesus or like his disciples? How do you respond if the person is emotionally needy-continually sticking close to you, interrupting your conversations with others, asking questions you can't answer, and generally wanting more than you wish to give?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Oct 26th Small Group News!

Join us on Monday, October 26 at 8 PM as we study the life of Joanna.

A woman of high rank in Herod's court, she experienced healing at Jesus' hands. She responded by giving herself totally, supporting his ministry and following him wherever he went. The story of her healing may have been known to Herod himself.

You can find her story in Luke 8:1-3; 24:10

(and Matthew 14:1-12 and Luke 23:7-12 for background on Herod and his court)

Our questions for the night are:

1. What does it say about Jesus that women traveled with him and his disciples, and that the women were paying the bills? (Luke 8:1 – 3)
2. What does it say about Joanna that she was doing this?
3. What do you think surprised and frightened Joanna and the other women at the tomb (Luke 24:5)?
4. What do you admire about Joanna? How would you like to be like her?

Food for Thought:

Read Luke 23:55 – 24:12

• Jesus’ male disciples were hiding for fear that they, too, would be arrested. Why do you suppose Joanna and the other women risked being associated with a man who had been executed for treason?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Oct 19th Small Group News!

Welcome to another beautiful Monday!

Please join us tonight at 8 pm for our weekly Small Group meeting!

Tonight we will be discussing Herodias, who was a proud woman who used her daughter to manipulate her husband into doing her will.  She acted arrogantly, from beginning to end, in complete disregard for the laws of the land.

Her story can be found in Matthew 14:3-12 | Mark 6:14-29 | Luke 3:19-20; 9:7-9





Our questions for the night are these...

1. Have you ever plotted, like Herodias, to get your own way? How does that make you feel about yourself?  Are you pleased when you get your own way, or is the result less than satisfying?
2. John confronted Herod with his sin.  When someone confronts you with something that is wrong in your life, how do you respond?
3. When have you done something you later wished you hadn't simply because of the pressure of those around you to do it?  What would have been a better response?

Food for Thought:

Note the different responses to John record in verses 19 and 20 (Mark 6).  Which response is more like yours when confronted with sin?  Are you like Herodias - sulking and wanting to get even with those who reveal your sin or failings? Or are you like Herod - willing to listen, curious about what the other person has to say?  Please explain.

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Oct 12th Small Group News!

Happy Monday Ladies!

Tonight's guest is "The Woman with an Issue of Blood".  Her story can be found in 3 of the Gospels - Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48

Desperate for healing, she ignored the conventions of the day just for the chance to touch Jesus.

Our questions for the night are:

1. How do you think Jesus knew someone had touched him? Obviously, the touch of this woman was different from the other touches by those around him. What made it different?
2. Why do you think this woman was afraid to admit she was the one in the crowd who had touched Jesus and been healed? (5:33)
3. Think of a time when something very special or miraculous happened to you. Were you eager or hesitant to share it with others? Why?

Food for Thought:

This woman had tried everything in order to be healed. When Jesus came to her village, she knew she had another option. How often do you try every other option to solve a problem before turning to God? Is he often a last resort? What would be a better way?

If you are receiving this in your email box, please feel free to head back to the Blog to answer the "Food for Thought" questions in the comments under this week's post.

If you are already here I would love to hear what you think!

Blessings, Kathy

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Oct 5th Small Group News!

Tonight's Small Group will focus on "The Woman Who Lived a Sinful Life"

She was a notorious sinner, possibly a prostitute or adultress. Rather than trying to defend what was indefensible in her life, she admitted her sin and made a spectacle of herself in a passionate display of love and gratitude.

Her story can be found in Luke:36-50

Our questions for the night are:

1. What do you think the woman was looking for when she came to see Jesus at Simon's house? Do you think everyone at the dinner knew who and what she was?
2. In what ways can you be understanding and sympathetic toward those whose lives have been shattered by sin, like this woman? Toward those whose lives are characterized by judging others like the Pharisee? Who needs forgiveness more?
3. How willing are you to be totally transparent in your worship? What would need to happen to make you as open in expressing your love for Jesus as this woman was?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Sept 28 Small Group News!

Another beautiful Monday night is upon us!

Welcome to your Small Group news.

Tonight we will be discussing The Woman of Samaria. She was looked down on by the Jews because she was a Samaritan, and disdained because of her many romantic liaisons, she would not have been most people's first choice to advance the gospel in a region where it had not yet been heard.

Her story can be found in John 4:1-42

The questions we will be discussing are as follows:

1. (Read John 4:10-18) Do you think the woman understood what sort of water Jesus was speaking of here? Looking at her lifestyle, what do you think she was really thirsty for?
2. The woman abruptly changes the subject in verse 19. Is it hard for you to face up to the areas of your life that need changing? What tactics do you use to keep the light of God's Word and Spirit away from your weaknesses and sins?
3. (Read John 4:27-42) What one part of their conversation convinces the woman that Jesus was who He said He was? What does the Samaritan woman do when she realizes who Jesus is?
4. Once we've accepted the truth of Jesus' claims to be the Christ, what is the best response for us to make? How often do we actually respond in the way the Samaritan woman responded, and with as much enthusiasm?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Sept 21 - Small Group News!

Happy Monday ladies!

Tonight we will be discussing the life of Anna!

Married only for 7 years, she spent the long years of her widowhood fasting and praying in the temple, abandoning herself entirely to God. A prophetess, she was one of the first to bear witness to Jesus.

Her story can be found in Luke 2:22-38

The questions we will be discussing are:

1. What about Anna's lifestyle do you wish were true of your own? What can you do to make that happen in your life?
2. What do you think Anna said about Jesus? How do you think the crowd who listened responded?
3. If Anna were to have spoken (prophesied) about you when you were six weeks old, what might she have said?
4. What about your life reveals your Christian commitment?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Sept 14 - Small Group News!

Happy Monday Ladies!

Tonight's guest is Mary, the mother of Jesus.

She was a virgin from a poor family in an obscure village in Galilee. Her response to Gabriel reveals a young woman of unusual faith and humility. Her unqualified yes to God's plan for her life entailed great personal risk and suffering. She must have endured seasons of confusion, fear, and darkness as the events of her life unfolded. She is honored, not only as the mother of Jesus, but as his first disciple.

Her story can be found in Matthew 1:18-25; 2; Luke 1:26-80; 2; John 19:25-27

The questions we will be discussing tonight are:

1. Read Luke 1:26 – 38. Imagine yourself in Mary’s place. What thoughts and feelings go through your mind when you hear what Gabriel says in verse 28? Verse 31? Verses 32 – 33? Verse 35? 
2. Which part of this would be hardest for you to accept with the calm and humility Mary expresses in verse 38? Why? 
3. Read Luke 1:46 – 55. What does Mary’s song tell you about her character and the things that are important to her? 
4. Read John 19:25 – 30. Imagine Mary watching her son die and remembering her song from Luke 1:46 – 55. How would that song sound to her now? 
5. In what circumstance do you need to say to God, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said”? What makes that hard or easy for you to say?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

Sept 7 - Small Group News!

Happy Monday Ladies!

Take a break from your Labor Day festivities and join us for tonight's study!

Tonight we will be discussing Elizabeth.  A descendant of Aaron, Elizabeth was a woman the Bible calls "upright in the sight of God". Like very few others, male or female, she is praised for observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations without blame. She is the first to acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

Her story can be found in Luke 1:5-80

The questions we will be discussing tonight are:

1. What do you learn about Elizabeth and Zechariah from Luke 1:5 – 7? Does Luke 1:6 imply that they were perfect? If not, what do these words mean? 
2. Imagine an angel coming to you with some unexpected and unbelievable announcement. How do you think you would react? 
3. When Elizabeth saw Mary, she was filled with the Holy Spirit and loudly exclaimed a blessing (Luke 1:42 – 44). Have you ever been moved to praise God like that? If so, when? If not, what would have to happen to move you to do that? 
4. Elizabeth was going to be the mother of a prophet, yet she praised God for what he was doing in Mary’s life. What does this say about Elizabeth?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

August 31 - Small Group News!

Happy Monday Ladies!

Tonight's guest is The Shulammite Woman. Her story can be found in Song of Songs 1-8.

Hers is the only female voice that speaks directly and extensively to us in Scripture. Ruth’s, Esther’s,

Hannah’s, and Mary’s voices, for instance, are all mediated through narration. The Shulammite woman boldly declares her longing and desire to be united to her lover in marriage.

We will be discussing the following questions:

1. When you think about your own marriage or singleness in light of this passage, what thoughts and feelings arise in you? (Song of Songs 4:9 – 5:1)
2. Imagine God having such passion for you. How do you respond? 
3. How do these verses express the commitment between the lover and the beloved? What does it take to sustain such a commitment? (Song of Songs 8:6 – 7)
4. Throughout history, intimate love relationships have been shamefully distorted and profaned. Song of Songs gives God’s vision of what love relationships were meant to be. What can you do to pursue such a relationship with God?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

August 24 - Small Group News!

Hello Ladies!

It's that time again. Our Fall/Winter Small Group Fair will be upon us before you know it, and I am asking for volunteers to help out at the table!

I need at least one extra body to help out on September 5 & 6 for all services.

• Saturday, Sept 5.....6:15 pm – 6:45 pm
• Sunday, Sept 6...... 10:30 am – 11:00 am
• Sunday, Sept 6.......12:15 pm – 12:45 pm

If you can help out with one, or all services, please let me know as soon as possible! 

Tonight at 8 PM we will be studying a woman who has been described as the ideal wife, the perfect woman; however, the Bible tells us that she represents the fulfillment of a life lived in wisdom.

Her story can be found in Proverbs 31:10-31

The questions we will be discussing tonight are:

1. Does this passage seem out of touch with reality to you? Why? What would make it seem more of a reality for today’s woman? 
2. How does this woman’s husband view and treat her? Why?. 
3. Look at Proverbs 31:25. Imagine someone saying these words about you. What thoughts and feelings leap to your mind? 
4. What does it mean to fear the Lord (Proverbs 31:30)? Why is that more important than being beautiful or good at home decorating or crafts or business? 
5. What would it take for you to become more of a woman who fears the Lord, one who can laugh at the days to come?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

August 17 - Small Group News!

Tonight at 8 PM, make plans to join Authentic Living Ministries for another great study on the life of one of the Bible's more well-known women, Esther.

An orphan in a foreign land, she was willing to conceal her Jewish identity in a bid for a pagan king’s affection. Esther seemed willing to make moral compromises by sleeping with the king and then taking part in a wedding that would necessarily have required her to pay homage to foreign gods. Even so, she displayed great courage in the midst of a crisis. Prior to risking her life for her people, she humbled herself by fasting and then put her considerable beauty, social grace, and wisdom in the service of God’s plan.

Her story can be found in Esther 1-3

Our questions for tonight are:

1. By concealing her Jewishness and being willing to become a member of King Xerxes’ harem, Esther seemed to be caving in to the pagan culture in which she lived. What do you think of her actions in this regard? 
2. From other ancient sources we know that Esther’s husband, the king, was legendary for his irrational temper and fits of cruelty. Describe Esther’s dilemma. What will happen if she does nothing? What might happen if she does what Mordecai asks? 
3. Look at 4:12 – 14. What do you see in Mordecai’s words that might have motivated Esther to take the risk? Why does Esther ask all the city’s Jews to fast (4:15 – 16)? 
4. God is never named in the original Hebrew version of this story, nor does the writer mention prayer. Where, if anywhere, do you see God in this story? 6. Esther’s position was no accident, and neither is yours. Think about the time and people among whom God has placed you. What might God have for you to do right where you are now?

If you’re reading this on the Blog and not in your email box, and would like to join Small Group, follow these instructions…

• REGISTER your email to get Small Group updates!  Look to the top right of the Blog, put your email in, and don’t forget to ‘activate’ your registration through the link that will be emailed to you by Feedburner.
• JOIN SMALL GROUP by going to the Join Small Group tab and follow the instructions found there.

August 10 - Small Group News!

Happy Monday Ladies!  

So glad to have you join me tonight at 8 PM for another study on the Women of the Bible.  Tonight's guest will be Gomer.

Though a married woman, she carried on numerous love affairs, crediting her lovers for the gifts her husband had given her. She became the symbol of spiritual adultery — a picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. And yet, despite her unfaithfulness, her husband continued to love her, much like God does with His people.  Her story can be found in Hosea 1 – 3.

The questions we will be studying tonight are:

1. In what ways does Hosea 2:2 – 7 reflect Hosea’s feelings about Gomer? In what ways do these verses reflect God’s feelings about his people? 
2. Why is adultery a fitting symbol for the way humans treat God? 
3. In Hosea 3:2, Hosea has to pay money and goods to buy Gomer back from whatever situation she’s landed herself in. She has apparently run off and ended up selling herself into prostitution to survive. What would it take for a man to do what Hosea does in 3:1 – 3? 
4. How are you like Gomer? How has God pursued you and bought you back?

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