the First

So...here's the Study

Let's begin by explaining what it is.  The Study is exactly what the title implies, a study on the word of God. I'm a teacher. It is my profession. I have a love for the word of God. So why not combine the two of them and go out on a limb here, take the proverbial leap of faith, and start a study. I've prayed about how to start and I have to admit that I go off on tangents. I have many topical studies I want to do, but one that God has put on my heart for years (and I do mean years) is to hit on what's been stewing around in my heart called "Five Smooth Stones." That's where I'm going to start.

So here's where you come in. I can write the Study, but you've got to comment on the study. I mean, a study is usually a small group of people who gather together to study the word together. This is a blog, so you can just read it, percolate on it, steam a little, have some chocolate, and even come back to it once it's really taken hold of you, and then...spill your guts in the comments section. Then we'll have some of your sisters come back and spill back. How fun will that be? No one even has to know who you are if you don't want them to know. You can go by initials or just your first name, or a screen name. Since it's a blog, you can go back to the comments in a particular blog and keep spilling if it's really speaking to you.

But here are the rules:

1. Be courteous. This is a Christian blog, so don't be all in each other's face about things. I don't care where you fellowship. I don't care who your pastor is because yeah, maybe your pastor is bigger than my pastor, but are you serving others? Are you willing to wash a few feet?  If you're willing to stand corrected then get in line, because you're on the path to Calvary just like the rest of us where we've got to die to self.  Eph 4:1-3

2. Use the word. It's a BIBLE study. Opinions are like belly buttons, everybody has one but that doesn't mean we all want to study each other's or pull the lint out of yours, or mine. So let's keep the main thing the main thing. This isn't to say you shouldn't ask questions or ask for clarification, because I know I've learned a ton at studies where I've gotten a new take on things from someone's use of the word in a way I never saw coming. The Holy Spirit speaks most clearly through other people. Let Him use you. Ps. 119:140

3. Give leeway. At times you'll have to give way to what others are trying to communicate. Don't assume someone is off their rocker. Ask questions. The problem with modern technology is we can't read body language and facial expressions, so we have no idea if someone is angry, excited, or just using those capitol letters for emphasis. By the way, I wasn't shouting Bible in number 2. I was using capitol letters for emphasis. 1 Thes. 4:9

4. Pray. No study should begin without prayer. We need to have our hearts right. I know I need to have my heart checked through prayer. Pray for accountability for me, for the others, and don't forget to pray for yourself too, that God would use you mightily. I want to learn from you, which is why I'm starting this study. 1 Thes. 5:17

So, those are the rules. Violators will be...towed, shot, hung...?  I don't know. I guess we'll have to wait and see what will happen to violators.
Our next Study will meet next Monday night. So let the guys have their football, we'll have our laptops and our time with God. See you then.

Every Blessing-

Juana.