Session 1 – Day 2: Naming our Pharaohs

Personal reflection:

Were there any specific realizations you made about any false gods you've had to deal with in the past and/or presently that yesterday's and today's study helped you discover? Yes or no.

Are there any specific prayer requests you may have this week, related to the study or not related to the study, that our group can lift up for you?

Session 1 – Day 1: Personal Pharaohs

Defining Our Terms:

Ponder this definition by Ken Sande:
Most of us think of an idol as a statue of wood, stone, or metal worshiped by pagan people. . .in biblical terms, it is something other than God that we set our heart on, that motivates us, that masters and rules us, or that we trust, fear, or serve. . .An idol can also be referred to as a "false god" or a "functional god". (pg. 13)

Based on this definition, what new thoughts does it bring to your understanding of a false god or idol?

Can you recognize any functional gods in your life that you are willing to share? If so, explain:

A professed god is who or what we say our god is; a functional god is who or what actually operates as our god. (pg.15)

List a few examples of functional gods in our society:

As John Calvin put it, "The evil in our desire typically does not lie in what we want, but that we want it too much." (pg.15)

Can you think of anything in your life that is inherently good and right, but that has become detrimental simply because you desire it too much?

In Exodus 20:1-6 God uses the word "jealous"
to describe Himself in verse 5. (pg.16)

According to verse 2, do you think there is a reason – apart from God's pure power and sovereignty – for Him to be jealous? If so, explain.

Day One conclusion:

Note any penetrating or new realizations you've had about "false gods" and/or "functioning gods".

Bible Study Workbook Update. . .

I contacted Lifeway about the books after ordering mine and here was there reply. . . So, we should be good and maybe only a little behind.

Jodi, thanks for contacting us. Those are scheduled to arrive in the
warehouse this week, at present only the first chapter is available for
download. As soon as those come in the back orders will be processed and
the orders shipped out.
Sincerely,

Sidney Wallace
E-Commerce
LifeWay Christian Stores
http://www.lifewaystores.com

Summer Siesta Bible Study! (Part II)

Comment in this post or the one below to let me know if you would like to be part of creating a group with me who will be meeting here every other Tuesday in this Summer Siesta Bible study and be sure to watch the kick off video posted below!

Also:
Please share what you perceive to be your biggest challenge toward walking victoriously with God this summer. Heavy work load? House full of children? Difficult season emotionally? Just had your heart broken? Just feel far from God? Whatever it may be, share it with our Summer Siesta group and take some time to pray for one another today.

love,
*jodi

Summer Siesta Bible Study! (Part I)

It's still not too late if you want to be involved in the online Bible study with Beth Moore and her Living Proof team!



Here is the link to the first two weeks of instruction that Ms. Beth is speaking about on her video launch. . .

Let me know by commenting at the end of this post if you are planning to be involved and we'll be sure to hook up via this blog to do the discussion questions together every other Tuesday! (Next Siesta Hook-up Time will be on Tuesday, July 1st!)

Also, the workbooks are back-ordered, so get your order in now and in the meantime, you can download a copy of the first week's lessons HERE as well as direction to order the workbook!


Hope to hear from you soon!
*jodi