Discernment

Almost a full house at yesterday's meeting - we have an amazing group of girls and it's such a joy getting to know them!  I did some recalculating based on the number of meetings we'll be having this year...looks like our 2 year discipleship program will be more like a 3 year journey :)

Set Four – Meeting Two:  Discernment

Read 1 Kings 3: 1-9…what kind of a heart is a discerning heart?

Read 1Kings 3: 10 - 15…God’s answer (Discernment must be important!)

 

 

IIlustrations:

1.)          The Bereans (Acts. 17: 1 – 15) Don’t go beyond Scripture, but anchor yourself to it. 

2.)          Satan will often try to get as close to the truth as possible in order to make lies look good (cults are a great example of this…Jehovah Witness, Mormons, etc., seem close to the truth in some ways – yet deny the One who is the truth.  More information on cults and the occult…

 

The Occult: What is the difference between the words “Cult” and “Occult”?

CULT AND OCCULT- Introduction

 The words “cult” and “occult” are popular terms that should not be confused with one another. So, what is the difference between them?

CULT AND OCCULT- Cult

 The term “cult” is typically used by the secular media to describe religious or semi-religious groups whose members are controlled in almost every single respect by a single individual. Some good examples are Hare Krishnas or Scientologists.

CULT AND OCCULT- Theological Sense of the Word

 To orthodox Christians, however, the word “cult” takes on a wider meaning. Not only can groups be considered cultic in the sociological sense, groups may be deemed cultic in a theological sense as well. What I mean is that groups which claim to be in harmony with Christianity but deny foundational Christian doctrines — such as the Trinity, or the unique deity of Jesus Christ — are cults in a theological sense. Thus, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and Christian Scientists qualify as cultists.

CULT AND OCCULT- Occult

 Now, while the word “cult” is always used with reference to a particular group, the word “occult” is typically associated with esoteric and mystical practices. It deals with hidden or secretive means to attain personal power, and is characterized by a reliance on the supernatural to achieve its ends. The occult includes such practices as fortunetelling, witchcraft, or trance-channelling — the sort of thing described in Deuteronomy 18. Additionally, tarot cards, crystal balls, ouija boards, and horoscopes number among the many tools which are used by occultists. Clearly, the occult deals directly with demonic forces.

CULT AND OCCULT- Some Cross-over

 It should be clearly noted here that there is some cross-over between cults and the occult in that some cults, such as the Church of Satan and others, are also clearly involved with occultic practices. However, not all cults indulge in the occult. For example, it would be unfair to link the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the United Pentecostal Church in an overt sense with the occult. Now, while a clear distinction should be drawn between the terms “cult” and “occult,” we must keep in mind that they are both connected with teachings which oppose the Word of God. 

(information taken from Equip.org)

Scripture:

Matthew 16: 1 – 12

Luke 12: 54 – 57

Acts 20: 28 – 31

1 Corinthians 10: 11 – 12

Hebrews 5: 12 – 14

1 John 4: 1 – 6

Activity

Tea

 

 

 

Fall 2103 Kickoff!

We had our first Bright Lights meeting of the new year yesterday, and the topic was Holiness.  Two new gals have joined our growing group and we are now up to 12 regular attendees!

Before I get into the meeting notes, I want to share the recipe for the Pear Ginger Cobbler we had since it was such a big hit:

Filling:
4 c. sliced pears
2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tablespoons lemon juice
lemon zest
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
3 T. tapioca flour  (recipe calls for quick tapioca)

Topping:
1 pie crust

Blend together pears, ginger, sugars, lemon juice, zest, and tapioca and allow to stand for 20 minutes.  Pour filling into baking dish and cover with pie crust - cut slits into crust.  (I actually doubled this recipe and used 2 gluten free pie crusts to cover entire cobbler)

Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until nice and bubbly. (I actually covered entire pan with foil for first part of baking so that my crust wouldn't burn)

Now to the meeting notes!  (Also, there is a very special story about courtship after the meeting notes - be sure to check out and share with your daughters as this is will help give them a vision for what a godly courtship looks like...)

Bright Lights Set 4 Meeting 1 – Holiness

Holiness:

The state of being holy; purity or integrity of moral character; freedom from sin; sanctity.  Applied to God, holiness denotes perfect purity or integrity of moral character…one of His essential attributes.

Ex. 15:11b “ Who is like Thee, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?”

Applied to human beings, holiness is purity of heart or dispositions; moral goodness, but not perfect. The state of being hallowed or consecrated (reserved) to God and His worship…that which is separated to the service of God.

 
The opposite of holiness is not “wickedness” or “evil”.  Rather, the opposite is “common”.  To be holy is to be special, set-apart, and reserved for God’s special purposes.  (Do you sometimes feel different ?)

 

Scripture References:

Genesis 2:3

Ex. 3:5

Haggai 2: 11 – 14

1 Cor. 3: 16 – 19

2 Cor. 6: 14 – 7:1

Hebrews 12: 10 -14

1 Peter 1: 14  - 16

1 Peter  2: 9 – 11

2 Peter 3: 11 – 14

 

Activity

Break up into small groups, look up verses, and make a list of the different “hearts” found in scripture.

Group 1 look up:

Psalm 51:10, Matthew 5:8, James 4:8, 2 Timothy 2:2, I Peter 1:22, I Kings 3:9, 12; Psalm 34:18

Group 2 look up:

2 Chronicles34:27, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 11:29, 2 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 119:80, Proverbs 17:22, Psalm 7:10

Pray as a group specifically asking the Lord to give each of you these particular “hearts” which He desires…

Wrap Up

1.)  Examine your lives for areas in which you are following the world’s ways instead of God’s ways.

2.) Be willing to be separated from the world’s thinking and from what is “common”, knowing that you are reserved unto God’s special purposes.

Handiwork – Prayer journals

Tea

Now for an amazing love story crafted by God!  You may have noticed a large button on our Bellevue Bright Lights blog after the "Links of Interest" on the left hand side under the title EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE...if you click on this button it takes you directly to the blog of a fellow Bright Lights leader named Emily Mitton.  Her blog is a big favorite with my daughters!  Emily was very recently married and she shares the story of her courtship with her husband, Ben, in several posts...it is an amazing story of the faithfulness of God to orchestrate all the details when we submit to His perfect way of doing things.  Try to read the posts in order to get the whole story...you and your daughters will be so blessed! 

http://everythoughtcaptive.blogspot.com/search/label/ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Self-Control....and summer break!

Our last meeting before summer break was on the topic of Self-Control...see you all again in September!  Have a blessed summer :)

Set 3 Meeting 5 Self-Control

 Read Sarah Mally’s letter to our group! J

Intro: Quick look at some of David’s Mighty Men (II Samuel 23), then read Proverbs 16:32 “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Spiritual might, which is our goal in Bright Lights, is much greater and stronger than physical might. If we can learn to control ourselves and be slow to anger, this is harder and greater than taking a city or performing great acts of heroism.

Definition: Self-control (temperance) means possessing power, strong, having mastery or possession of. Holding in hand the passions and desires…the word thus refers to the mastery of one’s desires and impulses. Also includes the notions of having good sense, sober wisdom, moderation and soundness of mind as contrasted to insanity.

Synonyms: balance, constraint, dignity, discipline, discretion, poise, restraint, stability, strength of character

Opposite: agitation, rashness, out of control

Main Concepts to Stress:

1.) Without self-control we will not be able to apply the other traits of godliness we have learned about in this set.

2.) We all face irritations everyday. Most people treat irritations as problems and thus respond in wrong ways, but our goal is to look at thes irritations as tests, opportunities, and beneficial experiences planned for us by the Lord.

3.) As we display “automatic responses” of the Spirit not of the flesh, this will be an exciting testimony that will demonstrate to others that Jesus governs our lives.

Scripture:

Galatians 2:20

Galatians 5: 14 - 26

Romans 6: 11 - 16

Proverbs 15:1

James 3

Proverbs 25:28

Read from Chapter 7 in Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends

Read from BYMPC

Activity - slideshow from this past year of Bright Lights meetings

Barbeque and fellowship J  

Humility

Excellent meeting on Humility a couple Sunday's ago...we studied a cross section of kings (Amaziah through Josiah) from Judah and took a look at each of their reigns...whether they were prideful or humble (or both!) and the outcomes of their decisions.  I was worried we wouldn't have enough time to do this, but by each of us having our Bibles open and following along together (and me being brushed up on each chapter ahead of time!), we took turns reading specific verses so everyone stayed engaged.

 

Set 3 Meeting 4 - Humility

 

Definition: The quality of being modest and respectful

Functional Biblical Definition:
Humility is accepting ourselves as we really are before God…freedom from a sense of one’s own importance with total dependence on God and honest concern for others.

Opposite: Pride
A self-centered preoccupation with, and over estimation of one’s own importance, abilities, or achievements, resulting in unwillingness to submit to God and insensitivity to others.

Scriptures:

Philippians 2: 1 - 11

Deuteronomy 8:2

2 Chronicles 7:14

Matthew 18:4

Micah 6:8

 

Main Concepts:

1. Realize the danger of pride and pray that all areas of pride in your life will be be revealed

2. God gives grace to the humble.

“Be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” 1 Peter 5: 5-6

3. Humility is vital to maintaining good relationships with God and others. Conflicts will usually be solved when one of the people involved is willing to take the humble position.

I. Snapshot of Judah’s OT Kings: Previous kings were David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram…

A. Amaziah (25 years old, reigned 29 years) 2 Chronicles 25

1. V. 2 “And he did right in the sight of the LORD, yet not with a whole heart.”

2. Hired Israelites to go to war with him against the Edomites w/o consulting God

3. After defeating Edomites, brought back their gods, set them up as his gods, bowed down before them and burned incense to them.

4. Tried to wage war against Israel, was defeated and Jerusalem was plundered. “From the time that Amaziah turned away from following the LORD they conspired against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish and killed him there.”

B. Uzziah (16 years old) 2 Chronicles 26

1. Intro to reign…verses 3 - 5

2. Pride is Uzziah’s undoing…verses 16 - 21

C. Jotham (25 years old, reigned 16 years) 2 Chronicles 27

1. Did right in the sight of the LORD v. 2

2. V. 6 “So Jothan became mighty because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God.”

D. Ahaz (20 years old, reigned 16 years) 2 Chronicles 28

1. Intro v. 1 - 5

2. Military defeats - v. 19 “For the LORD humbled Judah because of Ahaz…for he brought about a lack of restraint in Judah and was very unfaithful to the LORD.”

3. Compromise with Assyria because of attack by Philistines and Edomites…v. 20 “So Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came against him and afflicted him instead of strengthening him.” Drained the Temple resources, began worshipping Assyrian gods, “Moreover when Ahaz gathered together the utensils of the house of God, he cut the utensils of the house of God in pieces; and he closed the doors of the house of the LORD, and made altars for himself in every corner of Jerusalem. And in every city of Judah he made high places to burn incense to other gods, and provoked the LORD, the God of his fathers, to anger.”

E. Hezekiah (25 years old, reigned 29 years) 2 Chronicles 29

1. Intro v 1 - 4

2. Reforms begun…Temple cleaned and consecrated, Temple worship restored…v. 36 “Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced over what God had prepared for the people, because the thing came about suddenly.” (8 days to cleans and consecrate the temple!)

3. Passover Reinstitued - all Israel and Judah invited…v. 10 - 11 “So the couriers passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them. Nevertheless some men of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.”

* Humility must precede access to God

V. 23 “Then the whole assembly decided to celebrate the feast another seven days, so they celebrated the seven days with joy.”

4. King of Assyria tries to invade Judah, but God answers Hezekiah’s prayer and the LORD sent an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp.

5. Hezekiah becomes ill to the point of death, but prays and God gives him 15 more years of life. V. 25 “But Hezekiah gave no return for the benefit he received, because his heart was proud; therefore wrath came on him and on Judah and Jerusalem. However, Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come on them in the days of Hezekiah.”

F. Manasseh (12 years old, reigned 55 years) 2 Chronicles 33

1. Intro v. 2 - 9 worshipped everything but God!

2. Shed much innocent blood (2 Kings 24:4...”for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood…”)

3. Manasseh humbled by king of Assyria and taken to Babylon…v. 12 - 13 “And when he was in distress, he entreated the LORD his God and humble himself greatly before the God of his fathers. When he prayed to Him, He was moved by his entreaty and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.”

4. Manasseh’s repentence…v. 15 - 16 “He also removed the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the LORD, as well as all the altars which he had built on the mountain of the house of the LORD and in Jerusalem, and he threw them outside the city. And he set up the altar of the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings and thank offerings on it; and he ordered Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel.”

 

G. Amon (22 years old, reigned 2 years)
1. V. 21 - 25

H. Josiah (8 years old, reigned 31 years) 2 Chronicles 34 - 35

1. Intro v. 2 - 3

2. Temple repaired, Lost Book of the Law found, God speaks through the Prophetess Huldah…time of Judah’s judgment was almost at hand but because of Josiah’s humble heart, his eyes would not see it…v 27-28 “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God, when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and because you humbled yourself before Me, tore your clothes, and wept before Me, I truly have heard you,” declares the LORD. Behold, I will gather you to your fathers and you hsall be gathered to your grave in peace, so your eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring on this place and on its inhabitants…”

3. Passover Observed Again

 

 

Our activity this week was to write letters to our New Zealand penpals!

 

Meekness

We had a wonderful meeting on Mother's Day weekend before last, and our topic was Meekness... 

Set 3 - Meeting 3: Meekness

　
Meekness: humbly patient under provocation from others

Synonyms: forbearing, unassuming, calm, gentle, kind, submissive

Bible Dictionary: a calm temper of mind, not easily provoked.

Dying to self / Giving up your rights

　
Peculiar promises are made to the meek:
Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Isaiah 66:2 “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”

The cultivation of this spirit is enjoined:
Col. 3:12 - 13 “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies (tender mercies), kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forebearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, also do ye.”

1 Tim. 6:11 “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Zeph. 2:3 “Seek ye that LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment (upheld His justice); seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’s anger.”

Meekness exemplified in:
Christ
Matt. 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

1 Peter 2:23 “Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.”

Abraham
Gen. 13 Abraham and Lot separate

Moses
Num. 12:3 “(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.”)

David

2 Sam. 16:10, 12 Shimei curses David

Paul

1 Cor. 9:19 “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.”

Main Concepts:
Arguments, disagreements, and irritations are struggles we all face - probably everyday. Only with meekness will we be able to respond to these conflicts in a biblical way. Just as Proverbs 15:1 tells us that a soft answer turns away wrath, so a meek response softens hearts and changes attitudes. If you learn this difficult quality now, it will benefit your whole life and all of your future relationships (parents, siblings, friends, marriage, etc.)

Meekness is trusting God to protect us, our reputation, our possessions, etc, rather than “fighting” for these things ourselves. It is important to understand that everything we own actually belongs to God. We can trust Him to take care of His own property and realize that there is no reason for us to respond in anger. This perspective enables us to show meekness in everyday situations. 

Sensitivity

Bright Lights Set 3 Meeting 2 - Sensitivity

Definitions:

- Awareness of the needs and emotions of others

- Awareness of and responsive to the feelings of others

Scripture:

Philippians 2: 1-4

“If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others.”

1 Peter 5: 5-7

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.”

Mark 10: 42 - 45

“And calling them to Himself, Jesus said to the, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and that their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Galatians 6: 1 - 2

“Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”

　
Testimonies

Making it relevant

1.) Read pgs. 174 - 176 from Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends

2.) Look at the various levels of cliques that occur within groups:

- the rebellious attract the rebellious and form cliques

- the spiritually weak attract others who are weak and can become a clique

- the spiritually strong attract others who are strong and sometimes, at least, appear to form cliques

But the strongest of all are those who are able to see the needs of the people in all the groups and try to befriend and encourage whoever needs it most. Instead of trying to get their own needs met by friends, they are focusing on others.

3.) Discussion:

Why is it hard to show sensitivity?

Why does it seem harder to show sensitivity at home than with friends?

What are some of the consequences of a lack of sensitivity?

What keeps us from being sensitive?

Main Concepts

1. If you can learn to be focused on others rather than yourself, you have reached a point of true Christian maturity. Few are able to unselfishly give to the needs of others - but those who do are truly following in the footsteps of Jesus.

2. Sensitivity is especially important in your own families and can make a TREMENDOUS difference in relationships with brothers and sisters.

"Bright Lights" Swiss Chard!! :)

Activities and Tea

Contentment

This past weekend we began Set 3 materials where the focus will be on "How to Reflect Christ in Every Response"...no small order to be sure!  Our first topic was Contentment:

Bright Lights Set 3 Meeting 1 - Contentment

Definitions:

-adj

1. Mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are

2. Assenting to or willing to accept circumstances, a proposed course of action, etc.

-noun

Peace of mind, ease of mind, comfort, happiness

-inter

(Brit) (in the House of Lords) a formal expression of assent, as opposed to the expression ‘not content’

From Old French, from Latin contentus contented, that is, having restrained desires, from continere to restrain

Synonyms: complacent, ease, fulfillment, gladness, gratification, peace, pleasure, serenity, satisfaction

Antonyms: discomfort, discontent, displeasure, dissatisfaction, misery, sadness, unhappiness

Scripture References:1 Timothy 6:6-10
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Philippians 4:11-12I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
John 3:27To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.
Matthew 6:24-3
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Do Not Worry
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Main Concepts:

- Our own wants, desires, and love for temporal things will prevent us from living a godly life and will cause our light to become dim.

- The Lord sees the whole picture of our lives and will provide according to His timing what He knows is best. Those who are willing to trust Him by faith will experience the secret of contentment in their lives…godliness with contentment is great gain.

Activities:

Make a list of the areas of life with which people are often discontent (possessions, looks, reputation, friends, circumstances).

What is one trial you are grateful for…and why?

Think of one area of suffering (or anything difficult being grateful for) in your life. Write at least 10 reasons why God may have allowed this particular “problem” to happen.

Divide into groups…come up with a 1 minute commercial advertising some unnecessary or silly item. Give the audience the impression that they need this item in order to be happy. How does the enemy use the same tactics to “advertise” his products to us?