Prayers and Promises of the Bible | Week 10

Welcome back to the God’s Promises Bible Study and our final week. Congratulations on completing the Prayers and Promises of the Bible study! This has been a beautiful journey of discovery. We finished our course learning Promises to Meet Spiritual Needs and Promises to Meet Ministry Needs. Thank you for joining me in this important study.

I like the 10-week format because it gives me more time to get to know someone and make new friends. A 1.5-month study is too short to get to know someone well. I also like this workbook series and hope we do another book in the fall. I like the resource in the back of the book too. A full list of 200 prayers and promises. We could…pray ONE each day for nearly a year!

Jesus resisted temptation by quoting the Old Testament.

When the devil is coming at me, I quote the Bible, not the news or “experts.” -Christine Abraham

When I am in my garden praying, I again quote the Bible and meditate on the words. When I am troubled, there it is again…the Bible in my heart! On social media, I quote pastors, authors, and Scripture to help people think about things above and not on the worldview. Since I detest politics, you’ll never find me quoting from that population.

God’s Promises Bible Study

What foundation are you building your life upon? I like this question! When I was a teenager I built my foundation on my appearance and acceptance by others. When I was a college student I built my foundation on my grades and degree. When I was a bride I built my foundation upon my spouse. When I was a Mom I built my foundation on keeping my kids healthy and safe. THEN… Jesus showed me my foundations were faulty and He spoke into my heart through the Bible. The more I listened to the WORD, the stronger my foundation became as my faith became the foundation for everything: parenting, career, marriage, finances, and health!

Now that we have learned 200 prayers and promises of the Bible, you realize some of God’s promises are often redundant. We tend to forget, and because the promise is so essential that we need to hear it more than once. This is why I encourage you to read the Bible daily, cover to cover, year after year. Remember His promises. Don’t wait for a Sunday sermon to be reminded.

The world is louder than God, it seems. Because we see more of the world and God is seen in His Word, His love, His Church, and His protection. What are YOU looking for? Eyes on Jesus.

My friends, you have everything you need to live a victorious life. During the last 3 years, I was reminded that we did not “need” a graduation ceremony for my high school senior. We did not “need” for her to live in a college dorm her first year and attend in-person classes. We did not “need” access to restaurants, hair salons, and shopping malls. When these were sheltered by a pandemic- we needed God and He was there!!

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7 NKJV

Have you ever leaned on your understanding instead of God? I would not want to be a Navy Seal recruit trying to lean on my own understanding! I would need the expertise of the officers who are training me. In faith, I need the expertise of God’s Word as my training manual and understanding.

Remember, the Pharisees had blind spots. They were judging people. And yes, we are prone to the same blindness today and need to be very discerning before we speak. We need to tame the tongue. We need to quiet gossip. We need to avoid the temptation to slander. That is the playground we are living in today. The same playground that Jesus experienced when He walked upon the earth.

We have entire ministries that judge people. We have authors who write books judging people. In one book I reviewed recently, the author named two popular authors who are “supposedly Christian” and my goodness, who is SHE to decide that??? Jesus decides, not us.

Be kind with your words. That is how you love your neighbors.

You can access the entire Prayers and Promises of the Bible course on-demand at Bible Cafe™ University.

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.

Prayers and Promises of the Bible | Week 9

What is the Greatest Promise in the Bible? Eternity. This week we studied the promises to meet eternal needs (chapter 17) and promises to meet emotional needs (chapter 18).  I like the reminder “To know Christ is to love Christ” from our Prayers and Promises of the Bible study book.

Put yourself into Abraham’s sandals. What are the challenges of moving to an unfamiliar territory? We moved to unfamiliar territory a few years back so I will share a personal experience. Before this, we lived in the same area with our families since birth. When we moved, we had to navigate new streets, find new resources, and establish new friends. We had to leave behind many of our home furnishings and start new. Then we adapted to the weather (storms, falling trees, mudslides, power outages). As we did these things we depended on God- not family. He became our strength and source.

And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29 NKJV

This is a conditional promise. IF….then. So IF I belong to Christ (and I do) THEN I am an heir in His family. That is the most beautiful promise and something that I treasure with all my heart. The greatest promise in the Bible for many people, is the promise of eternal life with God.

In John 10:10, we are promised an abundant life.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NKJV

 I have listened to many sermons and podcasts on this verse. And the correct message is that we have an abundance of LOVE and also the Fruit of the Spirit. The incorrect message would be the prosperity gospel that you will have abundant wealth and material things.

You find your “fullness of joy” in a relationship with Our Father, through Christ.

Remember, he goes before you. This has helped me many, many times. It’s one of the promises that overcomes fear. Why should I worry about tomorrow, when God is already there?

Moses was a spiritual leader who mentored Joshua. Who are you mentoring? I am going to mentor leaders again. This has been pressed upon my heart as the Lord calls up a new generation of leaders. It’s been 3 years since I opened the Christian Leadership Cafe program and much has changed with technology and communication since then.

You can access the entire Prayers and Promises of the Bible course on-demand at Bible Cafe™ University.

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.

Prayers and Promises of the Bible | Week 8

Know the Promises in the Bible with this online Bible Cafe study. Prayers and Promises of the Bible helps us Learn Promises Concerning Ourselves and Promises to Meet Physical Needs. This week was an encouragement for many participants in our small groups. What did you find most interesting from chapters 15 and 16?

Several women in my Bible Cafe™ University group enjoyed learning when you have been sick for a while you forget what it’s like to be healthy. Our understanding of sickness is medical and textbook-based. This week we saw a spiritual view of sickness and it was very interesting.

We also studied hypocrites this week. People who made rules that were difficult to follow. Even Jesus could not live up to the Pharisees’ laws.

According to LeRoy Elms, Jesus chose men with human tendencies and failings, instead of highly cultured men with great intellect and wealth. What if Jesus chose the first disciples from the wealthy and intellectual population? In a historical context, what if he chose Aristotle, Plato, or Socrates to be his first disciples?

Jesus shows us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things through their relationship with God. And not the power of their intellect, power, finances, or influences.

We are born again through Christ. The old things pass away, and we experience a new spiritual life. Praise God!

Now, you have the Presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit in you. He goes where you go.

Have you witnessed a generous blessing that was not “money or things?” These are testimonies of faith. My neighbors loving me was an abundant blessing. They showed me the love of Christ when I was still a prodigal. Through their prayers and kindness, I returned to the church and then to study the Bible.

The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14 NKJV

Set your problems next to God. Don’t wear misery on your sleeve or made by the world on your clothing. Be set apart, born again, as a daughter of the one True King.

You can access the entire Prayers and Promises of the Bible course on-demand at Bible Cafe™ University.

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.

Prayers and Promises of the Bible | Week 7

Study the Promises from the Bible with us! We’re using the book Prayers and Promises of the Bible: Smart Guide to the Bible. What might happen if you memorize some of the promises in the Bible? Do you have a favorite verse from your reading this week?  We Learned the Promises Concerning Our Problems and the Promises Concerning Our Dependence.

I love memorizing Scripture verses because I anchor to them in difficult seasons. Also, when I pray for my friends I always have a verse in mind. One of my favorite verses this week is Jeremiah 33:3 and to memorize this, I made it a wallpaper on my phone. Another way I memorize a verse is to attach a photo to the words. I am a visual person, and seeing the words next to a photo helps my memory!

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

Looking at your past or current tribulations, do you feel that God is in control and present in your situation?  When I was a young believer, I struggled with this truth. As my faith matured I started seeing God’s presence in EVERYTHING. He made Himself visible to me and I opened my eyes to see where He was working. I learned this in the Experiencing God Bible Study from Henry and Richard Blackaby.

Maybe you tend to forget your troubles. Perhaps you remember them as “souvenirs of God’s grace.” The Lord often sends me a promise, a Bible verse during my seasons of trouble. So when I memorize these verses, they become souvenirs of my testimony, My story is anchored to a life verse.

My Life Verses

Marriage troubles= Lord Carry Me (Deut 1:31)

Financial troubles = Wear these words on your arm /I made jewelry to support my family (Deut 11:18)

Storm troubles= Be still (Exodus 14:14 and Isaiah 46:10)

Filled with the Spirit= Love the Lord with your heart, soul, mind (Deut 6:5)

Starting the Womens Bible Café= He must be greater I must be less (John 3:30)

Empty Nest= I will show you great things (Jeremiah 33:3)

So with our troubles, how do we “count it all joy?” As I reminisce about the passing of my spiritual father, the Lord reminded me about His presence before and after the passing. So while grieving is painfully hard, there is JOY in seeing God’s presence. He draws close to the brokenhearted and we open our eyes (hearts) to see more of Him during our suffering. When God becomes “visible” to us and we feel His presence- there is unexplainable JOY. A revival.

God gives you a new way of seeing a situation. In my current season of suffering, some people were giving me bad advice. As the Lord spoke to my heart through prayer, I decided to “do nothing.” That’s difficult when other people are telling me to take action. Over time, God has been showing me His view and reminding me to be still.

Don’t “phone a friend” who is NOT walking with God!! -Christine Abraham

The remedies of the worldview are not the remedies of God. Discern before you decide, or do something. Let God lead you.

Isaiah 40:31 is a conditional promise. Conditional means that IF we wait, THEN God will (the promise). So there is an understood behavior on our part.

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NKVJ)

Turn it around, What happens if we do NOT wait on the Lord? We are weakened, exhausted, and defeated.

Waiting on God is a kind of strength.  I have some beautiful friends who wait “backstage.” When they are waiting they are not wailing on social media. They pull back and spend time with the Lord. They refresh and renew their strength. I remember the first few times I experienced trials like this, and I was spiritually immature. So I had online pity parties and many friends would join my lamenting. Today as a more mature woman of faith, I keep my drama llamas offline!

You can access the entire Prayers and Promises of the Bible course on-demand at Bible Cafe™ University.

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.

Prayers and Promises of the Bible | Week 6

What is the Greatest Promise in the Bible? There are more than 200 Prayers and Promises in the Bible. As we continue our study this week with chapters 11 and 12, we Learn Promises Concerning Our God and Promises Concerning Our Future. I like how the author of our study book uses summary charts, quotes, and sidebar definitions. These tools are helpful to a visual learner like me!

According to Psalm 51:17, God will not despise a contrite heart. A contrite heart is sincere. For reference, my grandfather was a prison guard for a notorious criminal and had many stories to share. I remember dinner table stories about prisoners who faked repentance just to get parole.

So a contrite heart in the Biblical sense is someone who truly is saddened and remorseful by their actions and seeks forgiveness to restore a relationship with God. Not because they gain the favor of man! Or to get paroled.

God searches and KNOWS the heart. He knows if you are since and humble in repentance or just verbalizing what others want to hear.

From the study book, we know It is impossible for God to die or sin or change. Or break a promise. That makes me think about the healthy boundaries we place upon ourselves today. Things we will not do, boundaries are self-imposed limitations.

Do you remember the time when you first realized that God loved you unconditionally and nothing you did would diminish His love? How did you feel about that? When I first realized God loved me unconditionally I asked to be filled with His Spirit! I then knew that my body, soul, and Spirit were His vessel and nothing could separate me from that. It was the most beautiful experience of my life! The Holy Spirit came upon me and showed me His love.

Since then, the thought of Jesus’ return comforts me. I see the opportunity for everyone to know Jesus and also the accountability for rejecting Him. So as a believer, I am comforted by the return and the glory and the magnificent display of the Groom.

Our study book reminds us, “Clearly, Christ is going to return… how can we best stay ready until quitting time?” We can make disciples and evangelize. To do this we live with the character of Christ and put on the fruit of the Spirit. We stay ready for His return and help others to know Jesus too!

Heaven is not an imaginary place.

The Bible has a great description of Heaven, in Revelation. If that is too much to explain, then a book such as The Heaven Answer Book by Billy Graham makes an excellent gift! Some of the questions people have about heaven: do we have the same bodies, will we recognize our relatives, do dogs go to heaven? I found these answers useful in the Billy Graham book.

Lastly, we learned the difference between conviction and condemnation this week. Conviction leads to a heart of repentance and change. It draws us closer to God. Condemnation leads to shame and away from God.

You can access the entire Prayers and Promises of the Bible course on-demand at Bible Cafe™ University.

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.

Prayers and Promises of the Bible | Week 5

In this Bible Cafe™ study Learn The Lord’s Prayer and The Prayers of Jesus. Knowing the prayers helps us understand the Bible Promises of God. What have you enjoyed most about this Bible study? Have you added any new prayer methods since we started?

I like topical studies where we focus on a central theme. Studying prayers and Bible promises has been so helpful to my faith journey! I am now praying prayers of repentance, something that is fresh for me as a Believer.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray for “our daily bread.” Growing up I thought I was praying for food, not contentment. So I really liked the lesson this week about daily bread. It’s a satisfaction only God can fill. We hunger for things of the world, and He wants us to hunger and thirst for Himself!

Looking at the Bible’s promises, we see forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian life. This is the purest form of love, to forgive someone who does not deserve it. And the opposite of forgiveness is resentment. I am so grateful that God does not resent me for my sins, failures, and mistakes. He does not hold those past errors against me and allows me to live eternally with Him in heaven.

Notice we did not learn “perfection” as the heart of a believer’s life! Yet that is what the Pharisees were preaching before Jesus arrived.

Notice too, that religious activity is not the heart of a believer’s life. The things we do are because we are forgiven and loved!

Were you surprised to learn that temptation can be a good thing? Trials and tests (temptations) can strengthen our faith OR show us where we are weak and need to continue to grow.

We can also learn when we are involved with a “motley crew.” The definition of motley is made up of many different people or things, a woolen fabric of mixed colors made in England between the 14th and 17th centuries. Jesus selected people who are different and then wove them together under a blanket of faith! He demonstrated how our strengths are used for the better of the community and how being dissimilar is a blessing to the entire world.

Jesus did not pray for ease and comfort for His followers, He prayed for their protection. When traveling by car or plane I never pray for ease or comfort. What I need is a sense of protection. Jesus knew the difficulties of temptation, tests, and trials would refine us like fire. We are travelers on this side of eternity and Jesus prays for our protection in our trials.

What happens when we pray back the Scriptures to God? I meditate on the Scriptures and even wear them as a necklace or bracelet. I have not prayed them back and I am not familiar with this method of prayer so I look forward to the second half of our study. As Julie said in our small group this week, “praying in agreement is different from praying in entitlement.” WOW!

You can access the entire Prayers and Promises of the Bible course on-demand at Bible Cafe™ University.

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.