Welcome back to the Womens Bible Cafe™ we’ve just finished Experiencing God week four by Henry and Richard Blackaby. In our unit study this past week we learned the names of God and more about His character. Page 72 has a list of names, titles, and descriptions for God and the back of the workbook has an extensive list with Scripture references. Make a copy and carry it with you so you can pray during the day. Or write one of the names into your spiritual journal each day and then what it means to you personally. Carry His name in your heart.

We started our small groups this week by asking a fun question: If God selected a nickname for you, what would it be and why? As I prayed over this I realized that my One Word for last year would fit perfectly: Heiress! I’m a co-heir with Christ and this would be His nickname for me.

Scripture says “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:17 NIV  What would your nickname be?

This week we learned that God is a provider. I remember a time when God provided for my family. Our kids were in Christian school, my husband lost his job, and we worried about how to pay the tuition. During a meeting with our accountant for income taxes we prayed “Please don’t let us owe anything.” At the meeting, the accountant told us we were getting a refund, and it was the EXACT amount of the tuition..to the penny! With certainty, God provided that when we needed it most.

In your study book on page 71, Blackaby shares the “life partner” prayer. How do you feel about praying a similar prayer for someone you know?  When I read this, I immediately started praying for my daughters! I believe God answers prayers…as He wills. Now I am also praying the prayer for my nieces and nephews…all young adults in college.

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 NIV

This week Blackaby writes, “Obedience is an outward expression of your love for God.” I thought long and hard about this statement. I am going to “disagree somewhat.” Because fear can keep someone from obedience. Unbelief can keep someone from obedience. The person will LOVE GOD and can still be disobedient. For example, in the Bible David had an affair and then killed the woman’s husband. I do not question David’s love for God. What do you think?

At other times God told David (and others) to do things, and some of those methods I would find displeasing. Same with Abraham, when God told him to take his son to the sacrifice altar? WOAH…if I was the Mom watching this happen… I would certainly have a loud mouth over the “outward plan.”

On the other side, I have obeyed God and my obedience cost me a few friendships. When past friends are angry, defensive, and spilling hatred about me online, I stand beside the Holy Spirit and keep silent. He defends, not me.

Blackaby writes, “God is all-knowing. His directions are always trustworthy.” Today, I can answer 100% yes about my trust in God. When I was spiritually immature, my answer would have been “It depends.”

Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7 NIV

And Jesus says: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-16a NIV

How do we recognize their “fruits?”  When we know God and experience Him, we can identify what He values and what displeases Him. The fruits. Look at Galatians 5 for a full explanation of the fruits of the flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit.

Blackaby writes, “What God initiates, He completes.”