Welcome back to the Womens Bible Cafe™ as we discuss Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. As we learned from Nancy in the introduction. “reading this book won’t make your problems go away, but will point you in the direction of the Someone who can help.” The entire focus of our study is to unveil the lies and replace them with Truth based on Scripture.
(Image: unsplash)
We’ve been carrying the weight of past lies and hidden shame far too long…and its time for God’s children to reclaim their identity in Christ. Jesus says “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.
So my question is…how many of us are living abundant and joy-filled lives? Is your life “abundant to the full, till it overflows” (John 10:10 AMP) or is there room to clean out the lies? Let’s get started with our discussion….your participation is essential to add value to our bible study.
Last week when we launched our bible study we asked you what lies you wanted to break free from. Here are the answers you shared with us:
What Lies Do You Want to Replace With Truth?
(How our Bible students answered this question)
- negative feelings that are not of the Lord
- “You Are Not Good Enough. I often feel that I am not good enough as a mother, as a wife, as a teacher, as a friend, as a daughter, as a sister, etc. Fear of not measuring up, I have to be better than others in order to get recognition, needing approval from others
- worrying about my children
- that a woman must be conventionally pretty to be happy or successful and that, as a 56-year-old I can no longer influence my family or impact the kingdom; insignificance that i can’t be better than i am right now and i wont be a mother; the lie that I do not provide value in my job and that I must work 24/7 to get ahead in this world. I would like to break free from the idea that what I do for a living is no big deal. I did not graduate from college and it is a huge regret in my life. I don’t feel like I met my expectations. I am always wondering “what if.” I would like to break free from entertaining the lies that I’m not smart enough, I missed my calling,
- the lie that I have to hold on to anger or seek revenge when a friend has hurt me
- “the need to be perfect,” “the need to only trust myself, because you can’t trust anybody else,” “there is no one to talk to when you are down because you look like you have issues and no one wants to inherit your problems”
- the lie that I can not lose weight, the lie that I’m not pretty
- I am great at comparing myself with someone else, then I can’t measure up. I hang on to guilt. I am horrible at asking for help. I feel like I am bothering someone by asking for help. I would like to not believe that I have to feel guilty for everything I do.
- one lie that I want to leave behind is that I have to do everything on my own. feeling like I have to be a martyr and do it all by myself when it comes to kids, work, home, etc. I then feel guilty to ask for help when I need it. the lie that I need to be the perfect mother, wife, room mom, housekeeper, well… everything.
- an even bigger lie: the media is more trustworthy than God or your faith.
- I want to break free of the lie of worry. but probably most importantly lies that I have to have a perfect home (always OCD clean!); I have to be perfect in the eyes of others and that people won’t like and love me for who I truly am. I want to live a God given happy and free life without worry or the need to control everything.
- I want to break free from the lie of Satan that I am not good enough in my marriage… I feel that I need to be a better wife which leads me to compare myself to other women. Having fear that I will not be here long enough to see my children grow up. I’d like to break free from believing I have to be the perfect wife, mother, daughter, worker and stop being such a martyr all the time.
- I want to break free from the lie that being “religious” is enough.
- I would like to fully accept that my identify is not based on what others think/say but on Christ and Christ alone
- I want to break free from the lie that it’s never going to get any better and that I am not going to get anything back from the “sacrifices” I’ve been making. Sick of listening to the doubt! Feelings that the Lord is disappointed in me when I don’t live up to what “I” feel that I should be. Or what I’m not.
Nancy says there’s a common thread in the lies we desire to be set free from…“the best lies look like the Truth.” In the weeks ahead, we’ll open our eyes to deception and learn to recognize Truth. We’re on a journey to be set free.
Assignment For the Next Week
- Pray for the women who are doing this study with you.
- Read Chapter Two in your book and companion guide.
- Look at the list of Key Resources on page 269 for topics addressed in this book
- Check in with your Small Group Leader
I sought out a verse to help me walk away from Satan’s lies that I am not good enough, I do not meaure up and i need the approval of others. He showed me Galatians 1:10: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant.”
1. Find one scripture verse that would help you walk away from one of Satan’s lies or one of the lies listed above. Use http://www.BibleGateway.com type in a keyword, such as “worry” or “perfect” and post your verse below as a comment. Let’s see how many verses we can find! The word I picked was worry.
Matthew 6:25-30 (Holman Christian Standard Bible) 25 “This is why I tell you:(A) Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing?(B) 26 Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?(C) 27 Can any of you add a single cubit to his height[a] by worrying? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! 30 If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t He do much more for you—you of little faith?(D
I love Psalm 139 – there is NO where we can go that HE isn’t with us. NOWHERE!! We are so conditioned to think that if society doesn’t approve then we just don’t measure up, but I can’t remember a time when society was always given to truth.
The Bible on the other hand.. Always given to truth.
We are the apple of Gods eye, we are more precious than the finest jewels. Our worth is far above rubies!! – and all of that is true – with regards to right where we are RIGHT NOW.
We forget that God loves us so much that He Gave Jesus… that is great love.
thanks for having this study Christine!!
{HUGS}
@spreadingJOY
1. Isaiah 40:31 “But the people who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired.”
I love this verse because so often I find myself just exhausted – being a single mom, always on the go, never enough time in the day, working out twice a day to maintain weight standards for my job, piles of laundry, a 3 year-old who is so amazing and with so much energy, trying to find time for God every day. I realize that when I just can’t do it anymore that I remind myself of that verse and I need to remind myself to lean into the Lord and he will carry me.
You’ll like Deut 1:31NIV also “Lord carry me.” I had that engraved on a bracelet and wore it for about a year while going through a challenging time.
1)I think that sometime Christian women (myself included) are sometimes cautious about speaking or sharing God’s truth because we are afraid we might say the wrong thing for God. But this scripture refutes that: “Whenever they hand you over, don’t worry about how to speak or what you will say, because what you can say will be given to you at that moment.” Matthew 10:19
2) Many in society live like they believe they have control of their future destiny.
3) The only way to discern God’s will is to have an on going personal day by day relationship with Him.
Thank you for this verse. I at times get cautious too, but I should know that the Lord is with me and will give me the words to speak. Just like in Exodus 4: 10-11, Moses pleaded with God to have someone else speak for him because he was not good with words. God works through us to accomplish many things, if we are called to do something then through God we are capable.
The verse that spoke to me is Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” I know that I can do all things with Christ who gives me strength. With Him, anything is possible.
If we spend time in the word each day, we arm ourselves against the devil and it will be easier for us to discern the lies from the Truth.
I just want to say that this study has already been a blessing in my life. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for us all in the future!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this verse. I have been taking comfort in it alot lately. 🙂
Worry. Matthew 10:19
But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,
I feel this spoke to me because I must always remember that God will give me the resources, the words, the insight, the strength, the comfort or whatever the need I have… WHEN I need it… Not before. So lying is a sin. It’s not productive
My favorite moment from this week’s study was connecting Ephesians 5:6 “let no one deceive youwith empty words” to our responsibilities as bible teachers/speakers. God will hold false teachers accountable for deceiving his people. We have to be careful that we don’t speak and teach things that contradict God’s word.
A lie that is accepted by society as the truth is “I’m a good person even if I’m not a christian”..Well the bible teaches that in order to be in right relationship with God, we must follow Christ.
That is so very true!
I always want to ask, “You’re a good person by what standard? WHOSE standard?!” 🙂
Broken:
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:17-19
Truth:
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:4-6
Trust:
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies.
Psalm 5:8-10
There are so many things that have led me to this point of brokeness… I feel Broken in spirit, as a mother, as a woman and in my heart as well. I feel I can’t trust myself to see or hear his guidence correctly or maybe there is a reason the Lord wants me to be this broken inside
I’m adding this to your collection of verses Courtney:
NOT SHAKEN: Truly he is Courtney’s rock and my salvation; he is Courtney’s fortress, Courtney will not be shaken. Psalm 62:6 NIV 🙂
LORD CARRY ME: There you saw how the LORD your God carried Courtney, as a father carries his daughter, all the way you went until you reached this place. Deut 1:31 NIV 🙂
One lie that I struggle with is anger. I often find myself feeling the need to be angry and to hold a grudge. This lie destroys my peace and causes distance between me and God. This verse reminds me that I should be slow to anger just as the good Lord above is slow to anger.
Exodus 34:5-7
New International Version (NIV)
5 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generations.”
I want to break free from the lie of Satan that I am not good enough I feel this way in so many areas of my life… It is not so much that I do not feel good enough as the feelings of him throwing the weight of my sins back on me daily… Shame, Guilt.
This study has been good for me to solidify what I already know… to walk thru the scriptures and live it.
Praise the Lord for His freedom from Lies. There are so many of them.
1. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream, and will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit (Jeremiah 17: 8. I chose this verse to help remind me that I have been chosen and set apart. There is no need to fear what lies ahead, because I will be protected and will still bear fruit despite my circumstances.
2. A lie that I see everyday is: As long as I’m not hurting anyone (or breaking the law), I can do what ever my heart desires. If it feels good, it must be good.
3. I can avoid being deceived by actively staying connected to God’s Word, staying sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and remaining vigilant to input and my own thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Lately, I’ve been able to hone in on my negative thoughts, attitudes, and behavior. This study compliments the change I am working toward.
4. My favorite moment was reading all the women’s answers to last week’s discussion.
My favorite moment from this week’s study came from the Reflect section on Day 4. ” As long as we live in this world, we cannot completely isolate ourselves so that we never hear any lies.”. I am a healthcare professional and I am constantly hearing lies during my daily work. It is reassuring to know that we, as Christians, are not expected to isolate ourselves from society. I would love to be able to isolate myself and my family from the lies, but this is not practical. Instead, I have to look at socity and “hear” them through a filter. I praise God for the gift of the Bible. Without it I would be lost.
1 .) Ephesians 1:5 HSC
He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will,
The LORD GOD adopted me. My heavenly father accepts me.
2.) I lie people commonly believe as true. You need to preform perfectly the way I like to be accepted. There is no acceptance if you can’t perform to that other person’s expectation. Ties in with my verse.
3.) Listening to what God says is true about me. God knows my heart. God created me special, and HE loves me the way I am. Choosing to think about and believe the TRUTH and not the lies the enemy whispers.
4.) If I believe what God says is true how does that change the way I life. If I am accepted as I am and I do not need approval or acceptance from others what would that feel like?
1. Romans 8:31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? NLT. The people that talk about us and scorn judge us are irrelavent as far as this verse in concerned. I have done things in my past that I am not proud of but I am now washed of my sins and covered by God’s grace and mercy.
2. There is a lie about women needingto be so “independent”. “The land must never be sold on a permanent basis, for the land belongs to me. You are only foreigners and tenant farmers working for me.” Leviticus 25:23 We are put here be servants of God. When we take on this independent mindstate we disregard that we can only do something through God. We have to remember to seek God first in all that we do and remain humble and become too proud. I know that as a single mother I was very proud of all that I was “doing on my own” that was a lie. I was never alone.
3. We can bury our minds in the word of God and study, study, study to make sure they know the truth so when lies are told we know the difference.
My verse is Philippians 4:6-7:
6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
I love this because, I am a natural worrier (I believe many women tend to be) but as soon as I take it to the Lord in prayer my circumstances may not immediately change but there is a calmness that comes over me. He truly does take the burden off of my shoulders and puts it on His, if I let Him. Sometimes He calms the storm and sometimes He calms His child.
The verse I choose is Psalm 18:30
30 As for God, his way is perfect:
The LORD’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
Sometimes we as woman try to deal with too much on our own, we want to fix everything for everyone and we let the enemy lie to us and tell us we can not do it that our God is no help but in reality we do not seek his help , He does not fail us He just needs us to move out of the way sometimes.
Thanks for sharing this verse. I too am struggling with my weight and cravings. I need to remember that our bodies are his temple. He lives in us. We wouldn’t invite guests into our homes if they are messy, why should we mishandle our bodies in a way that displeases the Lord?
The verse “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed”. John 8:36 speaks to me today remind that I AM free and Satan cannot trick me if I place my focus and trust on Christ.
I believe an accepted lie in our society today is: “It takes both parents working to make a living and provide for a family”. I know many families that have only dad working while the mom keeps the home and nurtures the children. They may not have two cars, a new home, all the newest and latest gadgets, nor take expensive vacations every year but I dare say what they have will outlast all the “stuff” we so often think is essential.
By feeding our mind on God’s Word and looking to it for the truth and seeking God’s guidance rather than the culture around us we can avoid many of the snares Satan places in our way. I wish I could say I have been this wise over the years, but as aften is the case I have learned many lessons “the hard way”.
For me this weeks chapter offered a special time when “much light was shone” on areas (more than I’d want to even admit to you) where I have been duped into believing Satans lies. It was not so much a “feel good” time but a time of realization and confession before the Lord and a moving toward healing times and growth in my life. I am very thankful for this study opportunity.
Job 15:11
Are God’s consolations not enough for you, words spoken gently to you?
Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own
I am naturally a worrier as well and one of the lies that really resonated wit me was the one that said that God is not enough. I don’t have my book with me so forgive me if these are not the exact words but this is what it meant – to me anyway. I have always professed that I had faith in God – so why do I worry. Because deep down inside I must believe that he is not enough to provide my every need – spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally – in every way. I am learning how to surrender – day by day.
Worry is a symptom of unbelief. How do I know this…the last time I studied Breaking Free I discovered it in myself. 🙂 I’m glad you are doing both studies.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
A lot of times I don’t want to trust the Lord because I get scared, and want to trust my own judgment. He has shown me that I need to have faith in Him because He has my best interest at heart.
The world tells us that you can do it my way and that you are a queen of your own destiny. But the Lord wants us to do it His way and to surrender our will to Him. To have a Christ-like mindset instead of a worldly mindset.
To avoid being deceived and become more discerning…stay in the Bible, Women’s Bible Study, etc. The word will guide our spirit to do the right thing if we heed the Lord’s way.
My favorite was the whole page 19. I want to write in my journal …You And I Have Been Lied To. We Have Been Deceived.
Thanks Christine and Nykole,
I just plain stuggle with my cravings. I forget God lives in us. I need to remember that. Thanks.
Find one scripture verse that would help you walk away from one of Satan’s lies or one of the lies listed above.
I Tim 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
Name one lie that is widely accepted by society as “true.”
Wealth equals blessing
How can we avoid being deceived and become more discerning?
By studying the word of God and being in fellowship with believers
1. Scripture verse;
John 14:27 NIV ” Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the worlds gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.
2. Name one lie that is widely accepted by society as ” true “. We all can be who we want to become, with….whatever is the LIE at the time.
3. How can we aviod being deceived and become more discerning? Be in the Word, pray daily for the Lord to guide you, and to watch over you.
4. Favorite moment…….knowing that I am not the only one believing all of the lies.
There’s a little bit of “Eve” in all of us women. 🙂 we need to conquer our inner Eve….
Amen!
Since I am definately a worrier. Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” I think it’s interesting that it starts out with “therefore”. If you look in the verses before, it talks about how God knows the very things that we need. How very comforting and humbling to know that God already knows what we need. And how sad to think that so many of us (myself included) still doubt and worry.
I think my favorite moment from this weeks study is that God has shown me that it is about perspective. If we look at our circumstances through His lens of Truth, we will be much better off than looking through the skewed lens that the world has to offer. But we need to know His Truth so that we can recognize the difference.
A lie that is widely accepted by society as “true.” I feel is that blaming others for your bad attitude and not taking responsibility for it yourself. I know that I have been struggling with this and seeing it’s my choice to see the situation as an obstacles or opportunities. Not to let it rule my life!
Romans 15:5
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,
Ephesians 4:23
to be made new in the attitude of your minds
Awareness is the first step to change. Sounds like you’re moving in the right direction Tish!
1. “My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Psalm 73:26. This is a good verse for all those stumbling perfectionists out there, like me!
2. I think that the main lie society accepts as true is that there aren’t any lies: Some people are just “luckier” than others; we should work our hardest at what we’re good at; we are who we are and we can’t change our nature; we should always “try to do the right thing,” but only insomuch as we can protect our success and happiness; and finally, we can control our peace and joy.
4. My favorite moment from my reading this week came when I realized that something in my life that has been bothering me for a while now — which isn’t sin, exactly, but is definitely sucking a lot of the life out of my spiritual walk — is the flowering bush of a really, really deep lie. I saw for the first time that this particular area is the SAME as many other sensitive areas in my life in the past — these things have kept growing through all these years from THE SAME LIE. I was grateful for Nancy’s analogy with the “roots” of berry bushes because though I am just a novice gardener; I had some experiences in my yard with weeds last year that proved to me just how much growth can come from one ugly root under the ground. I am glad to admit step #1: I have a big, bad, ugly root in my heart!
1. “I can do all things through Christ, who stengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
2. The lie that there is no absolute truth – all people’s beliefs are right.
3. To avoid being decieved and become more discerning, we need to pay attention to the influences around us and stay grounded in God’s Word, the Bible.
4. My favorite moment was stopping to take the time to think about all the lies I’ve believed and have been decieved by – it’s easy to ignore these sins and pretend they aren’t important! But every sin needs to be dealt with and pulled out by the roots.
Often times we fall into the trap of not being good enough for God or failing God and we forget that His love for us is not based off of our perfection. The cross was not plan B. God knew before the creation of the world, before the creation of Adam and Eve that we would fail Him. How wonderful then that in Lamentations 3:22-23 His Word says, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
The only tried and true way to avoid being deceived is to keep fighting the battle. Hebrews 4:12 say “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword”. By staying in God’s Word we will gain knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. The more we understand, the deeper our relationship with Him will be.
Oh…i love this “The cross was not plan B.”
I always find comfort in Matthew 6: 34:
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
We can avoid being deceived by these lies by staying close to the Word of God and lifting each other up through our times of stuggle as well as during the joys in our lives. I have enjoyed the first week of the study and look forward to sharing with everyone.
One lie that continuously runs through my head is that you have messed up to much and will never be”God enough”….. I sin everyday and the love of God is mind boggling. He loves me unconditionally. The only way to overcome satans lies is to speak the truth every time the lies enter our minds. Prayer and getting into the word of God and memorizing and applying scripture to our lives. This week I have been reminded several times that the mess I have made of my life can be turned over to the Messiah of my life so he can make it a beautiful message for others around me to see.God is so good and I want to praise him for all he is doing and is going to do and has already done.I love you Jesus! Amen
Ok, I just jumped in on this study tonight. I haven’t had a chance to really look over the workbook. I’ve had the book for a while. I bought it a few years ago. Sometimes I feel defeated. I work in a place where there seems to be a lot of competition between all the women I work with. Yes girls, sometimes women can be overbearing and downright mean. I feel inadequate and that I don’t measure up to them. How have some of you dealt with such situations? What makes women like that? Secretly we have all wanted to see someone that has wronged us fail….it’s just the nature of the beast in us. I work in a Christian environment and it upsets me when someone says an unkind thing about someone, or there cliques in which some are excluded such as myself and some others. We teach our children to be kind to one another—-why can’t the women teaching their children that rule practice it?
I hope I haven’t just rambled too much….lol
Tammie, you make wonderful points. I have been told by a female manager in the past that I was “too nice” and needed to “be mean” and “get tough.” She didn’t necessarily mean to be mean just to other women, but I really had a hard time understanding why she would offer such advice. I’ve accomplished so much more in my life by being nice (yet firm at times) than by trying to bully someone or act in a way that would not please God. I feel intimidated by many women in my workplace who are more outspoken than I am and who also are taller than me (I am five foot one, so that is most of them!) I have had many female managers who I believed were intentionally setting me up to fail by giving me as little information as possible about a project or a meeting, for example. I do not know why this is, but I agree that women should lift each other up and not bring each other down.
It’s also wise to pray for your coworkers and “mean girls.” You don’t know what they struggle with personally…and instead of throwing stones at one another, examine your heart and ask “Jesus, how can you use me in this situation?” Then listen for an answer. You might be in this environment to model a Christ-like attitude and to teach others, not to judge them. Give this one to God…and let him lead. 🙂 Let God be the CEO of your business…and then do his work as others follow your lead. God is good, always!
Refrain from gossp and pray without ceasing. I have worked with all women too and praying is thebest recipe.
I also work in an office with four other women. I am often “accused” of being too quiet. Meaning I don’t use bad lanuage, not gossiping or griping, or talking about a number of other undesirable subjects. They know I am a Christian and love to find comments about churches or people they know “who is suppose to be a Christian”. However, I am convinced that the Lord has me there on purpose. No, it is not comfortable, but I am willing to let Him use me in whatever way He wants to help these women to understand who He is and how desperately they need Him.
1. For me, since I worry about everything: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
2. That as a woman you’re supposed to be EVERYTHING: a hard worker, patient, competitive, sexy (but not TOO sexy), a good mother, a “strong” woman (whatever that means), independent, but family oriented, and these are just a few. PLUS we aren’t supposed to find any sort of struggle in being all of these.
3.We have to really listen (I know this can lead to giving in to lies) but if we really listen and asses what it is we are listening to, we can identify the lies, that lay hidden in all of these “truths”.
4. So admittedly…I am fairly new to Scripture. This study, as well as the one I participated before were really my first readings of the Bible. I have heard several times in my life that “the truth will set you free” but to FINALLY find the source of that quote was really exciting for me. Even if it is kinda silly that I didn’t know…
When we discover the bible on our own…through our own eyes…it has a lasting imprint on our hearts. 🙂
What is so real about the Bible is that God will use it to speak directly to you. You are in for an adventure!
I have a lot of issues with anxiety. I found this:
1 Peter 5: 6-7 ESV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
I am learning to give things over to God.
The only way I have learned to overcome the many negative feelings and enemy whisperings that try to root in my spirit is to stay in the power of the WORD. Knowing others face the same struggles helps to confirm that it really IS all lies! The enemy is using the same lies on all of us! Let’s agree that we will no longer accept them and yes, replace them with what God said about us which is the TRUTH. One scripture that comes to me when I feel rejected by others, etc. is “He has made us ACCEPTED in the Beloved” (Eph. 1:6)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:3-6 NKJV
Thanks for the reminder Jean…WE ARE HIS.
Daughters of the King.
I have so enjoyed this weeks Bible Study. It has been awhile since I have done a Bible Study and I have missed them. I am not much of a talker or one to share my feelings, but I am grateful for those that respond with posts about what this study is doing in their lives. It helps me to know their are other women out there struggling just as I am. Hopefully thru this study I can feel more comfortable in expressing my feelings and the Lies i have believed. Thanks again.
In my church small group, two women expressed similar feelings and we realized that Satan, the father of lies, had convinced them their value was worthless to the group. How wrong Satan was…because we all learned when these women shared their feelings with us, we had an opportunity to pray with them.
I had to memorize this verse to find my courage: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Tim 1:7 NIV
Your voice matters to God. May he give you the courage to share your thoughts with others. You are loved!
I do pray for these women continuously. Sometimes it’s more difficult than other days. I have a manager also who seems to lean toward liking the meaner employers over the nicer ones. She doesn’t converse with certain employees that don’t measure up to her standards. She shuts her office door and avoids her employees. Whenever I ask her a question, she bites back with a not very nice comment. I like to think there is something good in all these women I work with. I do get along with everyone but at the same time I find myself watching my back….. just in case. There are many that are not involved in a weekly bible study. They do whoever go to church but I really don’t see any fruit being produced. It’s really sad.
You can change it…wait for God to plant seeds and then reap a harvest. It doesnt happen in our time, it will happen in God’s timing. Be a watchman on the wall. 🙂
🙂
🙂 🙂 🙂
I pick the verse below to make me want to do better at not doubting that God is in control and will take care of me, husband, and the rest of my family and friends.
Matthew 6:25
“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?
I’m working on the workbook questions. Page 16 question 4 at the top of page:
How can we discern the difference between Truth and deception? How do we keep from being deceived
It is so easy to be deceived by anything….we walk a thin line everyday.
One of my favorite verses that brings comfort to my heart:
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
one of many verses that tell me that my anxiety is so unessary. Lay my concerns at his feet and he will answer. So often I see myself trying to figure it all out. Make it all work. Keep it all together. And so on! Jesus asks us to lighten our load, “come all you who are week and weary, and I will give you rest”
Let us all rest in his loving hands this week.
Mala, I smiled when I read your post on Phillipians 4:6. Yesterday at staff meeting our assoc pastor sited the same exact verse. I wonder if God is trying to hit me over the head and tell me to keep digging into scripture to find the answers. 🙂
He totally bonks us on the head! I’m also doing a Bible study at my church on Philippians right now. The focus is on finding Joy from the inside out. Letting God’s will rule in your life, resting in His plan and being content in all circumstances.
This online study, coupled with my Philippians study and the current state of my life right now, leave me very excited that God is at work big time right now on my behalf! Despite it being hard to take some of the changes!
The lie I fall prey to most often is not being loved. I live alone and my children are not close. I can go for days and my phone never rings. My Bible verse is Romans8:6-8. there are others as well, but this one really speadks to me for some reason.
tattos are beccoming more and more popular even though there are strong warnings against tattos all through the Bible. I pray I can somehow convince my grand daughters not to follow this fad. didn’t do to well with body piercing. I pray for guidance in their lives daily and know He will watch over them.
1. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. Psalm 37:26. I struggle with giving generously and have always been a bit stingy with my money. I would like to break this chain and learn how to give generously.
2. Success is measured in dollars in our world and not in the health of our relationships with others – our God, our families, etc.
3. I think in order to avoid being decieved I have be in the Word REGULARLY. It can’t be too far back in my mind. Memorizing a scripture to recall or a quote from a bible study or devotion that is based on scripture that I can repeat in my head helps me stay focused. Also a healthy prayer life….being in regular contact with the Lord.
4..I really liked the author’s personal bit about how her parents were first generation christians and as a child she was raised in a spiritual greenhouse. I would love for my children to be able to say that about me and my husband when they are older. The lie that I believe in the area of raising my kids is that I have to let them be exposed to the world. This is not true! As young children, their hearts need protection and to be taught TRUTH that will equip them for later life. I sometimes feel like others judge me because I am taking my kids to church as often as I can and their extra education at home is learning the books of the bible and weekly memory verses. Like I am trying to brainwash them or something. I was encouraged by that piece in the book.
My lie was that I won’t be rewarded for the sacrifices I’ve made and that it won’t get better.
All of Isaiah 61 speaks to me on this, but especially verses 7 and 8:
“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
“For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. ”
As Joyce Meyer says: double for your trouble. Sorry the verse is long 🙂
1.) Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I struggle to remember that I am the clay, not the potter. That God is in control, not me. I often blame myself and believe the lies that I am not capable of joy or that I have no purpose.
2.) You have to have lots of “stuff” to be happy or successful.
3.) Stay immersed in the Word, help others in need, align yourself with people who share your values!
4.) I especially found the section about how we (even leaders in the church) manage to justify our anger and feelings of selfishness (I’d add self-righteousness as well). I’ve struggled the last few years with feelings of (believing the lie) that my family didn’t appreciate me and no one cares for me, leaving me angry and having too many pity parties!
That is awesome that you recognize that God is in control. So often I find myself wanting to be the potter and struggling with the fact that I really am not the one in control but He is.
I struggle daily with anxiety. I may look strong and confident to others, but in reality I’m second guessing every step I take. Knowing that God is my strength pulls me through. It’s in the moments that I forget or get distracted that I have so much trouble.
The LORD is my strength and my defense he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2
There are so many lies that I’ve believed.
Job 39:22 He mocks at fear, and is not frightened;
Nor does he turn back from the sword.
When I read this, I see God towering over satan with power and strengh!! He is face to face with satan with a sword to his chest and He is not afraid. I found this scripture on biblegateway.com, and it is actually the first time I have gave it a long detailed thought… Wow, there is so much power in the Word! Even little ol’ me can stare down the devil because the power of God is alive in me! I dont have to be frightened!
I hear from people around me and even family members, that if they do a good deed, then they will have a place in heaven.
Always refer to Gods Word as the truth. It is easy be believe anything if it sounds good, but the bible will always tell the truth even if it doesnt feel good.
A great moment from this weeks lesson is actually from this morning. I was reading chapter 2 before I headed into work and the lies that Nancy was referencing I had remembered believing a time ago, and some which have crossed my mind recently about doubting God. Then all of a sudden I just felt the holy spirit come over me and I felt the truth slap me in the face! I have begun reading this book two time before this, but today it was like I was reading the words for the first time. I have gotten so much out of this book this time around and I believe its because I am not the only one reading this study and I dont feel alone. Matthew 18:30 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
I like that imagery!!
Outer beauty fades, and is in the eye of the beholder. Inner beauty is beautiful to God, and is much more beautiful in my eyes. I know many beautiful women who will never be on the cover of vogue, but their hearts make them so lovely and precious to my eyes. Don’t let the world tell you if you are worthy of being called beautiful, because the world doesn’t know the true and unfading value of a beautiful Godly woman’s heart. You are the Father’s daughter, and you are beautiful!
1 Peter 3:3-5
3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves.
Well what I found to be interesting in week one was that we as women are so easy to be deceived and this begins with Eve. Why is that we believe what we hear, or is that we are seeking to be loved, liked or just accepted; therefore, we fall for those lies?
I think one lie that is widely accepted by society is having to have/keep up a certain appearance….I mean, between the media, fashion industries & the Jones, this world has forgotten that none of that ever mattered….sad but true, I pray that we all focus on the Lord rather than what we look like or how we dress or even how much money we have in our pockets…..
One of the lies I listen to is that I don’t have a hope to lose this 120 pounds. I have been trying so long but have I?! Its not true. I give up so quickly. I can see one lie. Anyway, the scripture verse I would use to counteract it:
“This hope I have as an anchor of my soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil.” Hebrews 6:19
The veil to me is the soul covering that is fake covering the truth and covering me.
Thank you jesus for the deliverance that is coming!
One lie that is widely accepted as true: You have to be skinny and young to be loved.
I love this part from the lesson:
The Devil was a murderer from the beginning not holding to the truth,
For there is no truth in Him.
When he lies he speaks his native language.
For he’s a liar and the father of lies.
AWESOME!
How can we discern between truth and deception? I think by knowing the truth that is God’s word. In the past I was a human tumbleweed. I was pushed by people telling me what I should and shouldn’t do. It was horrible I was a human tumbleweed and decided to change it. Went back to church and read my bible. The truth is all there!
I agree with Mala learning to leave our worries at the feet of the Lord lessons our anxiety and helps us to rely completly on him. To often in our society we have learned to control most things in our lives and are not taught to rely upon God and put our faith in him that he will take care of us. I see so many people every day in my office because of anxiety and I often think as I listen to their stories “have you given your worries to the Lord who is so much wiser than man and he does clearly say he will give us rest”.
(1) Worry
Matthew 6:26-27
New International Version (NIV)
(26) 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? (27) Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
(2) One lie accepted by society: Racism
1. Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven and we eagerly wait a Savoir from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
2. That all good people will ho to heaven.. we must believe in Him John 3:16
3. By keeping grounded in the Word.
#2 a lie that is accepted in society is MORE,MORE,MORE…..bigger is better, new car, new hourse, it is ok to be in debt, everyone else is…. sorry more than one thing.
#3 How can we avoid being deceived and become more discerning? I think I need to be knowledged in the bible and also have a relationship with God… prayer and just waiting for his answer instead of doing things my way… I need to let the holy spirit speak to me and just trust 🙂
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. -Matthew 26:41
4. I liked imagining what Eve would have felt while in the garden of eden. Very interesting.
1. Isaiah 41: 10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will trengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. I had to share 2- I have clung to these verses so many times in my life and will until the day I leave this earth. 2. A lie that is accepted in this world is that money and objects make you happy. 3. We can be more discerning by getting alone with God and seeking his wisdom and direction. Also read his word and get it down in down in our spirits. Choose to do what the word says and repent from when convicted. 4. Knowing how I can better believe the truth and stop the lies so that they stop wasting valuable time.
1. Breaking free from the lie that i am not good enough in my marriage: Proverbs 18: 22 “He who finds a wife find a good thing and receives favor from the Lord” I am something good because I bring favor from the Lord to my husband. Even though i may make mistakes it doesn’t make me a bad wife, just a fallen human. As i continue to press on in this marriage, i will be a blessing to my children and my husband, Proverbs 31:28 ” her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her.
2. i think the most popular lie is that we are not good enough. People always try to be somebody else rather than what God created us to be.
3. we can be more disarming by being close to the Word of God. It is our road map and the Word of God is true in all circumstances and situations.
Best regards
Olayinka from Nigeria.
2 Samuel 22:31
“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
3. besides spending time reading the word i need to get back to memorizing scripture. this will help me have the weapon for fighting lies readily (which is the truth).
I share the need of #3 as well. You’re right, if we know the word, we have a good weapon! 🙂
Question 1:
Been praying about this, and the Lord really popped this out at me yesterday evening. The lie, or lies, or maybe it’s truth for me, I don’t know, is I am not where I thought I would be at my age (a year and a half away from 60!). Shouldn’t one pretty much have things figured out and under control by this point in life? Hasn’t happened. My feelings is pretty much dissappointment, frustration, insignfiance, and I haven’t made much of a difference. I have allowed “circumstances” to hold me back at every turn because I never had the gumption to forge ahead on my own…or just to trust the Lord. Probably a lot of my frustration came about through my ignorance of the enemy.
Anyway, here is my verse from last evening and today I am still very excited about the Lord comforting me the way He did. NKJV Ephesians 1- 3:8 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us (me) with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us (ME!) in Him in love, having predestined us (me) to adoption as sons (daugther) by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us (me) accepted in the Beloved. In Him we (I) have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to about toward us (me) in all wisdom and prudence.
Isn’t that wonderful?!! He CHOSE ME!!
I wish I could re-do my life. But I can’t. I don’t think that is guilt, its just dissappointment. Is that a lie? Or just a fact? What can a 58 year old woman with poor health and no motivation do? How can I get motivated and determined now?
When God opens your eyes to something so profound…you can pray over it and wait. Be patient, He will reveal to you where He wants you to be. Consider this: He is preparing you for something good. There is no need to re-do your life, because every single experience you have can and will be used for God’s glory. Don’t look back, look forward. You still have 32 years ahead of you until you turn 90…so my question is…will you use these 32 years to bring glory to the Father? Sit back, wait for Him to lead you and equip you and get ready for the most amazing time of your life. God is good, always!
Okay, Christine, I wasn’t expecting that! You made me smile…and tear up. I’m usually the one doing the encouraging, not getting such wonderful encouragement. I thank you! More and above everything else, I want to bring glory to the Father. That has always been my deepest hearts desire. I will thank God for you today.
I’ve worn your shoes…so I know where you’ve been (hiding) and where God is leading you. I’m so in love with Him.
Question 2
As I talk to women and watch TV, etc a lie that I see is that to be successful, loved, respected, women must be young, beautiful, thin, groomed and dressed very fashionablely and expensively. We must be educated and have a high profile career making lots of money.
Therefore, our homes and children are being left to be taken care of by others, sometimes even by the husbands. I remember a quote from someone, I don’t remember who, that said as our homes go so goes the nation. I see ‘the enemy” all over this lie.
The enemy is very good at using the media to spread his lies…and sometimes they look like the truth. When in doubt, I always return to the bible and to God’s word for His children. Or I’ll ask myself “What would Jesus do in this situation?” While it’s acceptable for society, it may not be pleasing to God or His will for my life. Follow God, not people. It’s difficult to climb the higher road…yet once you’re there the view is beautiful and you don’t want to come down from God’s presence. Be with Him…always.
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matt 7:13-14 NIV
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and i will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for i am gentle and humble in heart. And you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
i just started the bible study today, having finished Chapter One, trying to catch up. I struggle with not taking time to rest, so i find hope and peace in this scripture. I think Satan loves to make us “busy”, and i thank God for His Word and commandment to rest.
God’s Word can help us discern between truth and lies, and i need to run to His Word daily, memorize, like someone mentioned above, and pray in all things.
Hi,
This online Bible Study is such a blessing!
Verse– Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matt 6:27.
Thought -provoking– God is not really enough. It is thought-provoking to contemplate how we believe that God is not really enough. Nancy DM states, “When it comes down to it, we don’t believe God’s Word is truly sufficient to deal with our problems”. We use all kinds of aids to help us with our problems. I think this is very easy to do. We have so many Christian resources right at our finger tips that sometimes we fail to look/ read God’s Word first. I also know that at times I have turned to other sources of comfort instead of God’s Word.
I think that the only way to become more discerning is to stay close to God and pray that He will reveal His will to you. I keep thinking of this phrase, “Keep the main thing the main thing”. Always keep God at the center.
Great thing about this week— I will be thinking about these lies. The comment about how a woman’s problems with food is interesting. Even though I don’t struggle with food issues, I do get lazy with food choices.
I look forward to the rest of the book!
1. To this people pleasing, approval seeking girl who many times is feeling hurt, rejected, unloveable and unworthy, Ephesians 3:3- 8 is like a soothing balm that helps me to walk away from Satans lie that there is not enough that I can do that would be enough to please God and to make Him approve of me.
Blessed be the God and Father Of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ just as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blamless before him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.In him we have redemption through His blood,His blood , the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom. and insight.
I was really blessed and impressed by the words in this verse- ” according to the kind intention of his will.”
meaning that it satisfied Him; It pleased Him.
Provers 24:14 Know also that wisdom is like honey for you:
If you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Just because I sometimes fail during my day, I still have value in God’s eyes. When I am rejected by people, God sees my pain and wants to comfort me through His word. I really hope that God can help me through this study. I can only put my hope in Him.
The lie: Too much time has gone by with no changes in circumstances – I missed the mark, will never live up to God’s standard & will only tread water with mediocre ministry. I feel like I’m all alone.
The truth: I am almost 60, and I refuse to live in disappointment, regret, anger, bitterness and every other negative emotion any longer. Romans 8 is my scripture for today! I tried picking out one piece, but as I continued to read, it ALL fed me & I am so thankful. This study is God’s timing for me to overcome & “Arise, and Shine” as Is 60:1 tells me!!
A quote from the book that struck straight through my heart(my words) – “You may say you believe one thing, but you live what you truly believe” – that is one that I have spent some time meditating on, and I know the Lord is going to use in helping me recognize the lies that have had a stranglehold on my life and to be changed forever by His truth! Thank you!!
1.Find one scripture verse that would help you walk away from one of Satan’s lies or one of the lies listed above. Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
34)Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
2.Name one lie that is widely accepted by society as “true.”
It is OK to charge that now. Just pay it off in a year….
3.How can we avoid being deceived and become more discerning?
By knowing what God’s word says. Example-Someone being mean and controlling to me is not a spirit of God. It is a lie that is acceptable behavior or being blamed that is my fault. . After believing that it is my fault then usually anger sets in and it escalates when I think that it was not fault. So that anger turns into a total trap that satan has set and won. Knowing what I know now. I should just renounce that it is a lie & deal with it by reading scriptures and asking God how to handle people that behave like that.
4.Share a favorite moment from this week’s lesson.
The four steps of a lie…I loved it! I am going to be mindful of what I am listening to or watching. It doesn’t take much…
1. Listening to it
2. Believing it
3. Acting up on it
4. Then become a victim of bondage to it.
The Lie:: You must go to college, find a great job, have a successful career, find a great husband, have children, buy 2 cars, 1 house, and etc.. etc.. etc.. IF YOU don’t do these things, you are nothing and your life doesn’t matter.
I turned 50 yesterday. That sounds soooo old. More than half of my life is over and what have I done? I went to college but I didn’t live up to my potential. I have a husband and kids and houses (more than one as I’m a landlord). I wanted to be a writer, a journalist and travel the world. Instead, I was a teacher for awhile when my children were young. Hated it. Quit my job and stayed home with my kids. Loved it. If ever I did one thing right, it was being a mom. I loved being a mom. But now my youngest is leaving for the Air Force. Who am I now? My mother in law calls me last night to wish me happy birthday. Wish I hadn’t answered the phone. I do not like my mother in law. She reminds me every time I talk with her that she thinks I am a disappointment. My own mother barely remembers who I am. She has Alzheimer’s . But even when she was “herself” she never encouraged me either. Never once did she say she was proud of me. When do we stop caring what our parents think? As for my own children , I let them know daily how proud I am of them.
So the lie is reinforced through our parents, our family members, our coworkers, our society. How do we as women stop listening to that lie? Romans 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Happy Birthday Lori! Leave the first half behind and now look at the second half of life through new glasses. You ARE a Daughter of the King. Live like it, embrace it, know it in your heart and share it with others. Life as God’s child…and not as the earth sees you. Live for Him, and not for others will for you. Live for God, always!
PS- when you look at your Mother-in-law, remember who God says you are. 🙂
Wow, Lori…! I could have written your post! I just turned 50 Jan.25th! Having that same…”What have I done with my life” issue. I never answer the phone when my mother in law calls! I know she wanted someone better for her boy. Although I am not a journalist, I have stayed at home with my kids and loved it! I am a little different in that I have 7 children ages 20 down to 5…so my job is far from over. And, no, you never stop caring what your parents think about you. Your post has been an encouragement to me! This helps me with the lie that I am the only one who feels this way. Praying for you!
Such a fantastic study. A lie I find myself believing is: I cannot stand up for myself without coming across as a jerk or for fear of hurting someone else’s feelings.
Loved reading the comments and verses posted!
#1 Scripture to refute three lies: that I am unsuccessful, unattractive, and insignificant, From New Jerusalem Bible Psalm 34:4 -7 ~ I seek Yahweh and he answers me, frees me from all my fears. Fix your gaze on Yahweh and your face will grow bright, you will never hang your head in shame. A pauper calls out and Yahweh hears, saves him from all his troubles. The angel of Yahweh encamps around those who fear him, and rescues them.
1. 1 Pet 5:7-Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeing someone to devour.
2. I agree with Linda, I think one lie that is commonly accepted as truth is that there is no value in taking care of the home and children, and that women need a fulfilling fast paced career in order to feel valued.
3. One way to be more discerning and not be deceived is to 1) be aware that there is deception in our everyday lives and 2) hold any ideas that we might have that come up against God’s word. For me at least, working on trying to spend more time in God’s Word everyday will help with that.
4.Share a favorite moment from this week’s lesson.
Have to tell this story. I am new to Bible Study, have not been faithful in my faith, and have not grown for years. This week, I am behind in my study, no suprise for me. So, last night I go to a revival in a little Methodist church I have never been to before, to hear a scripture I have never heard before, to get up this morning to read and catch up on my study, to have the same scripture pop up in my book. You suppose he is trying to get me to HEAR SOMETHING????? I adore God, and his ways. Always his ways.
That is soo cool barbara! I am thankful for your honesty in reference to your spiritual walk. I believe I have been the same way since October of last year and this bible study is a step closer to God and a good decision to help us get back on track, the difference this time is that we will have learned some truths to help us along the way!
I’d have to say that I think a lot about what Carin wrote about listening, believing, doing, the lie(s). This has been a good study so far 🙂
Kimberly- it is funny because today I am struggling with something I am going to do this evening. The enemy is feeding me some lies about someone tonight that I barely even know. I said to myself…Wait! What am I listening to? I don’t even know this person, how do I know they are going to behave this way. I already started believing this lie and how I was going to act if they did act the way I think they are going to act. Which is probably not how they are even going to behave. So my husband & I prayed about it. I have started to reverse my negative thoughts into having faith that God is putting us together for a reason. An amazing revelation!!
First off, thanks to all the wonderful ladies for all the wonderful citations. Look at all the help we ever really need all in one place!
My verse this week is Gal 1:10. Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
2. One of society’s lies is that we should all be superwomen. Tend the family, work the job, keep the house, spend NO time on ourselves!
My moment this week? That ah ha moment when I realize that I rely on possessions to make me happy and Things are not the way to true happiness.
Lynn – you made a FANTASTIC point with your answer to your #2 question. This is an issue that I am dealing with at this time. I feel so frustrated because I am the one doing everything – being a mother, wife, business women, friend, daughter, sister, etc. is a lot. I have a hard time trying to balance everything and I feel like I give so much of myself to others and I don’t make time for myself. That is something that I am going to work on because if I don’t make time for myself – no one else will.
1. The verse that I found that I identify with is Psalm 139:3 “You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.” Even though I have regrets regarding my past and wish I could have done some thing differently, this verse tells me that God as put me right where he wants me – he has charted my path. Very freeing verse 🙂
2. I think that a lot of people believe the lie that God is not good. They think that God is out to get them.
3. The more we read the bible the more we are able to avoid being deceived.
1. The verse I found is Matthew 19:26 “Jesus looked at them and said “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. This verse reminds me to trust in him, stay focused on him because with HIM all things are possible.
3. Continue to read the Bible, pray the more we are in God’s word, the more protected we are.
3. How can we avoid being deceived and become more discerning?
The first thing for me is to study God’s word because his word is the Truth. We can not defeat the enemy if we have no idea what the Word of God says. Knowing the truth and replacing them with the lies that have been imparted in my life I feel empowered. Because the enemy uses many different tactics in deceiving us we must be fully prepared each and every day to rebuke him in the name of JESUS. Being prayful, I feel will help in becoming more aware of the deception of the enemy. Constantly consulting with God throughout the day and being able to listen to the voice of God. At times, all we need to do is listen and we can learn so much.
1. I struggle with thinking I am not good enough (mother, wife, employer, just about everything). It is a lie. Just because I am not perfect does not make me a failure. Psalm 17:8 (NIV) Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings
2. Lie: you need all the latest gadgets, phones, etc to be happy
3. Rather than just assuming I do not believe I lie, I will look at my choices to see what belief they reflect.
3.How can we avoid being deceived and become more discerning?
By reading and understanding the word. I believe that knowledge is power. The more we read, understand and reflect on our purpose the closer we get to the truth.
“let no one deceive you with empty words? Eph. 5:6 Love the words after to speak Truth to one another. When we are not honest with each other we actually do Satan’s work for him. I am a very honest person but until recently haven’t been good at delivering the honesty in a tactful way so God is molding me to do so, also working on my timing. However I have had many people that I love be very dishonest which has taken a toll on me in so many different ways. I am not experiencing healing as God helps me to understand and continue to love unconditionally but not accept the action of this person I love.
I think one lie that is accepted by many is that God’s ways are too restrictive. As a “pre” Christian, even when I realized the truth of God’s existance, I had no idea about God’s love and how it worked. I still resisted giving my life to him because I wanted to be able to have fun and enjoy life, and I figured as a Christian all the fun would be over. Now I have learned that I have been able to have so much more fun as a Christian than ever before, because the things I did before were not good for me, and were always accompanied with guilt, hiding and lying. Now I can live in truth and light and have so much fun. I now realize how damaging the things that God restricts us from can be on our lives if we are disobedient.
A friend stumbled onto this blog, and led me to it. I do not have the book, but will be reading up on posts and praying for you all. I hope to maybe get the book at some point, when I have time to read! I’m currently going to school, working full time, and a mother to two youngsters. I rarely have enough time to read for class… reading often turns to “skimming” lol. I can relate to a lot of lies mentioned above. I never think I am good enough, and I hate it when others are able to see what I believe to be my faults. I feel like it makes people judge me. I always worry that I’m not a good mother and wife, and that I’m going to “ruin” my kids. I know it isn’t true, but I can’t seem to let myself stop the lies from coming in on those days that I’m stressed or overtired. I’m ready to learn how to overcome Satan, even when I’m weak!
You might want to get the book alone and not the Companion Guide. You can read a chapter in the book in one hour, so set some time aside on the weekend, get up before the kids do, and enjoy your quiet moments with God. 🙂
When I look at this book I see so many things I need to change in myself. It is overwhelming I see all my faults. It is hard for me to remember that is one of satan’s lies. My verse is James 4:7 Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil And he will flee from you.
First you need to recognize that Satan stole your identity. Don’t blame yourself, you were tempted and you took the bait. Next, you need to work at reclaiming who you are and whose you are…a Daughter of the King. Continue to study and memorize scripture, expect some backlash and spiritual warfare from the enemy as you reclaim your crown, and move forward into the arms of a loving God. See yourself sitting at the banquet table with Him…loved and beautiful in God’s eyes.
The ladies at the Church I attend is wanting to start doing a Bible Study-I think this one will be great.
Thanks
Highly recommend it Linda!
A scripture that has been helping me the last few days with all these lies and especially dealing with my marital spiritual mismatch is Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” NIV
How comforting that verse is to me 🙂
One thing that stuck out for me this week in this chapter was a quote I read from Hannah Whitall Smith
” Everything in your spiritual life depends on the sort of God you worship. Because the character of the worshipper will always be molded by the character of what he worships: If it is a cruel and revengeful God the worshiper will be the same, but if it is a loving, tender,forgiving,unselfish God, the worshiper will be transformed slowly, wonderfully, into this likeness. I absolutely believe this.
To avoid being deceived and more discerning I think it’s important we stay focused on Him. Not just when something bad happens or when something good happens but through every breath. God knows are struggles and our joys it’s important that in between all of those we are still loving Him. Surrounding ourselves with people who love Him help especially those who will call us out on our sin that began with that lie.
But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm.” (Proverbs 1:33 NLT)
Everybody has come up with some great scriptures, I personally have James 4:7 printed on a card in front of me and will spend the next week letting it sink in. Catching up slowly, but what a good study so far.
Good morning ladies. I am new to this study, and realize it has been in progress for 6-7 weeks, but would like to contribute as I go along. I’ve listed some lies I’ve been believing below and tried to focus on lies that have led me to sin:
1) Husband can’t be trusted (Don’t submit!)
2) The best way to protect my children is to control EVERYTHING concerning them (Don’t trust God with your children!)
3) I have my “stuff” together (You can afford to be arrogant!)
4) Intimidation through words is a good way to assert yourself (It’s ok to speak harshly, you’re just telling it like it is!)
For lie #3, the scripture I found is: “Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the LORD is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed.
1 Samuel 2:2-4
1.Find one scripture verse that would help you walk away from one of Satan’s lies or one of the lies listed above. Use http://www.BibleGateway.com type in a keyword, such as “worry” or “perfect” and post your verse below as a comment. Let’s see how many verses we can find!
Matthew 6:25 (NIV)
“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?
2.Name one lie that is widely accepted by society as “true.”
We believe more about what our friends or co-workers say, even what is said on television more so than what is said in the Bible! or in Church!
3.How can we avoid being deceived and become more discerning? Trust only in GOD & his teachings & lean on him when we need an encouraging word.
4.Share a favorite moment from this week’s lesson.
Opening my eyes to so much that is wrong even in my life.
I taught the ladies’ church on Wednesday last week, and asked to as well this week. Last week, I talked about the women mentioned in Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1. I think this will go along with last week’s discussion as well as bring in new material. Thanks for the post!
Looking to start a new Bible study with my ladies small group. I think this one will really speak to my gals. Do they need to by the book and the companion book to do the study or can I simply come here and give them the questions you have asked?