Hunger for the Word: the Hidden Spiritual Gift?
By Jeanne Sant
Why do some Christians hunger for the Word, and others not? Does God want women to study the Word?
I was gloriously saved at the age of 42 in 1987! In an instant of time I was brought into the Kingdom of God - and have never been the same. I hungered for the Word and that has continued to this very day. The day I was saved I immediately got into Gods Word to see what He had to say for me, and I continue to be in the Word daily.
I am no spiritual superstar. I truly believe that the Holy Spirit has put it on my heart to hunger for the Word, to be in constant study. It is not my choice, it is the energy, and guidance of the Holy Spirit! But is it a spiritual gift to want to study the Word Of God? Why do some of us, professing born-again Christians, study and others not?
A year after I had been saved I began to notice that I seemed to have a better grasp of Gods Word, than women who had been Christians 20-30 years. Women in their 50, 60, even 70s did not seem to know some basics. What had they been studying all those years? Sometimes I was not only amazed at their lack of knowledge, but embarrassed for them. I am no spiritual giant-I feel average and wonder why "average" women do not hunger for God's Word.
Many of the Senior Adult ladies have told me that as young women they were never encouraged to study the Word of God – so they never got into the daily habit-and most of them see no need to begin now.
Do women want to study? Many do and I am blessed by their lives and knowledge. I am challenged by them and learn from what they have studied and teach to me. A woman who studies the word has a sense of steadiness about her. She is solid in her faith. She knows her LORD. There are many serious Woman's Leaders such as Kay Arthur, Ann Graham Lotz, and Joyce Myers, to name just a few. You go gals!!! Teach the Word! Teach the serious, factual Word! I am blessed by these and others also.
Over the past 15 years I have been a member of 4 different churches (I have lived in 4 different cities). Small congregations, and large congregations. I do not see many women in serious Bible Study. Just small pockets of women here and there meeting to seriously study the Word of God in depth. Where are the others? I have figured out that the other women must be in secret, private Bible Study groups. Why have they not publicized these groups so we can join in? Where and when are these clandestine groups? They must be out there!
Many women do study at home alone and have no interest in a group study. I have led a ladies Sunday School class almost continually since I was a new believer. Most Sundays I ask the class if they have read their lesson prior to coming to class. Just a simple little Sunday School lesson. A few do read and prepare for Sunday. Many times I will say to the others, "I know why you did not have time to study this simple little Sunday School lesson, you must have been spending so much of your time this week in some other deep, serious Bible Study." They usually smile and look sheepish.
Time. Maybe it is a time factor that women do not study. I am single again, and have no children. Even when I work 40 hours a week I am in serious Bible Study. I realize that I have much more time to study than others. I really do realize that. God has arranged my life with much free time so that I can study. Perhaps this is the spiritual gift - the "gift of free time," so that we have no excuse for not studying the Word of God. What are you doing with your time?
Some women consider daily bible study as reading their “Daily Bread, “Journey” or other prepared devotional – yet they never open an actual Bible.
Is “the hunger to study” a spiritual gift that is not listed in the Scripture? Why do some study and others not? Does God want women to study the Scripture? Not anywhere in the Scripture does it seem to indicate that the “hunger to study” is a spiritual gift. It is an issue of the heart and a discipline like prayer, worship, tithing, good works, etc… Reading and studying the Word of God is submission and obedience.
Not only do women not hunger for the word of God, but when they do study, many study in a "fluffy" emotional way. I realize that God made women as “relational and emotional” and we need fun and fellowship when we gather together. Today there even seems to be an upsurge of women studying the word of God, but if you look closely, many of those leaders base their programs on humor, and "feelings," and never get down to a serious, meaningful study.
Just observe what is said as you listen to women teach. One nationally known woman speaker constantly sprinkles all of her teachings with the words, "I feel," "me," my experience," etc... Emotion, feelings. The Word of God and the truths of God are based on facts, not feelings. We are to base our truth on the Word of God and not the Word of God on our feelings.
This well known, national leader states that we must pay attention to our feelings and the Word of God. She is wrong. Our feelings may lead us astray, but Gods Word does not. This “feelings” and ‘fluffy’ approach to Bible Study seems to appeal to many women. Maybe “fluffy study” is better than no Bible Study at all. (?)
What can you do to increase your Bible Study?
1. Admit that God does want women to study the Scripture.
2. Go to God in repentance for hours, days and years lost to you.
3. Ask God to impress on your heart the importance of His Word.
4. Pray for time and no distractions.
5. Get someone to help you. Talk to a mature woman in your church to guide you.
6. Put all other reading aside, even the daily news paper. Why are you reading this when you can be reading the Word of God?
7. Turn off your TV for an hour a day.
8. Bible study means growth and change to be more like Jesus. Look at any studies or groups you are involved in now. Are you challenged by your Sunday School teacher or group leader? Is what you learn applied to daily living? Is it the Word of God or the word of someone else? How much time of your group gathering is actual study and how much is socializing?
Last but not least – this should be first thing you do:
9. Pray, pray, pray for a hunger to be in the Word. God will hear
and will bless you. The Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth.
God wants all of His children to study His word and be obedient – that includes women. The Holy Spirit will lead you into obedience – that is really the issue.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
God Loves Israel
This Bible Study, using the Stop! Look! Listen! technique appeared iin the November 2009 on-line issue of the "In His Presence" Christian publication.
IN HIS PRESENCE Women’s Study Hall
Over the past few months we have studied specific women of Scripture using the Stop! Look! Listen! technique. This same technique can be used to study specific sections of Scripture, or themes, as a topical study.
Today’s news is full of reference to Israel and the situation in the Middle East. Have you ever asked why the world seems to hate Israel? Israel is only the size of New Jersey! There is no oil or other resources that might make nations want to take possession of the land! It is the smallest nation in the Middle East, having the smallest military force! What’s the big deal with Israel that seems to bring it to the forefront of all discussions on Middle East tensions? A study of Scripture might just disclose why the focus of unrest in the Middle East in 2009 is Israel.
Two themes run through the entire Scripture. One is called “the Scarlet Thread,” scarlet representing the blood of Jesus, and His sacrifice for us. This thread is seen in every book from Genesis (the ‘seed’), through Revelation (the King of Kings comes back.)
Another thread, recurring theme, is Israel. The Bible tells the story of the people and nation of Israel from Genesis (Abraham as the father of the Hebrews) through Revelation (Jesus returns to Jerusalem.) An overall study of prophecy, centers on two themes…Jesus…and Israel. Amazing! Due to the limited amount of space in this column we cannot study Israel in all its facets, but lets take a very brief look at a few verses that tell of God’s love of for, and promises to Israel.
The People and Land of Israel
Gen 12:1-3, 7; Gen. 13:14-15; Gen. 15:18; Gen. 26:3; Deut. 7:6-9; 9:6-7; Jer. 31:35-37; Heb. 11:12
Stop! Pray for God to give you the time and focus on all that He wants to teach you.
Always begin by looking at your Bible. You should be using a study Bible, not a paraphrase.
Ask “What do I already know about historical Israel? Biblical Israel? Modern Israel? “What questions do I have?” “Is this study important, or even necessary?” Take the time to actually write out the answers to these questions…you might be surprised at what you find!
Read Gen 12:1-3, 7; Gen. 13:14-15; Gen. 15:18; Gen. 26:3; Deut. 7:6-9; 9:6-7; Jer. 31:35-37: Heb. 11:12 that speak of God’s covenant with Abraham and the title to the land. Read for general information.
Read the verses again making note of words or phrases that you might need to research further; repeated words, words of interest, etc. Every word is from God. What jumps off the page at you? As you read the verses a second time I recommend something that is unusual. Hand-write out all these verses. By doing this you will greatly improve your retention of the material.
The common questions that people seem to have when they study Israel are: Why did God choose the Jews as His special people? Are the promises made to Abraham still in effect today? How should the church respond/relate to Israel today? These are difficult questions for many of us. As you study Scripture, try to put your opinions aside and just KISS…keep it sacred Scripture.
There are literally hundreds of verses that reflect that God loves Israel: Jer. 12:7-8 (God calls Israel ‘the dearly beloved of My soul”), Ps. 89:30-34, Is. 65:8-9, Amos 9:4 and many more. There are many verses that speak about the possession of the land: Gen. 28:13; Ex. 3:8, 15-17.
Lamentations 2:22b seems to say that God ‘bore’ Israel, “Those whom I have borne and brought up…..” God never says he ‘bore’ any other nation.
Jerusalem and the Temple Mount are often mentioned in the nightly news. There are many verses that reflect God’s love for Jerusalem specifically. Psalm 48:1-2 calls Jerusalem (Zion), “ the city of God,” “the joy of the whole earth.”
Most of the direct references to God’s love for Israel are found in the Old Testament, yet Jesus spoke about Israel, as did others, in the New Testament: study Matthew 2:6; 10:6; 23:37-38: Luke 1:33, 54-55, 68, 77, and Luke 2:32.
Look! Read the verses again. Begin to ask questions about the content. Go back and research the words that you listed in the Stop! section. Bible study is just that – study!
To ‘study’ the Word you will need a Bible dictionary, Bible encyclopedia, and concordance. Purchase these, or borrow them, or go on the internet for information. A note about all these: know who gives the information, know their basic beliefs. Stick to well known and respected writers/scholars.
Look left! For each Scripture read the verses immediately preceding them to get the complete picture of what is going on…the context. Look right! Do the same with the verses that immediately follow these verses. How do these verses impact what you are studying? It is interesting to note that God also has some harsh words for Israel, yet His love continues.
Listen! Ask our three questions:
Why did God give us these verses?
What if these verses had been left out of Scripture?
ASK “SO WHAT!!” How can I apply these verses to my life today? (What do the events going on in Israel have to do with me today?
Three challenges for you:
1. On a map of the world find Israel. Most people don’t even know where Israel is located. (Don’t use the map in the back of your Bible…that’s too easy!)
2. For the next few weeks as you read Scripture, look for references to God’s love and promises to Israel. Mark an “I” (for Israel) in the margin of your Bible.
3. Keep an eye on the newspaper or news programs…look for any mention of Israel. You might be surprised at what you find.
I would love to hear your comments. E-mail me at jpsant@netzero.net.
IN HIS PRESENCE Women’s Study Hall
Over the past few months we have studied specific women of Scripture using the Stop! Look! Listen! technique. This same technique can be used to study specific sections of Scripture, or themes, as a topical study.
Today’s news is full of reference to Israel and the situation in the Middle East. Have you ever asked why the world seems to hate Israel? Israel is only the size of New Jersey! There is no oil or other resources that might make nations want to take possession of the land! It is the smallest nation in the Middle East, having the smallest military force! What’s the big deal with Israel that seems to bring it to the forefront of all discussions on Middle East tensions? A study of Scripture might just disclose why the focus of unrest in the Middle East in 2009 is Israel.
Two themes run through the entire Scripture. One is called “the Scarlet Thread,” scarlet representing the blood of Jesus, and His sacrifice for us. This thread is seen in every book from Genesis (the ‘seed’), through Revelation (the King of Kings comes back.)
Another thread, recurring theme, is Israel. The Bible tells the story of the people and nation of Israel from Genesis (Abraham as the father of the Hebrews) through Revelation (Jesus returns to Jerusalem.) An overall study of prophecy, centers on two themes…Jesus…and Israel. Amazing! Due to the limited amount of space in this column we cannot study Israel in all its facets, but lets take a very brief look at a few verses that tell of God’s love of for, and promises to Israel.
The People and Land of Israel
Gen 12:1-3, 7; Gen. 13:14-15; Gen. 15:18; Gen. 26:3; Deut. 7:6-9; 9:6-7; Jer. 31:35-37; Heb. 11:12
Stop! Pray for God to give you the time and focus on all that He wants to teach you.
Always begin by looking at your Bible. You should be using a study Bible, not a paraphrase.
Ask “What do I already know about historical Israel? Biblical Israel? Modern Israel? “What questions do I have?” “Is this study important, or even necessary?” Take the time to actually write out the answers to these questions…you might be surprised at what you find!
Read Gen 12:1-3, 7; Gen. 13:14-15; Gen. 15:18; Gen. 26:3; Deut. 7:6-9; 9:6-7; Jer. 31:35-37: Heb. 11:12 that speak of God’s covenant with Abraham and the title to the land. Read for general information.
Read the verses again making note of words or phrases that you might need to research further; repeated words, words of interest, etc. Every word is from God. What jumps off the page at you? As you read the verses a second time I recommend something that is unusual. Hand-write out all these verses. By doing this you will greatly improve your retention of the material.
The common questions that people seem to have when they study Israel are: Why did God choose the Jews as His special people? Are the promises made to Abraham still in effect today? How should the church respond/relate to Israel today? These are difficult questions for many of us. As you study Scripture, try to put your opinions aside and just KISS…keep it sacred Scripture.
There are literally hundreds of verses that reflect that God loves Israel: Jer. 12:7-8 (God calls Israel ‘the dearly beloved of My soul”), Ps. 89:30-34, Is. 65:8-9, Amos 9:4 and many more. There are many verses that speak about the possession of the land: Gen. 28:13; Ex. 3:8, 15-17.
Lamentations 2:22b seems to say that God ‘bore’ Israel, “Those whom I have borne and brought up…..” God never says he ‘bore’ any other nation.
Jerusalem and the Temple Mount are often mentioned in the nightly news. There are many verses that reflect God’s love for Jerusalem specifically. Psalm 48:1-2 calls Jerusalem (Zion), “ the city of God,” “the joy of the whole earth.”
Most of the direct references to God’s love for Israel are found in the Old Testament, yet Jesus spoke about Israel, as did others, in the New Testament: study Matthew 2:6; 10:6; 23:37-38: Luke 1:33, 54-55, 68, 77, and Luke 2:32.
Look! Read the verses again. Begin to ask questions about the content. Go back and research the words that you listed in the Stop! section. Bible study is just that – study!
To ‘study’ the Word you will need a Bible dictionary, Bible encyclopedia, and concordance. Purchase these, or borrow them, or go on the internet for information. A note about all these: know who gives the information, know their basic beliefs. Stick to well known and respected writers/scholars.
Look left! For each Scripture read the verses immediately preceding them to get the complete picture of what is going on…the context. Look right! Do the same with the verses that immediately follow these verses. How do these verses impact what you are studying? It is interesting to note that God also has some harsh words for Israel, yet His love continues.
Listen! Ask our three questions:
Why did God give us these verses?
What if these verses had been left out of Scripture?
ASK “SO WHAT!!” How can I apply these verses to my life today? (What do the events going on in Israel have to do with me today?
Three challenges for you:
1. On a map of the world find Israel. Most people don’t even know where Israel is located. (Don’t use the map in the back of your Bible…that’s too easy!)
2. For the next few weeks as you read Scripture, look for references to God’s love and promises to Israel. Mark an “I” (for Israel) in the margin of your Bible.
3. Keep an eye on the newspaper or news programs…look for any mention of Israel. You might be surprised at what you find.
I would love to hear your comments. E-mail me at jpsant@netzero.net.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Totally Unrelated!!
Totally unrelated...but I want my voice heard!!
The new guidelines for mammograms for women "not being needed" as often...is a disaster!!! As a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed during a routine mammogram I think this is outrageous!! A new medical standard or just cost saving???
The new guidelines for mammograms for women "not being needed" as often...is a disaster!!! As a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed during a routine mammogram I think this is outrageous!! A new medical standard or just cost saving???
Thanksgiving Prayers 2008 and 2009
Thanksgiving Prayer 2009
The year has come and gone.
Many changes.
Many challenges,
And even a few tears.
I have so much to be thankful for!
Yes, some tears
For lost friends,
Lost church,
Lost pastor.
But I still have so much to be thankful for!
Thankful for new house,
Good health,
Personal success with my writing.
I have so much to be thankful for!
Thankful for a new church,
New friends,
New Ministry.
I have so much to be thankful for!
Most of all I am thankful for
Old friends back in my life,
April, Brenda Lois,Maryann, Peggy, Sharon, Wilodene
( in alphabetical order J)
And so many others…..
I have so much to be thankful for!
I am thankful for the love of God in my life.
Constant.
Very evident.
He is faithful when I am not.
I have so much to be thankful for!
A Thanksgiving Prayer 2008
"Thank you Lord for another year. We have had out ups-and-downs, yet You have been faithful through it all. I thank you for my family. Without them I would be alone.
We don’t have the same politics
But they are my family.
We don’t believe the same spiritually
But they are my family.
Our lifestyles are not similar
But they are my family.
We don’t have much in common
But they are my family.
We are about as dysfunctional as the people next door
Yes, they are my family,
And You gave them to me.
Thank you Lord for my family.
Let me love them more,
and serve them more,
and show You to them more often, in 2010.
I thank you for my family. Without them I would be alone."
(That sure speaks to my heart...what about you?? Now go and have a Happy Thanksgiving get together with your family.)
Love, Jeanne Pass it on... Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
The year has come and gone.
Many changes.
Many challenges,
And even a few tears.
I have so much to be thankful for!
Yes, some tears
For lost friends,
Lost church,
Lost pastor.
But I still have so much to be thankful for!
Thankful for new house,
Good health,
Personal success with my writing.
I have so much to be thankful for!
Thankful for a new church,
New friends,
New Ministry.
I have so much to be thankful for!
Most of all I am thankful for
Old friends back in my life,
April, Brenda Lois,Maryann, Peggy, Sharon, Wilodene
( in alphabetical order J)
And so many others…..
I have so much to be thankful for!
I am thankful for the love of God in my life.
Constant.
Very evident.
He is faithful when I am not.
I have so much to be thankful for!
A Thanksgiving Prayer 2008
"Thank you Lord for another year. We have had out ups-and-downs, yet You have been faithful through it all. I thank you for my family. Without them I would be alone.
We don’t have the same politics
But they are my family.
We don’t believe the same spiritually
But they are my family.
Our lifestyles are not similar
But they are my family.
We don’t have much in common
But they are my family.
We are about as dysfunctional as the people next door
Yes, they are my family,
And You gave them to me.
Thank you Lord for my family.
Let me love them more,
and serve them more,
and show You to them more often, in 2010.
I thank you for my family. Without them I would be alone."
(That sure speaks to my heart...what about you?? Now go and have a Happy Thanksgiving get together with your family.)
Love, Jeanne Pass it on... Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Bible Study Basics
What Are the "Basics" ?
As I sat down to write my next blog about basics, the thought came to me...what are the basics, and who says so? The basics are the foundation of our faith, and our daily walk in the world.
We often talk about "Biblical Basics." The basics of our faith. Usually we list them as Prayer, Worship, Bible Study, Church Life, Service, Giving, etc.... Who says so? Is there anything in Scripture that tells us what are the basics?
I began looking in Scripture for an answer to those questions. Are there any lists or portions of Scripture that specifically say... "These are the basics"? What I have found so far begins with the Ten Commandments...a general list of basics.
As the people left Egypt under the leadership of Moses they were becoming a nation. At Mount Sinai, God spoke to Moses and gave a list of 'do's and don'ts.' These may be the beginning of what we consider basics. The first section of the Ten Commandments speak of how man should approach God - as the focus of their lives, and with honor - and love. A bit later God gave the Israelites the directions for building the Tabernacle…. A focus on worship….perhaps here we will find a list of “basics”…salvation, giving, obedience, salvation….this is a start.
The other portions of the Ten Commandments focus on the relationship between people. A summary statement might be...love and respect all people - or the old - do unto others as you do to yourself.
As basics, God instructs love, respect and worship of God, and also love and respect for other people. The Ten Commandments and the Tabernacle.
These are great places to begin as we study the ‘basics’.
As I sat down to write my next blog about basics, the thought came to me...what are the basics, and who says so? The basics are the foundation of our faith, and our daily walk in the world.
We often talk about "Biblical Basics." The basics of our faith. Usually we list them as Prayer, Worship, Bible Study, Church Life, Service, Giving, etc.... Who says so? Is there anything in Scripture that tells us what are the basics?
I began looking in Scripture for an answer to those questions. Are there any lists or portions of Scripture that specifically say... "These are the basics"? What I have found so far begins with the Ten Commandments...a general list of basics.
As the people left Egypt under the leadership of Moses they were becoming a nation. At Mount Sinai, God spoke to Moses and gave a list of 'do's and don'ts.' These may be the beginning of what we consider basics. The first section of the Ten Commandments speak of how man should approach God - as the focus of their lives, and with honor - and love. A bit later God gave the Israelites the directions for building the Tabernacle…. A focus on worship….perhaps here we will find a list of “basics”…salvation, giving, obedience, salvation….this is a start.
The other portions of the Ten Commandments focus on the relationship between people. A summary statement might be...love and respect all people - or the old - do unto others as you do to yourself.
As basics, God instructs love, respect and worship of God, and also love and respect for other people. The Ten Commandments and the Tabernacle.
These are great places to begin as we study the ‘basics’.
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