Nehemiah 8 with Homework

Nehemiah 8 Introduction. Overview: Chapter 1/ God lays deep burden for Nehemiahs people on his heart Chapter 2/ Nehemiah grieves deeply for His people Chapter 3 and 4/ Nehemiah's opposition and spiritual warfare Chapter 5/ Nehemiah has Gods favor Chapter 6/Nehemiah character in face of opposition Chapter 7/ Nehemiah has a heart that knows when God speaks to him Chapter 8/The power of Gods Word on the new city Ezra/priest/some called high priest/contemporary of Nehemiah 12 years before Nehemiah had been with small group of exiles from Babylon and was grieved over their sin of mixed marriages. It was appropriate that Nehemiah call on Ezra to read Gods Word because he had a huge investment in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Festival of booths: / agricultural/ The feast of in gathering On the first day you shall take the product of hadar trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook" (Lev. 23:40), and "You shall live in booths seven days; all citizens in Israel shall live in booths, in order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt" (Lev. 23:42-43). Constructed and lived in booths 7 days/ symbolized the way family leaved in wilderness under Moses Listened to reading of Gods Word every day After that they would circle temple praying and reciting psalm 118:25 Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! (Psalm 118:25 NIV) Appropriate that after the labor of building the wall they would celebrate this holiday in all it's fullness. Celebration of all God had shown them and done for them. Time of joy! 1. The power of Gods Word on those that hear it and understand it. It is possible to hear it and not understand it. This is the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." (Matthew 13:19-23 NIV) Gods spirit was allowing all that came and understood to take it deeply to heart 2. Ezra and Nehemiah knew deep grieving and mourning. There are seasons for everything. The bible says there is a time to mourn and a time to dance. This was a season for rejoicing. a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, (Ecclesiastes 3:4 NIV) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 NIV) Thankfulness for crops and all God had done and put work aside. Grieve is work. Time not to focus on self but God. 3. God makes ALL things new Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB) Demonstration of true meaning of Gods Law and word . Building of the booths. God wants us to understand Him in newness every day, Glenda Homework Chapter 8 Pray and ask God for insight as you read Nehemiah chapter 8. Write those insights down. What have been the most meaningful things you have learned in Nehemiah so far? What is the importance of God's Word in Chapter 8? What are the key elements of the Festival of Booths? In what ways has the Joy of the Lord been your strength? Glenda

Nehemiah 7 with Homework

Nehemiah Chapter 7 Intro. Two important topics stare me in the face when I read this chapter. That's what we are going to talk about today. 1. The Bible says God laid a plan on Nehemiah's heart. 2. Restoration of the wall doesn't make the restoration complete. What goes back inside the walls is as important as the rebuilding. A lot of times we think we can't hear God speaking to us or into our lives because we haven't given him our whole heart. Nehemiah gave God his whole heart. 1. He had a heart for his people. Chapter one. He wasn't self absorbed or selfish. The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip. (Psalm 37:31 NASB) 2. Nehemiah's heart was broken but He gave his broken heart and what it was broken about to God. Chapters 1 and 2 My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26 NASB) 3. Nehemiah heart turned to God for strength in face of opposition and his workers getting weak. Chapter 3 and 4 Psalm 73:26 4.Nehemiah heart sought favor of God and not men. Chapter 5 You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. (Acts 8:21 NASB) 5.Nehemiah's heart was full of Gods wisdom. Chapter 6 And all the kings of the earth were seeking the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom which God had put in his heart. (2 Chronicles 9:23 NASB) 6. Nehemiah had a heart full of God therefore God could lay something on his heart. Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogies. Then I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up first in which I found the following record: (Nehemiah 7:5 NASB) Pure Heart matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8 NASB) Pure heart is living a life totally pleasing to God. Restoration God doesn't just build the damaged walls and want us to fill them with rubble again. If He rebuilds a strong wall he wants to put strong stuff on the inside also. Example The Lord didn't just rebuild the walls of Jerusalem to have them filled with sin and disorder again. He wanted to establish order and strength. Same in our life. 1. Restoration = newness= new heart Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB) 2. Restoration to embolden the weary Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:12 NASB) 3. Restoration to set up a new standard Thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations And set up My standard to the peoples; And they will bring your sons in their bosom, And your daughters will be carried on their shoulders. (Isaiah 49:22 NASB) 4.Restoration to make strong "I will strengthen the house of Judah, And I will save the house of Joseph, And I will bring them back, Because I have had compassion on them; And they will be as though I had not rejected them, For I am the LORD their God and I will answer them. (Zechariah 10:6 NASB) Conclusion Homework Nehemiah Chapter 7 Pray and ask God to give you insight as you read Chapter 7. Nehemiah says that God put it in his heart. What does that mean? Has God ever put a thought or action in your heart? What was it? This chapter is about restoring those that were exiled and their families. God is in the business of restoration. Do you feel like anything in your own life needs to be restored? If so, what? Scripture: Psalm 51:12 Psalm 80:3 Jeremiah 42:12

Nehemiah 6

Nehemiah 6 Intro/ Opposition=The situation of two heavenly bodies when longitude or right ascensions differ by 180 degrees. Tides Opposition to building of wall from people that had no rights and most unsuspecting place. People whose only connection was a mixed marriage. (Sanballet, Tobiah and Arab) Sometimes inadequacy stirs up conflict. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. (2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV) Opposition could see that the gates were about to be put on and were feverish trying to distract Nehemiah and stop the work. Their last chance Opposition start subtly/ Sanballet what are u doing Doesn't work bring another / Sanballet and Tobiah Doesn't work few more/Sanballet Tobiah Arabs ammonites Doesn't work a whole group Sanballet all above and Samaritans Doesn't work will start nibbling at your work/ it will fall down Doesn't work start nibbling at heat/working against King Persia Nehemiah eyes on what God called him to do. 1.Focused From the time that God puts the rebuilding of wall on his heart, to surveying situation,to building, to facing ridicule he remains focused. Notice He does but not necessarily everyone around him. Sometimes doing what God calls you to means that you have to be the one to lead the charge and keep it moving forward. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:16-18 NIV) Nehemiah was able to stay focused because he had the wisdom of heaven. He kept calling to the God of heaven for direction and strength. His focus brought him favor from God. How do you stay focused in the face of opposition and intimidation? Learn from Nehemiah. You know where your headed and you keep your eyes there. Move forward and stick with it. It wasn't a committee meeting. 2.Nehemiah well guarded Protected/ Nehemiah was protected by God and man. Therefore opposition felt even more threatened. Nehemiah knew that God would protect the project to the end. Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. (Isaiah 8:10 NIV) Wisdom of the Lord protected him A fool's mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. (Proverbs 14:3 NIV) You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7 NIV) He had the protection of his workers carried a sword in one hand and hammer in other. Therefore he did not fear 3.Nehemiah discerning Understood spirit of opposition therefore he could keep his eyes on God. This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: "Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. He will be a holy place; for both Israel and Judah he will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare. Many of them will stumble; they will fall and be broken, they will be snared and captured." (Isaiah 8:11-15 NIV) Opposition Deceitful Manipulative Jealous False teachers Out to destroy Nehemiah did not fear opposition and stood his ground. What are we to do? Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:13-19 NIV) Conclusion Personal story I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— (Romans 1:11 NIV) Glenda Love how Nehemiah has the "eyes of a rescue"! Imogene

Week 4 Homework

Week 4 Pray before you read Nehemiah chapters 5 and 6. What are the oppositions and difficulties Nehemiah and his people face. Where does Nehemiah always turn for help? When you face opposition where do you turn ? Honestly, when you look closely at difficult situations you have faced opposition, have you been part of rebuilding or part of tearing down? Scripture: Hebrews 13:21 1 Peter 4:8

Week Three

Week three teaching Introduction Overview chapter 1/ Nehemiah's burden for his people chapter 2/Nehemiah deep sadnes and blessing from the king to rebuild the wall Chapter 3/people of all kinds helping build the wall/ not a perfect picture Chapter 4 Nehemiah clear strong focus. However great opposition. :Sanbalet and Tobiah,the governor of Samaria and his servant were related to Israel because of unlawful marriage/they did not have the connection or burden that Nehemiah had for his people. Both the Moabites and Ammonites were distant relatives of the Jews, having originated from the incestuous relationship between Lot and his daughters (Gen. 19:36-38). God had given them a land-inheritance on the eastern side of Jordan and instructed the Israelites not to harass them (Deut. 2:9, 19). Whenever you set out to do what God has called you to do you can count on a peace in your heart but great opposition from man. Many times opposition comes from the most unexpected places. Battle in the seen and unseen world Battle in the seen. Nehemiah's case in the seen world he had everything he needed. He had the blessing of His heavenly king and the blessing of his earthly king. He had protection both from God (chapter 2 God will give me success) and he had written protection from the king. He had heavenly provision for his heart and spirit because he knew God was with him and he had all the men and supplies that he could possibly need provide by the king. He had all he could possibly need! And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NIV) He set out to complete the building the wall and immediately faced human opposition. Have you ever been there? I have .....example. Why is this and what does it look like? Jealousy Anger / Sanballet/ridicule taunting/plotting and scheming/angry and then very angry Not wanting change Wanting power for self Wanting their own name to be exalted above anyone else's Needing affirmation and attention Battle in the unseen. How it affects us. 2 chronicles 18 Spirit of lies. Pitfalls to watch out for: Fear.... the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, (2 Timothy 1:7-9 NIV) Discouragement/. Personal example Allowing the enemy to plant seeds of doubt. Exhaustion Lack of confidence Defeat... Nehemiah/ God will give success The battle in the unseen is over your mind and heart to keep you from doing what God has called you to do. Signs are: feelings of isolation Confusion Ability to lie and not feel bad about it Discouragement Defeat What to do about it when you encounter opposition as you've set out to do all that God has told you to do! Pray Be attentive to keeping yourself protected instead of panic and fear/verse 13 and 14 Remember who God is.encourage yourself and those around you verse 14 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV Take up the sword./sword at side/word of God ) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17 NIV) Continue to state the truth to yourself and those helping you./Nehemiah did Continue working do not stop. Beware of people that come into your midst that you are unaware of Take a realistic view of where it's coming from Conclusion eyes on God He will give you success. Nehemiah 2 Glenda

Week Three Homework

Week 3 homework Read Nehemiah chapters 3 and 4. Have you ever felt like you were doing exactly what God wanted you to do and encountered opposition? If so, did you continue doing it or stop. Explain. What was Nehemiah's response? List every way Nehemiah encountered opposition? Who is Nehemiah's strength in Nehemiah 8:10? Scripture: Psalm 27:13 Micah 7:18 2 Chronicles 20:17

Week 2

We started off Worship today hearing from Caroline. If you missed here is a video clip~ http://mworksltd.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/sloan-chambers-faith-cross/ We also discussed how Nehemiah is a Rescuer of his people and how we can do the same in the world today. Theme verse: Nehemiah 8:10 The joy of the Lord is my strength Read Nehemiah 2 Introduction/review last week Nehemiah lived through the dark cold days of winter. During that time God worked in his heart. But he may have been a little weary of waiting to see any answer to his prayer of chapter one. His prayer and how God was going to answer was the passion of his life. Nehemiah waited 4 months for his prayer of chapter 1 to be answered and was probably discouraged. (month of Chislev was probably like our December and month of Nixen was our march or April . Jewish calendar equals 10 months) He was probably thinking: Did I hear God Maybe it won' be a plan I will see in my lifetime Did God hear me. Why do I have this burden and sadness if God is not going to make himself clear. Surely God loves my people. (don't we ask ourselves the same questions when we have a concern or burden and we've taken it to the Lord in prayer and it seems too much time has passed before we get an answer) After four long cold dark months Nehemiah still carried the grief and burden for his people. He was just plain sad. Downcast I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. (Psalm 118:5 NKJV) Often it's when we are in greatest distress that God shows up! Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10 NIV) But at the appointed time the king noticed his sadness. Which frightened Nehemiah because being sad in front of the King could cost him his life. But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV) Remember Nehemiah prays all sorts of prayers. The sort of prayer he prays is quick Lord HELP AND GIVE ME FAVOR. Point Nehemiah doesnt look immediately to the king for help but cries out to God for favor. Operate in strength of the Lord and not fear. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm 94:19 NIV) God gives it to him. Nehemiah: Prays/ all kinds of prayers Chapter one: prayers of Praise, repentance, request and yielding Chapter two: prayer of request and urgency Specific request: rebuild the remnant What are the remnants in your life that need to be rebuilt? Proclaims Chapter one: proclaims who God is and the needs of his own people confidently Chapter two: the needs of His people, his compassion for them and his willingness to rebuild their land Prepared/prepared what God put in his heart/Nehemiah quiet until he had the lay of the land This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength Isaiah 30:15 NIV) Chapter two: request permission to survey the situation but quietly already had a plan in his heart. Stands up against opposition Protected / asked for protection of God and man Chapter two: he knows he is protected by God but asks for documents to signify protection from the King Persistent God/in spite of opposition Chapter two: Persistent in his burden and request. Nehemiah did not let the wait for answered prayer or human opposition discourage him. Even when you are doing what God wants you get resistance from men that operate by there standards. Conclusion God will give success. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; (Lamentations 3:25 NIV) Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:38 NIV)

Homework for Week 2

Week 2 Pray before you begin and ask God to give you insight into His Word. Read Nehemiah chapter 2. What do you learn from Nehemiah's prayer in chapter 1? What might be the similarities between how Nehemiah speaks to the King and how we speak to God? What do you learn about prayer? Has your heart ever been so troubled that you came to God in prayer? Explain. Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Psalm 4:3 John 9:31

First Week of Study!

What a great first week of study! We had a great time learning everyone's names and learning more about Nehemiah and all the characteristics that he holds. We loved coming together and fellowshiping with all the moms in the morning. Thanks to Sherry for sharing her testimony for our worship section. I loved learning about how the Mother Moose has to run away for the child to learn to survive. Here is what I was greeted with when picking up my son after study.

My Little Moose! We enjoyed learning about Nehemiah's character in the story and how we should strive for these attributes in this journey of being a mother. Here is a great song about the names of God.

Fall Study of Nehemiah - Notes Week 1

Intro./theme verse/the joy of the Lord is My Strength Nehemiah 10:11 Read Nehemiah chapter 1. Nehemiah means comfort of the Lord His fathers name means "whom Jehovah enlightens", Month of Kislev The Name of the Month – Trust and Hope/ month of greatest darkness, cold but also celebration Kislev is the ninth month of the year, counting from Nissan. In the Torah we find that the root of the word Kislev means ‘trust’ and ‘hope Something great has to come out of this book with names that powerful. As I have studied I can see that the Holy Spirit directed these two in ways that have monumental lessons for our life. Today you were asked to read Nehemiah and write down what you saw about is character. Character important! In the church today we have a lot of people that know how to speak the language but it not deep in their heart. Let's take a few minutes and talk about Nehemiah's character: 1. Cupbearer to the king= faithful honorable and trusted 2. He understood his heritage=history Born to tribe of Judah in exile 3. He was a loyal son/broken heart for his people 4 . He was a defender of the weak "How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 82:2-4 NIV) 5. Most importantly He was a man of prayer and had a heart that turned to God to strength and wisdom You see all of who he was in his prayer. His prayer shows his heart but it also tells us how to pray. All kinds of prayers Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. (Ephesians 6:18 NIV) Prayer that stems from a deep relationship with God. Someone that knew God to be a redeemer, forgiver and healer if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV) Prayer that took on the needs of others Prayer that yielded to God to work this out for his people Ask yourself these questions: Are you faithful and honorable? Are you loyal as a friend? Do you have a heart that defends the weak? Lastly do you know God in such a way that when you turn to him in prayer you know age hears you? Glenda

Work in Progress

Circus Cupcakes with Pink Lemonade Icing! Preparing for Saturday's big race and sale!

Getting Excited!

5K & Cupcakes~On your mark, get set, GO!!!

Girls, the 5K and Cupcake Sale is going to be here in the blink of an eye! It's still not too late to register for the race and we need YOUR help getting the word out to the participants to make sure they bring some $ and come celebrate their finish with a CUPCAKE!!! If you have a blog, facebook, twitter, you name it...PLEASE spread the word about all the information below which was originally posted here! GET EXCITED!!!!

Calling alllllllll of our fav Charlotte peeps, their families and even out of towners!!!!!!!! Doesn't Springtime just make you want to get out for a nice run, walk, wog (walk/jog) while enjoying one another's company?!?! What better way to kick off all the freshness of Spring with a 5K?!..and have we got just the one for you!
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It's not too late to register for Central's Pure Religion 5K. Even better, ALL of the proceeds from this family activity/morning exercise will go to stamp out Human Trafficking. You may ask, "what in the world is Human Trafficking" and "how does it apply to me?" Good question! In short, human trafficking is today's slavery. According to the US Polaris Project:

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. As defined under U.S. federal law, victims of human trafficking include children involved in the sex trade, adults age 18 or over who are coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts, and anyone forced into different forms of "labor or services," such as domestic workers held in a home, or farm-workers forced to labor against their will. The factors that each of these situations have in common are elements of force, fraud, or coercion that are used to control people. Then, that control is tied to inducing someone into commercial sex acts, or labor or services. Numerous people in the field have summed up the concept of human trafficking as "compelled service." Every year, human traffickers generate billions of dollars in profits by victimizing millions of people around the world, and here in the United States. Human trafficking is considered to be one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the world.

In summary, examples of human trafficking include but are not limited to child labor, pornography, prostitution...anything that exploits someone for another person's pleasure. It holds people in bondage, ruins lives and destroys families. The destruction is endless, and sadly, its rampantly growing. So, get involved and come run or walk the 5K for a cause that counts! The fun doesn't stop there...

If the definition of "Human Trafficking" isn't enough to get your bottom off the couch, maybe a cupcake would be some incentive for you? The Women of Central Mom's Heart to Heart Bible Study and their children are hosting a Cupcake Kids sale at the finish line of the Pure Religion 5K!

All of the proceeds of the Cupcake Kids sale will go towards the ministry, SixtyFeet which helps African children who have been victims of human trafficking resulting in imprisonment.

Soooo, don't delay! Sign up NOW for the Pure Religion 5K  and bring some money to celebrate with a CUPCAKE at the finish!!!! Spread the word....on your mark, get set, go!

Making a difference: Human Trafficking

Last week, the director of our women's ministry, Brenda, came to share the heart behind the Pure Religion 5K on March 24 where we will have our Cupcake Kids sale.

She shared what human trafficking IS--the use of someone against their will for someone else's pleasure--modern day slavery. It's rampant. It's not just in other countries. Unfortunately, it's in our back yards. The industry it feeds destroys lives and homes.

Here is an article about some startling truths of human trafficking right here in America--at an all American tradition--the Super Bowl, of all things.

Does this give you incentive to:

• PRAY about this plague
• sign up for the 5K
• PRAY about the ministries the 5K is supporting
• invite all your peeps to sign up for the 5K
• PRAY about how you can create awareness
• start baking those cupcakes
• PRAY about the cupcake sale?!?!

Get busy! We CAN make a difference.

Pass it on...

SAVE THE DATE for some FUN!

We have not one but TWO fun things planned that we are REALLY excited about and want YOU to be involved!!!! More details to follow but SAVE THE DATE and start getting excited!

• What:     Girls Night Out (includes dinner and a FUN craft!)
• Date:      Thursday night, March 1
• Where:    Central Church
• Tickets:    We will begin selling tickets at Bible Study soon! You can invite friends so spread the word to them, too.

• What:    We will be hosting a Cupcake Kids booth at Central's Pure Religion 5K.
• When:    Saturday, March 24
• Where:  Central Church of God Pure Religion 5K
• Details:  Cupcake Kids is a ministry of SixtyFeet and a fun way for little people to get involved in raising awareness and helping the imprisoned children of Africa. Basically, you and your little ones bake as many cupcakes your heart's desire and we will sell them at our booth at the end of the 5K. 100% of the money raised will go towards these imprisoned children. Don't you worry--we will collect all of the cupcakes prior to the race so you can STILL do the race!!!! :) Get to Pinteresting and googling some clever, cute, creative cupcake ideas and start practicing. Shoot...if you have a freezer, get to baking and freeze those puppies. The more we have, the better! We may even have some prizes. :)

Philippians!

While last semeter's timely study of James focused on trials and perseverance, this semester's 10 week study on the book of Philippians will focus on JOY!!!! 


Did you know that the word "JOY" means "calm delight?" There is great freedom in knowing that JOY does not equal always having a smile on your face or a bubbly demeanor 24/7. This calm delight can only exist when "the joy of the LORD is your strength."


Our KEY VERSE for these 10 weeks will be:
"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11-13


The 1st time we met together, we talked about the negative ways we receive joy and the 3 things that can rob us of our joy. In summary, we must remember that the secret to real joy is to set your mind on, think about and remember who GOD is and what He has brought you through.


We have some exciting things planned and we would love for you to join us! Please let us hear from you in the comments.


Click here for the introduction homework.