Category Archives: Online Studies

Reflection

There was something about watching the very first Easter unfold on my television set this year that made this Easter a little more special.  Even though I wasn’t looking forward to seeing the blood and violence present in the crucifixion of Christ, I also knew that if not for that blood, nothing else would matter.

He is risen! - Image source: http://www.facebook.com/BibleSeries

I have to divert my eyes even when shows like CSI are on, so the crucifixion is always hard for me to watch. I don’t like watching it in movies, on TV, or in church productions. It makes me cringe, it causes me to shutter, and I usually end up crying.

But when I think about what Jesus did for me on that cross, I realize that the least I can do is make myself watch. And every time that I do, God shows me something more. Something deeper. Something personal.

This time, one particular detail jumped out at me and hasn’t left me since. In the show, when they finally got to Golgotha, Jesus fell to the ground and the cross thundered down beside him.

Then, he pulled himself up and crawled over to the cross.

He crawled TOWARDS the cross. Not away from it.

That little detail meant more to me than anything else this Easter. Because of this small detail that some director in Hollywood chose to include in the TV show, I was reminded that Jesus’ death on the cross was voluntary.

I’ve known that forever, of course, but to be reminded of it in such a tangible way renewed my faith and warmed my heart.

Jesus was determined to die on the cross. He knew that it must be done in order for our sins to be forgiven, and so he chose to endure the beatings, endure the humiliation, endure the pain, and endure the loneliness all so that we wouldn’t have to.

The weight that I feel in response to that is so strong, I can’t even articulate it. To say, “Thank you,” seems inadequate.

Theme – From Darkness to Light

It’s easy to get tricked into believing that you have to DO something to earn your salvation. I mean, it can’t be that easy, can it? Just accept Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and that’s it? Surely there’s more…

But there’s not more, and it is that easy.

Salvation is not Jesus +[something]. Salvation is just Jesus. It’s not Jesus + baptism or Jesus + perfection or Jesus + works. To suggest that anything else is necessary is to suggest that Jesus couldn’t get the job done himself.

With the salvation that Jesus offers, it is finished. The work is done. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Sabbath; he is your rest. There is no work left to do. There is nothing to prove. Nothing to earn. No striving. No “try,” only “take.” Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Your salvation and sustenance comes, not from what you do, but from what is done. Your task is to accept his gift and rest in it. Wake up to it. Enjoy it. And give thanks for it.  The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook (pp. 127-138)

So how do we give thanks for salvation when “Thank you” seems inadequate?

Two ways: 1. by living a life worthy of our calling. And 2) by being a light in this dark world.

Discussion (answer one or more in the comments)

1. Which is more difficult for you, to live out Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross or to tell others about it? Why?
2. How can you be a light in this dark world?
3. What did you think about the series as a whole?

Wrapping Up

Thank you so much for joining me in this awesome series! I enjoyed it so much! I’ll be writing one final post about this on Thursday to give my thoughts about the series as a whole, but I hope to hear yours as well! See you then!

Related Posts:
Week One: From Death to Life
Week Two: From Slavery to Freedom
Week Three: From Victim to Victor
Week Four: From Religion to Relationship
Week Five: From Darkness to Light
So… Satan looks like Obama? What does that mean?

Reflection

There was an irony to this week that I hadn’t really noticed in the Bible until now. But it’s there. Hiding in the Scriptures. Hiding in the lives of some people in the Bible. Hiding in my own life, and maybe even in yours as well.

It’s the irony of distraction.

Jesus - Image source: http://www.facebook.com/BibleSeries

Before Sunday’s episode, I hadn’t given much thought to the motivations of the Pharisees. I knew they didn’t like Jesus. I knew they felt threatened by Him. But I didn’t realize why they felt threatened.

They were threatened because they were distracted by their routine. They were distracted by their traditions. They were so concerned about celebrating the Passover that they didn’t notice that the Passover Lamb – the ultimate sacrifice – was standing right there in front of them.

It’s like turning your back on a starving child because you’re late to volunteer at a soup kitchen.

It’s like ignoring your husband because you’re reading a book about how to improve your marriage.

It’s like skipping your quiet time for a whole week because you’re too busy with your obligations at church.

The worst part about this kind of distraction is that it’s often so easy to notice in others, but so difficult to see in ourselves. I remember several years ago when my father and my uncle were talking about their mother, my grandmother. They said that she was often too busy to give them the undivided attention that they desired. Midway through their conversation, my cousin crawled up into my uncle’s lap and tried to talk to him. He pushed her aside and told her he was busy. In the moment, it was easy for me to notice the irony of the situation and I pointed it out to my uncle. “Isn’t it strange,” I said, “that you’re talking about how you wish you had more attention from your mother, but when your own daughter wants the same thing from you, you push her aside?” My uncle just paused and said, “Whoa.”

Now that I have my own children, I have seen myself in the exact same predicament more times than I care to admit. My children want my attention, but I’m just too distracted “caring for them” to notice. The laundry takes precedent over the laughter. The cleaning takes precedent over the conversation. Feeding their tummies takes precedent over feeding their souls.

But the worst part is that I do that to God too. I get so busy serving Him that I forget about spending time with Him.

Do you do it too? Maybe you’ve spent all of your efforts knowing about God instead of knowing God. There’s a difference.

Theme – From Religion to Relationship

One of Satan’s greatest lies is to tell you that you need religion. He used it with the Pharisees when he told them that their Passover traditions were more important than Jesus, the Passover Lamb. And he uses it today when he tells you that you need to master a checklist of religious requirements rather than focus on your relationship with God.

[Jesus] turned the religious conventions on their heads because he had not come to spread religion… His purpose was not to establish a religion but to propagate a relationship, through which all humanity could enjoy forgiveness… righteousness… and power… Like any relationship, it will grow and you will appreciate it more as you invest more time and attention to it. In this relationship, the depth and power of His love for you is infinitely more important than the perfection of your performance.  The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook (p. 124)

God is not interested in religion. He’s not interested in a checklist. He’s not interested in meaningless prayers or empty words. He wants your attention. He wants a relationship with you.

Perhaps you came to know Christ long ago, but you haven’t spent much time with Him since.

He misses you.

Perhaps you’ve been so distracted by the demands of your blessings – your job, your family, your schedule – that you’ve neglected to spend time with the One who has blessed you.

He misses you.

Perhaps you’ve become too busy.

He misses you. And He’s waiting.

Discussion (answer one or more in the comments)

1. Read John 15:1-17.
2. Would you describe Jesus’ words in this passage as ‘relational’ or ‘religious’? And why?
3. Jesus talks repeatedly about his followers ‘remaining’ in him. What do you think he means by that?
4. How, in practical terms, do you think we are supposed to ‘remain in’ Jesus?

Coming Up

• If you’re using The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook, finish the book by completing days 25-30 this week.
• Tune in again next week for the last lesson, Week Five: Passion/Courage. This week will be everything you’d expect from an Easter presentation and more! It will cover the crucifixion, the resurrection, as well as the beginning of the Church.
• As you watch, consider next week’s theme: From Darkness to Light
  
• Join us next Tuesday here on the blog for our last discussion!

Related Posts:
Week One: From Death to Life
Week Two: From Slavery to Freedom
Week Three: From Victim to Victor
Week Four: From Religion to Relationship
Week Five: From Darkness to Light
So… Satan looks like Obama? What does that mean?

Reflection

This week was an exciting one. The central figure of the entire Bible – Jesus – finally came onto the scene!  I especially enjoyed watching the nativity scenes. Since I’ve been involved in more Christmas pageants than I can count, I was interested to see if their interpretation of the manger and all that surrounded it would be similar to how we portray it in church. It ended up being very similar, yet more realistic, I think. But I was surprised that my initial reaction was, “Wait, why isn’t anyone singing!? What about Silent Night? Where’s the little drummer boy?” So kudos to the producers for portraying the nativity without all of the cliches!

John baptizing Jesus - Image source: http://www.facebook.com/BibleSeries

But before that climactic scene, there was one word that kept coming to mind over and over again: Ego.

When King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that someone interpret his dream without telling them what it was, I thought – Ego! When he made a huge gold statue of himself and demanded that all bow down and worship him, I thought – Ego! And when King Darius declared that everyone must pray to him alone for thirty days, I saw it again – Ego!

But finally, when King Herod ordered that all male children under two be slaughtered because he was afraid of the newborn King of the Jews, I realized again how dangerous Ego can be.

I’ve often wondered what the point of such power is if what comes with it is a constant state of paranoia that someone will come and take that power away from you. However, I see the same egotistical tendencies appear again and again, not just across the generations, but even in my own life. Pride. Ego. Paranoia. Controlling tendencies. All of it surfacing from a fear that letting go will mean that you don’t get what you want. But the truth is, by letting go and humbling yourself to God, you get what you really need.

Theme – From Victim to Victor

The story of Daniel in the lions’ den is a familiar one. It’s one we’re taught from the first coloring pages we do in Sunday School to our very first children’s Bible to our first years in Vacation Bible School. It’s energizing, it’s inspiring, and it’s exciting.

It’s also an Old Testament foreshadowing of an even greater New Testament story: the story of Christ.

Both Daniel and Jesus persevered and obeyed, though they knew they faced a death sentence… Both Daniel and Jesus were betrayed, though they had done no wrong… But it didn’t matter in the end. Daniel was thrown to the lions; Jesus was crucified by the Romans. Neither, however, was abandoned to the grave (Psalm 16:10): When King Darius went to the lions’ den in the morning, he found Daniel – miraculously – alive, a preview of that Resurrection Sunday when Mary Magdalene went to the tomb of Jesus and heard the angel say, “He is not here! He has risen!” (Luke 24:6).  The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook (pp. 85-86)

Everyone has felt like a victim at one point or another. We see the ungodly prosper and we feel slighted. We the evil prevail, even temporarily, and we feel forgotten. Feeling like a victim is a sad, helpless, hopeless feeling.

And for Christians, it’s completely unfounded.

Part of the problem, though, is that we forget the end of the story. We forget that we win! We forget that Christ reigns! We forget that death leads to life! We forget all of this and focus on what’s right in front of us instead. And so we feel like a victim.

But we’re anything but! In Christ, we’re victors! We’re warriors! We’re winners and we’re conquerors! But, in order to get to that truth, we have to take a very unlikely path:

Humility.

The road to victory is paved with humility. We lay our pride aside. We submit to God. We humble ourselves to His will. And only in taking this unlikely path do we finally prevail! “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11).

Discussion (answer one or more in the comments)

1. Throughout Daniel’s story, was he a victim, a victor, or both?
2. Do you see any parallels between your salvation and Daniel’s deliverance? If so, describe them.
3. Is there any obstacle or threat that you face right now? If so, how can you apply Daniel’s story to your circumstance?

Coming Up

• If you’re using The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook, complete days 19-24 this week.
• Tune in again next week for Week Four: The Mission/The Betrayal. This week will focus solely on Jesus – his ministry, his miracles, his disciples and his betrayal.
• As you watch, consider next week’s theme: From Religion to Relationship
  
• Join us next Tuesday here on the blog for more discussion!

Related Posts:
Week One: From Death to Life
Week Two: From Slavery to Freedom
Week Three: From Victim to Victor
Week Four: From Religion to Relationship
Week Five: From Darkness to Light
So… Satan looks like Obama? What does that mean?

Reflection

The era of the Judges and the Kings has always been one of my favorite time periods of the Bible. Though it seems to contradict my “girly” nature, I have to admit, I LOVE reading the battle scenes! I love the stories of heroes. Of battle strategies. Of victories. So much action and so much opportunity for God to show His power!

David slaying Goliath - Image source: http://www.facebook.com/BibleSeries

But as much as I love the conquests, I often wondered, “God, why did it take so long?”

God promised the Promise Land to Abraham, then He freed the Israelites from slavery to the Egyptians generations later. Then it still took a long series of wars, battles, bloodshed and trials for the Israelites to actually take claim of the land that God promised so long ago. Did God have something to prove? Did He enjoy making the Israelites wait and work for so long?

Of course, God had a reason. And it turns out, it makes a lot of sense:

²⁸ I will send terrorahead of you to drive out the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites. ²⁹ But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals would multiply and threaten you. ³⁰ I will drive them out a little at a time until your population has increased enough to take possession of the land. (Exodus 23:28-30)

If God had given the Israelites all that He had for them all at once, it would have been too much for them to handle. The land would have dried up. The animals would have grown too numerous. There would not have been enough people to handle their blessings.

So instead, He got rid of their enemies little by little.

Little by little.

It can be hard to wait on God when He’s moving “little by little” and you’re wanting “all at once.” Sometimes we can misinterpret God’s lack of speed for apathy. But God sees the benefits of time. He knows that sometimes we need a little extra time to be ready to handle the blessings that He has in store for us.

Theme – From Slavery to Freedom

The Egyptians may have been swallowed by the Red Sea, but the threat of slavery did not disappear underwater with the chariots. The threat of slavery followed the Israelites wherever they went. Through Moses, God had delivered them from slavery, yes. But He would continue to deliver them, time after time.

When the mighty Philistine, Goliath, came onto the scene, I’m sure the Israelites doubted God once again. Surely this time, their freedom would be snatched from them and they would become slaves once again.

But then an unsuspecting shepherd stepped forward.

David’s resume may have been unimpressive. His experience may have been limited. But it turned out to have been exactly the preparation he needed, not only to risk his life and fight Goliath of Gath, but also to lead the people of Israel as their king. Many years later, another man appeared in Israel. Another shepherd… They scoffed at his resume… They doubted and derided him…But, like David, Jesus not only endured their abuse; he laid down his life for them, as the Good Shepherd. The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook (p. 61)

The threat of slavery follows us around as well. We may feel as though, at any minute, sin will attack and we’ll be slaves once again to our sinful nature.

But the truth is, if you’ve accepted Christ, any threat of slavery to sin is simply that – a threat. An empty, shallow, false illusion that Satan waves in your face in order to throw you off track. Just as Joshua conquered Jericho, just as Samson defeated the Philistines, and just as David defeated Goliath, Jesus defeated Satan on the cross. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Discussion (answer one or more in the comments)

1. Which character’s story spoke to you the most – Joshua, Samson, Saul, or David? Why?
2. Read 1 Sam. 17:45-47. What do you think of David’s words?
3. What sorts of “giants” have you faced in the past, and how has God delivered you from them?

Coming Up

• If you’re using The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook, complete days 13-18 this week.
• Tune in again next week for Week Three: The Survival/The Revolution. We’ll see the Old Testament come to an end and the next chapter begin with the birth of Christ and the beginning of his ministry.
• As you watch, consider next week’s theme: From Victim to Victor
  
• Join us next Tuesday here on the blog for more discussion!

Related Posts:
Week One: From Death to Life
Week Two: From Slavery to Freedom
Week Three: From Victim to Victor
Week Four: From Religion to Relationship
Week Five: From Darkness to Light
So… Satan looks like Obama? What does that mean?

Reflection
I don’t like watching violence on TV. I shield my eyes at even the slightest glimpse of blood or gore. So, I have to admit, watching the first episode of The Bible was a bit difficult for me because, if you haven’t noticed…

The Bible is violent!

Abraham and Isaac - Image source: http://www.facebook.com/BibleSeries

There’s more to Noah’s Ark than cute animals that go marching two-by-two (hoorah, hoorah). It’s about people perishing. People drowning. People dying because they had turned their backs on God.

Abraham’s sacrifice is about a father tying up his son and laying him on an altar, knife in hand and ready to take the next, unthinkable step.

The Passover is about an angel of death sweeping in a killing the firstborn male of every household.

Death. Judgment. Violence.

Not only is it hard to watch, it’s hard to wrap your head around the fact that God was behind it all.

But, the full story becomes easier to understand when you see that behind every act of violence, judgment, and death, God provides a way for life to continue.

Behind the judgment of Noah’s time was an ark, and then a rainbow. An escape. A new beginning. A promise.

Behind Abraham was a ram caught in the thicket. A substitutionary sacrifice. A way out.

Behind the angel of death was a Passover. A divine covering. An exemption from death.

Violent, yes. But redemptive, absolutely.

So while it’s hard to watch God’s judgment sometimes, and it’s easy to scream, “Unfair! How could you? Why?!”, it’s also so refreshing to remember that God never judges without also providing grace. Because of our sin, we all deserve the death and destruction we see in the Old Testament stories. But God, in His infinite love for us, sent grace through Jesus instead.

Theme – From Death to Life

“Where is the lamb?”

Such a simple question that Isaac asked his father, Abraham. And when Abraham answered, “The Lord will provide,” I bet Isaac never imagined that he would be the original sacrifice.

But God did provide. He provided a way out for Isaac and Abraham both.

In an instant, arrested by the voice of an angel and the apprentice of a ram in a nearby bush, Isaac was delivered from death and given a new life.

Finally.

Just in time.

Not a moment too soon.

Many years later, a similar scenario took place. The Bible says, “When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son.” (Galatians 4:4). In the nick of time, like the ram God sent to Abraham, Jesus appeared. Like the ram, his coming was announced by an angel. Like the ram, tangled in a thicket, Jesus wore a crown of thorns. And, like the ram, he died as a sacrifice…

As the ram in the thicket took Isaac’s place, Jesus took your place… Your lamb among thorns, however, was God’s own son. Your substitution was the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. “[God] did not spare His own Son, but gave him up for us all” (Romans 8:32a), so we can escape death and enjoy life – ever lasting and abundant. The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook (pp. 33-34)

Discussion (answer one or more in the comments)

1. Which scene(s) from this week’s episode was/were the most difficult for you to watch?
2. Which character’s story spoke to you the most – Noah, Abraham, Isaac, or Moses? Why?
3. Read John 5:24. What does it say about God’s judgment?
4. How do you see death in the Old Testament pointing towards life through Jesus Christ?

Coming Up

• If you’re using The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook, complete days 1-6 this week.
• Tune in again next week for Week Two: The Homeland/The Kingdom. We’ll see Joshua, Samson, Judges, David, Saul and Solomon.
• As you watch, consider next week’s theme: From Slavery to Freedom.
• Join us next Tuesday here on the blog for more discussion!

Related Posts:
Week One: From Death to Life
Week Two: From Slavery to Freedom
Week Three: From Victim to Victor
Week Four: From Religion to Relationship
Week Five: From Darkness to Light
So… Satan looks like Obama? What does that mean?

It’s almost here! The Bible miniseries begins this Sunday, March 3, on The History Channel. I’m so excited to watch it! And I’m even more excited that our online study based on the series will begin right here on the Glo Girl Blog one week from today, March 5.

At the very least, you can participate by watching Sunday’s episode at your convenience and then joining our discussions by commenting on the blog every Tuesday.  To get the most of the study though, purchase The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook and Study Guide and start using it in your daily quiet time on Monday, March 4. (Click here to see a preview of the study guide).

According to my service provider, (DirectTV), the first episode will air at 7 p.m. Central Time on The History Channel, but I noticed that they are re-airing it a few times after that. Lifetime may also be showing the episodes, but check with your local listings to make sure you don’t miss it!

The miniseries will be five weeks long, with the last episode airing on Easter Sunday (March 31). Here is a synopsis of this Sunday’s episode:

In the Beginning/Exodus
Noah endures God’s wrath; Abraham reaches the Promised Land but still must prove his faith in God; Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt, and his faith in God is rewarded when the Red Sea parts to allow the Israelites to escape Pharaoh’s chariots; Moses delivers his final message from God–the Ten Commandments.

Doesn’t it sound wonderful?! For now, watch the video below and listen to Mark Barnett and Roma Downey, the producers of the series, as they share their heart and their passion for this project.

Q: Who are you going to tell about this series?