This Summer I had the privilege of leading some ladies in a Bible Study called DUTY OR DELIGHT by Tammie Head.
It’s a study based on the truths of Ephesians 1. We were reminded that we are CHOSEN, REDEEMED, PROMISED, SUPPLIED, COMMANDED and VICTORIOUS. We evaluated whether or not anything we do (or everything we do) in our relationship with the Lord is based on “duty” or “delight.”
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, and I learned so much. I loved the reminder that I was chosen by God “BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.” He knew all my sin, my selfishness, my huge blunders and chose me anyway. It was refreshing to really dwell on his redemption through His sacrifice on the cross and the covering of His blood over my life that puts me in right standing with God…by Christ’s righteousness alone. And all the promises!! HE is so faithful. HE is my Counselor. HE is my Rock, holding me together no matter what circumstances I find myself in. He has supplied me with the Holy Spirit that fills me and leads me and teaches me. The Holy Spirit also gives me everything I need to fulfill God’s commandment to love others. There are many difficult people that we are called to love, and I think we all know that this can’t happen on our own. I need the Holy Spirit, alive and active in me to have victory in this area. Or any area, as a matter of fact! And that we “fight from victory and not for victory” was a huge truth from the last session that has helped me so much. I am already victorious. Am I taken what has been given to me? Or am I cooperating with the devil and his ugly schemes for my life? There’s a choice to make.
This last week on victory went right along with the study of Daniel that Josh and I are doing together. I was reminded of the subtlety of the evil one. We don’t have to be out-right “demon possessed” to be cooperating with the devil. He will settle for mediocrity in a believer’s life. The kind of mediocrity that over-indulges, is excessive with material things, self-absorbed, lives a “busy” life full of good things done out of obligation or seeking to please people, immodesty, critical spirit/pride. Oh, the many ways he uses to distract us, entice us and keep us from living victoriously and effective in this world and culture in which we live!!
Here’s some of the precious girlfriends that met here for seven weeks this Summer. We missed the ones who couldn’t make it to our last night! We used it as a time to review all we had learned (that’s what the bulletin board was for) and to be reminded of our victory in Christ! Everyone got a cross as they left to remind them of this study in the days and weeks to come. I was so proud of these girls who made the study of God’s Word a priority in their lives this summer. I know that the Lord will continue the work He has started in each of them. He is so faithful!
