Week 2
Aren't you impressed with how Christ-centered this study is!?!? I have never experienced a weight-loss/fitness/wellness program so specifically focused on meeting Jesus first and foremost. I found it especially refreshing to be reminded that all that I am and all that I do must first begin with my understanding of who Christ is and my relationship to Him.
How about you?
- What was your take-away for this week's worth of homework?
- Did you meet Christ for the first-time?
- Were you introduced to Him from a new perspective?
- How did the I AM verses and You Are homework change your life this week?
- Are there any fears or doubts are keeping you from declaring that Jesus is the Risen Savior?
Accountability Questions
- How did you do in terms of your wellness goal from the last week?
- What goal have you set for this coming week?
- If you want to share, what is your weight loss goal / how much did you lose?
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
My Personal Response
How about you?
- What was your take-away for this week's worth of homework?
Seeing myself as doubting Thomas when it comes to care for my body concerning God's ability to enable me to change my habits. - Did you meet Christ for the first-time?
No, but I see Him in a new light, especially His gentleness yet firmness for the truth, as I read through the book of John this week...which I think was inspired by this study...so many of the same Scriptures references over and over again. - Were you introduced to Him from a new perspective?
Yes! - How did the I AM verses and You Are homework change your life this week?
It opened my eyes to the person and character of Christ, and also showed me how I perceive Him. I realized there were sides of Christ I had not embraced, but now will be able to -- such as, the I AM the bread of life and I AM not of this world, but above this world. I look forward to mediating on those Scriptures. - Are there any fears or doubts are keeping you from declaring that Jesus is the Risen Savior?
I feel more bold about it then ever before!
Accountability Questions
- How did you do in terms of your wellness goal from the last week?
My goal was to record all the food I ate. I did it, barely. I have no idea what counts as a portion according to the tracker, so I need to find out somehow and start measuring, etc. - What goal have you set for this coming week?
I want to record my food and exercise specifically! - If you want to share, what is your weight loss goal / how much did you lose?
I'll need to weigh in and measure later this morning!
Posts
4 Comments:
I just realized that since I am much further behind you in this study (sorry!) that I am doing a poor job of supporting you as you go through it. I apologize for that!
I wanted to encourage you that there is nothing with associating yourself with Thomas can actually be a good thing.
For starters, I think Thomas gets a bad rap for his doubt. Remember, in John 20:20, Jesus showed all of the other disciples his hands and his side. Keeping that in mind, Thomas doesn't ask for anything more than what all of the other disciples had already experienced. If I were Thomas, I would have surely responded the same way. I would have felt left out and wanted to experience what they had seen as well!
Thomas also expresses his doubt openly and honestly within the community of believers. He doesn't hide it from his friends, but expresses it openly, which I think is a model for us. Why? Because we can receive encouragement and support from the other believers. I'm sure that the other disciples didn't get mad at Thomas and call him names--certainly they just encouraged him again and again that they truly had seen the risen Christ.
It's also important to remember the way Jesus responds to his doubt--he does so gently, providing him with exactly what he asked for in order to believe. Interestingly enough, Thomas only has to look upon Jesus to believe--he doesn't need to place his fingers into his wounds, as he once thought he would need.
When I was reading through the Gospel of John as you had asked us to, I realized a few other things the Bible tells us about Thomas.
Thomas is honest with Jesus when he doesn't understand the words of Jesus when He says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" in John 14. He is the only disciple who speaks up and tells Jesus He isn't making sense to them.
Thomas also demonstrates courage in the face of fear. When Jesus gets word from Mary and Martha that their brother Lazarus is sick, Jesus wants to return to Bethany. The disciples respond in fear, urging Jesus not to go because he might get stoned. However, in John 11:16, Thomas is the only disciple to respond with courage. "Let us also go, that we may die with him!" He demonstrates selfLESSness and love for Christ by expressing a willingness to die with Christ. After all, Christ did tell us there is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friend.
See, I believe strongly that it's Satan's scheming to get us to remember Thomas only for his doubt or to associate ourselves strongly with his weaknesses. It is our fleshly nature to be self-critical. The Holy Spirit usually convicts us in a gentle whisper and doesn't leave us feeling defeated. It is the Enemy that gets us to focus on the negative or lose heart.
So, in other words, when you find yourself relating with Thomas's DOUBT... remind yourself God teaches us also to admire his HONESTY, COURAGE, SELFLESSNESS, and LOVE FOR CHRIST... and I am certain you can relate with those characteristics within yourself, too!
Beth, this is such a great perspective on Thomas. Thanks so much for sharing!
I left my name in the Mr. Linky, but it's the wrong link, so if you can delete the first one, and leave the second, that'd be great -- sorry, eLisa!
My post for week 2 is also here, just so it's not too confusing. :-?
~MizB
I really like what Beth had to say, too! Thanks Beth!
Here is my post for Week 2
Thank you, again, for leading us through this bible study!
Stacey : )
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Blessings, extravagantly,
Lisa