Verse of the Day 1.31.11

" Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. "
~ Proverbs 16:24 ~

Verse of the Day 1.30.11

"Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer;
thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am."

~ Isaiah 58:9 ~

Verse of the Day 1.29.11

"As the dear pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God."
~ Psalm 42:1 ~

Verse of the Day 1.28.11

"The Lord will keep you from all harm; he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
(Psalm 121:7-8)

Verse of the day 1.27.11

"He will be our guide even to the end."
(Psalm 48:14)

Verse of the Day 1.26.11

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
(Philippians 4:6)

Lesson 3: Sarah and Hagar

Lesson 3: Sarah and Hagar-

Conflict between the Flesh and the Holy Spirit

Based on Genesis 15, 16,17 and 21:9-21

    Sarah was Abraham’s wife, which God had made a covenant with Abraham, declaring that Abraham’s seed would inherit all of the promised land.  In Genesis chapter 17:1-3 we see where God confirmed to Abraham at age ninety-nine that he will be the father of many nations.
    Now Abraham’s wife Sarah, was past the age of childbearing, she couldn’t understand how she could bear an heir. Instead of allowing God to bring about His will in His way, she chose the way of self will, the flesh and gave her Egyptian handmaid to Abraham so that she might bear him a child. This resulted in the birth of Ishmael a descendant in continuing conflict with Issac, the promised child later born to Abraham at age one-hundred and Sarah age ninety. ( Genesis 21:5)

* Instead of Sarah acting under the will of God, and waiting on what He had promised her; she allowed her flesh to take over and gave her maid to her husband. Due to her disobedience, the child the Hagar gave birth to named Ishmael, became a father of a great nation also, but his descendants were against Issac’s descendants.

*Sometimes we can be like Sarah, and try to “help” God by doing things with our own strength and our own judgement. Many times in result of doing that, things end up worst than what they were. We as Christian women need to learn, how to live in the Spirit and not in the flesh. In Philippians 3:3, it says, “We are to have no confidence in the flesh.” Because the flesh is our enemy!!  

I really like this quote, “As long as Self is on the throne, God’s Spirit can’t rule!”
 

Which is so true, as long as we are putting our confidence in ourselves, we won’t allow for God to guide us. We have to in all situations no matter how big or how small it may be, we must let the Holy Spirit guide us. If  we do like Sarah, and let the flesh rule over God’s Spirit, we are number 1 being disobedient to God’s word and 2 we are letting satan make our decisions instead of letting the One who knows all truth guide us, which is the Holy Spirit.

Lesson 3: Sarah and Hagar

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever done something out of the will of God? If yes, what was the outcome?





2. How can you submit the flesh onto the Holy Spirit?




3. If you were in Sarah’s position do you think you would’ve done things differently? How?

Verse of the Day 1.25.11

"I Love you, O Lord, my Strength."
(Psalm 18:1)

Verse of the Day 1.24.11

"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old,
he will not depart from it."
(Proverbs 22:6)

Verse of the Day 1.23.11

"We live by Faith, not by sight."
(2 Corinthians 5:7)

Your Hands with Lyrics JJ Heller

Verse of the Day 1.21.11

"If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown himself."
(2 Timothy 2:13)

Verse of the Day: 1.19.11

"Be still, and know that I am God."
(Psalm 46:10)

Lesson 2: Martha & Mary (The Bethany Sisters)

Lesson 2: Martha and Mary

The Bethany Sisters

Luke 10:38-42

 Martha means: Lady of the house
 Mary means: Wise woman

Who were these two women:

 Mary and Martha are the most familiar set of sisters in the Bible. Both Luke and John describe them as friends of Jesus. Luke's story, though only four verses long, has been a complex source of inspiration, interpretation, and debate for centuries. John's story, which says the sisters had a brother named Lazarus, spans seventy verses. Though some earlier interpreters blended the person of Mary of Bethany with Mary Magdalene and the sinful woman of Luke 7:36-50, current scholars believe she was a different person.

Luke's Story

  According to Luke, Martha was head of the household; she welcomed Jesus into her home. Mary was probably younger. Like most sisters, these two women had conflicts which emerged because of their different personalities, roles, and simply the fact that they were siblings
.
  “Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42).

Lesson 2: Martha and Mary

Thinking Questions:

1. In your busy life how can you eliminate things that are less important, and make time to what is important?



2. Are you a Martha or a Mary? Why?



3. What inspired you most about these two sisters?


Reflection Verse: “ Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  (Luke 10:41-42)

Verse of the Day 1.18.11

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

(Corinthians 10:13)

Park Day!!

Has God spoken to your heart yet this week? 

Tomorrow we are having our 2nd Pray and Play Outing at the Lake Bonny Park, across from Lakeland High School in Lakeland, Fl. Please join us between 3:30pm and 4:00pm to share in our Second Lesson to enjoy the spiritual food that we are yearning to be fed with God's word. 

The weather is to be a high of 74 during the afternoon so no worries about rain! We look forward to seeing each of you and bring a friend. The more the merrier~ 

For His Glory,

Pray & Play

Verse of the Day 1.17.11

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me."
(John 14:21)

Verse of the Day 1.15.11

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
(Romans 15:13)

Verse of The Day 1.14.11

"Be strong and courages. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

Verse of The Day 1.13.11

"I can do all things through Him who gives me Strength."
(Philippians 4:13)

Lesson 1: The Wife of Noble Character

Lesson 1: The Wife of Noble Character

(Proverbs 31:10-31)

By: Shelia Graham

For thousands of years, God-fearing women have looked to the noble, or virtuous (KJV), woman of Proverbs 31 as their ideal. Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, probably had this role model of the virtuous woman in the forefront of her mind from earliest childhood. Most Jewish women did, for this poem was traditionally recited in the Jewish home every week on the eve of the Sabbath.
But what about today’s woman? Of what value can this ancient poem be to the diverse, complex life-styles of women today? To the married, to the single, to the young, to the old, to those working outside the home or inside the home, to those women with children or without children? It is more relevant than you might at first expect — although it is also too good to be true.

When we examine this ancient biblical ideal of womanhood, we do not find the stereotyped housewife occupied with dirty dishes and laundry, her daily life dictated by the demands of her husband and her children. Nor do we find a hardened, overly ambitious career woman who leaves her family to fend for itself.

What we find is a strong, dignified, multitalented, caring woman who is an individual in her own right. This woman has money to invest, servants to look after and real estate to manage. She is her husband’s partner, and she is completely trusted with the responsibility for their lands, property and goods.

She has the business skills to buy and sell in the market, along with the heartfelt sensitivity and compassion to care for and fulfill the needs of people who are less fortunate. Cheerfully and energetically she tackles the challenges each day brings. Her husband and children love and respect her for her kind, generous and caring nature.

But with all her responsibilities, first and foremost, she looks to God. Her primary concern is God’s will in her life. She is a woman after God’s own heart. Let’s examine the characteristics of this remarkable woman — a role model for Christian women today.

---

"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value." Her husband trusts her management of their resources. Her industriousness adds to the family income.

"She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." This woman does not do right only when it is convenient and profitable. Her actions are not based on how she is treated by others or by what others think. Her character is steady. She is reliable and dependable.

"She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." This woman enjoys working so much that she plans ahead for what she needs in order to accomplish her responsibilities.

"She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar." The trait not to settle for the mediocre is portrayed by a woman who goes the extra mile for quality items.

"She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls." Though the woman described here has servants to take care of many of the household duties, she sets the pace. She understands that good managers have a responsibility to take care of those under their authority. That is one of her top priorities.

"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." Every woman doesn’t have to go into real estate and horticulture — the principle here is that this woman uses her mind. She does not act on a whim, but logically analyzes a situation before making a decision. Her goals are not only short term — she envisions the long-range benefits of her decisions.

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." We get a picture of a woman who vigorously goes about her duties. She keeps herself healthy and strong by proper health practices — good diet, adequate rest and exercise. Many people depend on her.

"She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night." She knows that her merchandise is good and takes pride in doing a good job. Night or day, no one worries that her responsibilities are not taken care of.

"In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers." The example she sets is one of skill and industriousness. Whether this woman would be a computer programmer, a concert pianist, a mother, or all three, she develops her talents and hones her skills through education and diligent application.

"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." Although it’s good to donate to needy causes, this means far more than writing a check. This woman shows personal concern. She visits the sick, comforts the lonely and depressed, and delivers food to those in need.

"When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet." Providing clothing for the family is one of her responsibilities. She takes this seriously, and plans ahead. She does not practice crisis management.

"She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple." This woman has high standards and dresses properly for the occasion.

"Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land." This man does not have to spend half his time trying to straighten out problems at home, and his success in the social world comes partly from her support, just as her success comes partly from his support. The original woman of Proverbs 31 couldn’t phone her husband for his opinion on matters. She made many of the day-to-day decisions about their property and goods. He trusted her to manage the estate efficiently.

"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes." This woman runs a business from her home. Her efforts and industry add to the family income.

"Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come" (NKJV). Not only does this woman benefit each day from her wise and diligent actions, long-term lifetime benefits and rewards lie in store for her.

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." This woman is well read and has the facts. She knows what she is talking about. Whether about her job, her personal values or her opinion on world events, she is able to express herself intelligently, tactfully and diplomatically. People come to her for good advice.

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." She is an organized, energetic person who carries out her responsibilities.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." This woman is not a doormat, slavishly trying to appease and please her family, no matter how unreasonable their demands. She is honored in her home. Here we gain an insight into the character of her husband as well. He teaches their children to respect her and the virtues she personifies.

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." High praise for this extraordinary woman — a role model for women of all time.

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Here is the key to this woman’s effectiveness. Her priorities are determined by God’s will, not her own. She is concerned about what God thinks, rather than with what other people think. Physical beauty and clever conversation are admirable qualities. But if a woman’s beauty and charm are the extent of her virtues, what happens when time and the trials of life take their toll? This woman does not depend on beauty and charm for her success. She recognizes her need for God.

"Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." This woman is actively doing, not merely talking. She does not boast about her plans for the future or her successes of the past. They are obvious.

---

Does this woman sound too good to be true? Perhaps she is. The woman described here is an idealized woman, a composite of many capable women. After all, not all people have the same skills. Some women’s strengths are in music or art. Others may be in mathematics, teaching or business. Some are better managers and organizers than others. While some women may excel at coming up with ideas, others may be more skilled at creating or producing what has been invented by someone else. No one excels at everything.

Some women work for several years after high school or college before marrying. Others, for one reason or another, do not marry at all. Does this mean that unmarried women cannot be Proverbs 31 women? No. Although this chapter describes a married woman, marriage and motherhood are not prerequisites for the successful Christian female’s life. The essential characteristics of the Proverbs 31 woman can be applied to the the single woman, too.

The model woman described in Proverbs is a portrait of ideal womanhood. The focus of this portrait is a woman’s relationship with God, not her specific abilities or marital status. The Proverbs 31 woman realizes that regardless of her natural talents or acquired skills, or all her accomplishments, her strength comes from God.

Who is a virtuous woman today? Proverbs 31 tells you that it is the woman who puts God first. The ideal woman of Proverbs 31 should encourage all women everywhere. Cultures change, but this woman’s God-inspired character still shines brightly across the centuries.

Lesson 1: Reflection Questions

Lesson 1: The Wife of Noble Character

Proverbs 31:10-31

Reflection Questions

What type of woman inspires You?

(Verse 10) "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."
The Hebrew word Chayil, translated here "noble" or "virtuous"(KJV) means a wife of valor- a strong, capable woman with strong convictions. This description of the ideal wife does not agree with those who associate femininity with weakness and passivity.
Question: Does understanding the true meaning of "chayil" change the way that you
    see God's plan for you as a woman?

"Does this woman sound too good to be true?" How can we as busy wives and mothers achieve this?


(Verse 12) "She brings him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."
This woman does not do right only when it is convenient and profitable. Her actions are not based on how she is treated by others or by what others think. Her character is steady, she is reliable and dependable.
Question : Do you feel that you have a steady character? Or are there things you might need to change in order to become more steady?

"She is her Husband's Partner" After reading this What do you think makes a good partner? What are some character traits?
     
Reflection: "She is a woman after God's own heart"
Can You name any women in the Bible that you would like to mirror?
       
(Verse 28) "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."
This woman is not a doormat, slavishly trying to appease and please her family, no matter how unreasonable their demands, she is honored in her home. Here we gain on insight into the character of her husband as well. He teaches their children to respect her and the virtues she personifies.
As a mother are you doing everything in your power to give your children all the love, attention and care that they need by attending to their every need in order to earn their respect for you? How about as a wife, are you meeting all of your husbands needs especially in the intimacy department?


Reflection: "The best way is realizing that regardless of her natural talents or acquired skills, or all
her accomplishments, her strength comes from God. Most of all put God first !"

Verse of The Day 1.12.2011

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father.. encourage your hearts and strengthen you." (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

Great Day To Be At The Park

Hope this friendly reminder that our 1st Pray & Play Date is tomorrow, Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 3:30pm finds each of you being blessed with God's love.

Tomorrow's park day will be located at Dobbins Park in Lakeland, FL. 514 W Ariana 

 Weather is predicted to be beautiful at 70 degrees and partly cloudy.Can't wait to see and meet each of you then. 


For His Glory,


Pray & Play
 

Welcome!!

Welcome to Pray and Play!

This is a group for moms where we can meet with our children and at the same time get together in prayer and in God's Word. We will meet every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at a local park after school. We will not only just meet every week, but we will also be active throughout the week, by having a bible verse of the day, homework from our lessons, prayer requests and praise reports, mini videos where Suzanne and Sarai will be doing Q’s and A’s on either the lesson of the week or any general questions that you may have and we can answer them for you.

Our goal through this group is to create a family where you may feel right at home and have the opportunity to establish a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ, and to create Godly friendships within the group, to be there for each other to give, to encourage, to love and to truly make a difference in our community.

With all this in mind, We will also like to have the children involved, so we will have different activities for them to do.

Please come out and join us… We are looking forward to meeting you and we pray that this group may be a blessing upon your lives.

For His Glory,

Pray and Play