James 1:9-11

Scripture: James 1:9-11
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
 
Observations:
Completely against what the world says! Ranking is usually based on money and power, yet the Lord redefines what it is to have a high position. You can't really buy humility. You can't really learn it unless you go through it. On the flipside, getting caught up with money... we think we are invincible. This root of evil gets down deep and we forget how in need we are. We "go about our business" and busy ourselves with worldly riches.
 
Application:
Right now I'm that rich person, being awakened to how selfish I'd been. I spent my money the way I wanted to. I look back and regret how much I splurged on unnecessary stuff. Now with all my preparations for the mission trip, I find myself selling everything and it's so weird. IT IS SO WEIRD to be in a room full of stuff that won't be mine anymore after a week. It's also a great blessing to know the Lord is gonna take care of me like He has been this whole time. My application to these verses is to be humble no matter what, and try to go about God's business.  
 
Prayer:
Father I come to You tonight asking for humble hearts for me and my sisters in Christ. Make us fully focused so we can pursue Your plans. Don't let us get busy with anything else, especially money! Don't let our beauty be destroyed or fade away because of money. Convict us of these things, and anything else that gets in the way of us desperately seeking You. We love you more than anything. In Christ's name I pray, amen.

Ephesians 6:10-15

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-15
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 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.
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Observations:
Verse 10 is my verse today! I'm at work all alone and I'm gonna be strong in the Lord! He's gonna get me through it :) I really love that verse 12 defines our struggle. We aren't struggling against our own flesh and blood, or other people. We are struggling against the devil! He's the enemy! Not our fellow sinners, and not our body. It makes it easier to be loving toward others when we realize people aren't our enemy. It's the dark forces that influence them. There's a lot of darkness, and we do need to be strong and empowered people of light.

Application:

We are called to be ready and armed to stand. The way to do so is to know the TRUTH that's in the Word, to know that Christ not only died for us, but also LIVED for us, so CHRIST'S righteousness is ours! Also we need to be sprinting peace-makers: patient servants, quick to forgive, slow to anger, careful with our words, selfless with our actions, submitting to others in love. That's a strong soldier for Christ.

Prayer:
Father, help us to be strong today. Strengthen us with Your power, so we can be brave against everything the devil throws our way.  We praise You for Your power and grace, that You forgive us and equip us to stand for You. Grow us in truth, encourage our walks, and help us to be ready to make peace. In Christ's name I pray, amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Observations
Immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.... wow. This always brings me back to healing. I have a very dear friend who is sick. I pray and pray for healing, and I have to have the strength and faith to believe God will heal. It's hard because as Christians we say "if it is Your will, God" and that's very true... but do we doubt that He would heal? He surely surely has the power to do so. I can't question that.

Application
Again, pushing my faith to beyond "reasonable"... I can't limit God. He can do IMMEASURABLY more than I can even imagine.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me despite my limited mind. Help me to have more faith, to push aside my "human understanding" and ask boldly and without wavering. Give the women of this group the encouragement they need to seek You fervently. To You, God, be all the glory, forever and ever. In Christ's name I pray, amen.