The Aroma of Christ - Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus - Chapter 1

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ (the Anointed One) among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life." 2 Corinthian 2:14-16

Woman of Grace:

Are you the Aroma of Christ? As Jesus' followers, we spread the Aroma of Christ everywhere we go!

In Chapter 1 of "Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus", the authors discuss the importance and the significance of Mary's action of anointing Jesus' feet with perfume. While the average response would be that she was showing love to Jesus by washing his feet in expensive perfume, the authors (Spangler & Tverberg) reveals through the understanding of the Jewish Culture that God was really preparing His son for his place in the royal lineage of the Israelites. In the Middle East, the majesty of a king was not only expressed by his wardrobe and jewelry, but also by his "aroma". God used Mary's willingness to serve Christ to deliver a powerful message to those who came in contact with him that they were in the presence of a King, even days later! The authors set the scene by discussing how amazing our God is when he allowed Judas and the guards to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and how they must have sniffed the air and wondered who was before them! What a Mighty God we serve!

Assignment: Read Luke 10:38-42 (Mary makes Jesus her priority) and 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (Paul discusses the Aroma of Christ).

Meditation: Are you the Aroma of Christ? Do you spread His Aroma everywhere you go? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal this to you and show you how you can.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for your Son, who entered this world and bore my sins so that I may have eternal life and the ability to take my place in your family as your daughter. I praise You for Your Goodness and Mercy, no one or nothing can ever separate me from your love (Romans 8:38-39). I pray that you give me the grace and wisdom to spread the Aroma of Christ everywhere I go. In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen!

-Stacey
Woman of Grace Member
Community Bible Church

Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus - Introduction

Women of Grace:

As we explore the book, "Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus", there are goals we identified as a group that we want to accomplish:

• Understanding what the Jewish Culture was like in the 1st Century when Jesus taught
• Deepening our knowledge of the bible through the Hebrew language and customs
• Discovering the "real" role women played during this time and their contribution to Christianity
• Getting a rare look at what it was like to be a disciple of Jesus
• Expanding our focus from "me" to "we" using love as the foundation for our actions
• Growing in our spiritual relationship with Christ through this study

Margaret Echols, Women of Grace Facilitator

 Sets the Tone for Chapter 1:

This week we plan to complete Chapter 1: Joining Mary at the Feet of Jesus. During your study, take the following approach for a fuller learning experience:

• Ask God to give you revelation as you read and study this book
• Highlight in the book or make notes about topics that make an impression on you
• Cross reference in your bible the scriptures outlined in the chapter as you move through the book 
• Use ancillary aids such as an amplified bible or commentary to give more context and information
• Meditate on any scripture references of interest and capture any observations
• Journal after each session for what you uncovered, noting any special thoughts or feelings

Come next week prepared to share your experience. For those who would like to share their journals on this blog, send an email to cbcwomensgroup@gmail.com, with your name, contact number, blog title, and the complete text of the article you want posted.

It is our prayer that this group exponentially benefits from this exciting study, and the Lord uses each of us as a vehicle to continually spread the Good News far beyond what any of us can think, ask, or imagine.

Have a Blessed Week!

-Stacey

Women of Grace Member

Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus - New Bible Study Starting 9/8

Women of Grace:

One of the desires the Holy Spirit has given this group is to know Jesus more and one of the ways we will accomplish this is by studying the Jewish Culture so that our bible study is a more richer experience. The group has selected the book Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith, written by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg.

Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus is a rare look at what it must have been like to be a disciple following Jesus. Not only does this book explore the customs, beliefs, and traditions of the Jews, the very first chapter titled "Joining Mary at the Feet of Jesus" delves into the role of women in the synagogue. The writing style is one that gives you a front row seat of what it must have been like to be a disciple following Jesus when he walked this earth, exploring his lifestyle and teachings as he fulfilled his Father's will for his life. There are many scripture references to use in your personal study, and one of the great features of this book are practical exercises at the end of each chapter to help you gain practical understanding of what you read. The authors have also provided an appendices that covers the prayers Jesus prayed, various feasts and customs, recommended resources, and a glossary of terms.

Over the next several months, we will incorporate the study of this book into a curriculum that will give  you a richer experience for learning, understanding, and ultimately applying in your life to help you become the victorious Christian.

The curriculum will include:

• Two Chapters of study per month, allowing everyone time to incorporate it into busy schedules:
• First Session: Chapter discussions from reading
• Second Session: Chapter assignment and user experience from individual study and journaling
• Individual journaling per chapter that can be shared via our online ministry (Blog, FaceBook)
• Guest Speaker who is a subject matter expert on the Jewish Culture - TBD
• Field Trip to a synagogue to experience a ceremony applying what we learned through study and to explore other questions and topics - TBD

This interesting study will culminate near Easter 2014 (April 20), giving you a deeper understanding and reason to celebrate and be grateful for the rich traditions that have been preserved and shared from generation to generation.

You can purchase the book at any bookstore but here is the link to Amazon for book and author info:

Join us for this exciting study! Email us at cbcwomensgroup@gmail.com if you have questions.

Stay Strong in Christ!

Stacey

Women of Grace Member

Grace to Overcome - Trials and Tribulations

We Are More Than Conquerors!

As Christian Women, we sometimes forget that each of us is a work in progress. There will never be the "Ultimate Christian" and there is no graduation for us until Christ returns. Even then, He will test what we have done with this gift of life that He has given us.

This past week, a group of us discussed the personal trials that we are currently facing. As we all shared what was on our hearts, the Lord allowed us to see that there were many commonalities and patterns in what we were experiencing. In Matthew 18:20, He said, where 2 or 3 are gathered in His Name, there He is, and Wow, did He give us revelation!

Continue reading to see if there are any nuggets of wisdom for you:

KNOW WHO YOU ARE

First, if you have accepted Christ, you are more than a conqueror! Look at the pattern in your life - you were built and are equipped for the very challenge you are facing. God uses every situation and circumstance to prepare us for victory. We may waste His time but He does not waste ours! Romans 8:37

LAY DOWN YOUR WILL

Submit and allow God to use you through this process. He is ultimately in control, all things are under his feet and nothing catches Him by surprise. Stop trying to take charge; ask the Holy Spirit to help you in this area. This is the only way you will start to know His will for your life. Romans 12:2

BECOME SELF AWARE

Know that you are not perfect and He will change you through this. This is a good thing! Renew your mind and focus on the things of the spirit. Romans 12:2

ACCEPT YOUR GIFT 

We have a tendency to want what others have, not accepting the gift that God has given us. Even if others have criticized you in the past, exercise your gift with cheerfulness, bringing glory to our Father in Heaven. Romans 12:6-8

MAKE PRAYER A PRIORITY 

Prayer should be the first resort and not the last. Some people say "well all I can do now is pray..." Christ made it a priority to stay in prayer, this should always be the first step! Paul said to pray without ceasing - pray continually about all things. 1Thessalonians 5:17

SEEK WISDOM 

When you are facing a situation, don't let your prayers be fleeting. Find a scripture that speaks to your challenge and stay on it. Fast from media, friends, food, Whatever you need to do to get revelation. Lean not on your own understanding but on the one who can deliver you. Proverbs 3:5-6

YOU ARE NOT ALONE 

Christ is always there with you whether you feel it or not. NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. Romans 8:38-39 Find a Church and small group to share your burdens and gifts. We have to encourage each other to fight the good fight of faith. 1Timothy 6:12 Christ did not say we wouldn't have trials and tribulations, but what He did say was that He will be with us through it! John 16:33

Here are other scriptures that will help you through this time:

Jeremiah 29:11

I know the plans I have for you. It is to give you a future and a hope.

2 Corinthians 12:9

His Grace is sufficient for me. His power is made perfect in weakness.

Romans 8:31

If God be for us, then who can be against us?

2 Corinthians 1:3,4

God comforts us in our tribulation so that we may be able to comfort others.

2 Corinthians 5:16-18

Do not lose heart. For our light affliction, which is only for a "moment" (compared to eternity) do not focus on the things that are seen, because those things are temporary. The things that are unseen are eternal.

If you would like prayer, please email us at cbcwomensgroup@gmail.com. 
You can always visit our small group in person on Sundays, please see the website for details. 

We would love to hear from you!

Be blessed and stay strong in Christ!

Stacey

Women of Grace Member

Community Bible Church

Comprehending the Love of God - Part 2

For the past few weeks, we have been focusing on the Love of God. This topic is the cornerstone lesson of all - everything else hangs off this lesson, and once you understand the love that God has for us, you will be empowered in your walk to live the life of a victorious Christian.

Margaret Echols, Woman of Grace Facilitator, leads a lively discussion with the ladies, as we continue to explore what it means to have the love and attention of the Creator of the Universe. King David also grappled with this thought, as he says in Psalm 8:4, "What is man that you are mindful of him? And the son of man that you visit him." In this 2 minute video, Margaret discusses what it means for God to love us.

Margaret Echols

Woman of Grace Facilitator

Community Bible Church

Woman of Grace, if you get nothing else, get this lesson - God Loves You! Do whatever you need to do until you genuinely grasp what this means. Tell yourself everyday (or every moment of the day if you need to), that He loves you. Say it in the mirror, say it out loud, sing it in the shower, say it driving to work and driving home, in the grocery store, the last thing before you go to bed, the first thing when you open your eyes in the morning...you get the idea. Just say it. Then say it some more, until you believe it and your thoughts line up, and then your actions. Here are some scriptures to get you started:

Matthew 22:37-40

Joshua 1:5-9

Philippians 3:1-21

Philippians 2:13-16

Ephesians 3:14-21

It is our prayer that the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. We also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe Him. 

Ephesians 1:17 and 1:19 NLT

Comprehending the Love of God

At times we are all challenged with receiving God's grace and part of that challenge stems from not comprehending the love that God has for us as His children.  Knowing God's love is the beginning of receiving His grace and exercising our faith to live the victorious Christian life. 

Margaret Echols (Woman of Grace Facilitator), led a discussion to help us begin to understand the love God has for His children. Knowing how much He loves us puts everything else in order and frees us from bondage, strongholds, and condemnation. God exercised His faith through His love, and Margaret shows us the evidence for this in the following study.

Comprehending the Love of God

• Genesis Chapter 1 - Read the entire chapter
• Focus Verse: 1:26
• Message: God says "Let us make man in our image, Male and Female, to be like us." NLT
• Genesis Chapter 2 - Read verses 1 - 9
• Focus Verse: 2:4 and 2:5
• Message: Man had not manifested yet, nor any of the vegetation at this point although God already planned it. God spoke man into existence by faith, demonstrating for us the power of faith.
• Romans Chapter 1 - Read the entire chapter
• Focus Verse:  1:20 through 1:25
• Message: God has made the truth obvious to man through His creation. Since sinful man refuses to accept God's love, and instead suppress the truth, God abandoned him to do the shameful things his heart desired. NLT
• This further demonstrates that God loves us so, even to the point of allowing us to have what we say we want. He wants us to choose Him, but we have to come to that on our own accord. This same attitude was found in the children of Israel when they wanted a mortal king instead of the one true King. 1 Samuel 8:7

Margaret Echols

Women of Grace Facilitator

Community Bible Church

Grace Challenge - Giving Grace to Others

Women of Grace:

Do you know who provides - regardless of how little or how much you may think you have? Do you really know that you had nothing to do with it? It's all by the grace of God that we have anything good in this life, and today's enlightened moment came from Jonah Chapter 4.

We talked about being aware of our motivations, giving from the heart without expectation, and the grace God gives to us so that we may give grace to others. Keisha took the discussion to another level with a reading from Jonah Chapter 4 .  We laughed about how upset Jonah was with God because the plant that was giving him shade died. God said to Jonah that it was He (the Lord) who made the plant grow and Jonah had nothing to do with putting it there. Do we even know (or do we forget) who actually provides us with shelter, food, protection, money, the very air we breathe?! So is it right that we withhold any good thing from others, or stand in judgement because they don't do what we want? God demonstrated His grace and mercy to Jonah with the plant He gave for shelter from the sun, but Jonah in return did not want the Lord to give that same grace and mercy to the people of Nineveh. 

Grace Challenge for this Week: Do you give the same grace to others that the Lord provides to you? Read Jonah Chapter 4 and ask the Lord to reveal where you stand, then ask Him to help you provide that same grace to others.

Have a blessed week!

-Stacey
Women of Grace Member