03.21.07
Week Six
1. Read Chapter 6, “A Fountain of Joy”. Tell about something that stood out to you from the chapter. Were you convicted by something? Encouraged by something? What did God teach you from this chapter?
2. Why do you think that the attitude with which you do a task is so important? Who is it important to? Why does God put such stress on HOW we do the things we do (Ecc. 9:10, Prov, 31:13, Col. 3:23, Phil. 2:14)?
3. We all have things that we have to do. Think of one that you struggle to do with the right attitude and tell of a way that you will work to cultivate a more joyful spirit about it.
4. God wants his children to be full of joy (John 15:11, John 16:24, 1 John 1:4,). What are some things about Him or things that He has given or done for us that we can meditate on to increase our joy?
5. List some things that might get in the way of us being joyful.
6. We are commanded in the Bible to rejoice on several occassions. What are the contexts of the following passages? How, when, and what about do they tell us to rejoice?
Matt. 5:12
Romans 5:1-5
Phil. 1:18
Phil 4:4
1 Pet 4:13
Charissa said,
March 23, 2007 at 2:26 pm
1. Read Chapter 6, “A Fountain of Joy”. Tell about something that stood out to you from the chapter. Were you convicted by something? Encouraged by something? What did God teach you from this chapter?
I woouldn’t be surprised if women back then felt like their lives were the same every day or tedious. They had to work so much harder to get food and clothing and shelter! But this woman was joyful about it and put her all into it. I have a hard time getting into cleaning!! I don’t always feel so energized about it, so this was a very good chapter for me
2. Why do you think that the attitude with which you do a task is so important? Who is it important to? Why does God put such stress on HOW we do the things we do (Ecc. 9:10, Prov, 31:13, Col. 3:23, Phil. 2:14)?
Our attitude is very important to God. Our attitude and motive is what honors or dishonors God. We should do this so that we can become children of God without fault and be light in this generation.
3. We all have things that we have to do. Think of one that you struggle to do with the right attitude and tell of a way that you will work to cultivate a more joyful spirit about it.
Cleaning and putting things away. If I think of the benefits of what I am doing and be greatful that I can actually do it ( I’m phusically strong) and maybe think of creative ways to help us keep organized easier, maybe this will help me in my ability to gladly and energeticaly do my work. Also, I think I just need to remember that it’s a way I whole heartedlly honor God, holding nothing back.
4. God wants his children to be full of joy (John 15:11, John 16:24, 1 John 1:4,). What are some things about Him or things that He has given or done for us that we can meditate on to increase our joy?
I can have joy because he has saved me from my sins and I have a great future to look forward to in eternity! I think that is key when we are going through struggles here on earth. He has also given me his strength in which to accomplish tasks with a godly attitude! It’s so good when I don’t react in the flesh and decide to wait on how I’m feeling like reacting. And, knowing that I don’t have to be treated like royalty here on earth but still am stable in my worth in HIm helps! It’s not bad to be the “servant” who has to do all the bad chores!
When I feel like I am always doing things that others should be doing, remembering this kinda helps.
5. List some things that might get in the way of us being joyful.
bitterness, selfishness, being controlling, prideful.
6. We are commanded in the Bible to rejoice on several occassions. What are the contexts of the following passages? How, when, and what about do they tell us to rejoice?
Matt. 5:12 – be exceedingly glad when you are persecuted for great is your reward in heaven
Romans 5:1-5 – glory in tribulations because it leads to hope in the glory of God. We will not be disapointed
Phil. 1:18 – rejoice when christ is preached!
Phil 4:4 – rejoice in the Lord! I suppose in all his greatness and in giving himself to us!
1 Pet 4:13 – rejoice more to the extent that you partake in Christs sufferings. The motive is His glory. And you will see it when he reveals it and you will be even more joyful
Tanya said,
March 26, 2007 at 9:00 pm
I can relate to your feelings about cleaning – except mine regard laundry… The never ending process of washing and drying and folding and ironing… And just when I think I’m getting somewhere, there are more clothes in the basket to be washed!
But, the virtuous woman worked hard to cloth her family – and she probably had to do a whole lot more than the list above to keep them clothed! Maybe when I’m washing and ironing, I should be grateful that I’m not also having to weave the fabric.
It does put another perspective on the mundane when we think that the things we’re doing are for the Lord. It’s crazy to think that how I clean the bathroom resonates in eternity. If I do it for the right reasons, with the right attitude (cheerful, uncomplaining), God is glorified and my love for Him is shown in my obedience to His command. If I do it for the wrong reasons with the wrong attitude (grouchy, grumbling), I used the opportunity to dishonor God and show my love for myself. One won’t be burnt up by fire, one will (1 Cor. 3:13-15). What an emphasis God puts on the condition of our hearts in the things that we do!