Having A Mary Spirit-Bible Study

Having a Mary Spirit- Chapter 5 Fault Line

We all have fault lines, better known as issues which fuel our desires and actions.

Things which really spoke to me
1-God doesn’t waste opportunities- He will use our issues to prepare us. He is the one who takes all things and work them together for the good of those who love him. Romans 8:28
2-Flesh woman rears her ugly head again loving most the inward feast-the hate-filled thought, the pride-filled comparison, the petty nitpicking and backbiting we do in our minds without speaking a single word. Often we offer her a feast. Yes I have thoughts some days that I wonder where they come from for they certainly don’t reflect a woman of God. Demonstrating why we must take every thought captive. Do you remember when you were a child and mad with your mother and you wanted to talk back, but you knew better so you said it under your breath. I have been involved in discussion with other mother where the thought is you can think it, “but” you better not say it. We teach this to our children but better instructions for raising godly children is don’t say it and don’t think it teaching them to quickly cast away those ungodly thoughts.
3-If we are not careful we could be as Samson was after his haircut, not knowing the Lord has departed. Still going through the motions of ministry still living as God’s chosen, but doing it in our own strength without God’s power, Spirit, or His life at work in us. For me this is scary. I want to know when God has left me. This teaches me I must stay in tune with God, and relationship with Him is essential so I will know the moment He is not with me so I can make the necessary changes and pray like David, “Lord don’t take your Spirit from me, cast me not out of your presence.
4-Sometimes it not the enemy we fight but the very hand of God we resist. Remember God uses opportunities to grow us and make us confront our fault lines (issues) the truth about what we are in denial. As long as we deny our weakness, we’ll never experience His strength. We open the door for God to create a life which becomes a safe place when we are honest with self and others. Come out of denial!
5-Making level paths for our feet. The list of questions to ask self spoke to me and provides a way for me to examine why I am doing something.
a.Am I doing this for the Lord or others? What are the real motives behind my actions
b. Why do I feel the need to own this particular item?
c.Why did I assume it was the other’s person’s fault?
d.Why was I less than honest in that last conversation?
e.Why am I avoiding…..
These are good questions whatever our fault lines may be.
6-Until we recognize our weaknesses and ask for God’s help with them we will continually stumble.
7- What use to make us stumble God can use to make us stand.
8-What once made us bow our heads in shame, God can use for His glory.
9. Jeremiah 24:6-7 -This is what God promise
a- God will watch over me for my good
B-God will build me up and not tear me down
c- God will plant me and not uproot me
d- God will give me a heart to know Him, He is the Lord
e-I will be His people and He will be my God
All I have to do is return to Him with all my heart. WOW

Question for ladies in the study- What did you identify as Paul’s fault line?

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