Transforming

Ladies,
Thank you all again for making the effort to participate in this study. It does take energy and time, two things we could all use more of! You have all been a blessing to me during this time and I hope and pray that this study is helping you to recognize the anointing of God on your life, to submit to the transforming work that God wants for you, and to accept the redemption and grace He so freely gives.
This week we started our session talking about troubles. Okay, so that is not a particularly fun discussion, but a necessary one. Beth Moore makes the connection between things that start as trouble and grow into sin. For example, financial troubles abound in today's economy. Some of us are scraping the pennies out of the penny jar to make it through the month. But this trouble doesn't become sin until we decide to "borrow" a little money from the petty cash drawer at work. Now, our troubles have become sin. Moore suggests that in times of trouble and disappointment we often are lead into disobedience. In order for God to do that transforming work in us, we MUST be obedient. Scripture tells us that when we take matters into our own hands, or "walk in [our] own counsel" we will end up going backwards. (Jeremiah 7:24) I don't know about you, but backwards is the last place I want to go!
We discussed at length the difference between a faith based on what God does and one based on who He is. For some, when times of devastation come, they can't understand why a good God would allow this, even ordain, this event and they become disillusioned with God because of what He did, or allowed. For others, in times of devastation and heartbreak, they know that God has not promised that we would escape these things but He has promised He will strengthen us, even carry us through. We must have faith in God because He is Holy, unwavering, faithful, loving, masterful. He is righteous, Truth, timeless, Lord of all. For us to demand that God conform to our idea of "good" or "fair", is to demand that God not be God at all.
Day two began with a discussion of reverence. What does reverence look like in practical, physical terms? Moore suggests that Uzzah, David's faithful man, was struck dead by God not just because he touched the ark, but because of an inward attitude toward God that lacked reverence. Through this experience, David is transformed. He is reminded of his God's awesome sovereignty and that to worship Him is a priviledge, not an obligation. God works on our hearts and attitudes first, then the outward behavior falls into to place. Has God taught you any lessons the hard way? On the other side of those lessons, do you feel a new sense of awe and thanksgiving toward God? I do, and I am sure that David did, too.
Day Three is entitled "Dance with All Your Might", referring to the celebration that David experienced when the ark finally returned to Jerusalem in the prescribed way with God's blessings. David is seen here in total abandon, worshipping God with his whole being. He is so overcome with joy, with love, and thanksgiving, he can't hold back. Scripture tells us that Michal, David's wife, despised David in her heart after watching this display. We spent a lot of time discussing how our worship services would be different if we felt like there weren't any Michals in the congregation. David wasn't concerned about her and we should be concerned about those who would judge us for our wholehearted worship of God. Someone asked "in the big scheme of things if God going to care how you worshipped?" I believe the answer is yes. If we worship with others taking the number one place in our thoughts, then who are we truly worshipping? When we feel moved to posture our bodies during worship, we should submit to the Holy Spirit's moving in us, and obey. God wants to do an amazing, transforming work in us, and He wants to start by giving us the courage to be bold for Him, to submit to His Holy Spirit, and to worship Him the way He deserves.
As we discussed, there are some families in our church who are in a season of mourning right now. It is our job to pray them through this season, to encourage, support and love them through this time so that their mourning may turn to dancing. How great is the morning when you wake up and realize that despite the sadness and feeling of loss, God is still good, God is still with you, and by God's power you will make it.
God wants to bless us and through our obedience, reverence and wholehearted worship, He will!