Girlfriends Bible Study

Ep 72 - Dreams, Part 2

Did you know there are 21 dreams (or nightmares) mentioned in the Bible? 
Ten of them are in the book of Genesis. In this Bible Study on Dreams, we discuss several of them.
Dreams are given to us as warnings (Job 33:14-18), as prophecy, and as a way for us to simply talk to God Himself.
Did you know that Solomon's request for wisdom was made via a dream? (I Kings 3:5-15)
And there are two instances of people hearing about dreams - Judges 7:13-16 (Gideon hears about a dream that a Midianite had) and Matthew 27:19 (Pontius Pilate's wife warns him to leave Jesus alone because she had a nightmare.)
In Matthew 1:18-25, Joseph is told via a dream not to be afraid to marry Mary, even though she's preggers.
Here is an interesting link to learn more about dreams in the Bible:https://overviewbible.com/infographic-dreams-bible/

Ep 71 - Healing & Dreams

I was determined to push through and have Bible Study even though I'd been sick all day.We read about the Woman with the Issue of Blood in Matthew 9:18-22, which always gives me strength.We also read about Jacob's Ladder in his dream in Genesis 28:10-19.

Ep 70 - Don't Look Back

In this Bible Study we finish our discussion of asking for forgiveness, and explore the concept of not looking back when God calls you to move forward.Scriptures:Matthew 18:21-35 (The Unmerciful Servant)Genesis 19:6-5-26 (Lot's Wife)Luke 9:57-62 (The Cost of Following Jesus)Matthew 10:11-15 (Shake the Dust Off Your Feet)
We also referenced:Acts 9:1-22 (Saul's Conversion)John 8:1-11 (Jesus and the Adulterous Woman)2 Samuel 6:6-7 (Uzzah Steadies the Ark and Dies)

Ep 69 - When It Seems All Hope Is Lost

We had a great discussion about how hope can seem lost, but it's not. We have to remember the character and promises of God.
Hope is not lost even when we screw up (like David) or make repeated stupid mistakes (like Samson). 
Sometimes hope seems loss because of our faith - like with Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Hope sometimes seems lost when we're reluctantly asked to step up but we're afraid (like Esther). 
And, when we've been given, told or shown a vision and it hasn't yet manifested - like with Jesus, Joseph, Abraham and Moses.
We determined that we need to hold onto our hope and celebrate when God brings us through and/or blesses us!
Scripture References:Esther 7:1-10 (Haman gets his!)Daniel 3:8-30 (Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace)Daniel 6:5-24 (Daniel in the Lion's Den)Genesis 22:1-18 (Abraham is asked to sacrifice Isaac)Judges 16:23-30 (Samson's last stand)

Ep 68 - Doing What's Right, Even When You're Scared

Doing what's right is not always easy, but it is important.In this Bible study, we look at Esther (4:9-16, 6:1-14, and 7:1-10) and the difficult choice she had to make to save her people.In modern day, we deal with issues such as:- Being a whistleblower at an organization- Confronting someone to clear an offense- Apologizing when we're wrong or when we can't keep our word
The fear in doing what's right can include:- Retribution or retaliation- Death (as in Esther's case, or for instance, people who are in witness protection)- Humiliation or embarrassment- Losing something (a job, a home, a car, friendship, love)- Going to jail- Failure
We still have to push through and do the right thing, even when we're scared.

Ep 67 - The Role of a Leader

When you're a leader (a boss, a parent) that is your primary role & responsibility, above all else, to those who "report" to you, or who count on you for leadership and protection.
Scriptures referenced:Jesus sleeping on the boat / calms the storm - Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, asking His sleepy disciples to watch and pray for him - Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42

Ep 66 - The Problem with Selfishness

Humans may be inherently selfish but God directs us to be selfless.
Scriptures from tonight's Bible Study:Philippians 2:3-8, 12-13Proverbs 19:21Exodus 9:16Jeremiah 1:4-5Acts 13:361 Timothy 4:12Psalm 37:4

Ep 65 - The Power of Words

Tonight we are talking about the power of words. The Bible says we have to give an account of every idle word we speak. It says death and life are in the power of the tongue.When we pair our words with faith, amazing things happen.

Ep 64 - The Power of Our Words and Thoughts

Whether you think you can, or you think you can't...you're right. (Henry Ford)Proverbs 23:7 - As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.Romans 4:17 - Call those things that be not as though they areHabakkuk 2:2 - Write the vision and make it plain so that men [and women, and you!] can run with it.Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith, it is impossible to please God. [Or yourself]

Ep 63 - The Power of a Name

What does your name say about your character? Tonight's scriptures: 1 Samuel 25:25, 1 Chronicles 4:10, Proverbs 22:1, Philippians 2:9-10.