Girlfriends Bible Study

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)

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.

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

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

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.

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]

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.

God miraculously parted the waters on more than one occasion - not just the Red Sea with Moses.Exodus 14:10-22 (Moses & the Red Sea)Joshua 3:5-17; 4:1-18 (Joshua & the Jordan River)2 Kings 2 (Elijah and Elisha & the Jordan River)
And it's important to acknowledge the very first partings of the waters - Genesis 1:6-10.
Some also mention: - Jeremiah 51:36-42 where God warned that He would dry up the Euphrates. It later came to pass in 539 BC under King Cyrus the Great.- Jesus stopped the rain in Matthew 8.

Join us as we discuss the Nephilim and other fallen angels.
Scriptures:Luke 10:18-20Genesis 6:1-8Numbers 13:31-332 Peter 2:4-16Jude 5-10

Are you a "napper"? Do you rest well? Do you sleep too much?
Sleep and rest are Biblical and good for...RefreshingReceiving visions from GodAn exercise of faithHealing
Scriptures:Exodus 20:8-11Matthew 11:28-30Psalm 23:1-3Proverbs 3:21-24Psalm 3:1-5Psalm 4:1-8Matthew 8:23-27Mark 6:30-34Luke 8:42-46Proverbs 24:30-34