Introduction to Session 5
Read Uninvited, Lysa TerKeurst – Chapters 12-14
Following notes are taken from: https://uninvitedstudy.wordpress.com/2017/07/13/session-5-remembering-gods-presence/
In Case You Missed It:
Verse of the Week – “My flesh and heart may fail, [BUT GOD] is the strength of my heart and portion forever.” 1 Peter 5:6
What has the devil used to derail you from God’s plan? Has it been a temptation that has driven you off course? A circumstance that has compromised your faith? A rejection that has caused you to question your worth and ability to “live loved”? An unanswered prayer that has hardened your heart? Satan may have attempted to keep you from your destiny- but you are much stronger, faithful, and ABLE to fight any battles that come your way- way more than you think! Greater is He that is in you than ANYTHING that may come against you.
So what do we do when the devil’s tactics seem too much to bear? Get a promise for your problem! Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]”.
This week’s statement to hold onto: Resisting God’s promises will make us forget God’s presence. But resting in God’s promises, and reciting God’s promises, will help us remember God’s presence.
Read Mark 6:30-52.
Questions To Ponder . . .
- Why did Jesus lead the disciples away to a remote place?
- Why did Jesus change His plans?
- What should the disciples have learned about Jesus from these motivations of His?
- What should they have learned about Him from His feeding of the five thousand?
- What would they have done differently on the lake if they had learned these lessons and applied them to their lives?
- What does Jesus want you to learn and take to heart from this story, so that you don’t have a hardened heart about it?
- Why might you resist applying this story to your life?
The terrified disciples didn’t understand the miracle of the loaves because “their hearts were hardened” (Mark 6:52). The word “hardened” here means “unresponsive, completely lacking sensitivity or spiritual perception.” The disciples had witnessed expressions of God, but they hadn’t turned those expressions into personal experiences. We can go to Bible study and amen every point made, but if we don’t apply it to our lives we won’t be changed. Inspiration and information without personal application will never amount to transformation.
Romans 12:2 reminds us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is the shift in thinking we’ve been talking about, operating out of fullness and living loved despite whatever circumstances may be surrounding us. Anyplace where we have hardened our hearts or refused to let truth touch and transform that part of us, there will be confusion. Sometimes it just takes trusting in His promises, and remaining still. “Terrified” in Mark 6:50 is tarasso, which means: “to set in motion what needs to remain still.” Searching for acceptance outside of God’s presence can lead us to some dangerous places.
But Jesus isn’t running from your mess. He’s climbing into the boat with you.
Here are some good questions to ask ourselves:
- Information >> Have I sought out God’s truth regarding this situation?
- Application >> Have I applied God’s truth without compromise to this situation?
- Transformation >> Do I now own this truth as a personal revelation from God to use in future situations like this?
Many of the promises of Scripture are meant for all believers. Read in your Bible each one of the following promises and think about what it would mean for you to rest in that promise or resist that promise.
- Romans 8:34
- Isaiah 43:1-3
- Jeremiah 29:11-13
- Philippians 4:19
- Hebrews 13:5-6
- James 1:5
- Ephesians 4:22-24
These are just a few of the many promises that we can rely on!
What happened yesterday can’t be changed, but it can be forgiven. That’s your miracle in the mess. The voices of condemnation, shame, and rejection can come at you, but they no longer have to reside in you. That’s your miracle in the mess. And the temptations that were so hard to resist in your flesh will be overpowered by your truth-transformed mind. That’s your miracle in the mess.
Uninvited, page 170
Identify and describe a messy situation you are facing. What is God’s truth regarding this situation? Which is more challenging for you: identifying the right information about God’s truth or putting that truth into practice with a good application? What makes you hopeful in a messy situation?
The enemy doesn’t take a break. Sometimes it seems like he’s attacking us at all angles with the odds undoubtedly against us. That’s why it is so important to meditate on His promises, immerse yourself in the Word, and run to Him daily for a strength and a peace in the midst of our mess that only He can provide! We are in a daily battle against our flesh, the enemy, and this world. But thanks to Jesus, victory is already won!