What do you think?

I was talking with a friend who asked me about the Bible studies and wondered if I had sold any. My response was, no, I have not sold either of them to anyone.

I mentioned that I realized that that is because I am "an unknown" as a Bible writer and in the wider Christian Community. No one really knows if the Bible studies I have written are valid, if I am sincere, if I have enough knowledge to write or teach anyone anything from the Bible. I am an "unknown quantity" to them.

It occurred to me that I have a good reputation for Bible teaching at Calvary Chapel Stone Mountain but, outside of that, not much. I'm not famous. I'm not really interested in fame, but I would like people to trust that my studies are, indeed, useful for delving into the Word of God and simply understanding what is actually being said. When you understand what it actually says, and what it truly means, it opens up something inside that lets you begin or helps you continue growing in knowing Christ. And when you "know" Jesus Christ, when you belong to Him, you have the gift of eternal life!

Joh 17:3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

I am not a Bible school graduate. In fact in the "schooling" area, I only graduated from high school. But I know the Holy Spirit has taught me and is teaching me to read the Bible and I share what He has given me. My teachings are simple, direct, and effective. I have often said that I am a "learner who shares."

So, if you have read or used any of the Bible studies that I have sent to you -- or if you have been in one of my classes in the past, would you be willing to write a short paragraph about your experience and how you would evaluate my teaching? Did you learn anything you did not know before? Did you experience God in a different way than before? Did you grow in knowing Christ? What was your experience like? What do you think of my studies or my classes? Would you recommend them to another person? And may I post your comment on the Bible Studies page, so that people know I am not some nut out there making up things, and that my studies are useful and Spirit lead.

If you would be willing to do that for me, I would really appreciate it. Please either send me an e-mail or comment on the blog spot.

And thank you for being willing to put yourself out there for me. If you cannot, that is not a problem, I'll still love you anyway. Thanks.

Grateful to be in Christ with you,
Marcia

Just sharing where I am today

Emotionally I've been kind of "up and down" right now. I am grateful that people from my church have been praying for my anxiety -- the Lord is answering that prayer and guiding me. When I asked Him what to do about this He said, "Relax, and trust in me."

What a relief. Just relax. Take a deep breath and trust Him -- know that God is still God, and He still loves me (and you). I do trust Him for my life, and my well being, and for my provision. Thank you Lord for your goodness.

Yesterday after much prayer and reading my devotional called "Abiding in Christ" by Andrew Murray, I was really at peace because I finally began to understand the verse:

1 Cor 1:30 KJV But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

I really began to feel deeply that by God's grace I am IN Christ Jesus -- and that God purposefully made Him to be my wisdom and my righteousness and my sanctification and my redemption. It finally dawned on me that if Jesus IS these things for me, I do not have to try to be them. He is them for me.

This question really amazed me: If God is our righteousness, how could we maintain it? The answer: Through faith God maintains it for us.

He maintains my wisdom, my righteousness, my sanctification and my redemption -- I just have to believe it!! And live by faith. The just shall live by faith.

I'm glad I shared that with you, because, today I have been "down" and being reminded of being IN Christ, really lifted my own spirit again.

Grateful to be IN Christ, with you,
Marcia