(Video coming Wednesday)

This past week, an icon of our youth passed away tragically, David Cassidy. He was such a cutie back in the 70’s, and he was extremely talented. However, after his ride of fame from the show “The Partridge Family,” he faced the down side of show business, and he had a difficult time coping. After years of substance abuse to numb the pain and depression, he was able to make a come back into the entertainment industry. However, his life was cut short by the damage his addictions had on his body.

His final words were recorded as, “So much wasted time.”

This is such a sad statement from someone who had so much going for him, but any one of us could also say the same words at the end of our lives if we choose to live for our own comforts instead of choosing to fulfill God’s great purpose for our lives. Life is too short to waste on temporary pleasure, ease, or comfort when eternity is on the line. We have too much going for us to settle for such a life!

One of the most significant, yet challenging, lessons I have learned in my walk with Christ is that this life is not all about me. It is not about my comfort, my convenience, my preferences, what makes me happy, or what makes me feel good. Sure, God loves to bless us, and He often gives us these things, but our comfort is not the primary goal of our lives.

Jesus taught His disciples that unless they were willing to deny themselves for the sake of the Gospel, they were not worthy of Him. God has a grander purpose beyond our immediate desires. We were put on this earth to have a relationship with Him and to make the name of Jesus famous. If that includes sacrifice or suffering for a time, ultimately, it is worth it.

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. Mark 8:34-35 ESV

You have heard it said that “the Christian life is not a spectator sport.” God did not create us in His image, infuse us with gifts and purpose, and orchestrate events in our lives so that we would merely warm the pews in the church. He has called us to work and to serve for the advancement of His Kingdom. We have a very important commission!

 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV

Jesus Himself set the perfect example. He did not come to BE served or to live a life of comfort or luxury, but He came TO serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. When it eventually came down to the tug-of-war between what He wanted to do in His flesh and what He knew God’s will was, He willingly submitted His desires for God’s purpose.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 ESV

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”  Luke 22:42 NIV

As a matter of fact, Scripture tells us that it was for His joy that Christ suffered on the cross for us. He didn’t come to the earth to feel good or to be famous, but it gave Jesus pleasure to redeem the ones He loves, even if it meant tremendous suffering.

“…Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Hebrews 12:2-3 ESV

Something that stands out to me is that in every story in Scripture of someone playing a significant role in God’s great plan, they did not do so because they chose the easy path or was afraid to take a risk. Hebrews 11, for example, recounts hero after hero of faith who took the difficult road in order to accomplish greatness for the glory of God.

The example of David defeating Goliath illustrates this further in that David was able to accomplish in mere minutes what the total Israelite army was unable to do in the entire 40-day standoff with Goliath. They were comfortable sitting on the sidelines, and they were unwilling to step out in faith. David, however, took the initiative, by the power of God, and took that bully down in an instant.

We may have situations in our lives that will test our faith and our commitment to Christ. Will we boldly stand up for Christ’s honor? Will be step out of our comfort zones to try something new or difficult? Are we willing to feed the hungry or give to those in need, even if it means sacrifice? Will we submit our gifts and talents to lift up the name of Christ? Are we willing to face persecution, famine, or suffering if we are called upon to do so? Are we willing to go where God has called us to go and to do whatever He has called us to do?

I don’t mean to imply that living for Christ is all about suffering or sacrifice, but when the opportunity comes, may we refuse to settle for the path of least resistance. Our calling goes far beyond our comfort zones!

One of the most profound, yet simple quotes from this week’s reading is, “Life is short. God is big.” In a nut shell, this simple phrase can set our perspective. We don’t have time to play games or to strive for the temporary comforts of this earth. Life is too short. We will have all of eternity to enjoy God’s rewards for our labor, but for now, we have a great big God who trumps anything this world has to offer. His purposes far exceed anything we could ever desire on this earth.

Here are four truths to remember to make sure we are putting God’s purposes over our comfort and ease:

1. We remember that faith thrives in discomfort.
2. We remember the point of our lives is the fame of Jesus.
3. We align ourselves with God.
4. We remember life is short.

Life is short. God is big.

Week 4 Assignments

1. Watch my video for Week 4 (available on Wednesday).
2. Read pp. 61-76 in the study guide and do one or all of the activities on pp. 71-76 of the study guide. Have fun with these!
3. Optional: Read chapter 5 of the companion book, Goliath Must Fall (white book).
4. Participate in a small group at Heart to Heart Women’s Bible Study on Facebook. See pinned post for directions and schedule.

Week 4 Discussion Questions

Here is a sneak peek of the questions we will be discussing this week in our small groups.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 ESV

QUESTION 1: We talked about rejection and insecurity last week. We have all been acquainted with rejection to one degree or another. What is something you learned this past week that can help you respond in a healthy way? How can we conquer this giant of rejection?

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. Mark 8:34-35 ESV

QUESTION 2: Why is comfort a dangerous giant? How can it affect us for the worst?

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 ESV

For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13 ESV

QUESTION 3: Can you see any areas in which your desire for comfort is limiting what you might do for God? If so, what are those areas?

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake. Philippians 1:29 ESV

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 ESV

QUESTION 4: The point of our lives is the fame of Jesus. How can our lives proclaim the fame of Jesus?

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3 ESV

QUESTION 5: “Life is short. God is big.” How would you explain each of these statements in your own words? Why are they important to remember together?

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 ESV

So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33 ESV

QUESTION 6: What might it look like for you to get out of your comfort zone in order to serve God in some way? How do you feel about that?

CLOSING PRAYER (By Louie Giglio):

Lord, today we pray that you will give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones and step away from our comfortable lives to bring glory to Christ. Regardless of what we face, we pray that you will be continually exalted in our midst. Help us to always conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. And let us stand firm together, so that we may overcome those who come against us. Thank you, Lord, that you have saved us and rescued us from our sins. Help us to remember your example and follow you wherever you lead us. Amen.

Reading Schedule

• November 6-12, Week 1: “Dead but Still Deadly” 
  • Study Guide pp. 11-26 | (optional) Companion book, chapters 1-2
• November 13-19, Week 2: “Fear Must Fall”
  • Study Guide, pp. 27-42 | (optional) Companion book, chapter 3
• November 20-26, Week 3: “Rejection Must Fall” (HAPPY THANKSGIVING!)
  • Study Guide, pp. 43-60 | (optional) Companion book, chapter 4
• November 27-December 3, Week 4: “Comfort Must Fall”
  • Study Guide, pp. 61-76 | (optional) Companion book, chapter 5
• December 4-10, Week 5: “Anger Must Fall”
  • Study Guide, pp. 77-94 | (optional) Companion book, chapter 6
• December 11-17, Week 6: “Addiction Must Fall”
  • Study Guide, pp. 95-110 | (optional) Companion book, chapters 7-9
• December 18-24, Catch Up Week
  • Small groups: Wrap up study

How This Works

1. If you have not done so already, please register by leaving your name and email address below.
2. Purchase the study book and companion book (optional).
3. Subscribe to this site to receive future updates by email. Enter your email address in the field to the right, and then click the subscribe button.
4. Join our closed Facebook group, Heart to Heart Women’s Bible Study, for weekly interaction, activities, videos, and small group sessions. Closed means that no one will be able to see our posts unless they are members of the group. This is for your safety and privacy.
5. Small Groups: See the pinned post at the top of the Facebook group, Heart to Heart Women’s Bible Study, for the schedule and instructions. All you need to do is show up at the scheduled day and time, and the discussion will take place underneath the group photo. 
6. Follow my ministry page on Facebook, Shari Lewis Ministries, to stay up-to-date on ministry events and for daily prayers, nuggets of wisdom and encouragement for your life, photos that you are welcome to share, and faith building blog posts to strengthen you in your walk with Christ.

What is Coming Up at Heart to Heart?

1. Advent videos, beginning December 3, (5:00 PM Easter/2:00 PM Pacific): This is going to be the most awesome Christmas season ever! During the four weeks leading up to Christmas, we will have live videos on Facebook with a devotion, traditional candle lighting, and something special each week to make this Christmas season more joyful and Christ-centered. This will include weekly devotions on the blog and fun activities in the Facebook group as well!
2. In-depth study of the book of Genesis, beginning January 15: We will study the book, The Promised One (A 10-week Bible Study): Seeing Jesus in Genesis, by Nancy Guthrie.

 

Whew! I am so excited about all the awesome things we have in store at Heart to Heart, but especially beginning this new study with you this week! I am so ready for the giants in our lives to be defeated once and for all! I can’t wait to see what God will do in our lives over the course of these next few weeks. By the power and authority of Jesus Christ, we really can live free!

I hope to see you in a small group this week!

God bless!