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Jesus, I Need You

Matthew 1-5

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This introductory-level discipleship study will challenge women to really know Jesus and look to Him in ways they may never have before. Throughout this study, the teachings of Jesus will be unfolded, and participants will be encouraged to put aside the demands of their present-day world and sit at Jesus’ feet so they might truly hear His message. As they learn to listen attentively, their hearts will be pierced by the voice of Jesus in God’s Word. They will come to know His heart and know that they can ask Him for the grace they need to obey Him fully. Be sure to order the companion study, Jesus, I Want to Love You, after completing this study.

Supplementary Study Materials

MEMORY PASSAGE: Matthew 5: 3-17 ESV Lesson 1: vv. 3-4 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Lesson 2: vv. 5-6 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Lesson 3: v. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Lesson 4: vv. 8-9 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Lesson 5: v. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Lesson 6: vv. 11-12 Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you Lesson 7: v. 13 You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. Lesson 8: vv. 14-15 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Lesson 9: v. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Lesson 10: Review lessons 1-9

Taking the Truth to Heart

TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART INSTRUCTIONS Follow these instructions daily and weekly (they are in your workbook as well) and use the Take a Note feature that is available for each lesson. Record your answers within Take a Note and then access them whenever you need a reminder throughout the week. You will need to create an account (like you might for Facebook or Instagram) to use this feature if you haven't already done so. DAILY: 1. Choose one Scripture from the day to apply to your heart. 2. Write it out and take it with you throughout the day to meditate upon. WEEKLY: 1. TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART: Write one Scripture from the week that the Lord is using to renew your mind and transform your heart. (Rom. 12:2) How is God using this Scripture to teach, instruct, reprove, correct, or train you? (2 Tim. 3:16-17) 2. PUTTING THE FLESH TO DEATH: What sin (wrong thinking or ungodly thought, belief, attitude, action, or inaction) is being addressed by the Scripture you wrote? Confess this in writing. Also include an example of where you saw the evidence of this sin in your life this week. Ask for the Lord’s forgiveness and receive His mercy and grace. (1 John 1:9-10) What do you now need to “put off” from your old self (Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:5-9) or adjust in your thinking, beliefs, attitude, or behavior to submit to God and apply His truth to your mind and heart? 3. BRINGING THE TRUTH TO LIFE: Walking forward in repentance and faith by God’s grace, what will you “put on” (Eph. 4:23- 24; Col. 3:10, 12, 14)? How are you going to do this? Be specific in your plan of action and be encouraged by what the Lord is going to do. Remember God’s love in the gospel, that you have died and Christ now lives in you. Walk in love. Take God’s Word to heart. Submit to it. Humbly live it out.

2022 Introduction

Laurie Aker

2022 Lesson One: Jesus My Immanuel

Laurie Aker

Lesson One: Discussion Guide for Group or Individual Use (click more) Jesus My Immanuel Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time you have provided for us to come together to hear from you and have fellowship in your Word and to learn and apply your Word to our hearts. We need you, Lord. We need your grace all the time. We praise you for your goodness and your love and mercy. Please open our hearts to you and to one another and lead our discussion. Help us not to fear, but to put all of our hope in Christ. Help us to remember there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. May you be glorified in all our thoughts and words and deeds. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I. LECTURE Will someone share how the Lord used the lecture to speak to your heart? Did anyone have any questions or concerns about the lecture? If you ever have a question or something is unclear, please let us know. We want to serve you in any way we can! II. PLEASE READ THE MAIN POINT FROM THIS WEEK’S HOMEWORK Ours is a predominantly me centered world, which is what hinders a real, tangible, intimate relationship with our Immanuel. We are all so full of ourselves, but we need to be filled with Him. We are never going to deeply know Jesus and experience our oneness with Him until we begin to grasp how much our old ways of living are not His way. It is only when we comprehend our need to leave our ways behind and seek Him and His kingdom that we will be able to fully know Him as our Immanuel. Yet we continue to look like the world around us, the culture we live in. Many have an outward appearance of godliness, but are completely missing the love and holiness of Christ. Only He can move the mountains in our hearts and minds. At our salvation the Lord created a new heart in us, and now He is reviving His Spirit within us. We need Jesus! He alone is our great reward! III. QUESTIONS FROM THE HOMEWORK Go through the homework, occasionally calling on women. Read scriptures aloud. After asking a question, remember to allow a brief period of quiet “wait-time” to give women a chance to think before answering. After pausing, if no one shares, go ahead with your answer, rephrase question, and/or move on. DAY ONE Devotion: Jesus, My Immanuel 1. Will someone please share what spoke to your heart from Day One? DAY TWO 2. Quiet Moment - Read Isaiah 1:2-4. What things of the world do you long for? Where or when do you doubt God’s ways? 3. Going Deeper Question #1 - From reading Isaiah chapter 1 and 1 Corinthians 10, do you hear God’s heart for His people? How does He feel about their wanderings and idolatry? What does He deeply desire? 4. Question #3 - What areas of idolatry, indulgence, testing of the Lord, or grumbling did the Lord reveal to you? Please remember there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ! DAY THREE 5. Quiet Moment – Will someone vulnerably read the heart cry you wrote to God after reading Psalm 42? 6. Going Deeper Question #1 - What does God do in response to Isaiah’s confession and repentance? What is Isaiah’s response? What is your response? 7. Question #2 – How do you describe your current heart attitude towards the Lord and His Word? DAY FOUR 8. Quiet Moment - Read Isaiah 10:33-34. What do you need to do to spur on your growth? What do you fear when you think of the Lord pruning you? 9. Going Deeper Question #1 - What did you learn about the Lord’s lovingkindness expressed through His warnings in Isaiah 30 and 31? 10. Question #2 – Will someone vulnerably share the prayer you wrote? DAY FIVE 11. Going Deeper Question #3 - What did you learn about Christ from the New Testament and Old Testament passages you read? IV. PLEASE RECITE YOUR SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSES TOGETHER V. TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART TIME We will now focus on taking God’s truth to our hearts and bringing it to life. James 5:16a states; “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” And 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Please turn to your Taking the Truth to Heart and Bringing It to Life page. We will each have 3 minutes so that every woman will have a chance to share. Please record one another’s confessions on the Taking the Truth to Heart Guide on the following page so you can pray for one another throughout the week. Leaders, please set the example by going first. VI. PLEASE CLOSE IN PRAYER

2022 Lesson Two: A Voice in the Wilderness

Laurie Aker

Lesson Two: Discussion Guide for Group or Individual Use (click more) A Voice in the Wilderness Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time you have provided for us to come together to hear from you and have fellowship in your Word and to learn and apply your Word to our hearts. We need you, Lord. We need your grace all the time. We praise you for your goodness and your love and mercy. Please open our hearts to you and to one another and lead our discussion. Help us not to fear, but to put all of our hope in Christ. Help us to remember there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. May you be glorified in all our thoughts and words and deeds. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I. LECTURE Will someone share how the Lord used the lecture to speak to your heart? Did anyone have any questions or concerns about the lecture? If you ever have a question or something is unclear, please let us know. We want to serve you in any way we can! II. PLEASE READ THE MAIN POINT FROM THIS WEEK’S HOMEWORK An intimate relationship with the Lord begins when we trust in Jesus and deepens as we ‘lie down in green pastures,’ when we slow down and take time to be with the Lord in His Word and truly submit to Him. It develops when we stop and make time to listen to God and the truth of His Word and respond to it rather than to all the things in the world calling our names. John the Baptist came to the people of God. He pleaded with them to listen, to turn their hearts from their own ways toward God. Our call is the same. God is calling us to turn from self-absorption, self-sufficiency, and self-righteousness and no matter where we are, to lay everything at His feet. God wants Jesus to be not just a priority but to be THE priority in our lives. He wants Him to be our first love. Let’s ask Him to prepare the way deeper into our hearts. Let’s ask Him to make this more than just a bible study. Let’s believe God, prove His Word, and see Him move mountains before us! III. QUESTIONS FROM THE HOMEWORK Go through the homework, occasionally calling on women. Read scriptures aloud. After asking a question, remember to allow a brief period of quiet “wait-time” to give women a chance to think before answering. After pausing, if no one shares, go ahead with your answer, rephrase question, and/or move on. DAY ONE Devotion: A Voice in the Wilderness 1. Would someone please share what spoke to your heart from Day One? DAY TWO 2. Quiet Moment - Read Matthew 3:1-3. Are you listening to the Lord in His Word? Would someone vulnerable share the prayer you wrote asking Jesus to give you ears to hear, wisdom, and understanding? 3. Going Deeper Question #1 – What changes do you need to make to help you put aside the time you need to listen to the Lord’s voice in His Word? 4. Question #2 - What do you think you need to do to prepare your heart for the Lord? What are the distractions in your life that hinder you? DAY THREE 5. Quiet Moment - Read Luke 3:4-6. What did the Lord show you that He wants you to confess, lay aside, leave, stop, or start? 6. Going Deeper Question #1 – What are the similarities between Matthew’s and Luke’s accounts? What speaks to your heart from the passage in Luke? 7. Question #2 - Do you think our hearts are different than those of the people in the days of John the Baptist? How are our hearts similar? If we are in Christ, how can our hearts be hardened by unconfessed sin? 8. Question #4 - What would the Lord say to you if you asked Him, ‘If these things are true, Lord, what shall I do?’ If you turned toward God and loved Him with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength, what would you need to get rid of in order to truly ‘clean house’? DAY FOUR 9. Quiet Moment - Read John 1:1-8. Would someone vulnerable share the sin or darkness in your life that the Lord revealed to you? 10. Going Deeper Question #3 - What is the importance of listening intently to the Word and meditating on it in your daily life? Describe how you listen to the Word of God and obediently walk in the light of His Word. What is your recent example? 11. Question #4 - What do the people around you see in you? What do they hear from you? DAY FIVE 12. Quiet Moment - Where do you see any similarities between God’s people in the time of Malachi and in the church today? When have you honored people, things, or comfort more than God? 13. Going Deeper Question #2 - Do you see a similar disregard for God and His Word in our culture or in the church? What examples do you have? 14. Question #5 - A more intentional relationship with Christ will result in ongoing heart, mind, and life changes with almost continual growing pains. What are your fears in relation to this? IV. PLEASE RECITE YOUR SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSES TOGETHER V. TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART TIME We will now focus on taking God’s truth to our hearts and bringing it to life. James 5:16a states, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” And 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Please turn to your Taking the Truth to Heart and Bringing It to Life Review page. We will each have 3 minutes so that every woman will have a chance to share. Please record one another’s confessions on the Taking the Truth to Heart Guide on the following page so you can pray for one another throughout the week. Leaders, please set the example by going first. VI. PLEASE CLOSE IN PRAYER

2022 Lesson Three: Journey to the Jordan

Laurie Aker

Lesson Three: Discussion Guide for Group or Individual Use (click more) Journey to the Jordan Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time you have provided for us to come together to hear from you and have fellowship in your Word and to learn and apply your Word to our hearts. We need you, Lord. We need your grace all the time. We praise you for your goodness and your love and mercy. Please open our hearts to you and to one another and lead our discussion. Help us not to fear, but to put all of our hope in Christ. Help us to remember there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. May you be glorified in all our thoughts and words and deeds. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I. LECTURE Will someone share how the Lord used the lecture to speak to your heart? Did anyone have any questions or concerns about the lecture? If you ever have a question or something is unclear, please let us know. We want to serve you in any way we can! II. PLEASE READ THE MAIN POINT FROM THIS WEEK’S HOMEWORK In order to follow Christ, we must be willing to leave. To be more like Jesus, we need to leave our extra baggage behind-all we think we need, our ways of doing things, the familiar and safe, what we desire to do. Sometimes, if we are slow to follow, reluctant to surrender, or unwilling to submit, a few small steps can take a lifetime. Yet when we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and submit to Him in every way, we enter into the precious, magnificent inner chambers of the kingdom of God, where nothing in this world can ever compare. So, let’s journey to the Jordan as the people did in response to John the Baptist’s call for them to repent of their sins…and find Jesus there. III. QUESTIONS FROM THE HOMEWORK Go through the homework, occasionally calling on women. Read scriptures aloud. After asking a question, remember to allow a brief period of quiet “wait-time” to give women a chance to think before answering. After pausing, if no one shares, go ahead with your answer, rephrase question, and/or move on. DAY ONE Devotion: Journey to the Jordan 1. Would someone please share what spoke to your heart from Day One? DAY TWO 2. Quiet Moment - Read Mark 1:4-5. Are you willing to journey to a place you are unfamiliar with? Are you willing to put God first and to venture out and follow Him wherever He calls you to go? If not, why not? 3. Going Deeper Question #1 – What did Isaiah the prophet say about John? Whose way was he preparing? Who was going out to see John? What does John say about the one who was coming? Why do you think the Father was “well pleased” with His Son? 4. Question #2 - What family traditions or beliefs might you have to leave; what items on your schedule or to-do list might you have to ignore; or what things might you have to let get disorganized in order to establish God’s order and obey the call to follow Jesus? 5. Question #3 - What would it cost you to follow the Lord? DAY THREE 6. Quiet Moment - Read Matthew 3:13-15. Does anyone have a question about baptism? Please feel free to contact your small group leader if you have any questions or concerns. If you are a believer and have been baptized, are you living as though you have died and now live for Christ alone? 7. Going Deeper Question #1 – Will someone vulnerably share your story that led to your baptism? DAY FOUR 8. Quiet Moment - Please read Acts 2:38. Are you growing? Are you changing? Are you following in obedience to the light God is giving you? If not, why not? 9. Going Deeper Question #1 – Are you living a life of continual repentance? If not, why not? 10. Question #3 – Would someone vulnerably share what the Lord showed you as to where you have been disobedient, slow to respond, or grown cold? DAY FIVE 11. Quiet Moment - In the Titus passage, what does Paul instruct Titus to tell his flock? What does this passage say about who we once were? And what did Jesus do for us? 12. Going Deeper Question #1 - What did you learn from the passages in Ezekiel? 13. Question #2 – What does it look like in your life to put off the old, put on the new, and set your mind on Christ? 14. Question #3 - What do you need to do to follow Christ on the path of righteousness, to live according to the kingdom of God? What are your non-negotiables? 15. Question #4 – What area do you need to focus on? IV. PLEASE RECITE YOUR SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSES TOGETHER V. TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART TIME We will now focus on taking God’s truth to our hearts and bringing it to life. James 5:16a states; “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” And 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Please turn to your Taking the Truth to Heart and Bringing It to Life page. We will each have 3 minutes so that every woman will have a chance to share. Please record one another’s confessions on the Taking the Truth to Heart Guide on the following page so you can pray for one another throughout the week. Leaders, please set the example by going first. VI. PLEASE CLOSE IN PRAYER

2022 Lesson Four: Into the Desert

Laurie Aker

Lesson Four: Discussion Guide for Group or Individual Use (click more) Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time you have provided for us to come together to hear from you and have fellowship in your Word and to learn and apply your Word to our hearts. We need you, Lord. We need your grace all the time. We praise you for your goodness and your love and mercy. Please open our hearts to you and to one another and lead our discussion. Help us not to fear, but to put all of our hope in Christ. Help us to remember there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. May you be glorified in all our thoughts and words and deeds. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I. LECTURE Will someone share how the Lord used the lecture to speak to your heart? Did anyone have any questions or concerns about the lecture? If you ever have a question or something is unclear, please let us know. We want to serve you in any way we can! II. PLEASE READ THE MAIN POINT FROM THIS WEEK’S HOMEWORK Immediately after Jesus’ baptism the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness. There He was tempted by the enemy. He tried to entice Jesus to serve Himself and not His Father. Jesus took His stand, held firm in the truth, rejected lies, and refuted the devil with the written Word of God. Satan knows us. He knows our weaknesses and strengths. He is working to distract, discourage, and destroy us. He is trying to keep us from a more intimate relationship with Christ. But we have the same weapons Jesus used! When used by faith, they are as powerful in our hands as they were for Jesus. Ultimately, God is our defense, but we must fight. He does expect us to use the instruction, the illustrations, and the weapons He has given us. We must know our weaknesses and be honest about them. For those in Christ, we have access to His infinite power. We have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, Christ in us! III. QUESTIONS FROM THE HOMEWORK Go through the homework, occasionally calling on women. Read scriptures aloud. After asking a question, remember to allow a brief period of quiet “wait-time” to give women a chance to think before answering. After pausing, if no one shares, go ahead with your answer, rephrase question, and/or move on. DAY ONE Devotion: Into the Desert 1. Would someone please share what spoke to your heart from Day One? DAY TWO 2. Going Deeper Question #1 - Please read Matthew 4:1-4. After reading Jesus’ responses to Satan’s temptations, did the Lord apply any of these responses to your heart? If so, in what way? 3. Question #2 - What did God want to prove through allowing Christ to be tempted? 4. Question #3 - According to these verses, what is the purpose of our testing and trials? 5. Question #4 – What can you apply from today’s reading to a current or recent trial? DAY THREE 6. Quiet Moment - Read Matthew 4:5-7. Do you want God’s glory, His way, in His time, or do you want your glory, your way, in your time? 7. Going Deeper Question #1 - How long was Jesus tempted? What were the circumstances? 8. Question #2 - In what circumstances do you have the most difficulty resisting temptation? Why? What wrong thinking or unbelief were you able to identify? 9. Question #3 - Why do you think Jesus was able to stand up to such extreme temptation? Why do you think we fall prey to Satan’s schemes? 10. Question #5 - Where are you looking for a “quick fix”? 11. Question #6 - How does the enemy tempt you to question whether or not God really is Lord or if He really loves you or even cares for you? DAY FOUR 12. Quiet Moment – What did you observe from reading Psalm 115:1-8? 13. Going Deeper Question #1 - Where are you tempted? What or who is calling for your allegiance other than Christ? 14. Question #3 – What did Satan treasure in his heart? 15. Question #5 - Which name of God spoke to your heart the most? DAY FIVE 16. Quiet Moment - What are the weapons the Lord has given us? 17. Going Deeper Question #2 - What does Moses instruct the people of Israel to do? 18. Question #4 - How will remembering who we are in Christ help you the next time you are under spiritual attack? 19. Question #5 - Would someone share one of the areas of weakness you are struggling with and the scripture you found to combat it? IV. PLEASE RECITE YOUR SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSES TOGETHER V. TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART TIME We will now focus on taking God’s truth to our hearts and bringing it to life. James 5:16a states; “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” And 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Please turn to your Taking the Truth to Heart and Bringing It to Life page. We will each have 3 minutes so that every woman will have a chance to share. Please record one another’s confessions on the Taking the Truth to Heart Guide on the following page so you can pray for one another throughout the week. Leaders, please set the example by going first. VI. PLEASE CLOSE IN PRAYER

2022 Lesson Five: The Light Dawns

Laurie Aker

Lesson Five: Discussion Guide for Group or Individual Use (click more) Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time you have provided for us to come together to hear from you and have fellowship in your Word and to learn and apply your Word to our hearts. We need you, Lord. We need your grace all the time. We praise you for your goodness and your love and mercy. Please open our hearts to you and to one another and lead our discussion. Help us not to fear, but to put all of our hope in Christ. Help us to remember there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. May you be glorified in all our thoughts and words and deeds. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I. LECTURE Will someone share how the Lord used the lecture to speak to your heart? Did anyone have any questions or concerns about the lecture? If you ever have a question or something is unclear, please let us know. We want to serve you in any way we can! II. PLEASE READ THE MAIN POINT FROM THIS WEEK’S HOMEWORK The Light came to shine light in the darkness. The Way came to lead the lost. The Truth was sent to confront the lie. The Life was sent not only to overcome death, but to die to conquer it. However, our eyes see so dimly that we are unable to see the Light for who He is. The light has dawned, and we sleep in. We need the Lord to touch our hearts and give us a new desire to walk in the light He shines on our path. When we ask, He will answer. He will open our eyes, and He will give us light to see. As we respond to that light, He will give us more light. The Light of life will dawn anew in our hearts, and we will be filled to overflowing with the light of life Himself! III. QUESTIONS FROM THE HOMEWORK Go through the homework, occasionally calling on women. Read scriptures aloud. After asking a question, remember to allow a brief period of quiet “wait-time” to give women a chance to think before answering. After pausing, if no one shares, go ahead with your answer, rephrase question, and/or move on. DAY ONE Devotion: The Light Dawns 1. Would someone please share what spoke to your heart from Day One? DAY TWO 2. Quiet Moment - Read Matthew 4:12-16. What does it mean that the people were dwelling in darkness? How did the light shine? 3. Going Deeper Question #1- What do you believe Jesus is asking you to lay down? 4. Question #2 - Where does your life seem most out of control, out of balance, or out of sync? 5. Question #3 - When you receive the light of His truth in your life, how can you be more of a dawning light in the world around you-in your home, your neighborhood, your school? DAY THREE 6. Quiet Moment - What are your regular, customary spiritual disciplines? If you do not have any, what is the first thing you want to get into place? 7. Going Deeper Question #1- How do you respond to the sermon preached on Sunday morning? What do you do with the message preached to you? 8. Question #1 – How are you doing submitting to the authority of God’s Word? 9. Question #2 – What was Christ sent to do? What have you been saved to do? 10. Question #4 - What kind of attitudes do you encounter at church? Have you been measured by some human standard? Do you measure others by the same? DAY FOUR 11. Quiet Moment – Read Luke 5:1-3. When you are pressed upon, how do you respond? What did you learn from Jesus’ example? 12. Going Deeper Question #1 - what did Jesus ask Simon Peter to do? What was Peter’s response to Jesus? 13. Question # 3 - Would someone share their thoughts and feelings when you were instructed to imagine yourself in Peter’s shoes? 14. Question #3 - Will someone share a time when you saw God so clearly that it caused you to worship? DAY FIVE 15. Quiet Moment – Read Luke 5:12-15. What have you witnessed Jesus doing in the lives of those around you, even in the past few weeks? 16. Going Deeper Question #1 - What do you think true faith is? What does it look like? When do you find it most difficult to walk by faith? 17. Question #2 - Are you living as though you were saved from eternal destruction by your Lord? What do you need to do to more brightly shine the light of Christ in your world? IV. PLEASE RECITE YOUR SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSES TOGETHER V. TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART TIME We will now focus on taking God’s truth to our hearts and bringing it to life. James 5:16a states; “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” And 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Please turn to your Taking the Truth to Heart and Bringing It to Life page. We will each have 3 minutes so that every woman will have a chance to share. Please record one another’s confessions on the Taking the Truth to Heart Guide on the following page so you can pray for one another throughout the week. Leaders, please set the example by going first. VI. PLEASE CLOSE IN PRAYER

2022 Lesson Six: On the Mount

Laurie Aker

Lesson Six: Discussion Guide for Group or Individual Use (click more) Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time you have provided for us to come together to hear from you and have fellowship in your Word and to learn and apply your Word to our hearts. We need you, Lord. We need your grace all the time. We praise you for your goodness and your love and mercy. Please open our hearts to you and to one another and lead our discussion. Help us not to fear, but to put all of our hope in Christ. Help us to remember there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. May you be glorified in all our thoughts and words and deeds. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I. LECTURE Will someone share how the Lord used the lecture to speak to your heart? Did anyone have any questions or concerns about the lecture? If you ever have a question or something is unclear, please let us know. We want to serve you in any way we can! II. PLEASE READ THE MAIN POINT FROM THIS WEEK’S HOMEWORK In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, as both God and man, sets forth the foundational truths and principles of kingdom living. It was intended to turn our world upside down. The standard is so lofty it appears unattainable, and many have written it off as just an ideal. Yet Jesus offers Himself as the door into this new kingdom and the way to live this truth and this life. Yet our flesh resists. All of us will fall short of this mark. It is a standard He knows none of us are able to keep. So, He kept it for us perfectly and then went to the cross to die for our violations of His standard. When we trust in Jesus and are saved, He also gives us His power to be able to live out the standard. When one life is radically changed because of Jesus Christ and His Word – there is revival! May we live out His words in His power and may there be revival in our hearts and homes! III. QUESTIONS FROM THE HOMEWORK Go through the homework, occasionally calling on women. Read scriptures aloud. After asking a question, remember to allow a brief period of quiet “wait-time” to give women a chance to think before answering. After pausing, if no one shares, go ahead with your answer, rephrase question, and/or move on. DAY ONE Devotion: On the Mount 1. Would someone please share what spoke to your heart from Day One? DAY TWO 2. Quiet Moment - Please read Luke 6:17-20. Who was there? Who would truly hear His words? How did they respond? 3. Going Deeper Question #1 – Would someone please share the portion of scripture the Lord used to speak to your heart from Matthew 5:1-20? 4. Question #1 - Would someone share the definition they wrote for one of the Beatitudes? DAY THREE 5. Quiet Moment - Have you had anyone cast insults at you or spurn your name as evil for the sake of the name of Christ? What was it like? What do you feel now? If you haven’t been persecuted for the name of Christ, what comes to your mind when you think about it happening to you? 6. Going Deeper Question #1 - Will someone vulnerably share where you struggle with one of the topics from the Sermon on the Mount? 7. Question #3 – What area(s) in your life do you think needs to be addressed? DAY FOUR 8. Quiet Moment - Would someone please share the short prayer they wrote? 9. Going Deeper Question #1 – Again, will somebody vulnerably share where you struggle with one of the topics from the Sermon on the Mount? DAY FIVE 10. Quiet Moment - How do we respond to those who are our enemies? What do you feel like doing or tend to do? What does Jesus say we are to do? 11. Going Deeper Question #1 - Which command or standard was the most surprising or shocking to you? What was surprising? 12. Question #2 - As you read the last few verses of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, what does He emphasize? 13. Question #2 - Where are you doing the most new construction? Your home on the earth (or sand) or your home on the rock? What additions or updates have you added recently? IV. PLEASE RECITE YOUR SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSES TOGETHER V. TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART TIME We will now focus on taking God’s truth to our hearts and bringing it to life. James 5:16a states; “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” And 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Please turn to your Taking the Truth to Heart and Bringing It to Life page. We will each have 3 minutes so that every woman will have a chance to share. Please record one another’s confessions on the Taking the Truth to Heart Guide on the following page so you can pray for one another throughout the week. Leaders, please set the example by going first. VI. PLEASE CLOSE IN PRAYER

2022 Lesson Seven: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Laurie Aker

Lesson Seven: Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time you have provided for us to come together to hear from you and have fellowship in your Word and to learn and apply your Word to our hearts. We need you, Lord. We need your grace all the time. We praise you for your goodness and your love and mercy. Please open our hearts to you and to one another and lead our discussion. Help us not to fear, but to put all of our hope in Christ. Help us to remember there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. May you be glorified in all our thoughts and words and deeds. In Jesus’ name, Amen. LECTURE Will someone share how the Lord used the lecture to speak to your heart? Did anyone have any questions or concerns about the lecture? If you ever have a question or something is unclear, please let us know. We want to serve you in any way we can! II. PLEASE READ THE MAIN POINT FROM THIS WEEK’S HOMEWORK Oh, the blessedness of those whose hearts are acutely aware that they have nothing and are nothing apart from Christ. Oh, the blessedness of those whose hearts are broken and crushed and who see clearly that it was their sin that put their Savior on the tree. In this life there are two paths: a wide and easy path that leads to destruction or the path that Jesus offers that is narrow and difficult and leads to eternal life. The narrow path requires giving up everything we have. It requires admitting we have nothing to bring. The narrow path is the path to true blessedness. Blessed are those who are willing to leave and follow Christ, believing and trusting Him to give them everything they need. QUESTIONS FROM THE HOMEWORK Go through the homework, occasionally calling on women. Read scriptures aloud. After asking a question, remember to allow a brief period of quiet “wait-time” to give women a chance to think before answering. After pausing, if no one shares, go ahead with your answer, rephrase question, and/or move on. DAY ONE Devotion: Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit Would someone please share what spoke to your heart from Day One? DAY TWO Quiet Moment - Read Matthew 5:1-2. What do you think being “blessed” means? Going Deeper Question #2 – Describe what your day might look like if you got up tomorrow and began the day truly living and following the principle of being in the world, but not of it. How might parts of your day need to change? DAY THREE Quiet Moment - Read Luke 6:20. Remembering what you read in the Sermon on the Mount, what do you think Jesus means? What is the Scripture you chose to support your view? Going Deeper Question #2 - After reading John 12:1-8, how do you see Mary’s actions communicating a heart of gratitude and worship? What does she convey about poverty, riches and blessing in her actions? Question #3 – What did you discover about your inheritance when you become a part of the kingdom of heaven? Question #4 – What can you offer to Jesus? What does He offer to you? Question #6 – Has the Lord granted you a deep poverty of spirit? Do you see how much you need Jesus? Are you willing to ask God to do what He needs to do to render your heart like Mary’s? If not, why not? DAY FOUR Quiet Moment – Were you able to draw near to your Lord this morning? If not, why not? Going Deeper Question #2 - Do you believe the forgiveness and the grace offered to you in Christ is real, or are you afraid? Do you still believe you are unforgiven? Question #4 - What is the key point Christ makes in Luke 6:25? Why should we mourn our sin? Question #5 - What do you need? Do you need His comfort? Do you need His blessing, or do you really need to have Him break your heart over your sin? DAY FIVE Quiet Moment - After reading Numbers 12:1-13, what did Miriam and Aaron do? Quiet Moment - How do you usually respond to adversity? How do you respond in the small trials? In the big trials? Where are you most weak? Going Deeper Question #1 - What are the definitions of meek, humble and gentle? Question #2 – What did you observe about your own heart? PLEASE RECITE YOUR SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSES TOGETHER TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART TIME We will now focus on taking God’s truth to our hearts and bringing it to life. James 5:16a states; “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” And 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Please turn to your Taking the Truth to Heart and Bringing It to Life page. We will each have 3 minutes so that every woman will have a chance to share. Please record one another’s confessions on the Taking the Truth to Heart Guide on the following page so you can pray for one another throughout the week. Leaders, please set the example by going first. PLEASE CLOSE IN PRAYER

2022 Lesson Eight: Blessed Are Those Who Hunger

Laurie Aker

Lesson Eight: Discussion Guide for Group or Individual Use (click more) Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time you have provided for us to come together to hear from you and have fellowship in your Word and to learn and apply your Word to our hearts. We need you, Lord. We need your grace all the time. We praise you for your goodness and your love and mercy. Please open our hearts to you and to one another and lead our discussion. Help us not to fear, but to put all of our hope in Christ. Help us to remember there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. May you be glorified in all our thoughts and words and deeds. In Jesus’ name, Amen. LECTURE Will someone share how the Lord used the lecture to speak to your heart? Did anyone have any questions or concerns about the lecture? If you ever have a question or something is unclear, please let us know. We want to serve you in any way we can! PLEASE READ THE MAIN POINT FROM THIS WEEK’S HOMEWORK We too, like Noah, Moses, David, and Daniel, can accomplish great and unimaginable feats as we follow God by faith, trusting in His wisdom and power. By hungering and thirsting after righteousness, we will grow into mighty warriors and witness the giants of fear, worry, and anger fall as we wield the word of truth. When we see and come to know Jesus, we see our poverty, our need, and our weakness. That is the beginning of an entirely new life with Christ! By faith we are then trained, equipped, and made more like Christ as we walk down the corridor of the Beatitudes. We will discover that by coming up under their instruction, we will be transformed. III. QUESTIONS FROM THE HOMEWORK Go through the homework, occasionally calling on women. Read scriptures aloud. After asking a question, remember to allow a brief period of quiet “wait-time” to give women a chance to think before answering. After pausing, if no one shares, go ahead with your answer, rephrase question, and/or move on. DAY ONE Devotion: Blessed Are Those Who Hunger Would someone please share what spoke to your heart from Day One? DAY TWO Quiet Moment – Would someone vulnerably share with the group by reading the prayer they wrote from the Quiet Moment? Going Deeper Question #1 - What do you hunger and thirst after? Question #4 - From the verses you read in Psalm 119 as well as Psalm 19:7-14, what did you notice about the Psalmist’s thought life and focus? Question #5 – What cravings keep you from craving the Lord? DAY THREE Quiet Moment - What does God do when you make the same mistake over and over again? What does His Word say? What is your response when your child does the same thing wrong for the umpteenth time? Going Deeper Question #1 - What do you think it means to be poor in spirit? What does it mean to mourn? What does it mean to be gentle or meek? What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? What do you think it means to be merciful? How do the Beatitudes relate? What observations did you make? Question #3 – When was the last time you received mercy from a family member or a friend? Describe what that was like. Question #6 – Where do you struggle the most with granting mercy? DAY FOUR Quiet Moment - What does Psalm 24 say about the one who may ascend the hill of the Lord? What is provided if we have a pure heart? What is the way to a pure heart? Quiet Moment - Read James 1:6-8 and James 4:8. What is holding you back from seeking the Lord? Going Deeper - What did you learn about holiness and purity from reading the scriptures in this section? DAY FIVE Quiet Moment – According to God’s Word, how do we find peace with God? How do we share God’s peace with others? Going Deeper Question #1 – Will someone share their illustration of their spiritual life stages? Question #3 – Will someone share the words that you circled that best describe you? What did you learn from asking a friend or family member? Question #5 - Are you a peacemaker? Do you share the gospel with others? Are you speaking truth in love to others, or do you create conflict, nit-pick, nag, criticize or avoid? Remember, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! PLEASE RECITE YOUR SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSES TOGETHER TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART TIME We will now focus on taking God’s truth to our hearts and bringing it to life. James 5:16a states; “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” And 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Please turn to your Taking the Truth to Heart and Bringing It to Life page. We will each have 3 minutes so that every woman will have a chance to share. Please record one another’s confessions on the Taking the Truth to Heart Guide on the following page so you can pray for one another throughout the week. Leaders, please set the example by going first. PLEASE CLOSE IN PRAYER

2022 Lesson Nine: Blessed Are The Persecuted

Laurie Aker

Lesson Nine: Discussion Guide for Group or Individual Use (click more) Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time you have provided for us to come together to hear from you and have fellowship in your Word and to learn and apply your Word to our hearts. We need you, Lord. We need your grace all the time. We praise you for your goodness and your love and mercy. Please open our hearts to you and to one another and lead our discussion. Help us not to fear, but to put all of our hope in Christ. Help us to remember there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. May you be glorified in all our thoughts and words and deeds. In Jesus’ name, Amen. LECTURE Will someone share how the Lord used the lecture to speak to your heart? Did anyone have any questions or concerns about the lecture? If you ever have a question or something is unclear, please let us know. We want to serve you in any way we can! PLEASE READ THE MAIN POINT FROM THIS WEEK’S HOMEWORK We are blessed when we are persecuted for reflecting Christ’s righteousness or speaking the truth in love or exalting His name or proclaiming the gospel. You are blessed when you suffer because you are faithful to Jesus and to the gospel. We can rejoice because we are being given the honor and privilege of suffering for Christ our Savior and His gospel. However, if we are not being persecuted, we may be laying down the gospel instead of laying down our lives for the gospel. The enemy is always trying to take us down. We can and must walk forward in Christ, in confidence, by faith, in grace to be who we already are in Him. III. QUESTIONS FROM THE HOMEWORK Go through the homework, occasionally calling on women. Read scriptures aloud. After asking a question, remember to allow a brief period of quiet “wait-time” to give women a chance to think before answering. After pausing, if no one shares, go ahead with your answer, rephrase question, and/or move on. DAY ONE Devotion: Blessed Are the Persecuted Would someone please share what spoke to your heart from Day One? DAY TWO Quiet Moment - Read Matthew 5:10-12. Who does Jesus say is blessed? How does Jesus define persecution? What is our response to be? Have you ever witnessed or experienced persecution personally? If so, what was it like? Going Deeper Question #1 – Is there anyone in your life that you are afraid to offend or be rejected by? Is there anyone you are afraid to lose as a friend if you follow the Lord fully? Question #2 – What are the things that you cling to in your heart that take the place that really belongs to the Lord? Question #2 – What are some of the fears, emotions, and thoughts that you dwell on? Question #2 – What are some of the things that regularly trip you up? Question #2 – What are some of the “priorities” that keep you from sharing the gospel? DAY THREE Quiet Moment – When do you see yourself taking center stage or longing for it? When do you become preoccupied with self? Going Deeper Question #1 – Who or what is your focus? Who or what are you living for? What drives you? Who are you trusting to accomplish your goals? DAY FOUR Quiet Moment - When you are in a position to let your light shine, what responses have you experienced? Going Deeper Question #1 - Would someone share what they wrote about affirming your faith in the Lord Jesus and writing the gospel in your own words? Question #3 – Where do you resist righteousness? Question #4 – What does it look like, or what would it look like, for you to be in hot pursuit of righteousness? Question #6 – According to Jesus, we are blessed when we are persecuted…we should rejoice and be glad. Are you rejoicing and being glad? If not, why not? DAY FIVE Quiet Moment - What are we to do in the face of opposition? Going Deeper Question #1 - What were the instructions Paul gave to Timothy? Question #2 - What are three things that Jesus is praying for you that you find encouraging? PLEASE RECITE YOUR SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSES TOGETHER TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART TIME We will now focus on taking God’s truth to our hearts and bringing it to life. James 5:16a states; “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” And 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Please turn to your Taking the Truth to Heart and Bringing It to Life page. We will each have 3 minutes so that every woman will have a chance to share. Please record one another’s confessions on the Taking the Truth to Heart Guide on the following page so you can pray for one another throughout the week. Leaders, please set the example by going first. PLEASE CLOSE IN PRAYER