Ladies' Bible Study
The Ladies' Bible Study meets at the church on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
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Daring to be Different for God
The Conestoga Ladies Bible Study will begin a new six-week book study on “Deborah” on Monday evening, March 14.
Deborah was a leader of Israel when God’s people were in a period of great decline. This Old Testament story in Judges 4-5 shows that faith, courage, and devotion toward God had a powerful impact in a woman’s life.
Everyone loves a capti-vating story, and this one on Deborah is that! Through the life of Deborah, a Biblical woman with a challenging mission, we will learn how God works in the world, in the lives of His people, and in our circumstances.
Deborah was the first and only female judge in ancient Israel. That is quite an accomplishment by itself. Judges led the people, interpreted national laws, and commanded military forces. But Deborah also was fair, trustworthy, and God-fearing. These were hard-to-find attributes during the chaotic times recorded in the Old Testament book of Judges. Still, Deborah held firm, and dared to be different for God.
Following twenty years of oppression, God told Deborah that it was time to deliver the people once again. She appointed Barak to lead the army, but he was afraid to go without Deborah. He saw the deep faith that she had in God. He saw how she had united the people of Israel and led them to victory against the Canaanites. He saw Deborah serving as Israel’s judge when no man was willing to lead.
Deborah is one of only five women in the Bible who were called a “prophet.” And, she was a woman who dared to be different. Different from the “normal role” for women in her culture; different in values from the pagan beliefs surrounding her; different in the way she handled her success. But the most important difference was that she committed her life to God. Deborah was different not for herself, but for Him.
Even though Deborah lived thousands of years ago, her difficulties and victories represent the path of women who pursue God and his will. No matter the era, no matter the calling, the Lord asks us to “come out from them and be separate” (II Corinthians 6:17). When we do, it’s a distinctive journey.
How does someone become different—and make a difference—for God?
What does it mean to be different for God in our daily life?
If we dared to be different for God, how might our life change?
How could we make a difference for Him?
Chapter Titles:
1. One of a Kind
- Daring to be different for God
2. Plain & Simple
- Choosing to speak the Lord’s words
3. The Need to Lead
- Stepping out when others won’t
4. The Big Chance
- Recognizing when the time is right
5. A Humble Success
- Giving the praise to the Almighty
6. Good Memories
- Encouraging people with your story