I can't believe that we are getting close to the end of our first ever book of the month club book! Woo-hoo! While I am sad to see the book coming to an end, I am so happy that we are going to be starting a new book very, very soon.If you haven't had the chance to read The Treasured Woman, you still can. It's a fantastic book and I wholly recommend it!
The next book of the month club book (for October) is Out of the Ashes by Sandi Rog. It is a fiction book, and already has a 5-star ratings on Amazon. I hope you plan to read along with us! I'll post the reading schedule at the end of the month.
Out of the Ashes
"A stranger. A kiss. A shotgun wedding. NATHANIEL WARD, wealthy entrepreneur, needs a wife. But he's not interested in the preening, high-society women who are offered to him on a silver platter. He wants one woman, and one woman alone: the girl who gave him all the money in her reticule years ago when the Great Chicago Fire left him destitute. He sets out to find this woman and discovers she's unattached. There's only one problem, a shotgun wedding may be able to bind them, but will he ever be able to win her heart? AMELIA E. TAYLOR blows a kiss to a street rat. Little did she know, years later that kiss would follow her to Green Pines, Colorado. When a handsome stranger arrives in her hometown, she guards her heart from the stirrings this man ignites. Despite society's disapproval of spinsterhood, she is determined not to marry, having witnessed first-hand the lack of love and horrors that accompany marriage. But will a shotgun wedding reveal blessings that arise out of the ashes?"
Are you excited about the upcoming book for the book of the month club?
Chapter 7 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
ReplyDeleteBoaz was impressed with Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi. How did she show this loyalty? She stayed with Naomi even though it meant leaving her family, home, country. She worked hard to support Naomi and herself. She obeyed Naomi.
Are we called to do the same for the Lord? Yes, we are to follow Him wherever He leads us. We are to work hard for Him and be obedient to His commandments.
What made Boaz notice Ruth? Her hard work and loyalty to Naomi.
How would this influence Boaz? He would like such a woman to be his wife.
Is it easy to love God? Yes as He loves us so completely.
Is it easy to commit our lives to him completely? It can be hard to live faithfully every moment. I know I fail at times, but He helps and strengthens me when I ask and forgives me when I fall and turn back to Him in true repentance.
How can we show God we love him in our lives? By being obedient. Spending time with Him. Worshipping Him. In our churches? Loving and helping the brethren.
How important is following God’s commands? It is imperative. Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Chapter 8 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
ReplyDelete1. How do we define dignity? I like the dictionary definition, "the quality of being worthy of honour or respect."
2. Based on the conversation with David in 1 Sam. 25, what made Abigail strong? Her trust in God and humility.
3. What things prevent us from developing strength and dignity? Pride, arrogance, vengeful attitude (even through gossiping), lack of trust in God, impatience.
4. Do we see similarities between our circumstances and Abigail’s? Yes.
5. What about Abigail’s actions do you most admire and hope to mimic in your own life? The way she took direct action instead of being anxious about the situation. She was a peacemaker.
6. In a social-media-crazed society, how can we learn to be discreet? To speak directly to people if there is a problem, preferably in person to person or at least in a private message.
7. What made Abigail attractive to David so that he would want her as his wife? Her dignified manner.
8. What verses in the Bible can help us be more dignified?
Pro 21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
Pro 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
Pro 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Jas 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Chapter 9 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
ReplyDelete1. How does God give us wisdom today? Through His Word.
2. God promised to grant us wisdom; how often do we pray for it? I don't pray enough for this gift, I have to have faith in this wonderful promise!
3. Do we truly desire his wisdom, or justification for what we want? It is hard to desire the truth in a manner but I try hard to have an open heart to do what is best in God's eyes.
4.How did Deborah relay her wisdom to the people of Israel? People came to her for God's judgement on matters.
5. How can we relay the wisdom and experience we have been given to those around us? I think I relay my wisdom and experience best through writing. Fervent prayer before writing or speaking directly is needed.
6. What verses in the Bible give us peace that God will guide us?
Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 2Co 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Chapter 10 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
ReplyDelete1. What things distract us from the ways of the Lord? Pleasures of this world.
2. How can we apply the ways of the Lord to other areas such as meal preparation, clothing, education, etc.?
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
3. What caused Rahab to have so much faith in the God of Israel?
The fear of God
4. Is fear a good reason for faith today?
It is important to fear the Lord, but the proper response is to love Jesus for what He has done for us in order that we could have eternal life.
5. How did Rahab protect her family?
She protected the spies for she knew that they were from God. She believed that if she helped them, she and her household would be spared.
6. How can we protect our faith?
By spending time with God in prayer and Bible Study so as to develop a closer relationship with Him. Then we will desire to be obedient to Him.
7. Why was faith so precious to Rahab?
Because her life was spared.
8. How can we make sure we protect our faith today?
Examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith. We do this, again, by prayer, knowing the Bible and also by being open to being disciplined by the Lord when needed.