Car Chat Podcast with Amy & Jamy Amy Petersen & Jamy Fisher

On this episode, we are actually swinging to the opposite extreme from last episode's (12) conversation about the Proverbs 31 Women. Basically,  for every wonderful thing that describes that women of wisdom, this month's woman is the exact opposite to an evil and murderous degree.  Such extremes.

Today, we are talking about JEZEBEL.

She is not someone we want sitting at our table. She would not fit into our beautiful community of broken yet redeemed women. Although she was definitely broken, she never accepted the truth of God and his redemption. To her bitter end, she was plotting, prideful, vengeful, and contemptuous. She is everything we don't want to be.

So why talk about her? Well, there are still many things to learn from her defiance and disobedience:
- how pride can blind us to the beautiful surrender of redemption
- how idolatry defines our purpose and passion
- how our strengths can become twisted and lead us to deployable actions when used for our own selfish motives

There is much to avoid and learn from her life.

Who is she? She was:
1. driven by what her heart worshipped (Baal).
2. a fixer (at all costs).
3. stubborn.
Who was God to her?
He was the all-powerful one that she just could not accept, so much bigger than her sin and would not be manipulated or handled or out-witted, and just, dealing with her sin with justice.

Although this is a story about a really evil woman who would go to any lengths to get what she wanted, we pray that you will see how her worship determined her path and chose not to do the same.  
Let's live as redeemed women.
 
Much love,
Amy and Jamy

SHOW NOTES:
If you would like to talk more about how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior that we mentioned in the episode, we would love to chat with you! Feel free to reach out to Amy (amyp672@gmail.com) or Jamy (jamyfisher5@gmail.com). We are praying for you!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
*See episode description in the show notes. Review I Kings 16, 18, 19, 21; 2 Kings 9  for her story.
1. What did you learn for the first time about Jezebel? What surprised you about her?
2. After listening to the podcast, how would you define worship? What did Jezebel worship?
3. What is idolatry? How do you see the struggle against idolatry in your life?
4. How do you see the need to “fix” in Jezebel’s story? Why do you think is at the core of our needs to fix things?
5. Describing Jezebel’s husband 1 Kings 21:25 says that “no one else so completely sold himself to do what was evil in the Lord’s sight as Ahab under the influence of his wife Jezebel.”  Review the word studies below and paraphrase the verse in your own word. 
· sold here means to build, work, toil
· influence means to stir up
6. How do we use our influence to stir up the wrong things? Read Hebrews 10:24 for a reminder of what we SHOULD be stirring up.
7. Amy contrasted the Proverbs 31 Woman with Jezebel. What are the differences you see?
8. Review the three descriptions from the podcast and discuss which one resonates the most with you. 
· Driven by what her heart worshipped
· A Fixer
· Stubborn
9. “She is us. Who God is to her, He is to me.” This is the primary question we seek to answer with each character study podcast. In the story of Jezebel we see a woman who refused to seek God; the warning is chilling. Who is God in this passage? What does that mean to you in your life today?

On this episode of the Car Chat Podcast, we are pulling up a seat at the table for the Proverbs 31 woman.  


Um. So. What do you know about the Proverbs 31 Woman? She may have been the theme of a women's event, a book from your mentor, or a cross-stitched name on a throw pillow at your aunt's house. 


But who is she? 


It's easy to get overwhelmed with the list of amazing things that she does. But every action comes from a belief, a character trait, a virtue that drives her behavior. Her external actions are only the results of an internal life of dependence on and followship of Jesus. She is the picture of what wisdom looks like lived out. She is a poem and not a real person. She is the potential of WHO YOU can become.


We will see that the Proverbs 31 woman has many virtues, but we will highlight 4 in this episode:
1. dignity
2. patience
3. courage/strength
4. devotion


Our hope is that you will walk away encouraged and excited about who you can be as you hold to the truth, see life from God's perspective, and live accordingly. We can live wise lives as we attach ourselves to Jesus.

 
Much love,
Amy and Jamy


SHOW NOTES: 
Click HERE: The Hebrew song Eshet Chayil [Woman of Valor: Proverbs 31]  with translation.“There is a widespread custom of singing Eshet Chayil [woman of valor: Prov 31] on Friday nights at home before kiddush, as a song of praise to the woman of the house.”   - The Jewish Chronicle

Click HERE: Bible Gateway ( in New English Translation) with amazing footnotes with the poem acrostic in Hebrew!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Episode 12 ~ Proverbs 31 Woman 
*See episode description in the show notes. Review Proverbs 31:10-31 for her story. 
What did you learn for the first time about the Proverbs 31 Woman? What surprised you about this lesson? How did the discussion on properly interpreting proverbs change your view of the Proverbs 31 Woman? Amy described wisdom as “the ability to discern what is true, what is right, and what is lasting; seeing life from God’s perspective and acting accordingly.” What does this look like in real life? How do you see the Proverbs 31 Woman as an example of wisdom? Brainstorm specific ways that you can be a wise woman in your specific lives right now. Review the specific actions of the Virtuous Woman and discuss what they represent. Share one that comes most easily to you and one that you struggle with most. Review the four descriptions of the Proverbs 31 Woman from the podcast and discuss which one resonates the most with you.  Has dignity Is patient Is courageous and strong Is devoted “She is us. Who God is to her, He is to me.” This is the primary question we seek to answer with each character study podcast. It hits a bit different with the Proverbs 31 Woman. Who is God in this passage? What does that mean to you in your life today?

Welcome to Episode 11 - PART 1 Michal! 
We are talking about the WIVES OF DAVID!

EPISODE 11 in 3 PARTS!
We did something a little DIFFERENT this month...because we wanted to keep the Wives of David AS A GROUP  yet still take time to get to know the 3 wives we selected, we are releasing a 3-part series of shorter episodes to honor each woman's story.  They are like mini-chapters of a bigger story - rooted in the importance of the Davidic Covenant and what it meant to be one of his wives within the tapestry of God's promise.
BACKGROUND
What is the Davidic Covenant? ( found in 2 Samuel 7)
the unconditional covenant made between God and David through which God promises David and Israel that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah and would establish a kingdom that would endure foreverGod does not place any conditions of obedience upon its fulfillmentthe surety of the promise made rests solely on God’s faithfulness and does not depend at all on David or Israel’s obedienceWho were David's wives?  (1 Chronicles 3, 2 Samuel; 3:2-5, 5:13-15)
*Michal- daughter of King Saul, sister of JonathanAhinoam- mother of Amnon*Abigail – mother of Chileab (Daniel)Maacah – daughter of King of Geshur, mother of Absalom and TamarHaggith – mother of AdonijahAbital – mother of Shephatiah Eglah – mother of Ithream*Bathesheba – mother of Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, SolomonIn this 3-part series, we will be talking about: 
Part 1: Michal - this episode!
Part 2: Abigail
Part 3: Bathsheba 


-------------------------------
>>> MICHAL

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 18:20-29, 19:11-17, 25:44, 2 Samuel 3:13-16, 6:16-23.

We will discover that Michal:
1. loved David.
2. was a pawn in a political game.
3. despised David and became critical.

She is one of us.  Who God is to her, he is to you and me.

Her story prompts conversations about being stuck in a difficult situation between two people you love, the choice we have in the waiting, how quickly wounds grows into bitterness that blocks us from blessings,  the danger in focusing on what others think rather than worshipping the presence of God, and more.

I didn't know Michal very well. But through our conversation I see her as a warning sign to what can happen when we don't prioritize God's presence in our lives especially in the face of waiting and disappointment.

You are my alone, my friend.
 
Much love,
Amy and Jamy


***DISCUSSION QUESTIONS for ALL 3 Wives of David on Episode 11.3, Bathsheba.

Welcome to Episode 11 - PART 2 Abigail! 
We are talking about the WIVES OF DAVID!

EPISODE 11 in 3 PARTS!
We did something a little DIFFERENT this month...because we wanted to keep the Wives of David AS A GROUP  yet still take time to get to know the three wives we selected, we are releasing a 3-part series of shorter episodes to honor each woman's story.  They are like mini-chapters of a bigger story - rooted in the importance of the Davidic Covenant and what it meant to be one of his wives within the tapestry of God's promise.
BACKGROUND
What is the Davidic Covenant? ( found in 2 Samuel 7)
the unconditional covenant made between God and David through which God promises David and Israel that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah and would establish a kingdom that would endure foreverGod does not place any conditions of obedience upon its fulfillmentthe surety of the promise made rests solely on God’s faithfulness and does not depend at all on David or Israel’s obedienceWho were David's wives?  (1 Chronicles 3, 2 Samuel; 3:2-5, 5:13-15)
*Michal- daughter of King Saul, sister of JonathanAhinoam- mother of Amnon*Abigail – mother of Chileab (Daniel)Maacah – daughter of King of Geshur, mother of Absalom and TamarHaggith – mother of AdonijahAbital – mother of Shephatiah Eglah – mother of Ithream*Bathesheba – mother of Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, SolomonIn this 3-part series, we will be talking about: 
Part 1: Michal 
Part 2: Abigail- this episode!
Part 3: Bathsheba 

-------------------------------
>>> ABIGAIL 

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 25

We will discover that Abigail:

1.  situationally aware and acted quickly.
2.  wise in conflict
3. stayed calm (didn't let her emotions overtake her)

She is one of us.  Who God is to her, he is to you and me.

Her story prompts conversations about living with a fool, how to handle conflicts with calmness and grace, the value of humility, the power of reminding others who they are in God, when to act quickly and when to not, how important it is to build a foundation on faith so that when situations arise you can stand on what you already have in your heart.

Abigail has just one chapter in Biblical history but she saved David from making a terrible mistake. Her calm strength and humility is what I long to have when I face crises in my life.  She also was married to a cruel and foolish man who I'm sure she thought was for the rest of her life. The way she was able to rise about his foolishness and be strong in her faith is such a challenging example to the impact of choosing God.

We hope it encourages you!
 
Much love,
Amy and Jamy


***DISCUSSION QUESTIONS for ALL 3 Wives of David on Episode 11.3, Bathsheba.

Welcome to Episode 11 - PART 3 Bathsheba!  
We are talking about the WIVES OF DAVID!
BACKGROUND
What is the Davidic Covenant? ( found in 2 Samuel 7)
Who were David's wives?  (1 Chronicles 3, 2 Samuel; 3:2-5, 5:13-15)
In this 3-part series, we will be talking about: 
Part 1: Michal 
Part 2: Abigail
Part 3: Bathsheba - this episode!
-------------------------------------
>>> BATHSHEBA

Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Kings 1:11-27, 2:13-22

We will discover that Bathsheba:
1. was caught in a sinful story with painful consequences
2. was redeemed (and her story)
3.  had significant influence
She is one of us.  Who God is to her, he is to you and me.

Her story prompts conversations about having your choice taken from you, doing the right thing but  being brought into someone's wrong thing,  mourning loss of loved ones in your life, continue living in what you never envisioned your life to be, standing for the truth and faithfulness when it is difficult.

I had a lot of assumptions about Bathsheba based on what I knew of her in David's story. But when seeing her for who she was as a women in those times, I am so sad for the loss that she experienced because of someone else's desire. But she kept on walking, kept on living, and God brought the Messiah through her.  It blows me away how he redeems the stories that totally derail. His plans will not be uprooted!

We hope it encourages you!
Much love,
Amy and Jamy


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Episode 11 (Part 1, 2, 3) ~ Wives of David, all 3!
*See episode description in the show notes and biblical texts for these stories.
1. What did you learn for the first time about these women? What surprised you about their stories with God?
2. Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20. What instructions does God give to kings? Discuss how David not following this affects his wives and children.
3. In Michal’s story we talked about how her bitterness blocked God’s blessing. How do you see that in her story? How have you learned to battle bitterness?
4. Abigail’s story has such amazing leadership lessons. What did you learn about being a humble, calm leader from her?
5. What does it mean to you to cast vision? Share a time that someone has done that for you and how it encouraged you.
6. Bathsheba’s story is so rich and messy (just like our lives). What does it mean to you that God chose her to be the wife who is the mother in the line of the Messiah? What does that tell you about God?
7. In Bathsheba’s episode, Amy mentions that each wife AND David have a “fork in the road” to either follow God or not. Where do you see that choice in their stories? What about your own life today?
8. Here are the three descriptions of David’s wives from the podcast; discuss which one resonates the most with you:
Michal: (1 Samuel 18:20-29, 19:11-17, 25:44, 2 Samuel 3:13-16, 6:16-23)
· Loved
· Was a pawn
· Despised
Abigail: (1 Samuel 25)
· Aware and acted quickly
· Wise in conflict
· Stayed Calm
Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Kings 1:11-27, 2:13-22)
· Caught in a painful story with painful consequences
· Was redeemed
· Had significant influence
9. “David’s wives are us. Who God is to her, He is to me.”  Who was God to Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba? What does that mean to you in your life today?

Welcome to Season 2 and Episode 10! 

We are starting 2024 off with HANNAH (1 Samuel 1-2).  Her story follows Naomi's (Episode 5) in biblical order.

We continue to answer the question: WHO IS SHE and discover 2 things:
- she is a lot like you and me
- and who God is to her, he is to you and me.

Hannah is such an amazing sister. Interestingly, she is the 4th women in the bible narrative who struggled with infertility. But, she was the ONLY ONE who walked through it with unwavering faith. There is MUCH to learn from her story.

Jamy and I had such a blast chatting about her in my car while parked in an empty church parking lot. We can so related to her in our mothering journeys.

We will see that Hannah:
1. lived in grief
2. poured out her heart
3. and was faithful in obedience.

We talk about things like: being someone's target of ridicule, the importance of knowing God as it impacts the resolve of our faith, how to name our emotions and the relief that brings, pouring out our hearts to God without filter, control issues, and what it looks like to let go as mothers.

Hannah's obedience, the dedication of her son Samuel, and the far-reaching impact of her choices weave together a historic tapestry that speaks to the enduring power of faithful obedience.

She is one of us.  Who God is to her, he is to you and me.
You are my alone, my friend.
 
Much love,
Amy and Jamy

SHOW NOTES:

*NOTE: Peninnah's fate of her children at 51:13 was sourced from Jewish tradition and is not found in the Bible (Source HERE)

*NOTE:  Amy's journal reboot was prompted by this book Fuel to Ignite Your Soul: The 40-Day Challenge by Ross Alan Hill

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Episode 10 ~ Hannah 
*See episode description in the show notes. Review 1 Samuel 1-2 for her story. 
1. What did you learn for the first time about Hannah? What surprised you about her story with God? 
2. Read Romans 8:28 and the following statement; “Ordinary situations are the most meaningful in human life, and it is in these that God works for good.”* What do you think about this statement? How do you see this working out in Hannah’s life and example? 
3. What did you learn from how Hannah handled Peninnah? How can you apply this in your difficult interpersonal relationships? 
4. Hannah’s response to very deep grief was open-hearted prayer. What do you think of that?  In what ways is this easy or challenging for you? Brainstorm some practical ways you can deepen your prayer life. {Hint: Amy shared her experience with journaling in the podcast!} 
5. Why could Hannah offer her son to serve God with such a glad heart? What verses in 1 Samuel 2 show us that she could do this? How does this translate to you as you too have things/people you love that you need to surrender? What does this look like as you learn to let go of your children?
6. Although Hannah’s story can apply to many parts of our lives, this lesson has a strong motherhood application. Review the verses Amy shared; Psalm 62:8 and Lamentations 2:19 and describe how they encourage you. 
7. Review the three descriptions of Hannah from the podcast and discuss which one resonates the most with you: 
· Lived in Grief 
· Poured out her heart 
· Was faithful in obedience 
8. “Hannah is us. Who God is to her, He is to me.” Who was God to Hannah? What does that mean to you in your life today? 
*quoted from the Introduction to 1 Samuel in the E