Dec 31, 2010
Dec 24, 2010
Dec 20, 2010
Chapter 17: The Ancient of Days
1. What are the agendas of God and of Satan in the life of a believer?
God's primary agenda is redemption for everyone, Satan on the other hand wants to blind people to the redeemer. Once we are redeemed, our completion become God's primary agenda. Christ came to set the captive free; Satan wants to make the free captive.
2. In what ways does God's designation as the "Ancient of Days" encourage you?
God knows what we are facing now. He knows our temptations and failings. But the important thing about this name, "Ancient of Days", is that it tells us God also knows what has happened in the past...those ruins passed down to us from past generations that may catch us off guard, will never surprise God, He already knows about them and has been working on bringing it all out for good in our lives. He has seen the damage, He has surveyed the ruins and he is ready to rebuild!
3. What practical actions can you take to be the one person determined to build a faithful generation?
I find that all of the bible lessons and teachings a person can give will mean nothing to the hearers, if that person doesn't practice what they preach. So I think that is what I can do to help build a faithful generation...not only to teach them the truth, but to live it out each and everyday.
4. What is your desire for your children and grandchildren?
I desire for my children and grandchildren to have with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, serving Him with their whole hearts and lives, walking by faith, reaching out to the broken and lost with the love of Christ, and having a passion to see spiritually lost people, found. I pray that they will have the faith to move mountains; and that they will bring glory and honor to God, in everything they do.
5. In what ways are you allowing the next generation to see authenticity in your life?
Authenticity is being true to who you are, and what you believe. I pray that my children will not only learn the lessons I am trying to teach them, from the things I say, but also from the way I live out my everyday life.
God's primary agenda is redemption for everyone, Satan on the other hand wants to blind people to the redeemer. Once we are redeemed, our completion become God's primary agenda. Christ came to set the captive free; Satan wants to make the free captive.
2. In what ways does God's designation as the "Ancient of Days" encourage you?
God knows what we are facing now. He knows our temptations and failings. But the important thing about this name, "Ancient of Days", is that it tells us God also knows what has happened in the past...those ruins passed down to us from past generations that may catch us off guard, will never surprise God, He already knows about them and has been working on bringing it all out for good in our lives. He has seen the damage, He has surveyed the ruins and he is ready to rebuild!
3. What practical actions can you take to be the one person determined to build a faithful generation?
I find that all of the bible lessons and teachings a person can give will mean nothing to the hearers, if that person doesn't practice what they preach. So I think that is what I can do to help build a faithful generation...not only to teach them the truth, but to live it out each and everyday.
4. What is your desire for your children and grandchildren?
I desire for my children and grandchildren to have with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, serving Him with their whole hearts and lives, walking by faith, reaching out to the broken and lost with the love of Christ, and having a passion to see spiritually lost people, found. I pray that they will have the faith to move mountains; and that they will bring glory and honor to God, in everything they do.
5. In what ways are you allowing the next generation to see authenticity in your life?
Authenticity is being true to who you are, and what you believe. I pray that my children will not only learn the lessons I am trying to teach them, from the things I say, but also from the way I live out my everyday life.
Dec 19, 2010
Chapter 16: Surveying The Ancient Ruins
1. What does Ezekiel 18 teach about the relationship between the father's sins and the children?
Here is the Scripture (my comments are below):
Ezekiel 18 (The Message Bible)
Wow! This passage teaches us a lot, but here are a few key points I see:
2. If Christians do not literally die for our sins, what kinds of deaths can our sins bring about?
Since Jesus paid the price for our sins, we do not die physically because of our sins, but we still have to deal with natural consequences that sin brings. Sometimes, it may be a relationship that is beaten up and brought to the point of no return, or it could be something within us that takes the fall, such as self-respect.
3. What four steps did the son in Ezekiel 18 take to be free of parental sin?
1. He saw the sins of his father
2. He decided not to practice the same habits
3. He got rid of his own offenses
4. He pursued a new heart and new spirit
4. How can we forsake parental sin without dishonoring the parent?
We must look back honestly, believing the truth over the lies of our enemy, and we have to discern the difference between rebuilding and preserving, and we must accept God's appointment as a reconstruction worker. (See pg 102 & 103 of Breaking Free)
5. What is the difference between rebuilding the ruins and preserving the ruins?
Instead of viewing and inspecting the ruins and them working with God to rebuild, preserving is when we just keep revisiting the ruins...we never get over it or move on.
Here is the Scripture (my comments are below):
Ezekiel 18 (The Message Bible)
Judged According to the Way You Live
1-2 God's Message to me: "What do you people mean by going around the country repeating the saying, The parents ate green apples, The children got the stomachache?3-4 "As sure as I'm the living God, you're not going to repeat this saying in Israel any longer. Every soul—man, woman, child—belongs to me, parent and child alike. You die for your own sin, not another's.
5-9 "Imagine a person who lives well, treating others fairly, keeping good relationships—
doesn't eat at the pagan shrines,
doesn't worship the idols so popular in Israel,
doesn't seduce a neighbor's spouse,
doesn't indulge in casual sex,
doesn't bully anyone,
doesn't pile up bad debts,
doesn't steal,
doesn't refuse food to the hungry,
doesn't refuse clothing to the ill-clad,
doesn't exploit the poor,
doesn't live by impulse and greed,
doesn't treat one person better than another,
But lives by my statutes and faithfully
honors and obeys my laws.
This person who lives upright and well
shall live a full and true life.
Decree of God, the Master.
doesn't eat at the pagan shrines,
doesn't worship the idols so popular in Israel,
doesn't seduce a neighbor's spouse,
doesn't indulge in casual sex,
doesn't bully anyone,
doesn't pile up bad debts,
doesn't steal,
doesn't refuse food to the hungry,
doesn't refuse clothing to the ill-clad,
doesn't exploit the poor,
doesn't live by impulse and greed,
doesn't treat one person better than another,
But lives by my statutes and faithfully
honors and obeys my laws.
This person who lives upright and well
shall live a full and true life.
Decree of God, the Master.
10-13 "But if this person has a child who turns violent and murders and goes off and does any of these things, even though the parent has done none of them—
eats at the pagan shrines,
seduces his neighbor's spouse,
bullies the weak,
steals,
piles up bad debts,
admires idols,
commits outrageous obscenities,
exploits the poor
"—do you think this person, the child, will live? Not a chance! Because he's done all these vile things, he'll die. And his death will be his own fault.
eats at the pagan shrines,
seduces his neighbor's spouse,
bullies the weak,
steals,
piles up bad debts,
admires idols,
commits outrageous obscenities,
exploits the poor
"—do you think this person, the child, will live? Not a chance! Because he's done all these vile things, he'll die. And his death will be his own fault.
14-17 "Now look: Suppose that this child has a child who sees all the sins done by his parent. The child sees them, but doesn't follow in the parent's footsteps—
doesn't eat at the pagan shrines,
doesn't worship the popular idols of Israel,
doesn't seduce his neighbor's spouse,
doesn't bully anyone,
doesn't refuse to loan money,
doesn't steal,
doesn't refuse food to the hungry,
doesn't refuse to give clothes to the ill-clad,
doesn't live by impulse and greed,
doesn't exploit the poor.
He does what I say;
he performs my laws and lives by my statutes.
doesn't eat at the pagan shrines,
doesn't worship the popular idols of Israel,
doesn't seduce his neighbor's spouse,
doesn't bully anyone,
doesn't refuse to loan money,
doesn't steal,
doesn't refuse food to the hungry,
doesn't refuse to give clothes to the ill-clad,
doesn't live by impulse and greed,
doesn't exploit the poor.
He does what I say;
he performs my laws and lives by my statutes.
17-18 "This person will not die for the sins of the parent; he will live truly and well. But the parent will die for what the parent did, for the sins of—
oppressing the weak,
robbing brothers and sisters,
doing what is dead wrong in the community.
oppressing the weak,
robbing brothers and sisters,
doing what is dead wrong in the community.
19-20 "Do you need to ask, 'So why does the child not share the guilt of the parent?'
"Isn't it plain? It's because the child did what is fair and right. Since the child was careful to do what is lawful and right, the child will live truly and well. The soul that sins is the soul that dies. The child does not share the guilt of the parent, nor the parent the guilt of the child. If you live upright and well, you get the credit; if you live a wicked life, you're guilty as charged.
21-23 "But a wicked person who turns his back on that life of sin and keeps all my statutes, living a just and righteous life, he'll live, really live. He won't die. I won't keep a list of all the things he did wrong. He will live. Do you think I take any pleasure in the death of wicked men and women? Isn't it my pleasure that they turn around, no longer living wrong but living right—really living?
24 "The same thing goes for a good person who turns his back on an upright life and starts sinning, plunging into the same vile obscenities that the wicked person practices. Will this person live? I don't keep a list of all the things this person did right, like money in the bank he can draw on. Because of his defection, because he accumulates sin, he'll die.
25-28 "Do I hear you saying, 'That's not fair! God's not fair!'?
"Listen, Israel. I'm not fair? You're the ones who aren't fair! If a good person turns away from his good life and takes up sinning, he'll die for it. He'll die for his own sin. Likewise, if a bad person turns away from his bad life and starts living a good life, a fair life, he will save his life. Because he faces up to all the wrongs he's committed and puts them behind him, he will live, really live. He won't die.
29 "And yet Israel keeps on whining, 'That's not fair! God's not fair.'
"I'm not fair, Israel? You're the ones who aren't fair.
30-32 "The upshot is this, Israel: I'll judge each of you according to the way you live. So turn around! Turn your backs on your rebellious living so that sin won't drag you down. Clean house. No more rebellions, please. Get a new heart! Get a new spirit! Why would you choose to die, Israel? I take no pleasure in anyone's death. Decree of God, the Master.
"Make a clean break! Live!"
Wow! This passage teaches us a lot, but here are a few key points I see:
- The sins of one Person or generation do not make another person or generation suffer punishment.
- The person who sins, is the person who pays.
- However, there is always forgiveness, if we who have sinned turn away from our sins, get a clean heart, and make good decisions...we will LIVE!
2. If Christians do not literally die for our sins, what kinds of deaths can our sins bring about?
Since Jesus paid the price for our sins, we do not die physically because of our sins, but we still have to deal with natural consequences that sin brings. Sometimes, it may be a relationship that is beaten up and brought to the point of no return, or it could be something within us that takes the fall, such as self-respect.
3. What four steps did the son in Ezekiel 18 take to be free of parental sin?
1. He saw the sins of his father
2. He decided not to practice the same habits
3. He got rid of his own offenses
4. He pursued a new heart and new spirit
4. How can we forsake parental sin without dishonoring the parent?
We must look back honestly, believing the truth over the lies of our enemy, and we have to discern the difference between rebuilding and preserving, and we must accept God's appointment as a reconstruction worker. (See pg 102 & 103 of Breaking Free)
5. What is the difference between rebuilding the ruins and preserving the ruins?
Instead of viewing and inspecting the ruins and them working with God to rebuild, preserving is when we just keep revisiting the ruins...we never get over it or move on.
Dec 18, 2010
Chapter 15: That Ancient Serpent
1. How does Satan's knowledge of generational sin influence how he tempts individuals?
Satan knows what sins past generations have dealt with, and he uses the same weaknesses to try to make present and future generations fall.
2. What have you seen in yourself that you disliked in a parent or grandparent?
Pride.
3. Why is forgiveness so important to breaking yokes of generational sin?
When we forgive the generations who have made mistakes before us, we let go of the feelings of resentment and become more able to withstand making those same mistakes.
4. How do the sins of the father's increase the vulnerability of the children?
When a child grows up seeing a parent continually do something, the child quickly learns to do the same and may not even realize that they are doing it.
Satan knows what sins past generations have dealt with, and he uses the same weaknesses to try to make present and future generations fall.
2. What have you seen in yourself that you disliked in a parent or grandparent?
Pride.
3. Why is forgiveness so important to breaking yokes of generational sin?
When we forgive the generations who have made mistakes before us, we let go of the feelings of resentment and become more able to withstand making those same mistakes.
4. How do the sins of the father's increase the vulnerability of the children?
When a child grows up seeing a parent continually do something, the child quickly learns to do the same and may not even realize that they are doing it.
Dec 13, 2010
Chapter 14: The Ancient Boundary Stone
1. What was an ancient boundary stone?
"Similar to a fence - it visually reminded people what belonged to the land owner and what was beyond the legal limits." (see pg. 90 of Breaking Free)
2. What always results when someone removes a boundary stone?
Bondage and Sin
3. How does bondage promote sin?
Being in bondage makes you more susceptible to sin.
4. How does parental sin impact multiple generations?
The children grow up watching and learning from their parents. So they naturally pickup the same sins that their parents dealt with all of their lives.
5. What does it take for someone to break the cycle of parental sin?
Recognize the bondage/sin, move the ancient boundary stone back to where it should be, i.e. Set up guidelines and rules in your life to help you not to fall into the same trap and ask someone to be your accountability partner...but most of all ask God to help you break all of the chains and to set you and future generations free.
"Similar to a fence - it visually reminded people what belonged to the land owner and what was beyond the legal limits." (see pg. 90 of Breaking Free)
2. What always results when someone removes a boundary stone?
Bondage and Sin
3. How does bondage promote sin?
Being in bondage makes you more susceptible to sin.
4. How does parental sin impact multiple generations?
The children grow up watching and learning from their parents. So they naturally pickup the same sins that their parents dealt with all of their lives.
5. What does it take for someone to break the cycle of parental sin?
Recognize the bondage/sin, move the ancient boundary stone back to where it should be, i.e. Set up guidelines and rules in your life to help you not to fall into the same trap and ask someone to be your accountability partner...but most of all ask God to help you break all of the chains and to set you and future generations free.
Dec 12, 2010
Chapter 13: Touring The Ancient Ruins
1. Without dishonoring your family, can you identify any ancient ruins that have been in your family for generations?
Pride, fear, anger and rage, manipulation, prejudice, addictions, bitterness, selfishness, lack or self-control.
2. What are the right reasons for looking back at ancient ruins in a family?
Looking back in order to see what issues are there, so that you know what you may be dealing with in your life the lives of you children.
3. What are the wrong ones?
To cast blame.
4. Why are generational strongholds so difficult for us to identify?
They are difficult for us to identify because we grew up with them, and may not even realize we are in bondage...the strongholds become second nature to us and we do not even realize that they are there.
5. What do you have in your lineage that you need to put in the trophy case? In the trash can?
Trophy Case:
Pride, fear, anger and rage, manipulation, prejudice, addictions, bitterness, selfishness, lack or self-control.
2. What are the right reasons for looking back at ancient ruins in a family?
Looking back in order to see what issues are there, so that you know what you may be dealing with in your life the lives of you children.
3. What are the wrong ones?
To cast blame.
4. Why are generational strongholds so difficult for us to identify?
They are difficult for us to identify because we grew up with them, and may not even realize we are in bondage...the strongholds become second nature to us and we do not even realize that they are there.
5. What do you have in your lineage that you need to put in the trophy case? In the trash can?
Trophy Case:
- Prayer Warriors
- Faithfulness to God, spouse, church, etc
- Loving others
- Mission minded - longing to see the lost come to Christ
- Creativity
- Addictions
- Selfishness
- Pride
- Lack of Self-control
- Prejudice
- Fear
- Anger
- Bitterness
- Manipulative
Dec 11, 2010
Chapter 12: The Obstacle of Legalism
1. What is so appealing about legalism? Why do people continue to return to legalism?
I think that legalism stems from pride. We think that we could be good enough to earn God's love. Which is so far from the truth...God's Love is a gift and it never changes no matter what we do. So we are attracted to legalism because it makes us feel like we are deserving of God's love, and we keep returning to it because we have not accepted the gift of God's love, we still feel the need to work for it.
2. Which condition do you find the greatest temptation: (1) regulations to replace relationships, (2) microscopes to replace mirrors, or (3) performance to replace passion?
Performance to replace passion
3. How has legalism squeeze the joy out of your salvation?
Legalism makes you think you have to do everything perfect, and sometimes it makes you think you have to say yes to everything asked of you, or you are a bad person. At least that has been my experience, I didn't know it was okay to just tell someone "no!" I felt like I had to say yes to everything, and I ended up working on so many things and running so many directions, that there was no way I could enjoy anything. I literally ran myself ragged. Trust me there is no joy in that!
4. Which of the five obstacles you have studied gives you the greatest problems? Which gives you the least?
The most = Pride
The least = Prayerlessness
I think that legalism stems from pride. We think that we could be good enough to earn God's love. Which is so far from the truth...God's Love is a gift and it never changes no matter what we do. So we are attracted to legalism because it makes us feel like we are deserving of God's love, and we keep returning to it because we have not accepted the gift of God's love, we still feel the need to work for it.
2. Which condition do you find the greatest temptation: (1) regulations to replace relationships, (2) microscopes to replace mirrors, or (3) performance to replace passion?
Performance to replace passion
3. How has legalism squeeze the joy out of your salvation?
Legalism makes you think you have to do everything perfect, and sometimes it makes you think you have to say yes to everything asked of you, or you are a bad person. At least that has been my experience, I didn't know it was okay to just tell someone "no!" I felt like I had to say yes to everything, and I ended up working on so many things and running so many directions, that there was no way I could enjoy anything. I literally ran myself ragged. Trust me there is no joy in that!
4. Which of the five obstacles you have studied gives you the greatest problems? Which gives you the least?
The most = Pride
The least = Prayerlessness
Dec 6, 2010
Chapter 11: The Obstacle of Prayerlessness
1. How would you paraphrase Philippians 4:6-7 into a formula for anxiety?
"Be anxious about everything, and in everything, complain grumble and groan, to anyone who will listen. And then your anxiousness will fill your heart and mind, causing all manner of illness and disease. No doctor will be able to heal you, no medicine will help you - you might as well go eat some worms."
Now for those of you reading this that do not know what Philippians 4:6-7 really says, here it is for real:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
2. What is the difference between superficial and "meaty" prayer lives?
Superficial prayers tend to just skim the surface. They never get down into the things that really matter, and superficial prayers do not cause change to occur. "Meaty" prayers go deep, deeper than we can express with words, "meaty prayers change lives and move mountains.
3. Why is prayer a key to peace?
Peace only comes from knowing God, and how can we truly know Him, if we never talk with Him or listen when He speaks to our hearts.
4. How has prayer brought peace to you in a time of great stress?
In December 2008, at 14 weeks, we found out that I had miscarried at 11 weeks. Only my circumstances were unusual in the fact, that my body didn't recognize that there was an issue and so I never physically miscarried. So we scheduled a D&C, I remember waking up in recovery, after the anesthesia wore off, alone and heart broken. I do not know if it was audible or if it was just in my thoughts, but I cried (with very real tears) out to God in my pain, and just laid there on the gurney, with tears pouring out and God's love and peace pouring in. I do not know how I would have made it through without the peace that comes from casting all our cares on Him.
"Be anxious about everything, and in everything, complain grumble and groan, to anyone who will listen. And then your anxiousness will fill your heart and mind, causing all manner of illness and disease. No doctor will be able to heal you, no medicine will help you - you might as well go eat some worms."
Now for those of you reading this that do not know what Philippians 4:6-7 really says, here it is for real:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
2. What is the difference between superficial and "meaty" prayer lives?
Superficial prayers tend to just skim the surface. They never get down into the things that really matter, and superficial prayers do not cause change to occur. "Meaty" prayers go deep, deeper than we can express with words, "meaty prayers change lives and move mountains.
3. Why is prayer a key to peace?
Peace only comes from knowing God, and how can we truly know Him, if we never talk with Him or listen when He speaks to our hearts.
4. How has prayer brought peace to you in a time of great stress?
In December 2008, at 14 weeks, we found out that I had miscarried at 11 weeks. Only my circumstances were unusual in the fact, that my body didn't recognize that there was an issue and so I never physically miscarried. So we scheduled a D&C, I remember waking up in recovery, after the anesthesia wore off, alone and heart broken. I do not know if it was audible or if it was just in my thoughts, but I cried (with very real tears) out to God in my pain, and just laid there on the gurney, with tears pouring out and God's love and peace pouring in. I do not know how I would have made it through without the peace that comes from casting all our cares on Him.
Dec 5, 2010
Chapter 10: The Obstacle of Idolatry
1. Why does God create a nagging sense of dissatisfaction in every person?
So that we will look for satisfaction - which will lead us to Him, because He is the only one who can truly satisfy.
2. Why does the Bible call seeking satisfaction in anything but God the sin of idolatry?
Because God put a hole in each of us, so that He could fill it, so trying to put anything else in that hole is wrong.
3. What forms have idols taken in your personal experience?
In my life, idols have taken many forms, relationships, activities, work, people, etc.
Dec 4, 2010
Chapter 9: The Obstacle of Pride
1. To what degree would you say that God's name and renown is the desire of your heart?
It's hard to say...I would love to say "all of my heart", but I know that pride is the reason for wanting to say that...so though I want and desire God's name and renown, it is not to the degree that it should be.
2. In what ways is pride a dangerous enemy?
God opposes the proud, and if that alone is not enough...Pride is the downfall of many, it blocks us from doing the one thing God created all of us to do...Glorify Him.
3. How do you feel toward someone who exhibits pride in their life?
How do you feel toward one who demonstrates humility?
When someone is prideful, it makes it hard to connect with them. When a person is too prideful to admit their failures, it makes other people uncomfortable. On the other hand, when they demonstrate humility, you feel comfortable around them, because you know they make mistakes too and they won't judge you. I think we tend to gravitate towards humble people.
4. What does it take to humble yourself before God?
Recognizing how big God is and how small you are. I find that reading scriptures about God's greatness, power, love, everything about Him, tends to make me realize how small and helpless I am without Him. Then once you come to the knowledge of His greatness and your smallness, you tell Him how thankful you are for everything about Him and praise Him for who He is.
It's hard to say...I would love to say "all of my heart", but I know that pride is the reason for wanting to say that...so though I want and desire God's name and renown, it is not to the degree that it should be.
2. In what ways is pride a dangerous enemy?
God opposes the proud, and if that alone is not enough...Pride is the downfall of many, it blocks us from doing the one thing God created all of us to do...Glorify Him.
3. How do you feel toward someone who exhibits pride in their life?
How do you feel toward one who demonstrates humility?
When someone is prideful, it makes it hard to connect with them. When a person is too prideful to admit their failures, it makes other people uncomfortable. On the other hand, when they demonstrate humility, you feel comfortable around them, because you know they make mistakes too and they won't judge you. I think we tend to gravitate towards humble people.
4. What does it take to humble yourself before God?
Recognizing how big God is and how small you are. I find that reading scriptures about God's greatness, power, love, everything about Him, tends to make me realize how small and helpless I am without Him. Then once you come to the knowledge of His greatness and your smallness, you tell Him how thankful you are for everything about Him and praise Him for who He is.
Nov 24, 2010
Nov 22, 2010
Chapter 8: The Obstacle of Unbelief
1. What has God Done in your life to prepare the road for His visit as King?
From the time I was a baby, God has been at work in my life, preparing the road. You see My parents raised us in church. Every Sunday and Wednesday we heard God's Word and learned about Jesus. At home we had Bible studies and I've always heard amazing stories about how God healed so and so, or provided for such and such. As I grew older God started showing His presence and power in my life, I remember clearly at the tender age of four, I asked Jesus to come into my heart and forgive me from my sins. And from that moment on He has never failed me. Anytime I ever had need of anything, He provided. As a teenager raising money for a missions trip, I was three hundred and fifty some dollars short of what I need to turn in by the following week. We were in California visiting family, so I had no way of attending fundraisers or acquiring the needed money before we returned home. So I prayed and told God that if He really wanted me to go this trip He would have to provide the needed money, because there was no way I could do it on my own. My Uncle (who is a pastor) came to me the next morning and asked if I would share a little bit about my upcoming trip on Sunday morning. So, even though it scared me silly, I agreed. I shared a brief three to five minute speech, and after service, I had 5 to 10 different people give me money to help me out with the missions trip. When I got home and added it all up, it was the exact amount I had to turn in the next day. This is just one example of how God has always been there, working on the road, that will someday bring us face to face, in His wonderful presence and glory!
2.What is the difference between believing in God and believing God?
Many people believe in God, but do not know Him or trust Him. It is kind of like believing there is a Bible, that does not mean that you have read it, or believe anything it says. Believing God, is not only believing He exist, but believing that everything He says is true and trusting Him to do all He says He will do.
3. How has God proved Himself worthy of your confidence?
In everything, every trial, every hurt, every need, even my wants and heart desires, God has been faithful! When my faith was lacking, He would bring something in to encourage me. Sometimes it was a friend or an acquaintance, other times it was a book I was reading, or even a scripture the Pastor preached on. Any time any place, God can reveal Himself, and He has. When I think back over my life I cannot see a time when God was not there leading and guiding me. Even in the times when I was not asking Him to, He was there watching over me. Over and over again God has shown Himself worthy, worthy of confidence, worthy of praise, worthy of adoration, He is Worthy!!
4. How has the study of Scriptures affected your faith?
Studying Scriptures builds up your weapons and shield, making your faith stronger and able to stand against all of the fiery darts the enemy may throw at you. Whenever you start to doubt, God by His Holy Spirit brings those scriptures to your mind, and you remember His promises, His faithfulness, and His love...whatever it is you need to be reminded of, there is a scripture that applies. So when you read God's Word and study it, it gives you the resources and ability to stand.
From the time I was a baby, God has been at work in my life, preparing the road. You see My parents raised us in church. Every Sunday and Wednesday we heard God's Word and learned about Jesus. At home we had Bible studies and I've always heard amazing stories about how God healed so and so, or provided for such and such. As I grew older God started showing His presence and power in my life, I remember clearly at the tender age of four, I asked Jesus to come into my heart and forgive me from my sins. And from that moment on He has never failed me. Anytime I ever had need of anything, He provided. As a teenager raising money for a missions trip, I was three hundred and fifty some dollars short of what I need to turn in by the following week. We were in California visiting family, so I had no way of attending fundraisers or acquiring the needed money before we returned home. So I prayed and told God that if He really wanted me to go this trip He would have to provide the needed money, because there was no way I could do it on my own. My Uncle (who is a pastor) came to me the next morning and asked if I would share a little bit about my upcoming trip on Sunday morning. So, even though it scared me silly, I agreed. I shared a brief three to five minute speech, and after service, I had 5 to 10 different people give me money to help me out with the missions trip. When I got home and added it all up, it was the exact amount I had to turn in the next day. This is just one example of how God has always been there, working on the road, that will someday bring us face to face, in His wonderful presence and glory!
2.What is the difference between believing in God and believing God?
Many people believe in God, but do not know Him or trust Him. It is kind of like believing there is a Bible, that does not mean that you have read it, or believe anything it says. Believing God, is not only believing He exist, but believing that everything He says is true and trusting Him to do all He says He will do.
3. How has God proved Himself worthy of your confidence?
In everything, every trial, every hurt, every need, even my wants and heart desires, God has been faithful! When my faith was lacking, He would bring something in to encourage me. Sometimes it was a friend or an acquaintance, other times it was a book I was reading, or even a scripture the Pastor preached on. Any time any place, God can reveal Himself, and He has. When I think back over my life I cannot see a time when God was not there leading and guiding me. Even in the times when I was not asking Him to, He was there watching over me. Over and over again God has shown Himself worthy, worthy of confidence, worthy of praise, worthy of adoration, He is Worthy!!
4. How has the study of Scriptures affected your faith?
Studying Scriptures builds up your weapons and shield, making your faith stronger and able to stand against all of the fiery darts the enemy may throw at you. Whenever you start to doubt, God by His Holy Spirit brings those scriptures to your mind, and you remember His promises, His faithfulness, and His love...whatever it is you need to be reminded of, there is a scripture that applies. So when you read God's Word and study it, it gives you the resources and ability to stand.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."
1 Corinthians 10:3-6 (New King James)
"Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotism's, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.
Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people)."
Ephesians 6:11-18 (Amplified)
Nov 21, 2010
Chapter 7: To Enjoy God's Presence
1. Which is more constant, the presence of God or the evidence of His presence?
The presence of God
2. Is your enjoyment in God's presence increasing or decreasing?
Increasing!
3. What is the most satisfying part of your relationship with God?
Having Him as my best friend...knowing that He is always there - loving, protecting, and providing for all of my needs. Ready to listen when I need to talk, willing to hold me when I need comfort, and not seeing me for who I was, but for who He is making me to be. Who could ask for more?
The presence of God
2. Is your enjoyment in God's presence increasing or decreasing?
Increasing!
3. What is the most satisfying part of your relationship with God?
Having Him as my best friend...knowing that He is always there - loving, protecting, and providing for all of my needs. Ready to listen when I need to talk, willing to hold me when I need comfort, and not seeing me for who I was, but for who He is making me to be. Who could ask for more?
Nov 20, 2010
Chapter 6: To Experience God's Peace
1. Is God's peace an infrequent surprise or the ongoing rule of your life?
For the most part it is the ongoing rule... Hallelujah!
2. At what point does a Christian receive the peace of God?
When they submit their life fully to God and walk in obedience to all He commands.
3. What part does authority play in God's peace?
We have to submit ourselves to God's Authority in order to receive His peace.
4. What part of the phrase "peace like a river" means most to you?
A river is always changing and flowing - just as God's peace changes, to the degree that we need it; and flows into our lives, right when we need it. His timing is perfect and His peace is always sufficient!!
For the most part it is the ongoing rule... Hallelujah!
2. At what point does a Christian receive the peace of God?
When they submit their life fully to God and walk in obedience to all He commands.
3. What part does authority play in God's peace?
We have to submit ourselves to God's Authority in order to receive His peace.
4. What part of the phrase "peace like a river" means most to you?
A river is always changing and flowing - just as God's peace changes, to the degree that we need it; and flows into our lives, right when we need it. His timing is perfect and His peace is always sufficient!!
Nov 15, 2010
Chapter 5: To Find Satisfaction in God
1. How do you react to the statement that many Christians are not satisfied with Christ?
Sadly, I believe this is a very true statement...So many people go through life wondering if this is all there is, thinking that there has got to be more. There is more, the problem is people accept Christ into their heart and then they continue to live their life as if nothing has changed. They continue to deal with the same problems and issues. They find themselves defeated and wonder why.
We must draw closer to God, by reading His Word, by praying constantly, and by fellowship with other believers; who can lift us up and pray for us when we need it, (let me be honest with you) we all need prayer all the time. We cannot live like we did before we came to know Christ, we must work daily to walk with Him and know Him more. There is only one way to find satisfaction, and that is Christ, so get to know Him and you will find yourself fulfilled.
2. What have you sought that turned out to be unsatisfying?
When my soul was needing God, I tried to make friends with other people. Somehow, I thought that I could fill the void, by having lots of friends and not being alone. But in reality, it didn't help at all. I finally found what I needed, by spending time in God's Word, and prayer. I can now say that God is my best friend...and there is no other person or thing that could even start to compare with Him.
3. What is the difference between salvation from sin and satisfaction of soul?
Salvation is accepting Christ as your Savior - acknowledging that you can't do it on your own, that you have sinned and need a Savior to come to your rescue.
Satisfaction happens when you let God in every part of your life and you trust in Him to give you what you need. Once again, you can only get to the place of soul satisfaction by drawing closer to Him, and trusting Him with everything. You get this level of trust by spending time with God, through reading God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
4. What are the symptoms of an unsatisfied soul?
A need of any of the following in your life:
Sadly, I believe this is a very true statement...So many people go through life wondering if this is all there is, thinking that there has got to be more. There is more, the problem is people accept Christ into their heart and then they continue to live their life as if nothing has changed. They continue to deal with the same problems and issues. They find themselves defeated and wonder why.
We must draw closer to God, by reading His Word, by praying constantly, and by fellowship with other believers; who can lift us up and pray for us when we need it, (let me be honest with you) we all need prayer all the time. We cannot live like we did before we came to know Christ, we must work daily to walk with Him and know Him more. There is only one way to find satisfaction, and that is Christ, so get to know Him and you will find yourself fulfilled.
2. What have you sought that turned out to be unsatisfying?
When my soul was needing God, I tried to make friends with other people. Somehow, I thought that I could fill the void, by having lots of friends and not being alone. But in reality, it didn't help at all. I finally found what I needed, by spending time in God's Word, and prayer. I can now say that God is my best friend...and there is no other person or thing that could even start to compare with Him.
3. What is the difference between salvation from sin and satisfaction of soul?
Salvation is accepting Christ as your Savior - acknowledging that you can't do it on your own, that you have sinned and need a Savior to come to your rescue.
Satisfaction happens when you let God in every part of your life and you trust in Him to give you what you need. Once again, you can only get to the place of soul satisfaction by drawing closer to Him, and trusting Him with everything. You get this level of trust by spending time with God, through reading God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
4. What are the symptoms of an unsatisfied soul?
A need of any of the following in your life:
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Patience
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-control
Nov 14, 2010
Chapter 4: To Glorify God
1. How has God made Himself known to you?
Through His Word, the Holy Spirit working in my life, and through the people He has brought into my life. I can think of multiple people that God has used specifically to teach me things about Himself. Also, through life experiences...in the valley's, on the mountain tops and everywhere between - God has been faithful.
2. What does it mean that Christ is the radiance of God's glory?
We can see a clear picture of God's glory by looking at and studying the life of Christ. As Beth states "God's glory far exceeds anything we can comprehend" - But God has given us a window (Jesus) to look through and get a great glimpse.
3. What does giving glory to God mean to you?
Well, if you would have asked me before this study I probably would have said something like "Giving God glory is when we give Him the credit or acknowledge His work in our lives".
But now I realize that when we give God glory, we are seeing God for who He is and letting Him know that we not only see it but that we believe it - Giving God the Glory is praising Him for who He is.
4. How does a christian develop a life that glorifies God?
Prayer and Bible study - do not just be a hearer of God's Word, but a doer as well. Let God lead every area of your life and be obedient to Him - then when people see you, you can point to God and say, "it's not me; it's God!"
5. How can a person know if his or her life is glorifying God?
Consider the questions Beth asked on pg 34, these questions will help you see how much of your life is glorifying God and what areas you need to work on.
Through His Word, the Holy Spirit working in my life, and through the people He has brought into my life. I can think of multiple people that God has used specifically to teach me things about Himself. Also, through life experiences...in the valley's, on the mountain tops and everywhere between - God has been faithful.
2. What does it mean that Christ is the radiance of God's glory?
We can see a clear picture of God's glory by looking at and studying the life of Christ. As Beth states "God's glory far exceeds anything we can comprehend" - But God has given us a window (Jesus) to look through and get a great glimpse.
3. What does giving glory to God mean to you?
Well, if you would have asked me before this study I probably would have said something like "Giving God glory is when we give Him the credit or acknowledge His work in our lives".
But now I realize that when we give God glory, we are seeing God for who He is and letting Him know that we not only see it but that we believe it - Giving God the Glory is praising Him for who He is.
4. How does a christian develop a life that glorifies God?
Prayer and Bible study - do not just be a hearer of God's Word, but a doer as well. Let God lead every area of your life and be obedient to Him - then when people see you, you can point to God and say, "it's not me; it's God!"
5. How can a person know if his or her life is glorifying God?
Consider the questions Beth asked on pg 34, these questions will help you see how much of your life is glorifying God and what areas you need to work on.
Nov 13, 2010
Chapter 3: To Know God and Believe Him
1. Are you experiencing the benefits of your covenant relationship with God through Christ?
There have been times in my life when I've realized that one or more of these benefits were lacking and then there are times when I can clearly see all of these benefits present in each day. Though God is always consistent and constant, we on the other hand have ebbs and flows and there are times when our disobedience makes it so that one or more of these benefits disappears from our life for a while, until we make things right with God, and walk in obedience to all He commands.
2. What has contributed most to your level of trust in God?
Experience! God has been faithful in every area of my life. The times that things didn't workout were the times when I tried to do things my way, instead of waiting on Him, for His perfect timing and will. When we wait for His perfect will even the hard times work out for good, and then you have His peace helping you through it.
3. What gives you the most problem when it comes to believing God?
Trust - I tend to make up a plan, and then tell God how things should go.
When my husband was a senior at Oregon Institute of Technology, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, we had some major decisions to make. One of which was whether to look for a job in K-falls or to move else where. JC was leaning towards moving elsewhere, but I really wanted to stay in K-falls, see there really weren't many job opportunities for my husband to use his degree in K-falls, but we were involved in a great church with great friends, and I loved my current job. So as I prayed about this, I told God my plan. I remember, after weeks of telling God my plan, and just how He needed to make it all work out,God finally had heard enough of my plan. So one morning as I sat at the dining room table reading my devotional (which was talking about trials and tribulations creating character) I started praying and asked God what my trial or tribulation was. You see I had friends and family members who had dealt with huge struggles, loosing a wife and mother unexpectedly, having multiple miscarriages, dealing with a brain tumor, and huge losses financially etc. I sat there telling God about all of these things in other peoples lives, and wondering why I was the only one not dealing with anything. I know it sounds crazy, why would you want terrible things like that? But for me it was more that I wanted to know that God was at work in my life and I knew that He was working in these other lives because you could see it in the miraculous way they were able to deal with these huge issues. Anyway, after yelling at God asking Him "what about me", the Holy Spirit spoke to me, and I know it was not audible, but it was very real, and as close to audible as it could be without anyone else hearing it. He said to me "Kayla, do you trust me?" I replied, "yes, Lord, of course I trust you." and then He said the one thing I never thought I would hear..."Even if it means leaving Klamath Falls?" When I heard those words I want to say yes, but in truth the answer was no. I had to sit there and make a conscience decision to trust Him. At that moment I realized that I had to give up my plan and choose to trust and follow Him even if it did not give me what I thought I wanted at that moment. After turning the decision over to God, everything worked out and I am thankful that I now can look back and know that we did God's will, and even though I still don't necessarily understand it all, God does work in amazing ways. I know that it would seem crazy that after having this conversation with God, and seeing Him work it all out that I would still struggle with trusting Him, but it seems like about the time I think I finally turned it all over to God and am fully trusting Him, something comes up, and I have to learn, once again, to turn the new issue over to God.
4. What practical steps could you take to increase your trust in God?
Just a reminder to work on your memory work.
So far you should have worked on the following Scriptures:
Isaiah 61:1-4
Isaiah 43:10
as well as the Benefits and Obstacles:
Benefits
1. To know and believe Him
2. To Glorify God
3. To find satisfaction in God
4. To experience God
5. To enjoy God's presence
Obstacles
1.Unbelief, which hinders knowing God
2. Pride, which prevents us from glorifying God.
3. Idolatry, which keeps us from being satisfied with God
4. Prayerlessness, which blocks our experience of God's peace.
5. Legalism, which stops our enjoyment of God's Presence.
There have been times in my life when I've realized that one or more of these benefits were lacking and then there are times when I can clearly see all of these benefits present in each day. Though God is always consistent and constant, we on the other hand have ebbs and flows and there are times when our disobedience makes it so that one or more of these benefits disappears from our life for a while, until we make things right with God, and walk in obedience to all He commands.
2. What has contributed most to your level of trust in God?
Experience! God has been faithful in every area of my life. The times that things didn't workout were the times when I tried to do things my way, instead of waiting on Him, for His perfect timing and will. When we wait for His perfect will even the hard times work out for good, and then you have His peace helping you through it.
3. What gives you the most problem when it comes to believing God?
Trust - I tend to make up a plan, and then tell God how things should go.
When my husband was a senior at Oregon Institute of Technology, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, we had some major decisions to make. One of which was whether to look for a job in K-falls or to move else where. JC was leaning towards moving elsewhere, but I really wanted to stay in K-falls, see there really weren't many job opportunities for my husband to use his degree in K-falls, but we were involved in a great church with great friends, and I loved my current job. So as I prayed about this, I told God my plan. I remember, after weeks of telling God my plan, and just how He needed to make it all work out,God finally had heard enough of my plan. So one morning as I sat at the dining room table reading my devotional (which was talking about trials and tribulations creating character) I started praying and asked God what my trial or tribulation was. You see I had friends and family members who had dealt with huge struggles, loosing a wife and mother unexpectedly, having multiple miscarriages, dealing with a brain tumor, and huge losses financially etc. I sat there telling God about all of these things in other peoples lives, and wondering why I was the only one not dealing with anything. I know it sounds crazy, why would you want terrible things like that? But for me it was more that I wanted to know that God was at work in my life and I knew that He was working in these other lives because you could see it in the miraculous way they were able to deal with these huge issues. Anyway, after yelling at God asking Him "what about me", the Holy Spirit spoke to me, and I know it was not audible, but it was very real, and as close to audible as it could be without anyone else hearing it. He said to me "Kayla, do you trust me?" I replied, "yes, Lord, of course I trust you." and then He said the one thing I never thought I would hear..."Even if it means leaving Klamath Falls?" When I heard those words I want to say yes, but in truth the answer was no. I had to sit there and make a conscience decision to trust Him. At that moment I realized that I had to give up my plan and choose to trust and follow Him even if it did not give me what I thought I wanted at that moment. After turning the decision over to God, everything worked out and I am thankful that I now can look back and know that we did God's will, and even though I still don't necessarily understand it all, God does work in amazing ways. I know that it would seem crazy that after having this conversation with God, and seeing Him work it all out that I would still struggle with trusting Him, but it seems like about the time I think I finally turned it all over to God and am fully trusting Him, something comes up, and I have to learn, once again, to turn the new issue over to God.
4. What practical steps could you take to increase your trust in God?
- Study God's Word and write down and memorize scriptures that deal with the issue you have.
- Prayer - No matter what level your trust in God, prayer is a great way to ask Him to reveal Himself to you and to ask Him to help you in your unbelief...trust me He will!
- Worship Music - Music has a way if effecting your thoughts, emotions and if you listen to the right music it can help encourage you spiritually. Worshiping God and singing songs of praise never fails to help your trust level to rise.
- Talking with other believers about the things God has done /is doing...nothing builds faith like hearing of the miraculous ways God is working all around you.
Just a reminder to work on your memory work.
So far you should have worked on the following Scriptures:
Isaiah 61:1-4
Isaiah 43:10
as well as the Benefits and Obstacles:
Benefits
1. To know and believe Him
2. To Glorify God
3. To find satisfaction in God
4. To experience God
5. To enjoy God's presence
Obstacles
1.Unbelief, which hinders knowing God
2. Pride, which prevents us from glorifying God.
3. Idolatry, which keeps us from being satisfied with God
4. Prayerlessness, which blocks our experience of God's peace.
5. Legalism, which stops our enjoyment of God's Presence.
Nov 8, 2010
Chapter 2: The Reign of Christ
1. Why do we need more than any human leader can supply on our road to freedom?
Humans are not perfect - we all fail! We need God's perfect Word and His Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. We all desperately need a Savior!
2. How has Christ "spoken tenderly" to you after a time of chastening?
Many times God has used my children to show me things about myself - both good and bad...But mostly He has shown me how much He loves me. His love is beyond anything I have ever known or seen here on earth, but it is very real. Even though God has shown me in part how big His love for me is, I cannot comprehend the fullness or the vastness of it.
3. What does the statement "God always cares more for our freedom than we do" mean to you?
The problem is that we do not know what true freedom is. There is a freedom that can only be found in Christ, and without this freedom we are really in bondage, even if we think we are free. So God, who knows and supplies the only true freedom, cares more about our true freedom, than we do, because we can be in bondage and not even know it.
4. In what ways do you see Jesus having fulfilled the promises in Isaiah 61:1-4?
Humans are not perfect - we all fail! We need God's perfect Word and His Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. We all desperately need a Savior!
2. How has Christ "spoken tenderly" to you after a time of chastening?
Many times God has used my children to show me things about myself - both good and bad...But mostly He has shown me how much He loves me. His love is beyond anything I have ever known or seen here on earth, but it is very real. Even though God has shown me in part how big His love for me is, I cannot comprehend the fullness or the vastness of it.
3. What does the statement "God always cares more for our freedom than we do" mean to you?
The problem is that we do not know what true freedom is. There is a freedom that can only be found in Christ, and without this freedom we are really in bondage, even if we think we are free. So God, who knows and supplies the only true freedom, cares more about our true freedom, than we do, because we can be in bondage and not even know it.
4. In what ways do you see Jesus having fulfilled the promises in Isaiah 61:1-4?
Jesus has and is fulfilling the promises of Isaiah 61 in the following ways: (Scripture is Bold Italic, my comments are just Italic.)
Isaiah 61:1-4The spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
The Spirit of God is upon Jesus
The Spirit of God is upon Jesus
because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
Jesus is anointed to preach the goodnews
Jesus is anointed to preach the goodnews
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
Jesus came to earth to heal the brokenhearted
Jesus came to earth to heal the brokenhearted
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.
and to set the captives free
and to set the captives free
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
Jesus came to proclaim the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance,
Jesus came to proclaim the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance,
to comfort all who mourn
The Holy Spirit, is our comforter
The Holy Spirit, is our comforter
and provide for those who grieve in Zion -
Jehovah Rophe - The Lord Provides
Jehovah Rophe - The Lord Provides
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
We also know that Christ gives us a crown of beauty, the oil of gladness, and a garment of praise
We also know that Christ gives us a crown of beauty, the oil of gladness, and a garment of praise
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
this last part is talking about us, what we will become through Christ and do through His power working in us.
this last part is talking about us, what we will become through Christ and do through His power working in us.
Nov 7, 2010
Breaking Free - Chapter 1: From Kings To Captivity
Breaking Free - Chapter 1: From Kings to Captivity
Well it is hard to say, I guess from what I know of him off the top of my head, he would be the type of friend we all need, and only some of us want. I mean not everyone wants someone to be straight up and honest with them. Some people just don't desire to have someone in their life who will confront them on the things that are not pleasing to God. But I believe that Isaiah would have been that kind of friend, and we all really need that to help us grow in our relationship with Christ as well as our relationships here on earth.
2. What do you think caused Uzziah's attack of pride that lead to his downfall?
We all deal with temptation, it is just a part of life. But when we are able to withstand temptation and do what is right, it is easy to get caught up with pride. The idea starts to creep into our mind that we did a good thing and that we are awesome. The problem is that in doing this, in submitting ourselves to this way of thinking, we start to forget that the only reason we were able to do such a good thing, was because of the power of God working in our hearts. We start to focus on ourselves and give ourselves the glory instead of focusing on God and giving Him the glory. This is how, I believe, King Uzziah became prideful, leading to his downfall.
3. How does pride raise it;s ugly head in your life?
Perfectionism - I feel the need to be perfect. If I mess up in even the slightest way, other people may not even consider or notice the little mistake, but it drives me nuts. And I definitely would not want people to see or know that I made a mistake. Sometimes it is a simple as a dish coming out of the dishwasher with a speck of food on it. But in everything I do I feel the need to be perfect, and if I'm not perfect in an area, then I try to hide the fact and hope no one notices until I get it figured out and make it just so.
I feel the need to confess that I have read and reread this short answer at least 5 times and changed it just as many times in my need for perfection. I know that it probably still is not perfect...but I must move on. Ugh!!
4. Why do you suppose Jotham did not tear down the high places?
My guess is that Jotham was a people pleaser. It would be a hard thing to take a stand against the one thing all of the people wanted. He chose to fear man over fearing God, and it cost him dearly.
5. What could possibly lead a father to sacrifice his own son in the fire?
Abraham was willing to sacrifice Issac for the Lord, and in his case it was faith! But I believe that the situation this chapter was talking about was because of deception! This king probably thought that sacrificing his son would bring good to his kingdom, because he put his trust and faith in the false god's and idols, the high places that Jotham failed to remove. If you are not serving God, you are serving Satan...and the bible tells us that Satan comes to still, kill and destroy. This why it is so important to know what you believe and why, and to be obedient to all of God's commands!
6. How would you describe Hezekiah's legacy to his children and grandchildren?
Hezekiah restored the country to a right relationship with God, removed the high places, and put His trust in God to provide for and protect the nation. In doing so he passed on these values to future generations.
Nov 6, 2010
Breaking Free - Beth Moore: Welcome to the Journey
1. What issues hold believers captive and hinder the abundant life God intends?
Our very real enemy will use anything to hinder us in our walk with Christ. If he can make something a stumbling block in our life he will, it can be something like pride, deceit, unfaithfulness, getting caught up in something to the point that it becomes an idol...the list goes on. The point is if it is not helping you grow in your relationship with Christ, it probably should not be a part of your life.
2. Do you believe Christians can be oppressed by the devil? Why or Why not?
YES! When we accept Christ as our savior, our spirit is reborn or made new...the issue is our soul or flesh is a work in progress. Which means that we still deal with all of the same issues as before, only this time we have the power of the Holy Spirit to help us deal with them. So even though we have accepted Christ into our hearts, we still may be oppressed by the old issues, until we let Christ into every part of our life, and allow Him to cut the old ugliness and sin out.
3. What Kind of shelters do people build to protect themselves?
As Beth states "instead of cooperating with God and going into a place of freedom, we hide in shelters." So a shelter is anything we do to try to feel better about a situation on our own, instead of following after God. If it is not the way God intends for you to deal with the situation, you are building a Shelter.
4. How do shelters turn into strongholds?
So looking at the previous answer, we see that we build shelters when we are not listening or obeying God's Word or Command. So therefore a Shelter is built out of disobedience. When we disobey, we open up a huge door, allowing Satan to turn our shelter into a stronghold. The issue with shelters and strongholds of this nature, is that we have deceived ourselves into thinking the issue is resolved, because we have treated the symptom, when in reality we are even more bogged down with the problem and we do not even realize it.
Our very real enemy will use anything to hinder us in our walk with Christ. If he can make something a stumbling block in our life he will, it can be something like pride, deceit, unfaithfulness, getting caught up in something to the point that it becomes an idol...the list goes on. The point is if it is not helping you grow in your relationship with Christ, it probably should not be a part of your life.
2. Do you believe Christians can be oppressed by the devil? Why or Why not?
YES! When we accept Christ as our savior, our spirit is reborn or made new...the issue is our soul or flesh is a work in progress. Which means that we still deal with all of the same issues as before, only this time we have the power of the Holy Spirit to help us deal with them. So even though we have accepted Christ into our hearts, we still may be oppressed by the old issues, until we let Christ into every part of our life, and allow Him to cut the old ugliness and sin out.
3. What Kind of shelters do people build to protect themselves?
As Beth states "instead of cooperating with God and going into a place of freedom, we hide in shelters." So a shelter is anything we do to try to feel better about a situation on our own, instead of following after God. If it is not the way God intends for you to deal with the situation, you are building a Shelter.
4. How do shelters turn into strongholds?
So looking at the previous answer, we see that we build shelters when we are not listening or obeying God's Word or Command. So therefore a Shelter is built out of disobedience. When we disobey, we open up a huge door, allowing Satan to turn our shelter into a stronghold. The issue with shelters and strongholds of this nature, is that we have deceived ourselves into thinking the issue is resolved, because we have treated the symptom, when in reality we are even more bogged down with the problem and we do not even realize it.
Nov 2, 2010
Aug 19, 2010
Jul 24, 2010
Breaking Free - Beth Moore
Starting in November, we will walk through a new study, "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore. Please grab your copy of this excellent study and join me as we learn and grow in Christ.
We will use the discussion Questions on pg 277 as a guide for our study!
Jun 9, 2010
Suggestions???
So here we are between studies and I would love to get some feedback from you. Please take a moment to answer the following questions, you can either post your answers as a comment or email inspiringbranches@gmail.com.
Thank you for your time!
- If you could choose a study to see on this blog, what would it be?
- Do I work through a study too fast, too slow or just right?
- How often do you visit/read the blog?
- How did you hear about this blog?
Thank you for your time!
May 15, 2010
Believing God - by Beth Moore - Ch 16-17
BELIEVING GOD FOR LOVE
1 Corinthians 13 (Amplified Bible)
"1IF I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have prophetic powers (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).
3Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing.
4Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
5It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].
6It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
7Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].
8Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].
9For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).
10But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded).
11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.
12For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God].
13And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love."
"We Live By Faith, We Love By Faith!" - Beth Moore
~*~
BELIEVING GOD EVER AFTER
There is one thing that stood out to me from this chapter; the idea that even though the faith chapter Hebrews 11 ends with verse 40, we can know that God is writing our testimony of faith and we can live our lives so full of faith and believing God, that we might just be able to imagine what verse 41 would be..."By Faith (your name)..." Can you imagine that. How awesome it would be to arrive in heaven to find out that you did it, you lived by faith, you made the faith hall of fame! I want to, oh, how I want my life to be a life of faith and believing, even when things look impossible, I pray that I will have faith believing in the very one who made the heaven and the earth. I want to make the faith hall of fame: What an honor it would be to be a part of the Faith Chapter - Hebrews 11:41 By faith...Kayla Conley ...
Oh Lord, may we all be women of faith living life in such a way, that when we arrive at your throne in heaven we will hear "Well done, My good and faithful daughter!" Amen.
May 1, 2010
Believing God - by Beth Moore - Ch 13-15
BELIEVING GOD TO GET
YOU TO YOUR GILGAL
YOU TO YOUR GILGAL
You may be going through a time in your life where it feels like you are walking around in a circle over and over again and you can't seem to get out of the cycle. The Israelites were in just that type of situation. I mean think about it, they walked, or I should say wandered, around the desert for forty years. Beth makes the point that it was not their failure that kept them stuck in the cycle, it was their prevailing unbelief. So if prevailing unbelief keeps us in the cycle; then the opposite, is our answer to getting out of the cycle. We need to have prevailing belief! Beth points out that this does not mean we won't have times of doubt, but God looks at whether we let those moments of doubt be our deciding factor, or if we choose to have faith, and make decisions based on faith. What stood out to me is the fact that God is not looking for perfection, we are not even able to be perfect, only God is perfect. God is just looking for us to believe Him. When we choose to believe Him, He sets our feet on the right path and He gets us out of the cycle and into Gilgal, our promise land, the place where God renews His covenant with us, and our reproach is removed. So let us be women, who live our lives believing God and when we are tested may God find us to be women who had faith and a prevailing belief in Him.
I feel like God is saying that someone reading this blog is living life with a stigma, or a sign of reproach. As Beth said, you walk around with the letter of your approach on your chest and you feel like you can't get rid of it. God is saying to you, that He is your answer. You need to believe in Him, trust Him to lead you and guide you into your promise land. God is waiting for you to exercise your faith, and to walk in it. Trust God, He knows your past, present, and future.
This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
Jeremiah 29:10-14 NIV
Jeremiah 29:10-14 NIV
Notice God promises to bring you back, or full circle - which is the meaning of Gilgal, and He declares (declare means to make known clearly or officially, to claim as a possession), that He knows the plans He has for you. In other words He has the plans for your life in His possession, trust Him to fulfill this promise!
~*~
BELIEVING GOD WHEN ROUTINE
FOLLOWS REVELATION
In this chapter Beth talks about what we need to do after a mountain top experience. For those of you who may not know what I mean by this, I am talking about a time in your life when things just can't get better. Spiritually speaking it may be that you feel closer to God than you have ever felt before, or a huge prayer was answered in an amazing way, you just attended an awesome conference, etc. Many times we go through life expecting God to keep us up on the mountain top, and when we find ourselves down in the valley, in the mundane ins and outs of everyday life, we wonder what went wrong. The answer most of the time is nothing. We may look for those mountain top experiences, but God is looking for us to be faithful in the everyday life, in the darkness of the valley, in the mundane, He is looking for us to keep on keeping on. Attending church, reading God's Word, praying, worshiping Him in every area of our lives. This is what we need to do...Believe God When Routine Follows Revelation!
FOLLOWS REVELATION
In this chapter Beth talks about what we need to do after a mountain top experience. For those of you who may not know what I mean by this, I am talking about a time in your life when things just can't get better. Spiritually speaking it may be that you feel closer to God than you have ever felt before, or a huge prayer was answered in an amazing way, you just attended an awesome conference, etc. Many times we go through life expecting God to keep us up on the mountain top, and when we find ourselves down in the valley, in the mundane ins and outs of everyday life, we wonder what went wrong. The answer most of the time is nothing. We may look for those mountain top experiences, but God is looking for us to be faithful in the everyday life, in the darkness of the valley, in the mundane, He is looking for us to keep on keeping on. Attending church, reading God's Word, praying, worshiping Him in every area of our lives. This is what we need to do...Believe God When Routine Follows Revelation!
~*~
BELIEVING GOD WHEN VICTORY
DEMANDS YOUR ALL
A number of years ago, I had the privilege to travel to Slovakia with a Group called AIM (Ambassadors In Missions). This trip was a life changing experience to say the least. On this trip we saw God move in a very powerful way. I can't say that I have experienced anything that would compare to it. After we arrived, while we were settling in, our leader and a small group of about five people, went to a prayer meeting at the church. At this time the Leaders of the church told them that they had been fighting a spiritual battle for months, and even with multiple other groups like ours coming to minister in their city that summer they had not seen a break through. They were depressed and some of them were dealing with demonic forces in their homes and loved ones. Our leader came back to the hotel that night, and told all of us that we were in for a battle and we needed to make sure we were ready. Talk about a prayer meeting, we had one right there and then, and let me tell you God showed up in the two weeks that followed. We saw a city that was like a fortress of the devils, crumble under him, and God moved in and we claimed that land for the Lord. The church when we arrived was running about 20 people including children and when we left there was standing room only and people outside the windows trying to hear the good news. I feel like God said to us the same thing He told the Israelites; that they would have victory, but they were going to have to give their all, in order to get it. We walked circles around the neighborhoods and that city praying for God to move. As we set up rally's and presented the gospel we had to have a group in prayer constantly. If we stopped praying, something would happen to hinder what God was doing. I remember one time, we had a group praying during a service, and they stopped praying when there was a transition in the program. When that happened our sound system went on the fritz and only when we started praying again did the system start working right. If we stopped for a minute it would mess up again. I know that this may sound crazy to some of you. But let me just say, we have a big God and even the sun will stand still to accomplish His will. We just have to be willing to give our all when God ask it of us. When God presents us with the opportunity to work with Him, we will see Him do miraculous things in our midst, if we are ready and willing to give our all. I pray that we will be ready to stand with our Shield of Faith held high and that we will wield the Sword of the Spirit with all of our strength.
Here is a powerful testimony of a family who had to give their all and trust God for the miraculous.
Check it out at Facebook: Updates on Kenny Christenson...keep praying!
DEMANDS YOUR ALL
A number of years ago, I had the privilege to travel to Slovakia with a Group called AIM (Ambassadors In Missions). This trip was a life changing experience to say the least. On this trip we saw God move in a very powerful way. I can't say that I have experienced anything that would compare to it. After we arrived, while we were settling in, our leader and a small group of about five people, went to a prayer meeting at the church. At this time the Leaders of the church told them that they had been fighting a spiritual battle for months, and even with multiple other groups like ours coming to minister in their city that summer they had not seen a break through. They were depressed and some of them were dealing with demonic forces in their homes and loved ones. Our leader came back to the hotel that night, and told all of us that we were in for a battle and we needed to make sure we were ready. Talk about a prayer meeting, we had one right there and then, and let me tell you God showed up in the two weeks that followed. We saw a city that was like a fortress of the devils, crumble under him, and God moved in and we claimed that land for the Lord. The church when we arrived was running about 20 people including children and when we left there was standing room only and people outside the windows trying to hear the good news. I feel like God said to us the same thing He told the Israelites; that they would have victory, but they were going to have to give their all, in order to get it. We walked circles around the neighborhoods and that city praying for God to move. As we set up rally's and presented the gospel we had to have a group in prayer constantly. If we stopped praying, something would happen to hinder what God was doing. I remember one time, we had a group praying during a service, and they stopped praying when there was a transition in the program. When that happened our sound system went on the fritz and only when we started praying again did the system start working right. If we stopped for a minute it would mess up again. I know that this may sound crazy to some of you. But let me just say, we have a big God and even the sun will stand still to accomplish His will. We just have to be willing to give our all when God ask it of us. When God presents us with the opportunity to work with Him, we will see Him do miraculous things in our midst, if we are ready and willing to give our all. I pray that we will be ready to stand with our Shield of Faith held high and that we will wield the Sword of the Spirit with all of our strength.
Here is a powerful testimony of a family who had to give their all and trust God for the miraculous.
Check it out at Facebook: Updates on Kenny Christenson...keep praying!
Apr 17, 2010
Believing God - by Beth Moore - Ch 10-12
BELIEVING GOD TO PUT HIS
WORD ON YOUR TONGUE
WORD ON YOUR TONGUE
There is an old song we used to sing as teenagers that says so much in just a few simple words. I wish I had this song available for you to listen to, but for now here are the lyrics... read them and think about what it really means.
Do you believe? Do you ask believing that God will move your mountain? Or do you ask for things that do not require the mountain to move; just in case, God doesn't move it? Then you won't feel like an idiot for asking, or like God is not listening. Do you doubt that God will answer? I know that in my life there have been times when it is really hard to look at the situation and see any good coming from it. There are times when there is just no way for our human minds to conceive of a good out come. But God sees a different picture and there is nothing impossible with God. Beth Moore makes some points that we would do good to remember and apply to situations just like this and even to simple easy situations as well. When we pray we need to remember that God gave us His Word, not just to teach and guide us, but as a powerful weapon. It is called the Sword of the Spirit for a reason. So when we come to God in prayer it is so important to use the Word of God and let the Scriptures do the work for you. If, when you pray, you quote God's Word in your prayers, you will be effectively wielding the Sword of the Spirit, so that it can perform the work that God intends it to do. Really, we should do this every time we ask anything, because not only does it make our prayers more powerful, but it helps us make sure that we are praying for God's will, not ours. As we do this we have to have faith believing that God is who He says He is and that God will do what He say's He will do! This chapter has made me realize how important it is to read, memorize, and meditate on God's Word. So that when the time of need comes, the Scriptures can be brought forth by the Holy Spirit into our mind, and we can quote them, and pray asking God to accomplish His Word and His will, in our lives and situations.
"There is nothing in this world that He won't provide, there is nothing in this world that He won't supply; if I believe, if I believe. There is nothing in this world that He won't provide, there is nothing in this world that He won't supply; if I believe, if I believe. So I'll say to the mountain, move. So I'll say to the mountain get out of my way. So I'll say to the mountain, move. So I'll say to the mountain get out of my way. Yes, I believe! Yes, I believe!"
~*~
BELIEVING GOD CAN
SANCTIFY YOUR MOUTH
In the world we live in, it is so easy to let ourselves be desensitized, by the things we watch on TV, or listen to in music, or even just the conversations around us. But God makes it very clear in His Word that we are to be transformed, by the renewing of our minds and I believe this means that we need to be careful that we don't let ourselves become so desensitized that the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. When the line gets blurred our mouths probably are not sanctified! Lets take a look at what James 3:3-6 says about our tongues.
And in Proverbs 18:21 it says: The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. These are just a few scriptures that show us why it is so important to sanctify our mouths. It has the power to effect every area of our lives and the lives of those around us.
SANCTIFY YOUR MOUTH
In the world we live in, it is so easy to let ourselves be desensitized, by the things we watch on TV, or listen to in music, or even just the conversations around us. But God makes it very clear in His Word that we are to be transformed, by the renewing of our minds and I believe this means that we need to be careful that we don't let ourselves become so desensitized that the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. When the line gets blurred our mouths probably are not sanctified! Lets take a look at what James 3:3-6 says about our tongues.
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:3-6 NIV
And in Proverbs 18:21 it says: The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. These are just a few scriptures that show us why it is so important to sanctify our mouths. It has the power to effect every area of our lives and the lives of those around us.
~*~
BELIEVING GOD WAS FAITHFUL
IN YOUR PAST
Just as Joshua and the Israelites needed the memorial to help them remember what God did for them that day at the Jordan River; we also need to remember what God has done for us! As I made up a time-line as Beth suggested as the end of this chapter, it was amazing to realize and remember all that God has brought me through and done in my life and in my families. Here is the story of how my christian heritage was started.
IN YOUR PAST
Just as Joshua and the Israelites needed the memorial to help them remember what God did for them that day at the Jordan River; we also need to remember what God has done for us! As I made up a time-line as Beth suggested as the end of this chapter, it was amazing to realize and remember all that God has brought me through and done in my life and in my families. Here is the story of how my christian heritage was started.
When my mother was just a young child, my Grandma had a friend who had invited her to a revival meeting at a church in the town, now at this time, neither of my grandparents were Christians, and neither one really thought there was much that God could do for them. However, Grandma agreed to go just to see if people really did swing from the chandeliers. The afternoon of the meeting, my mother fell and hit her face on the hot wood stove causing a major burn across the right side of her face. Grandma trying in desperation to help, poured a near by cup of what she thought was cold water on it, however, it was not water, but bleach she had poured for the laundry. The bleach as you could imagine made the situation much worse and my mother was in terrible pain. Not long after this incident the friend came by to pick up grandma to go to the meeting. Grandma tried to use my moms burn as an excuse not to go, saying that a small child in pain would only disrupt the service. But the friend disagreed and said that if she was really in that much pain this meeting was exactly where she needed to be. So grandma was talked into going, but did not want to be there. When the preacher arrived, he announced that God told him to pray for every person in the building. Upon Hearing this Grandma decided she should leave. Only to notice that my mom had fallen asleep, so she decided to stay so that my mom would not be disturbed. As soon as the preacher prayed for my mom, the burnt skin on her face started to heal, and by the end of the service my mom's face was completely healed. My Grandma accepted Christ that day, and my grandpa accepted Christ a few year later. Grandma has been one of the greatest prayer warriors I have ever met. And now there are over four generations who have been taught about Jesus, because of my Grandparents faith. God moved in my family years ago and is still working today. PTL!
Apr 3, 2010
Believing God - by Beth Moore - Ch 7-9
BELIEVING YOU ARE WHO
GOD SAYS YOU ARE
GOD SAYS YOU ARE
Who does God say you are? Do you know? Or do you just have an idea of who you are based on what people around you say, or on past and present circumstances? I think many times we as Christians know that we are redeemed, forgiven, loved, adopted into God's family, chosen, blessed, favored, and much more. But we don't believe it. We know that God's Word says it, but we don't really believe it applies to us, or we just don't believe He was talking about us. We tend to think, "Yeah, sure ... some people are all those things, but not me." I loved how Beth illustrated the difference between being a this (what God says you are) and still feeling and acting like a that (the person you believe yourself to be). God will help us to start believing that we are a this and not a that if we will just start asking Him to show us how He sees us. As we read and chew on God's Word, I believe that God is willing, and even excitedly waiting to show us the truth about ourselves. Because whether we realize it or not, we are loved, blessed, chosen, redeemed, adopted, and forgiven. We are children of God, and He is our Abba (daddy) Father. I'd like for you to imagine with me for a moment what it would be like to sit in God's lap as He strokes your hair, and tells you how much He loves you. When you cry He bends down on one knee and tilts up your chin, to wipe away your tears. Then God's loving arms surround you in a hug that is warm, comforting, gentle, and compassionate. Can you picture it? I can, and let me tell you that there is no other love like God's love. We don't all have this kind of a loving Father here on earth, but we all have a loving Father in God, and He is waiting for us to start searching His Word so that He can show us how much He loves us, and how He views us through His eyes. We truly are the way God see's us. Now we just have to believe it!
~*~
BELIEVING YOU CAN DO
ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST
ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST
I have had Phil. 4:13 memorized for more than half of my life, but have I truly believed it, expected it, or seen it played out in my life? The answer is no. I mean there have been a few occasions when I thought I had a grasp of it. But in general, I tend to worry, fear, and doubt my way through situations. I know God never intended me to worry, fear or doubt, because He was/is with me and in control every second of every minute. I need the knowledge to become a deep rooted belief. Here is a little practice I decided to do to help myself believe. I speak the scripture out loud as it is written in the Bible. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Then I take the key point that I need to apply to myself and make it personal. - "I can love the unlovable through Christ who gives me strength." Speaking scriptures out loud has a powerful effect. The words of our mouths are a powerful weapon. Let's remember to use them as we battle against worry, doubts and fear. Do not allow yourself to meditate on the lies of the enemy, but speak the truth of God's Word over every situation and watch and see what amazing things God does in your life.
~*~
BELIEVING GOD'S WORD IS ALIVE
AND POWERFUL IN YOU
God's Word is alive, active, operative, energizing, effective, and powerful in our lives. I love the way Beth breaks this statement down. I encourage you to reread pg 125 and think about what it means to have the Word of God working in your life in such a way. The Holy Spirit and God's Word, together they make a dynamic duo that is so powerful we cannot comprehend it. I've heard it said that many Christians make the mistake of reading too much too fast. It is said that we should read just one scripture or passage and meditate on it, for a day, a week or as much time is needed, we need to look at what the scripture says, what it means, and whether we really believe what it is saying. If we do this with a prayerful heart asking the Holy Spirit to teach us and lead us, we will be changed. It is so exciting! Just to know that God's Word is working in my life, on my behalf, to bring about God's perfect plan for my life.
BELIEVING GOD'S WORD IS ALIVE
AND POWERFUL IN YOU
God's Word is alive, active, operative, energizing, effective, and powerful in our lives. I love the way Beth breaks this statement down. I encourage you to reread pg 125 and think about what it means to have the Word of God working in your life in such a way. The Holy Spirit and God's Word, together they make a dynamic duo that is so powerful we cannot comprehend it. I've heard it said that many Christians make the mistake of reading too much too fast. It is said that we should read just one scripture or passage and meditate on it, for a day, a week or as much time is needed, we need to look at what the scripture says, what it means, and whether we really believe what it is saying. If we do this with a prayerful heart asking the Holy Spirit to teach us and lead us, we will be changed. It is so exciting! Just to know that God's Word is working in my life, on my behalf, to bring about God's perfect plan for my life.
Thank you Father for giving us your Son to die in our place, the Holy Spirit to comfort us, and your Holy Word to teach and guide us through all of life's issues. Amen
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