Happy Thanksgiving!!!
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
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