Janine

To be in Christ means to me that the Holy Spirit has come to live within my being and has made my spirit alive again. My alive spirit is united with the Holy Spirit. But to live this out, I have to have my soul which is my mind, will and emotions come into full agreement with God. This allows me to enter into the Holy Place where the Holy Spirit united with my spirit will be. In effect Christ is in me and I (my soul) then am in Him. It is a daily choice I must make to continue the process of sanctification. I love word pictures like the cake mix one so here is mine. We are like a lamp that is not plugged in nor has no light bulb. When we accept Christ, His Holy Spirit comes to live in us and we have the light bulb. He also connects us back to God so we are now plugged in. But each day we have to choose to turn on the lamp.

Q25. (Daniel 7:13-14) What does the Ancient of Days grant to the Son of Man? All authority, glory and power. Why do you think Jesus used the title of "Son of Man" even though most didn't understand its importance? I believe it is a reminder for us that he is a man in the flesh; that he came down low like nothing else can. What does Jesus' authority mean to you and your life? It is hope for living in this world and being able to do and be all he wants me to do and be.

Q24. (Matthew 2:13-23) What can we learn from Joseph's action? His unquestioning faith and obedience are a role model for us. He doesn't let what's happening in his world derail him from trusting God. What should we have to know about the outcome before we say yes to God? There is no need to know the outcome. It wouldn't be faith if we knew all the details. How can a good God allow infants to be slaughtered in Bethlehem? I believe there is a plan and purpose beyond our understanding for everything, including God allowing the babies to be slaughtered, the twin towers to fall, etc. Do you believe God honors them as martyrs for the Messiah? Yes, God is love and loves those babies who had no control over their fate.

Q23. (Matthew 2:7-12) Does gift-giving on this occasion involve love or mere custom? For the wise men it was likely per custom but we don't know what they know for sure about the Messiah. It was definitely a gift of love from God to help provide for their exile in Egypt. How were the Magi's gifts fitting for the Christ Child? Definitely not what a toddler would have wanted but fitting for him as the King of Kings. What gifts can you offer Jesus that mean something? My worship, praise, thanksgiving and service to others. What gifts demonstrate your love? Giving generously when I have little to give, helping hands for anyone in need, a listening ear for those he need it, praying for others.

Q22. (Matthew 2:1-6) In what ways is the kingship of Jesus a threat to our self-determination? We want to be in control of our lives so anything or anyone that might effect our having control would be a threat. It is understanding our place in the universe and God's place in the universe that will help set us straight on who is really in control and bring us to the humility that is needed. What are our choices in light of his Kingdom? He has given us free will and the choices are straightforward; trusting Him or trusting ourselves. I chose Him!

Q21. (Luke 2:36-38) Why is it hard for us to value the time we spend in meditation and prayer. There is a constant competition of worldly things coming into your mind. I think we have to put that in our prayers to be thankful for the time we can spend with the Lord, even if it is only for a few minutes each morning. Which of the times of our day do you think the Lord values most? I don't know that he values any time of day over another but I feel like the morning is good to set your day up with the Lord and the evening is good to reflect on what occurred during your day. How does listening to the Lord propel Anna's ministry? Her listening was what prepared her seeing the baby Jesus and that speaks volumes about how listening can do the same for us. We can see and take hold of the opportunities that God gives us to show the Kingdom of God here on earth with our service, love and standing for what is right and true.

Q16. (Luke 2:8-14) Why do you think the angels shocked the shepherds with their radiant glory? Sitting under the dark night sky with the stars twinkling is something I do often sitting in my spa. I think there is not a person on the planet that wouldn't be shocked by a sudden appearance of a being so bright in that context. Why not something more low-key? They could have appeared during the morning hours and it might not have been as shocking but I believe that God has a plan and purpose for everything so the angel appearing like this was in the plan. What does the good news consist of that the angels bring? Salvation for all. To a lowly shepherd, I am sure that was wonderful news. What allows the shepherds to authenticate this news? How often was a baby born and put in a manger? I think that is probably a rare occurrence, maybe even the only occurrence.

Q15. (Luke 2:1-7) Why is it important for us to know who governed the area at the time of Jesus' birth? It is historical evidence that Jesus was born into this world. What difficulties did Mary and Joseph face. I can't imagine the emotional difficulties of being pregnant and not married in that society. Which is very likely why she went with Joseph to Bethlehem. The traveling circumstances were harsh compared to today's traveling and you throw in winter conditions. yikes. What do you think God allowed such difficulties? I think it simply was to let his glory shine. The light is brighter after you have gone through a period of difficulties. Why does he allow difficulties in our lives? How we go through our own difficulties will shine the light brighter when we get through them to all around us. We have to trust and depend on Him.

Q14. (Galatians 4:4-5) Why do you think God sent Jesus into this world when he did? He is omniscient and with that knows the best timing for everything. What does it mean that he "redeemed" you? He freed me with his body and blood from the dominion of death. What does it mean that he "adopted" you? He welcomed me into his family as one of his own. What is your inheritance? Eternal life with Christ and all he was given.

Q11. (Isaiah 11:1-3). Why do we resist letting the Messiah govern our own lives? I think it is part of our sinful nature to want to be fully in control of our lives. As a former temperament counselor, I know that it is an aspect of our temperament. For some of us, the need for control is great. I have one of those temperaments and the Lord has had to work on my heart to help me to see my need for him and to humble myself before him everyday. Why don't we seek his counsel more often? Because it is part of us, there will always be a battle within us of wanting to take control or allowing the Spirit to lead us. It takes humility that we must have each day. Why is surrender to his wise leadership so difficult for us? Because it makes us face our need for him and the fact that we cannot do it alone even when we think we can. What can we do about this hardness we find in ourselves? The Lord has his ways of making you humble but without daily admitting to your need for him that you aren't all that and can go it on your own then you will find the pride creeping back in. It has to be a regular part of our prayer life to seek humility before the Lord.

Q10. (Psalm 110) According to verse 1, what is Jesus doing at present? Currently, Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God until his enemies are made a footstool for his feet. What will he ultimately succeed in doing? Conquer and rule over all the nations. What is the primary role of a priest? A priest was the one who brought atonement for your sins through the sacrifice of an animal. How does Jesus function as a priest who brings us to God? Jesus was the high priest and the sacrifice for our sins. In doing so, he reconnects us to God. (verse 4).

Q8. (Matthew 1:18-25) What do these verses tell us about Joseph's character? Despite what he believes Mary has done, he chooses not to disgrace her with his solution of a quiet divorce. He couldn't have known that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit without direct communication from God about it. It shows how he loves Mary and doesn't want to make things worse for her. His faith? After the dream, he obeys what God's angel had told him to do. He doesn't question it so his faith in God must be strong. When he takes Mary home to be his wife, how does this affect his reputation in Nazareth as an upright Jew? This we can only imagine but it could have affected his work as a carpenter and I am sure it affected relationships with people he had in Nazareth. Did they try to tell people that this baby to come would be the Messiah? Did Joseph tell his friends and family about the dream? There are more questions then answers but we, too, can have faith in God and his word here to us.

Q7. (Isaiah 9:6-7) Why is a never-ending Kingdom an anomaly in world history? This world of humans doesn't have the capacity to rule a kingdom that will last forever. Why is a just and righteous government so rare? The just and righteous governments wherever they may be or may have been are so only because the rulers sought after Jesus. What justice will Jesus bring to you when he comes? I look forward to the justice that all of creation needs, to be restored anew like it was in the beginning in the garden of Eden.

Q5. (Isaiah 9:1-2) Why do people choose to live in darkness when light is available? (John 3:19). People who choose to live in darkness are either being deceived into believing that when our sins are forgiven by Jesus, it's okay if we sin. They could also be choosing to live in darkness because of fear; it is what they know or because they feel unworthy of such great love. It is the shame that is ever with us because of the sin within us. Why do people seem to resist the Light of Jesus? Resisting the Light of Jesus has a lot to do with fear and control. I had to let go of control and fell in love with Jesus at that point. Later, the Holy Spirit led me towards letting go of my fear over my past sins and I was able to conceive a much wanted second child after 6 years of infertility. Why do you sometimes hesitate to step into Jesus’ full light? Hesitation comes from the shame. We don't want to expose ourselves nor do we want to see ourselves for what we really are. How did Light transform the reputation of Galilee? Light brings everything out of hiding into honesty and truth. How has light transformed your reputation in your circle of friends? We can be honest about our not so warm and fuzzy feelings and remain friends because we know that in the end openness and light in our relationship is better than anything.

Q1. (Luke 1:26-38) What honor did God bestow on Mary? It is challenging to imagine a greater honor than this one. The people of Israel have long awaited the Messiah and to be the one to carry him in your womb and deliver him into the world goes beyond mere words. What would this honor cost her? Not only her reputation but it changes the course of her life. Her dreams of her future with Joseph will be changed in ways she never imagined. What does her response to the angel indicate? She may have been afraid at first but her fears I feel are calmed by his words to her and she is willing to do whatever the Lord wants of her. What discipleship lesson can you learn from Mary's response? She didn't question God's word but believed and trusted it. Lord, help me to believe and trust whatever God's plan is for each day in my life and let it unfold with my willingness to do His will. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.