Commissioned

Q2. (Psalm 96) What does it mean to "ascribe" to God attributes of glory and strength? To "ascribe" to God attributes of glory and strength means that we are rendering to Him that which is appropriate because of who He is. What happens when we fail to ascribe such qualities to him? When we fail to ascribe glory and strength to God we rob God of that which is due to Him. Only when we keep the focus on ourselves do we refrain from worshipping God. We need to drop the selfishness and turn our eyes to the Great I AM and worship Him. In what sense is praise to God "fitting" or "worthy"? Praise to God is "fitting" or "worthy" in that it is the reasonable thing to do for a God who is Great and worthy of it.

Q1. (Psalm 57) Why is praise difficult in the midst of trying circumstances? In the midst of trying circumstances it is difficult to praise because we focus on self and the problem instead of focusing on God who can turn our sadness into joy, our problems into victories. When we realize that it is God who will turn the circumstancs around for our good then we will begin to focus more on Him and less on the problems, then we will begin to praise. How does praise affect our faith? Our attitude? Our motivation? Praise ignites our faith, it turns our attitude to that of gratefulness and our motivation is empowered to give thanks, praise and worship to our God.

Q4. Since Christians don't seem immune to accident, persecution, and death, how are we to understand these psalms of protection? Yes, we are not immune from accident, persecution, and death; in light of all that can happen to us just imagine if God were to remove His protection. I never want to be in a position where God is not there protecting me. Take the encouragement of the Psalms and be comforted that in every situation God is there with you. Why don't some believers seem to be protected? Does God really protect us? How? If we would believe that even before the world was created God ordained the path that we would take, then we can believe that some of the accidents, and other dangers that we find ourselves in to be the divine purpose and will of God. In this life we may never know the answers but we must trust that a loving, powerful God will be faithful in protecting His very own.

Q4. Since Christians don't seem immune to accident, persecution, and death, how are we to understand these psalms of protection? Yes, we are not immune from accident, persecution, and death; in light of all that can happen to us just imagine if God were to remove His protection. I never want to be in a position where God is not there protecting me. Take the encouragement of the Psalms and be comforted that in every situation God is there with you. Why don't some believers seem to be protected? Does God really protect us? How? If we would believe that even before th world was created God ordained the path that we would take, then we can believe that some of the accident, and other danger that we find ourselves in to be the divine purpose and will of God. In this lif we may never know the answers but we must trust that a loving, powerful God will be faithful in protecting His very own.

Q3. (Psalm 121). What reassurance is it to you that God keeps you and watches over you? Knowing that whenever I find myself in danger, when I'm struggling, weak or overtaken by the weight of responsibilities; I can trust that God is keeping me and He is watching over me. How does Psalm 121 make you feel? Psalm 121 makes me feel special, knowing that God takes care and watches over me just as He's doing for billions of others around the world.

Q2. (Psalm 91) What does this psalm teach us about God's protection when in danger? God is mighty and powerful! The protection of God can extend both to the plots of evil men and the diseases that ravage mankind. When others around us may fall to the ravishes of diseases and are assulted by evil men, God protects us. He is protecting us during the day as well as in the night. Just trust Him continually, look to Him, and rest in His care. Child of God, you are the 'Apple of His Eye,' take comfort in knowing this. What does it teach about our authority to vanquish our enemies? The psalm teach that in Jesus' name we have power greater than that of our powerful enemy. In Jesus we have the power to push our enemy away from us, we have the power to resist him, to wage war against him. As a child of God we are conquerors not to be conquered. What promises does Psalm 91 contain? How does this psalm make you feel? Psalm 91 contains the following promises: God will rescue the Believer God will protect the Believer God will answer the Believer God will be with the Believer in trouble God will deliver the Believer God will honor the Believer God satisfy the Believer with long life God will show the Believer His salvation In whatever crisis I may find myself in God is there protecting me. His care for me will continue through eternity. Thank you Lord!

Q1. (Psalm 61:1-4) What images does the psalmist evoke to communicate his trust in God's protection? The Psalmist sees God as a rock that's above and he hides in the crevices, protected from the everything that seeks to harm him. He sees God as a shelter, a strong tower a fortress protecting him from his enemies. Under the protection of God Almighty, He find rest in worship and and safety being under the care and protection of God; even as a hen would shield and protect its young. How do the first four verses of this psalm make you feel? The first four verses of this psalm gives you a feeling of comfort knowing that you have a God who watches over and has continuous protection over his own.

Q5. (Psalm 80) If you were to formulate a personal prayer for revival for your own life or for your congregation, how would you word it? Father, please forgive me I have not been faithful to do those things which I should. Revive me O Lord. Let your will be done in me. Revive my prayer life, my times of meditation and devotions. May I go out and be a witness to my Savior. Do in me, Lord, that which will cause me to stay revived and in labor for the kingdom. What elements should be present in a prayer for personal or congregational revival? Contrition, humility and a willingness to obey God. What would this prayer have in common with 2 Chronicles 7:14? How does this kind of prayer pave the way for revival and restoration to take place? In 2 Chron 7:14, Father is saying to us that if we would humble ourselves, pray, seek Him and turn from wickedness, He would hear us, forgive us of our sin and our prayers for a revival in the land would be answered. This is the pattern of prayer that will bring a revival to our churches and our country. It calls for Christians to be humble and honest before God.

Q5. Now that you're finished with the Faith of Abraham, what did you get out of this study of Abraham's life? Looking at the life of Abraham I am encouraged to exercise my faith, to trust God and allow His will to be worked in and through me. This study has also showed me the rewards of intercession. My job is to intercede for my brothers and sisters, turn it over to God and wait for the answer; which ever way God chooses to answer is good for all involved. How would you evaluate the study? This is an excellent study and I would recommend it to anyone. What can be improved? I do not have any offering to improve this study.

Q4. (Psalm 40:17) In this verse David combines both humility and faith in his prayer to God. Why are both humility and faith necessary? What happens when one of these qualities is missing? Both are necessary because God is looking for a heart that is contrite and a faith that says God is able. If either one is missing the prayer becomes ineffective.

Q3. (Psalm 40:5b) When you realize that God's thoughts and plans are focused on you in particular, how does that make you respond? When I realize that God's thoughts and plans are focused on me in particular I can be confident that when I call out to Him He hears and at the same time I pray that He would keep in on th path He has prepared for me.

Q2. (Psalm 69:30-32) Why does this lament (and nearly all laments in the Psalms) end with an upswing of hope and praise? David knew God. He knew that God desires praise and thanksgiving from His people. He knew that after going through all the stressful problems of life, God was still in control and watching over him. What does this teach us about our own laments and prayers? We should not settle in and stew in a pity party. Trust in God and turn all cares over to Him, he'll take care of you. Why is praise, the language of faith, so important in our prayers, especially prayers of desperate pleas for help? Praise is the language of faith and it is so important in our prayers because it shows our confidence in an awsome, all-powerful, loving and merciful God. God inhabits the praises of His people and as our praises go up He sends the blessings down.

Q1. (Psalm 69:12-18) How could David dare to ask anything from God after the shameful things he had done with Bathsheba and Uriah? David was able to ask anything from God after the shameful things he had done with Bathsheba and Uriah because he knew that God is merciful. David knew that a repented heart will find forgiveness from a God who forgives. When we make a request of God it is always based on his graciousness and never because we deserve it. And since we can rest on the unchanging character of God's love we are secure in that love as He waits for a repented sinner to petition Him. How does God's grace and mercy function in the face of our sins? God's grace and mercy is lavished upon us because of the love that He has for us. Because we are his children, even when we sin, his attitude towards us is compassion and deep love.

Q3. (Psalm 98) What are the reasons given for praise in Psalm 98? For the marvelous things He has done and continues to do for His creation, His faithfulness, His mercy, His loving-kindness; these are all reasons to give praise to God. Why do you think praise is so exuberant in this psalm? Praise is so exuberant in this psalm because the Lord our God is our Salvation. He has saved us marvelously! The Psalmist has an over abundance of gratitude and thanks to God for His great deliverance and continual protection. How exuberant is praise in your congregation, in your life? Why or why not is it exuberant? Praise is exuberant in our congregation, I look forward to this time of worship with the saints. As a worshiper I love to praise my God and do so constantly. When I think of His goodness and the greatness of His power, whether I'm driving on the road, flying in an airplane, shopping for grocery, doing the laundry, ironing, cooking; wherever and whenever I give Him the praises.

Q2. (Psalm 95) In Psalm 95 we are commanded to worship the Lord. What are the reasons why we should worship contained in this psalm? Some of the reasons why we are commanded to worship the Lord in this Psalm is because He is the rock of our salvation, because He is great and a great king above all gods, because He holds, in His hands, the deep places of the earth; He owns th hills, the seas and the earth. In fact, He is the creator of the universe and mankind. Why do you think the warning in verses 8-11 is included in this psalm? I think this warning is included in this psalm to serve as a reminder that even though God is our provider we sometimes forget where we came from and how God was with us to bring us through. How does this fit with the earlier elements of the psalm? We should always have a praise on our lips, because God is worthy of our praise.

Q1. (Psalm 150) What does this psalm teach us about praise? This psalm teaches us that every living creature should praise the Lord and with all musical instruments for His many acts of power and for His surpassing greatness, Where should praise occur? This praise should occur in His sanctuary. With what should praise be conducted? Praise should be conducted with instruments and dance . Who should praise? Every one living should prais the Lord. What does this psalm make you feel like after reading it out loud? After reading this psalm out loud it maks

Q4. Which of Abraham's achievements inspires you the most? As you reflect on his life, what stands out for you? I am inspired by Abraham's faith in God, his utter dependency on God, even when he could not see the provision he knew beyond a shadow of doubt that God will provide. His faith continued untill he died and those around him saw that faith at work in him.

Q3 (24:12-14) What do you think of the servant's prayer and test of God? Th servant's prayer showed that he had faith that God hears and answers prayers. The prayer was not a test of God, but rather for direction. He wantd to make the right choice in selecting a wife for his master's son. Did the servant find the right girl on the basis of his hasty prayer? If not, then how? Evntually, the servant did choose the right person to be Isaac's wife.

Q2 (23:3-20) What is the significance of Abraham's faith in God's promises at the same time as he pays dearly for this small property? What does this tell us about faith? Abraham hld on to the promise of God, his faith never waivered. He knew that God had made a promise, and judging from pass experiences, he was aware that the possession of the land was not yet but will be. At the present time he just wanted to bury his wife.

Q1. Take some time to review Sarah's life and legacy. What were her strengths? Her weaknesses? Where did she show faith? Where did she lack faith? Sarah's strengths: She was strong enough to migrate to Canaan with her husband and in-laws. She marries half-brother Abraham Is Abducted by Pharaoh and lived through the ordeal. Has her name changed from Sarai to Sarah, promised to be mother of nations. She stood up to Hagar when the abuses came. Sara herself received strength to conceive seed. Delivered of a child when she was past age. Gives birth to Isaac. Drives away Hagar and Ishmael. Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. Sarah's weaknesses: She was barren. Sarah showed faith: She judged him faithful who had promised the birth of her son. Sarah lacked faith in: When she agreed with Abraham to deceive the Pharoah and Abimelech about her relationship to Abraham. Laughs at promise of conceiving. She lacked faith that God nwould protect her son and his inheritance. Not believing that she would bear a son, she gives Hagar to Abraham

Q4. How does Abraham's near sacrifice of his beloved, only son Isaac help you understand better Jesus' crucifixion? Just as Abraham willingly prepared his beloved son Isaac for a sacrific, God also willingly gave His Beloved son, Jesus, to be the sacrifice for th world.

Q3. (22:14) How have you learned to trust God to provide for you? How has he provided for you in the past? I have learned to trust God to provide for me and He has never let me down. What are you facing right now that will require God to be your Provider, your Jehovah-Jireh? Right at this moment I am depending on God to give me the wisdom that I need to complete my current studies.

Q2. Can we really know God until we can trust him with our whole lives? The more we read the Word of God, meditate upon it and stay in communion with Him we can get to know God in such a way that we'd trust Him implicitly with out whole lives. Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? If not, why not now? If you have, what has that surrender entailed for you? How has God blessed you in return? Oh yes, I have surrendered my life to Jesus Christ and ever sinc my life has been wonderful. I've seen God do some miraculous things and I've seen Him taken me out of some serious trials and gav me victory. For all that God has done for me, I say thank you!

Q1. What effect does Satan want trials to have in our life? What effect does God want them to have? The effect really depends upon how we respond to the trial. Satan expects that trials would cause the Believer to lose faith and begin questioning God. God expects that every test we are faced with would bring us closer, to Him. It would build up out faith and would cause us to grow spiritually. Have you ever been through a trial that strengthens and invigorates you at the end? Certainly, there has been trials in which I was so very down but in the end I was renewd with vigor and stronger faith. Have any of your trials inspired others or have you been inspired by another's trial? When we share our testimony we give others th opportunity of seeing the excellencies of God operating in someone else's life and thereby they too may be lifted up in the spirit.

Q3. (Psalm 133) What about this short psalm seems to attract you? It tells us what the heart of God is for the Church. So many times we cry, "What is your will, O God?" and we read it and pass over without meditation. My prayer is that we stop and meditate as we read. Why is "dwelling together in unity" so difficult? It become difficult when we fail to look upon others as equal in the sight of God. Too many want to be seen as the boss, not necessarily the leader. What kinds of commitments does unity require of us? Unity requires that we esteem each other better than ourselves. In so doing we would walk in obedience to Jesus' command to love each other. How do the principles of unity and purity seem to conflict with each other? The principles of unity and purity seem to conflict with each other when we fail to fellowship with those of different opinions and interpretive doctrines. Many denominations see others as people to shun for fear of being labelled? It goes against the teaching of Christ to love each other as He love us. Why are reconciliation and unity such high values in Jesus' teaching, do you think? It is high valued because the Church that Jesus is returning for must be united. He is not coming back for a splintered church, He is coming back for one body of believers.