JanMary

Q6. (John 12:47-49) In what way can judging people get in the way of saving them? I learned about this in the early days by judging people....I didn't yet understand that I was a sinner saved by grace, because I hadn't done what I considered to be the big sins! (Pride and self righteousness was the root) When someone admitted to me down the road a bit, that they had judged me, I heard in my spirit "judge not lest ye be judged"....Ouch! I learned that we're all on equal ground at the cross, and are all sinners saved by grace, and that "man" puts the ratings scale on sin....when in fact, sin is sin...regardless! Pride is not attractive to anyone, least of all someone we're trying to attract to Jesus. We're to be His ambassadors....meaning we represent HIM and HIS Character in humility and love. How did Jesus deal with this in his own ministry? Jesus came to save sinners, not to condemn them. If I'd felt condemnation from Him, I'd have run away...but He loved me unconditionally to Himself. What will it take for us to lose our stiffness and judgmental demeanor so that we might be able to be Jesus’ agents of salvation? Seeking His heart of love and asking Him to rid us of our hearts of stone. (We are love letters to the world written on hearts of flesh, not of stone.) Ezek. 11:19 tells me what Jesus intended for me: "And I will give them one heart...a new heart...and I will put a new spirit (His Spirit) within them; and I will take away the stony, unnaturally hardened heart out of their flesh and will give them a heart of flesh, sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God."

Q5. (John 12:42-43) When we are quiet about our relationship to God out of fear that people will criticize us, what does this say about our priorities? It says we're bound by the fear of man, and we love our life while despising His presence and work in us. About whether we are true disciples? I believe there are many believers who are bound by satan, and keep their Christian life a secret, and are therefore ineffective in the kingdom....but who over time may become true disciples as they gain trust, deliverance and grow in their knowledge of His love for them, and their love for the Lord. When Peter denied knowing Jesus in the High Priest’s courtyard, what was the effect in his life? Shame, despair, and known throughout history for his cowardice....but that was BEFORE he was indwelt by the Holy Spirit....He became powerful after he became a Christian. (The disciples were just followers until Pentecost, then they became Christians)

Q4. (John 12:37-41) In what way does declaring truth to resistant people harden them further? A hardened heart is pride fully stubborn and rebellious. When one has that mindset, truth makes them more determined than ever to be "right" in their thinking and to reject what they are hearing or reading or seeing. (Even miracles can be "explained away") How can a person (or a Pharisee) see a miracle and become even more determined to resist Jesus? We have an enemy whose goal is to blind eyes and deafen ears....it's called deception. When one is deceived and is comfortable with the deception (believing it is truth) It's very difficult, if not impossible to change their mind. How do you understand this paradox? Having lived around a few prideful, narcissistic people, I've observed how it works. It's very frustrating, but pride and stubbornness are "as witchcraft" and are why God says "He hates" them. Their strong opinion, though they believe a lie, is very empowering to them, and so rather than admit they've been in error, they persist, sometimes to their own destruction. (1 Sam 15:22,23: ...."to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance (pride) like evil of idolatry."

Q3. (John 12:32-33) What does Jesus mean when he talks about being “lifted up.”Do you think Jesus means being “lifted up” literally or figuratively or both? He was speaking both of being lifted up on the cross, and after the resurrection, being "High and Lifted up in Glorification." “Extra credit”: How does this phrase relate to Isaiah 52:12? (I'm thinking you meant Isaiah 52:13? ) "Behold my Servant shall deal wisely and shall prosper: He shall be exalted and extolled and shall stand very high" ...again, He's speaking of both the coming crucifixion, where like the serpent lifted up on a "pole", Jesus would be lifted up high and all who look to His death for salvation will be saved...as well as later being glorified as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. How does it relate to Philippians 2:8-9? Because He humbled Himself so low in obedience to the extreme of death on the cross, God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name that is above every name...and at which Name, every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father! I love these verses...such a precious "picture" of our Lord....Humility and Honor.....the strength of steel, and the softness of velvet.

Q2. (John 12:25-26) In what way is verse 25 the essence of what it means to be a disciple? In this verse, what does it mean to “love” your life? To love one's life is to choose one's will and priorities over that of our master, Jesus. A disciple lays down one's life and allows Jesus to reign supreme in His priorities...that of the Kingdom. What does it mean to “hate” your life? It means to value life lived in the Spirit, ( walking with Jesus), with a willingness to "crucify" the flesh or self life. How did Jesus live this out in the Garden of Gethsemane? He surrendered His human life in order to fulfill His Father's purpose for Him....the crucifixion so that like the kernal of wheat dying and going into the ground, countless lives would be born from his death.

Q1. (John 12:23-24) How can God’s glory be revealed even in death? The Glory followed the horror of Jesus' suffering and cruel death....when He was resurrected and ascended into Heaven. He didn't die unto Himself, but for everyone. How does the seed illustrate this? A single seed buried in the ground "dies" and new life springs forth producing a harvest of many seeds. How does Jesus’ death illustrate this? Jesus, the Seed of God, died, was buried, rose on the third day, and ascended into Heaven....producing a harvest too numerous to number....the fruit of His life and death. How does us dying to our old life illustrate this? When we surrender to His Lordship and allow Him to reign in and through us, our flesh "dies" (is subdued) and His Spirit grows in supremacy in us. We then produce "seed" to scatter or water or harvest, and another cycle of death and life begins.

Q4. If Jesus is your King, what kind of worship is appropriate? Jesus is my King...my Lord...my Savior...my friend. Appropriate worship is unabashed adoration and thanks for Who He is and for all that He has done, and continues to do for me every moment of every day! (Ann Voskamp's book "1,000 Gifts" changed my life in terms of gratitude and thanksgiving.) What kind of service? whole hearted service in whatever He asks and wherever He leads me . What kind of priorities? He is my first priority. (He wasn't always. He's done a great work in my life over the years to become my number ONE priority) What kind of obedience? He deserves my prompt obedience.... Are you giving Jesus his due as King? That is my heart's desire....there is always room to grow, which is also my desire. I'm growing in worship....for too long, sadness and heavy, painful trials resulted in what I would call "stunted" worship. I'm learning to worship despite what my feelings are or how difficult the circumstances.

Q3. (John 12:12-13) What about the people’s praise show they believed Jesus to be the Messiah? They had heard Jesus, believed He was Messiah, came prepared to worship and welcome Him with palm branches waving, and loud continuous shouts of adoration and affirmation, as they quoted Ps 118:26 "Blessed is He and praise to Him Who comes in the name of the Lord...even the King of Israel." On this occasion, why doesn’t Jesus shun such an open declaration that he is the Messiah, as he has in the past? This was the time for His death and Resurrection....prior to this time, it would have been premature. Jesus always followed what His Father told Him go do...the perfectly obedient Son of God. He had fulfilled all of the prophecies prior to this time. He was and is their and our soon coming King.

Q2. (John 12:14-16) What is the prophetic significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey? There is precedent in Numbers and 1 Samuel where donkeys carried dignitaries, such as David's choice for Solomon's coronation was for the young king to ride on a donkey. Zech 9:9 declares prophetically "Do not fear O daughter of Zion! Your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt." Why did he do it? Jesus was openly declaring to all that He is Messiah, the Anointed One, their King. What was the effect on the crowds? They expected Jesus to come for Passover, and were prepared and waiting with palm branches going out to meet Him, shouting "Hosanna! Blessed is He and praise to Him Who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel (quoting Ps 118:26). The common people understood, while the religious leaders were either blind or in denial about the triumph of His entry. John states that the disciples didn't understand what these things meant until later. In the same way they couldn't grasp that Jesus was going to die, and to lay down His life, while Mary, Lazarus' sister, believed, purchased and saved expensive nard to anoint Jesus after His death, for burial. I've found this to be true in my own life....sometimes it's after "He's passed by" that I grasp that what was so seemingly ordinary in the moment, was really an incredible move of the Holy Spirit and I just stand in awe of how wonderfully He works on our behalf!

Q1. (John 12:3-8) Why did Judas object to Mary’s extravagant act of devotion? V6 Tells us that Judas did not say this because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and having the care of the money purse of the 12, he took for himself what was put into it, pilfering the collections. Why did Jesus defend her? Jesus said "Let her alone. It was intended that she should keep it for the time of my preparation for burial. (embalming). You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." (I've read these verses countless times and never before noticed that Mary had purchased and kept the liquid nard to have for after Jesus died. I don't know how I missed that, but this adds so much more to Mary's understanding of Jesus and His purpose.) Why did Mary do this? Mary loved Jesus, believed in Him and did it purely as an act of her devotion for Him. It was an act of worship....she had seen Him wash others feet, more than likely, and was perhaps saying a tearful goodbye through this beautiful and unselfish act, sensing that He was going to leave them soon. As it turned out, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea had the privilege of anointing Jesus' body for burial. Mary had the opportunity to do what she could, "in the moment" and did, otherwise she'd have been too late. What does this teach us about worship? It says to me that worship flows out of the heart of the worshipper, and is not a rigid, prescribed "ritual" to be followed. I believe the Holy Spirit led Mary to worship Jesus in this way as comfort for Him in the short time before He was to face the cross. When we follow the Holy Spirit's leading in worship, the Lord will be blessed! Does your worship tend to be cheap or extravagant? It varies...some times the most costly worship for me is through tears. At times it's a sacrificial offering. I would say it's mediocre much of the time, and to say that brings great sadness. I'm asking Him to grow me in all areas, but especially in worship. For you, what would be extravagant worship? I would have to say, it would be to dance before the Lord, as David did, completely uninhibited and unselfconscious. (Beth Moore said one time that she was overcome with the desire to worship as she walked in the rain...and did a dance right there on the sidewalk. I thought "I can't see me doing that!",,,but maybe someday I will! He deserves the very best I can offer!

Q6. (John 11:54) Why did Jesus withdraw to Ephraim? Jesus in all things was led by His Father. It was not yet time for His arrest...Passover was still ahead and was the appointed time for the Lamb of God to be slain...at 3:00 p.m. when the temple lamb was being killed by the priest. Does this show fear? Jesus was fearless! What does this teach us about strategic retreat? It tells me not to rush in haste ahead of my Shepherd....but to wait upon His leading in all things. (I just went through this last week. I felt pressure to fulfill a request ("I need you to do this!") and responded with a "Yes" via email, while feeling turmoil inside, which I ignored. The moment I pressed "send", I "heard" in my spirit: "I didn't say "yes" to you for this"....,which required another quick email to decline and the embarrassment of explaining that I'd run ahead of the Lord's leading and now had to say "no" to the request.

Q5. (John 11:49-53). What did Caiaphas intend to say to the Sanhedrin? I think he meant to say "He's just a man, a poor, homeless nobody, with a small following....better to let him die and take the pressure off of the rest us Hebrews, keeping us out of harms way! What is the prophetic meaning of his statement? He without meaning to, prophesied that Jesus is the fulfillment of all of the Old Testament prophecies: Savior, Messiah, Son of God, Creator God, King of King and Lord of Lords.

Q4. (John 11:32-38) Different writers interpret Jesus’ emotions on this occasion differently.Why do you think Jesus was “deeply moved”? Why did He weep? Jesus created life! We were meant to live forever! But "the fall" of Adam made death necessary to release us from eternity in our fallen, sinful state. My opinion is that Jesus wept in grief with his dear friends over the loss of their Lazarus as He experienced what we feel when a loved one dies. (In everything our Shepherd has gone before us, and in every way was tempted and tested as we are.) We weep for others we may not even know well, who suffer grief and loss, because we have His heart rather than one of stone. Death leaves us in such shock that words fail to bring comfort or solace. Jesus was so gentle and tender that He could not help but be moved by their grief, even though He knew His Father was leading Him to raise Lazarus from the dead momentarily. (We are told with the gift of Mercy, to weep with those who weep." He is the Person of Mercy. How could He not be moved by their broken hearts?) Death is such a shattering time of loss and separation from loved ones. Many people feel anger toward God when a loved one dies. Jesus may have felt the unjust sting of that emotion as they blamed Him for not coming sooner...even through His Father led Him to stay where He was so that the miracle could take place demonstrating that Jesus is the Resurrection over even the corruption and decay of the grave. I think in part Jesus wept over that natural place of misunderstanding of His great love for us, knowing that it may take years for the bereaved to release the anger at God and to come to a place of acceptance and trust in Him.

Q3. (John 11:27) Based on Luke 10:38-42, what is Martha’s reputation compared to that of her sister Mary? Martha was serving as was expected in that culture. She opened her home to Jesus. She was a dutiful, competent hostess and homemaker but was distracted by all of the preparations which went along with entertaining guests. In her anger, she blamed Jesus for "not caring" that she was left to do all of the work while Mary sat and listened. She demanded He tell Mary to help her! (Not a very gracious hostess) Mary may have been seen by others as a slacker compared to Martha. Mary sat at Jesus' feet and ignored hostess duties. She may have seemed irresponsible or lazy to those with expectations that she should be a "normal" woman busily serving while the men listened to Jesus. What is so amazing about Martha’s confession? What does this tell us about her? When Martha heard Jesus was coming she went out to meet Him. She chastened Him again for not being there when Lazarus died....but added that she believed that God the Father would give Jesus whatever He asked...so she had hope and belief in Who Jesus is, which hints that she hoped Jesus would raise Lazarus from the dead as she knew He had raised others. Her confession is amazing because we don't get the impression that she spent time at His feet. She may have been eavesdropping while cooking and preparing, because one would think the confession would have come from Mary, that Jesus is the Messiah. Which of the sisters seems more spiritual on this day – Martha or Mary? Martha appears to be more spiritual, since she went out to meet Him, (again, being the hostess) while Mary stayed inside with the other mourners, and it was Martha who declared Jesus is Messiah. But when He comes, Mary falls at His feet in devotion and love. We tend to draw conclusions based on little information. Martha's personality was assertive, and in charge, as well as outspoken. The "elder sister" and the owner of the home, so more of a take charge kind of gal, still on duty in the face of her brother's death and ready to plan the funeral and entertain the mourners in her home and to confront Jesus for His delay...but in a faithful, hopeful kind of way. I admire her strength of character in the face of such loss. Mary sounds more passive and contemplative by nature, used to Martha being in charge. Mary was grieving in the way she lived her life, quietly, one of the group. She may not appear to be as spiritual as Martha, but only because Mary was not visible. I relate more to Mary, because my personality is similar to what little we read about her. If there is a Martha handy with the gift of service who knows what she's doing, I'm happy to step out of the way and just listen and observe rather than lead. Although I can lead when asked or there is a need. I'm more comfortable listening than talking in a group.

Q2. (John 11:25-26) In what sense does Jesus embody resurrection? Jesus is Creator God....He has power over death, and when he was here as God-man, He raised many from death to life. He was the first born Son to be raised from the dead in order to defeat death's sting and so that no believer will ever experience the second death (in hell, cut off from His presence). He is the Resurrection! In what sense does he embody life? What is the great promise that he offers us in verses 25 and 26? As Creator God, Jesus created all life. He is "the Way, the Truth and the Life"...and with all power over death He is the only way to the Father and eternal life. He is Life! When Adam fell and with him, all creation, Jesus came to live a sinless perfect life, to die and be resurrected in order to redeem life. His Life was the ransom for whosoever will receive Him as Lord and Savior. The second death then is a choice made, rather than "God sending one to hell."

Q1. (John 11:16) What does verse 16 teach us about Thomas’s character? I love Thomas! He was an eager, faithful, sincere disciple, unafraid to speak up. He was authentic, rather than always trying to be politically correct! He said what was in his heart. One always knows where one stands with someone who is direct and honest! Whereas with people pleasers we have to guess what they're really thinking and who they really are. More unlikely to want to offend by speaking about their faith....Not so with Thomas. I'm sure everyone knew that he loved and followed Jesus! In this verse he shows loyalty to Jesus and fearlessness. "Let us also go that we may die with Him". He was willing to be martyred if that's where the path was leading, rather than suggesting staying behind or running away. He was bold, brave and courageous. He seems to be remembered mainly as "doubting Thomas". But even his questioning demonstrates his no nonsense approach to his faith. Once he was clear, he was "all in" to the end. And the fact that he was later martyred demonstrates that he never faltered in his commitment to Christ. About his faith? His faith was cemented firmly in Jesus...no turning back, no matter what. He was going to go all the way in faith to the end. He alone seems to have understood that Jesus was going to die at some point, and was willing to die with Him. His loyalty is beautiful, and I'm sure was a huge blessing to Jesus. Thomas is the kind of friend one desires to have in life. No secret doubts smoldering inside...he spoke up and got his doubt answered, and went on with his life's mission to India. A Christian mentor shared that with me when I began to walk with Jesus...."when you have doubts, rather than hide them, tell Jesus about them...and He will answer them for you." I did share, and have through the years if there is confusion or questions....and He is always faithful to answer. As I think back, those are my strongest areas of faith, because the Master taught me!

Q4. (John 10:27-30) In the world of shepherds, who would try to “snatch” a sheep? A thief or an animal seeking to devour the sheep. Who would try to “snatch” a Christian if he could? Our enemy...who came to kill, steal and destroy. What promise of absolute security are we given? "I give them eternal life and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. To all eternity and they shall never by any means be destroyed. And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand." John 10:28 How does that assure you? I have nothing to fear. I'm secure in my Savior-Shepherd's mighty Hand. I love Isa. 41:10: "Fear not, there is nothing to fear for I Am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed for I AM your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will retain you with My victorious right hand of rightness and justice."

Q3. (John 10:11-15) How does a “good shepherd” differ from what a hired shepherd would do in time of danger? A good shepherd puts the life of the sheep first and foremost. Such as we read of David, who risked his own life to confront a lion and a bear who were trying to attack his father's sheep in his care. A hireling shepherd cares for the money he earns but not about the sheep. I've read about hired shepherds, who "drive" the sheep with a whip to keep them moving, whereas a good shepherd leads the sheep with great care that not one is lost. In what way did Jesus the Good Shepherd “lay down his life for the sheep”? Jesus was not murdered. He was born to die. No one took His life. Instead, at the time of His Father's choosing, Jesus "like a lamb led to the slaughter" opened not His mouth in His own defense. He humbly and willingly submitted to the atrocity of scourging, humiliation of being stripped and hung naked, and the agony of crucifixion, to secure my salvation, healing and deliverance. The only time He called His Father, "My God", so that I can call my God," My Father".

Q2. (John 10:10) What would an “abundant life” look like if you were a sheep with a really good shepherd? It would be a life of peace, knowing that my Shepherd is my protector, and he knows that I'm incapable of wandering through life successfully on my own, because I have no means of fighting enemies. It would mean that I have no worries, because my Shepherd is always going before me to find the best route for our journey, the best grazing and clean, still water. He knows when I need to stop and rest, and when I need his attention to tend my cuts and other ailments. When I'm wounded or too tired to go any further, my Shepherd carries me on His shoulders. Best of all, my Shepherd knows my name...I'm not just another one of the sheep in the flock...he knows my character and my flaws...if I start to wander, his staff is employed to gently bring me back. He's kind and gentle and always concerned about my welfare, and getting me to the end of the journey safely in his companionship and care. In what ways is the Christian life to be an “abundant” life? It's meant to be a full life, well lived, regardless of the circumstances I'm in. Since we have a loving and kind Shepherd, we are meant to live like the sheep I described in part A. Life is a treasure hunt....and He's the treasure we look for everyday hiding in plain sight...in His marvelous creation, in hearing His voice, in other believers who come alongside us, in His encouragement and nudging us forward along the path and plan He has for each of us. It's a life free of worry and fear...and if we've learned those due to trauma in our past, He is our healer and deliverer. He is our abundance! How does this abundance relate to persecutions and hardships that come to us as Christians. He is our strength and strong tower, the lover of our souls, and our provision and indwelling companion, especially when "we are hedged in on every side, troubled and oppressed in every way but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; we are pursued, persecuted and hard driven, but not deserted to stand alone; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; even handed over to death for Jesus sake, that the resurrection life of Jesus also may be evidenced through our flesh" ...etc. 2 Co.r 4:8-11 At the end of the day, we are His! Can the life of a unbeliever be more “abundant,” free, and fun? Absolutely! Life is a mixture of trials, fun, ups and downs, moving forward and sometimes a step or two backwards, but when Jesus is at the helm of our "boat" there are times of smooth sailing and delight, fun and excitement, as well as storms which hit but He takes us safely through them all. He will get us safely to our destination, intact, to His praise and glory.

Q1. (John 10:3-4) What does it mean that Jesus’ sheep “know his voice”? Know: to be aware of through observation, inquiry or information; To have a relationship with someone through meeting them, spending time with them, to be familiar or friendly with. We don't automatically know Jesus' voice, we learn to know and recognize it as we are in relatonship with Him, spend time with Him, get used to how He sounds and speaks, and because what He says lines up with scripture...never contradicts His Word. How can you discern his voice from your own thoughts and the expectations of others? I've learned to discern His voice through years of listening, testing the Spirit, some mistakes (when what I heard was only what I wanted to hear!) If I'm in doubt, I ask Him to confirm what I've heard, in scripture. He always answers those prayers..He doesn't want us in the dark, or listening to satan or demons or the wishful thinking of our own voice. His is a gentle and quiet voice which I hear in my spirit rather than with my ears.

Q4. (John 9:39-41) Were the Pharisees responsible for their hard hearts and spiritual blindness? Yes, they were. They knew the scriptures but chose power and position as their god. They did not seek to know God! According to 2 Corinthians 4:4, what causes spiritual blindness? The god of this world blinds the eyes and minds to truth. He is a deceiver and destroyer set against God to try to prevent God's Kingdom from coming and to thwart as many as possible from believing the Truth which will rescue them from his evil control. Was Pharaoh responsible for his hardness of heart? (see Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34; 10:3; 13:15; 1 Samuel 6:6). Yes, he was...The first reference said that Pharaoh made his heart stubborn. Later when there was no repentance, God hardened his heart further. The same sun shines on wax and clay....the wax softens and melts and the clay hardens....It's based on attitude and self will.

Q3. (John 9:35-38) Why did Jesus go looking for the man he had healed? The man had been healed and shared his story, challenging the religious leaders and been thrown out of the synagogue. Jesus had opened his physically blind eyes and now sought him out to complete the opening of his spiritual eyes and to reveal Himself as Messiah, the only way to eternal life. What was the healed man’s level of openness? His level of faith? His knowledge? A beautiful thing! He was not only open but eager! He had a level of faith based on what he'd been told about the scriptures. He knew that the Messiah was coming, was a prophet, and would do God's will. What did he need at this point? He needed the personal touch of Jesus to turn his head knowledge into true and living faith. Jesus cared about the man's entire person....not just his sight and salvation, but about his need for the love of God given to him personally in his aloneness. What people do you know who are so ready that they just need some guidance in how to believe in Jesus? My son is like the man born blind who has been healed. He has head knowledge, but needs the "spark" of personal touch which will ignite his faith to overcome the disappointments and wounds he's received within the church.

Q2. (John 9:6). Why do you think Jesus healed in different ways? Laying on of hands, command, mud on eyes, fingers in ears, etc.? God is the author of creativity...I think He just delights in not being allowed to be put in a box of expectations. I also think that when the Father chose the different methods for healing, each was tailored to the individual being healed, those around the individual and to reveal the different facets of His Character...for instance "Command" when the sick person wasn't present, that He transcends time and space. Some required an act of obedience to complete the healing, such as "pick up your bed and walk", or go and wash in the pool of Siloam, or go and show yourselves to the priest and you will be made clean, etc. The woman with the issue of blood was healed through simply "taking" her healing by touching His garment, but rather than just letting it pass unnoticed, He stopped and asked "Who touched Me", as healing virtue had left His body. He affirmed her faith, caller her Daughter, and saw that she is remembered in scripture. How much do you think was at his Father’s direction (5:19, 30; 12:49). Jesus said earlier, I only do what I see My Father doing....everything Jesus did was through His Father's direction. Why is it important to seek God’s guidance in how we should minister to a person? We "are not greater than our Master"....we too must seek direction from our Father as we minister. In praying recently for a woman with breast cancer who had agreed to several abortions long ago in her past, as I was seeking the Lord for wisdom, I heard "Self punishment", and prayed accordingly. That would never have occurred to me on my own.

Q1. (John 9:1-3) Is sin always the cause of sickness or affliction? No, it isn't. God does not send disease and affliction.)Or He would not tell us to pray for healing!) Satan is the author of sickness and disease, but Psalm 119:91 says that "The entire universe is God's servant." So Satan serves God, though he hates God and God's people, but that's his lot until he's chained up in the pit. But God allows affliction as Rom 8:28,29 promises: "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes, THAT we may be conformed into the image of His Son." I've experienced physical symptoms (like the red light on the dashboard in the car when something is amiss under the hood) when I have ignored emotional issues which need to be dealt with, such as dealing with repressed anger, unforgiveness, fear, worry, etc, and when I stop to deal with whatever I've "stuffed", the physical symptoms disappear. Based on His Word, no matter the cause, whether consequence of sin and guilt (self punishment), demonic affliction, just living in the world of germs and viruses, or whatever, He is Sovereign, and is the Great Physician who heals us or takes us home at His appointed time as written in His book before the foundation of the world. (Ps 139). What are some of the good results that come out of the sicknesses and afflicti ons of godly people? The Psalmist in 119:71 said "It is good that I was afflicted that I learned to know You." That is a valuable benefit of a sickness. It causes us to seek His lovely Face, not just His Hand. Another benefit is the wonderful testimony which results, such as when part of our son's thumb was severed in a bicycle accident. A hand plastic surgeon reattached it saying there wasn't much hope of the surgery being successful. Of course we prayed, and when we returned for him to check it, we saw that it had died and turned black and would need to be removed to prevent gangrene. We asked if we could have 2 more days for more prayer and to have him anointed with oil at church. He agreed. When we returned 2 days later and he unwrapped it, this Jewish unbelieving Doctor's mouth dropped open and he said "We just don't get to see miracles!" We saw that it was pink and healthy tissue again. We shared Christ with him, bought him a Bible, left him rejoicing, and I expect to see him in Heaven. Every time we look at that thumb, we remember how faithful God is to heal and to use affliction for His glory. I know of several families who've lost loved ones to terminal illnesses, who've said the illness gave the loved one time to receive Christ, and / or for the family relationships to be healed and restored as a result of the illness. When my unbelieving brother was bleeding to death in the hospital due to a malfunction of medical equipment, and no one noticed, he told me through tears and sobbing that Jesus came into his room, stopped the bleeding, told Jim how much He loves him, summoned help, and disappeared....Jim survived and shared with anyone who would listen, including his Doctors, how the Lord saved his physical life, and as a result, gave him life eternal. During an illness of several months of my own, He used it to rekindle my love for His Word which had grown dull to me, and I devoured the entire Bible in that period of time, to my joy....I thanked Him for allowing me to be afflicted, because of how He used it to bless me so abundantly. During affliction, we experience God's comfort and assurance. We remember that He suffered unto death for us, and His feet pressed the path we walk before us, so we learn to trust Him for the outcome. In our weakness He is made strong...as in Paul's affliction, which the Lord did not remove. Perhaps that's one of the reasons that Paul's life was so astonishing for the Kingdom of God. He lived in God's continual grace, which was sufficient. Afflictions also afford us the privilege of prayer for others who are under attack, and for others to pray for us. God wastes nothing and uses all things for good.

Q6. (John 8:58) What does Jesus’ statement, “Before Abraham was, I am,” tell us about Jesus? It tells us that Jesus is Creator God...who created everything and everyone....including Abraham. He is eternal and has always existed and will always exist. His answers are always the truth, full of wisdom. Even when He's being accused, He is focused on those listening who may turn and receive Him. How does this statement relate to John 1:1-5? Jesus is restating to the enemies that He is the living Word Who was with God, in the beginning and in fact is God. He is telling them He created them and all that they have and are surrounded by...the Great I AM, His gift to them, Whom they are rejecting because they belong to their father the devil. He is telling them He is Life and Light shining on and into their darkened minds which are unreceptive to Truth, because they are blinded by the devil.