JanMary

Q3. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6) What is the balance between the need for training in ministry (either in the local church or in schools) and personal submission to the Spirit of God? Both are important, but first we must be CALLED, not self appointed. If that's the case, no amount of training can equip an endeavor of the flesh and self will. But when called, training, discipleship, equipping are as important as boot camp is to the soldier. Are you able to “listen to the Spirit’s voice” in your own life? I'm so grateful that I do hear His voice. Only once audibly, (Go Now! When I was unaware that I was in great danger. I thank God for the strong warning and that I didn't question, or I may have been either raped or killed or both) but usually a still small voice in my spirit, or a "check" when I need to stop or go a different direction. I hear of His love for me every day when I look at the things He has made which are so beautiful. Sometimes I "hear" a prompting to read a certain portion of scripture, and weep when it's exactly what I needed. I heard His voice in a huge thunder and lightning storm recently in the mountains, and marveled at His power and might, and the blessing of seeing how the rain had become nitrogen to fertilize the plants, in the process! I hear His voice at times in prophecies He's spoken through me, or to me. I have no sense of direction and will say "Father, I'm lost. Which way do I turn? And I'll "hear" an impression "Turn right at the next corner"...and so many other ways. I praise Him that He is not silent, but wanting us to hear His voice more than we even want to hear Him!!!! Why would this ability be so important in being a competent minister? Balance is beautiful! A well trained minister who is submitted the the Lord's will and direction will be a powerful tool for the Kingdom of God, in His skillful hand. All the training in the world cannot further the Kingdom of God if the minister is not led by the Holy Spirit...he/she will be a failure or a shooting star who rises quickly on his/her own merit and charisma then burns out quickly and falls. So sad when we see this happen.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 3:2-3) In what sense are we “living letters”? We are born "dead" to God, with hearts of stone until Jesus is invited in and we are reborn...with hearts of love which can be "read" by those around us. The Law was written on tablets of stone. Our hearts are to reflect the new and better covenant of grace as He lives through us. In what way can people “read us”? Jesus is alive in us through the Holy Spirit...yesterday's lesson on the "perfume of Christians" explains how people "read" us...they see Jesus (hopefully!!!!) in us and sense that we are different from unbelievers. They see, our actions, feel our love, sense our Lord alive in us......they read us and see Him. Why is it so important to be authentic, not phony, in our lives? Authenticity is attractive. People want the REAL deal. They want to know that what we say we believe is what we actually believe and live. Phoniness has a foul smell...like death. Authentic Christians may be the only Bible an unbeliever "reads". What happens when people “read” something in you that they admire and mention it to you? We are both blessed. That happened this morning....when I felt so weak and weary. Someone asked me to pray with them, and I opened my mouth and prayed....there was great rejoicing when words inspired by the Holy Spirit affirmed to the person what she believed the Lord had been showing her. How might you respond appropriately? The only way I know how....to rejoice and give the glory and thanks to the Author of anything seen, heard or felt by others, in me. It's such a humbling experience.....I praise Him when it happens and rejoice that He has used me.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 2:14-16a) In what sense is knowing God fragrant to people who are open to God? The wonderful aroma of steak grilling or cinnamon rolls baking draws the hungry to the fire or to the kitchen for a taste. Just smelling a scent can take us back to powerful memories from years ago or even childhood. When one is seeking more in life or is hungering to know if God is "real", the Christian who has an intimate relationship with the Lord looks, acts, and "seems" different which entices the seeker to want more of what the "fragrance" advertises...I've used the steak example when sharing with someone who wanted the reality of God without surrendering their will to Him...You can't enjoy the fragrance of the steak and receive the sustenance from it.. until you eat it...take it in...chew it...digest it in order to benefit fully...for it to sustain life. In what way is this fragrance repugnant to people who are closed to God? I hate to go to the grocery store when I've just eaten and am full....the smells and sight of food seems repulsive! In the same way, when one is satisfied with an empty, dead life of sin, which is satiated with that which satisfies the fallen nature, the fragrance of Christ repels, and threatens what they are enjoying...putrefaction! It's the smell of death to them! Have you suppressed your “fragrance” because some people are allergic to Christian perfume? If so, how can you regain the fragrance of Christ’s gospel? Sadly, at times I have kept quiet. I've noticed those times have been when I've been powerfully intimidated or have been feeling oppressed or depressed. My desire is that everyone comes to know our precious Lord Jesus, and my prayer is that He gives me boldness and the leading of the Holy Spirit to share, no matter how I FEEL. As the song says, "Jesus is the fragrance after the rain"...my desire and prayer is that the Holy Spirit so empower me and His love so fills me that His fragrance through me draws others into the triumphal procession into eternity.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 2:10-11) How does Satan take advantage of our unforgiveness? Unforgiveness gives Satan a "place" in us where he can operate. He "massages" the unforgiveness and keeps reminding us of the wound or offense hoping that he can fan into flame, more and more anger, resentment and bitterness. He can then steal our joy and we become self focused as we grouse over how we were wronged. What are the symptoms in our own heart of unforgiveness? Ouch! I just experienced this, so it's very fresh! I was feeling "squeezed", and victimized, followed by a lack of love. I was hurt and angry and became focused on myself and the wrong done to us and I was offended. I found myself thinking about it more and more...even waking up in the night. I thought about revenge. I heard myself talking about it, but couldn't pull the words back in. I wanted to avoid the individual but couldn't because they are neighbors. I was growing resentful about the expense it was costing us. I felt defeated and frustrated, hurt and very sad...self pity...I felt oppressed. According to Matthew 6:14-15, how does holding unforgiveness hurt our spiritual lives? My unforgiveness caused me to focus on the offense and I could not pray. My sin of unforgiveness was more damaging than what was done to us! These are people who need the Lord, and prayer, not my resentment! What would you have to do to really let go of your resentment and give it to God? First I had to recognize it....it's been one of those things that has gone on for years and was "under the radar" much of the time. But When I recognized what I was doing, I confessed to the Lord, asked Him to forgive me and to help me to forgive them. I accepted His forgiveness and forgave myself and the burden lifted. The problem continues but with God's help I will pray FOR them, as they need Him more than we need what it is costing us monetarily.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 2:9) How does obedience to servant leaders help the church of Jesus Christ? The Lord calls one to shepherd and lead and the flock to follow, not blindly and mindlessly, but in obedience to good, godly leaders, which creates unity and harmony. How does obedience to self-serving leaders hurt the church? It's like giving an alcoholic a drink...they become more and more self serving and "drunk" with misuse of power, rather than functioning in their proper, God given authority. Are you obedient to those whom God has placed over you in the Lord? Why or why not? Yes, I am. I learned years ago that to become an effective leader, one has to first learn to follow. I appreciate the "chain of command" and honor that. But I don't turn off my brain and my discernment. Like the Bereans we are told to test what is being taught to see if it lines up with Scripture. When a former pastor suddenly became a dictator run amok, rather than create chaos and disunity, we spoke to the deacon board about our concerns and learned that he was no longer holding himself accountable to the board, and they were in shock as well. We left the church, and the entire board left soon after as well. He eventually moved on, but some "sheep" were so damaged by his behavior that they no longer feel safe in a church setting. Devastating that Satan created such heartache through the ego of one man. What is the relationship between obedience and church unity? They are closely tied together. If the sheep are trying to control the pastor (or worse, intimidate and manipulate him into following them) there can be no unity. Harmony flows when sheep are willing to be led by a strong, godly leader, with mutual love and respect, and when the Holy Spirit is allowed to function in each according to their gifting. Then we are known by our love!

Q2. (2 Corinthians 1:24) What does it mean to “lord it over” someone? It means one who has power and authority, a master, a ruler. (Putting one's self in a position of dominance and superiority over another) What is the balance between (1) good, strong leadership, (2) micromanaging, and (3) a complete laissez-faire approach to leadership? We are co-laborers, fellow laborers in the Lord's "Vineyard". A strong leader is one who is flowing in the God-given authority appointed to him/her, is able to listen to others and to compromise when that is the best solution to disagreement. Micromanaging indicates insecurity and lack of trust in the Lord's ability to work through others. Self important...the belief that "I'm the only one who knows how to accomplish whatever task is being done. A knit picking, controlling, overly responsible personality. Laissez-faire leadership is neglectful, possibly incompetence or laziness, and leads to power plays among those being "led"....it creates a vacuum which someone is bound to fill, whether appointed as leader or not, then anarchy. It's the "sheep without a shepherd" spoken of in Scripture, leaving them vulnerable to wolves. What are the dangers of an authoritative leadership style? The danger is a dictatorship mentality. This style creates an atmosphere of fear, and shuts down those under this "ruler". It also leads to rebelliousness and "mutiny" in an effort to bring balance to the group. These leaders tend to be harsh and unable to compromise, and do not reflect the Love of Jesus. "One man/woman bands" They are insecure, like the micromanager, but overpower like a tsunami, where the micromanager hovers like an annoying constant dripping of water! What are the dangers of a weak leadership style? Weak leaders do not understand the authority they are to exercise in their role as leader. It's God-given. A weak leader is timid and easily intimidated by those who want to usurp the leadership role due to ungodly character. There is a spirit of Intimidation which comes into groups to destroy harmony and unity in the Body of Christ...a weak leader will bow to this spirit (most likely ignorant of what is going on) and factions, schism's, and bickering take place, and eventually those looking for leadership will either leave or try to usurp leadership which is not theirs.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 1:21b-22) According to this verse, what does the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives signify? It signifies that we have been redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, established in joint fellowship in the Body of Christ, having been consecrated and anointed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His seal upon us guarantees all that He has promised believers. How does the Spirit unite us with God? We were dead, lost, destined for hell. When we received Jesus as Savior and Lord the Holy Spirit came to live within us...as the Lord's dwelling place or Temple's here on earth. His Presence in our lives demonstrates that we are His, no longer separated by our sin and unrighteousness. What is the promise of future blessing inherent in the Spirit’s presence? The Holy Spirit's Presence in us, is like an engagement ring for the Bride of Christ....when at that day we shall see Him face to face and will be like Him in character with the added promise of spending eternity with Him. "I am His and He is mine". We are joint heirs with Him...all that is His is ours, and we will be fully His. Hallelujah!!!!!!!

Q3. (2 Corinthians 1:10-11) Why does Paul ask people to pray for him? In V.10 Paul speaks of how the Lord delivered them from a perilous death and believes yet again they will be delivered from danger and destruction, as they had "suffered oppressing distress in Asia, and were utterly and unbearably weighed down and crushed so that they despaired even of life itself." He goes on in V.11 to speak about others prayers (the lips of many persons turned toward God) laboring with them in bringing the Gospel to the unsaved, and those who prayed will eventually "give thanks on our (Paul and his co-laborers for the Gospel) behalf for the grace and blessing of deliverance granted us" (Paul, and co-laborers) in answer to the intercessor's prayers. How do the prayers of others have an effect? Our prayers for others invite God to enter into the lives and situations of others and their lives are changed! He has limited His involvement in the lives of the unsaved, unless invited to intervene by others. When we pray for others He promises "When two or more are gathered together, there I Am in their midst." Often, the one afflicted is under such oppression and attack that they are unable to pray for themselves....(other than "HELP"....been there many times!) The prayers of others support and undergird the brother or sister in Christ and I believe the storm is quieted, peace, hope and deliverance come on the wings of the intercessory prayers, God is glorified, and we experience the joy of participating with Him in His amazing work. I also believe the one who prays benefits....we have the privilege and delight of knowing that when the prayers were answered for the afflicted one, we shared in being part of the answer. What happened in your life that has helped you enter into a ministry of intercessory prayer? I became a believer because of the prayers of others. (I just wanted to die and be done with the pain of life). So because of the love and compassion of other's who prayed for me, I am very motivated to pray for others! I've experienced both in my life and have seen the power of God in other's lives in answer to prayer...my heart longs for everyone to know Him and then to make Him known. The many trials and hardships, abuse and neglect have given me a heart of compassion for others to be provided for, comforted, delivered, encouraged, and made whole in Christ.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 1:9-10) How does facing a harrowing crisis help us grow in the Lord? From the many the Lord has brought me through I'm growing in grace and the knowledge of His Character, and my lack of.... How has a crisis helped your spiritual life? Each one has helped to crucify my flesh...and it's desires, willfulness, opinions, and ego. With each "crushing" of those, He's gained more of a foothold and is now my Stronghold, while the strongholds birthed through an unsaved life apart from Him, are shrinking in number and strength. Each crisis has revealed my weakness and His Strength, my poverty and His Riches, my pride and need for His Humility, my ignorance and His Wisdom, my impotence, no matter how strong the will, and His Power and Might to deliver and uphold me. What is the value of learning not to rely on ourselves? For me the value has been to teach me that "apart from Him I can do nothing of eternal value". I've learned that His analogy of sheep and Shepherd is spot on! I don't know from up and He knows all there is to know about all there is to know, and I thrive when I follow only where He leads. He hasn't designed me to know or to figure out the future and since He lives there, it's safe to trust Him no matter which cliff I seem about to fall over! What does this do to our pride? He crucifies it....IF I allow it. I can see why He hates pride. I just saw it rear it's ugly head in me several weeks ago, and when He put His gentle finger on it, I was quick to ask for cleansing and forgiveness. I hated seeing it in myself. It's so silly anyway, given who we are....and WHO HE IS! How does this improve our effectiveness as God’s servants? When I'm in right relationship with Him and have a clear perspective of who...or WHOSE I am, I can function as His vessel to flow through, (rather than thinking I am THE vessel), then fruit is manifested for the kingdom. Fruit is what He's after and since the crises have caused me to grow in Him, I want what He wants more than what I thought I wanted!

Q1. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) What kind of comfort do you receive from your faith in God? His comfort which is unlike any other, in that He not only heals, but encourages me to go on in faith. The Comforter is always available. It comforts me just to know He loves me, has forgiven me completely, delights in me, and never leaves me, even for a moment...and that He never sleeps or is too busy for me. It comforts me to know He has my good always at heart in His dealings with me and through me....His plan is a good one for success and not failure, for good and not evil and a good future for me. I'm comforted to know that I will spend eternity in His loving care and Presence. From your personal daily relationship with God? Because of our relationship, He knows already when I need comfort and is waiting for me when I come to Him. His comfort never contains condemnation, such as I received as a child...such as perhaps a band-aid, but the added "You should have known better", or some other comment that indicated that I either deserved or caused whatever had caused the pain, sadness, loss or disappointment. How might you share the blessing of this kind of comfort with a friend or relative who is currently suffering? The Lord comforted me this morning over a huge disappointment and injustice, by waiting until I had cried the tears out, then tenderly giving me insight into His reasons for the delay and for allowing the injustice. Within an hour I received an email from a relative who was suffering from a bitter disappointment and injustice. I was able to share the comfort and insight He's just given me which turned the tears into a smile. What words of comfort can you bring to others? He is our Comforter. I can bring to others the comfort I've received from Him. I can share that He is our redeemer...He can take the "sows ears" I've made through mistakes, foolish or ignorant decisions I've made apart from Him, or those made long before I came to know Him, into "silk purses", which glorify Him. I can share how He has taken a life of abuse of all kinds, and turned it into one of joy, faith, and love, where the hurts are healed, the messes are my message and He is Lord and Savior of all of my life. I can share His love and forgiveness. I can share the Gospel with a lost soul who needs to know His embrace and salvation so that they can come into our glorious and totally blessed family.

Q4. (Psalm 34:18-22) What encouragement does David give to the brokenhearted? THE LORD IS CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED AND SAVES US. (HE IS IN IT WITH US!) What does it mean that God "redeems" you? WE WERE HIS AT CREATION. ADAM CHOSE TO REBEL AGAINST GOD AND THEIR FELLOWSHIP WAS BROKEN. JESUS CAME AND IN HIMSELF PROVIDED THE ONLY ADEQUATE PAYMENT TO BUY US BACK FROM SATAN'S KINGDOM. OR: WE WERE HIS, WE WERE LOST, HE BOUGHT BACK WHAT WAS HIS IN THE FIRST PLACE, PERMANENTLY IF WE CHOOSE HIM. How can we avoid condemnation according to Psalm 34:22? FIRST, I MUST BE HIS, THROUGH ACCEPTING HIS FREE GIFT OF SALVATION BY GRACE. THAT IS DONE BY TAKING REFUGE IN HIM AND TRUSTING BY FAITH THAT THE WORK IS COMPLETE WHEN I SAY YES TO HIM. (THANK YOU JESUS, FOR SAYING "YES", SO THAT I COULD SAY "YES" TO YOU!)

Q3. (Psalm 34:1-3) Why should we praise God continually? HE IS WORTHY OF OUR CONTINUAL PRAISE. WE WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO ADEQUATELY THANK HIM FOR CREATING US, THEN WHEN WE FELL IN ADAM'S FALL, FOR REDEEMING US BY DYING FOR US HIMSELF. THE WESTMINSTER CATECHISM SAYS, I BELIEVE, THAT WE WERE CREATED TO PRAISE AND WORSHIP GOD AND TO ENJOY HIM FOREVERMORE. What are barriers to continual praise? IGNORANCE, APATHY, ANGER AT GOD, OPPRESSION FROM SATAN, BUSYNESS, DISTRACTIONS, IDOLATRY, SELF CENTEREDNESS, UNFORGIVENESS, BITTERNESS TOWARD GOD OR OTHERS. What does continual praise do to our spirit? IT LIFTS OUR SPIRIT! WE ENTER INTO HIS PRESENCE AND REAP THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN COMMUNION WITH OUR FATHER AND CREATOR. IT GETS OUR MINDS OFF OF "ME" AND ONTO HIM. How are you training yourself to praise continually? THIS IS SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON. I'VE ONLY IN RECENT YEARS LEARNED THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP. THEN WITH THAT AWARENESS, I REALIZED I WAS "BOUND" IN WORSHIP...A STRONGHOLD FORMED FROM POOR TEACHING, INEXPERIENCE, JUDGMENT TOWARD OTHERS I'D OBSERVED AS TRYING TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THEMSELVES. (LIKE DAVID'S WIFE, MICHAL)I'D NEVER REALLY SEEN, HEARD OR EXPERIENCED TRUE WORSHIP AND PRAISE! MY PREVIOUS CHURCH EXPERIENCE WAS THAT 2 OR 3 "SONGS" OR HYMNS WOULD BE SUNG HALF HEARTEDLY BEFORE "THE REAL REASON FOR BEING THERE...THE SERMON". SO MY QUEST HAS BEEN TO EDUCATE MYSELF ABOUT WHAT WORSHIP AND PRAISE ARE, TO PRACTICE WHAT I'M LEARNING, TO FORGET WHAT OTHERS MIGHT THINK AND JUST CLOSE MY EYES AND FORGET OTHERS AND FOLLOW THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND MY HEART, IN EXPRESSING MY LOVE TO HIM. I'M PLAYING WORSHIP MUSIC AT HOME AND PRAISE ALONG WITH IT. INSTEAD OF JUST THINKING HOW THANKFUL I AM, I'M ENDEAVORING TO TELL HIM SO WHEN IT COMES TO MIND. I HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO, BUT I'M ON MY WAY.

Q2. (Psalm 118) What does "the stone the builders rejected" (verses 22-23) have to do with the Messiah? "COME TO HIM, THEN TO THAT LIVING STONE WHICH MEN TRIED AND THREW AWAY, BUT WHICH IS CHOSEN AND PRECIOUS IN THE LORD'S SIGHT...(I PETER 2:4) JESUS IS MESSIAH...TO THEM HE WAS JUST A MAN THEY WANTED TO GET RID OF BECAUSE HE CHALLENGED THEIR HYPOCRISY. THROUGH HIS DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION, HE HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE OF HIS CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST. "FOR THUS IT STANDS IN SCRIPTURE: BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOSEN, HONORED, PRECIOUS CHIEF CORNERSTONE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NEVER BE DISAPPOINTED OR PUT TO SHAME. I PETER 1:6; IS.28:16....THE VERY STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE MAN CORNERSTONE. I PETER 2:7 What do verses 25-27 have to do with the Messiah? THESE VERSES SPEAK ABOUT HIM SAVING US; HE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD; THEY SPEAK OF HIS TRIUMPHAL ENTRANCE AS MESSIAH INTO JERUSALEM RIDING ON A DONKEY WHILE THE ONLOOKERS WAVED PALM BRANCHES. BINDING THE SACRIFICE TO THE HORNS OF THE ALTAR, I BELIEVE IS A FORETELLING OF HIS SACRIFICIAL DEATH ON THE CROSS TO SAVE ALL SINNERS. ALL ARE MESSIANIC PROPHECY WHICH JESUS FULFILLED.

Q1. (Psalm 100) What is the predominant emotion in Psalm 100? JOY, GLADNESS AND ACTIVE JUBILATION! How does this psalm make you feel emotionally about God? LOVED AND LOVING! THANKFUL AND HAPPY! THE DESIRE TO PRAISE AND WORSHIP HIM! What are the reasons for praise given in verses 3 and 5? HE IS CREATOR GOD WHO MADE US...AND WHO THEN SHEPHERD'S HIS SHEEP! HIS GOODNESS, HIS MERCY, LOVING KINDNESS, FAITHFULNESS AND TRUTH....WHICH ARE ALL EVERLASTING. What are the commands in this psalm? MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE; SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS; COME BEFORE HIS PRESENCE WITH THANKSGIVING; KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THAT HE IS GOD; KNOW THAT WE ARE HIS PEOPLE; ENTER HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING AND A THANK OFFERING; ENTER HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE; BE THANKFUL AND TELL HIM SO; BLESS AND AFFECTIONATELY PRAISE HIS NAME;

Q4. (Psalm 51:17) How does one achieve a "broken and contrite heart? I BELIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT'S CONVICTION MAKES US AWARE OF THE GRAVITY OF OUR SIN, AND WE ARE BROKEN WITH SORROW....NOT BECAUSE WE WERE CAUGHT, BUT BECAUSE WE SINNED AGAINST GOD. What are the earmarks of this condition? ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT WE HAVE DONE RATHER THAN JUSTIFYING OR MAKING EXCUSES OR BLAMING SATAN OR OTHERS. HUMILITY AND REPENTANCE. How does this differ from "being sorry" for a sin? IT'S POSSIBLE TO BE SORRY FOR A SIN AND THEN SKIP ON DOWN THE ROAD WITHOUT A CHANGED HEART. A BROKEN AND CONTRITE HEART IS A CHANGED HEART...ONE THAT WANTS ONLY WHAT GOD WANTS AND LIVES TO PLEASE HIM. SORRY MAY BE JUST AN "APOLOGY" WITHOUT THE DESIRE FOR A CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR. IT'S A HEART THAT KNOWS FELLOWSHIP HAS BEEN BROKEN AND DESIRES, EVEN LONGS TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP RESTORED AND TO BE IN RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR FATHER. WEBSTER SAYS: SORRY IS NOT AKIN TO SORROW. How does humility relate to this condition? HUMILITY IS AN ATTITUDE, FREE FROM PRIDE OR ARROGANCE. HUMILITY SAYS "YOU'RE RIGHT GOD, AND I'M WRONG. YOU'RE HOLY AND I'VE FALLEN SHORT OF YOUR STANDARD. YOU'RE GOD AND I'M YOUR CHILD. I KNOW I'VE SINNED AND I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT, AND I'M GRIEVED THAT I'VE CAUSED YOU GRIEF...I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS EVER AGAIN. I SURRENDER MY WILL TO YOU, ASK YOUR FORGIVENESS AND RECEIVE YOUR FORGIVENESS. HELP ME TO WALK IN HOLINESS!!!

[Q3. (Psalm 51:10-12) How is it possible to have a "pure heart" after great sin? "The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick. Who can know it perceive, understand and be acquainted with his own heart and mind?" (Jer 17:9) A pure heart is only possible when it has been "recreated"or "regenerated" in a new creature in Christ. When the "old man" died on the Cross of Calvary with Jesus, and rose anew with Him from the grave, that one rises with a new heart and mind...no longer belonging to Satan but to God. Still capable of sin, but no longer bound by it..... What does a "pure heart" consist of? A pure heart then, is one that though it has sinned, has been cleansed by the blood of Jesus. What is the relationship between a "pure heart" (Psalm 51:10) and a "united" or "undivided heart" (Psalm 86:11)? A pure heart has been purchased and redeemed by the Lord, and is surrendered to His purposes. An Undivided Heart as spoken about in Ps. 86:11 is the same...it lives to serve and follow after His desires, not mine. Who purifies the heart? Jesus! What is the process? After sin, the sinner "owns" or takes responsibility for it and acknowledges it to God. Is sorry (not for being caught or convicted, but for committing the sin (or omitting the good that the Lord required or asked and it wasn't done). Repentance follows confession. Then forgiveness flows from the side of Jesus. Accepting the forgiveness and forgiving oneself is the final step! His forgiveness is complete...there is no need to feel guilty or to try to "atone" for my own sin when He has done it all for me. Then thanks is offered for His work on the Cross which makes it possible to live with a pure heart!

Q2. (Psalm 51:3-6) When David says, "Against you only I have sinned" (4a) is he minimizing his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah? What does he mean by this? I believe David is addressing the fact that he has broken God's Holy law and that only God has the ability to forgive and cleanse his unrighteousness. No, I don't believe he's minimizing his sin against Bathseba and Uriah....He has killed Uriah and cannot receive forgiveness from him. He will have to live with the consequences of that murder as far as Bathsheba goes, in that she will always remember that her new husband ordered her husband killed in order to satisfy his own selfish desires! She can forgive him but only God can cleanse him! I would think one of those consequences might be fear of David or distrust. When he mentions his sinfulness from before birth is he excusing himself or blaming Original Sin? What does he mean by this? I think David is blaming Original Sin. I don't see any evidence of David excusing himself. When Nathan confronted him with the story of the only lamb being killed, David came out of denial and stopped any justifying or concealing of his sin. He reiterates that his mother was a sinner (and implied, was her mother before her), and is reminding God that though he deserves judgment, he's pleading for mercy.

Q1. (Psalm 32:2-5) How does self-deceit operate with sin to enslave us? Why do we sometimes resist the truth about ourselves? Jeremiah said that our hearts are wicked and deceive us. We want to believe and we want others to believe that we're "good". Self righteousness seems to be in-born since the fall and so we minimize or conceal our sins, deny that we sin or have character defects and flaws and blame others or the devil. That deception is what hinders the unsaved from coming to Jesus for salvation. It's what draws people into cults, which rely on self effort to "reach God." The things we "hide" are the secrets which enslave us. When we refuse to "name" the sin, it's easier to continue in it. (I remember when I first came to Christ that my family would tease me about exaggerating facts. They did it enough that I talked to the Lord about it and asked Him to deliver me from this "habit".....This is what I heard in my spirit: "If you will call this what it is, I will deliver your from it" When I tried to "name" it, I realized it was lying! What a shock! I thought I was just making stories more interesting! But when I called it sin, the exaggerating became a thing of the past!) How does confession enable us to get free from sin? Confession "uncovers" the sin and brings it out into the open where the offense and shame is dealt with and forgiveness can take place. When we name the specific sin and receive forgiveness for it, the devil can no longer torment us with it. Confession exposes the secret to the Light of God's Word and the truth sets us free. Guilt is replaced with Gratitude for the cleansing blood of Jesus! What does it take to get us to see truth sometimes? Humility. Conviction of the Holy Spirit. Honesty. The desire to be set free from bondage and the awareness that we ALL fell with Adam and have fallen short of the Glory of God... that was the purpose in Jesus death, burial and resurrection...to redeem me from the curse of sin. What a glorious Savior! What a loving Father! What a precious Holy Spirit....all provision has been made so that I can live in love, peace and joy with a clean conscience, in fellowship with my God!

Q4. (Psalm 22) What similarities do you see between the words of Psalm 22 and the events of Jesus' crucifixion? This reads like a Psalm of the Cross. It tells just how Jesus felt....forsaken by His Father/God, the mocking, torture, the fact that He belonged to God from the womb, the soldiers surrounding Him, being brought to death, the piercing of His hands and feet, all his bones out of joint, gambling for his clothes, the mention of the sword that will pierce his side, the looking toward redemption and the fact that He would eventually praise His Father through the mouths of worshippers in the congregation (expounded upon in Heb. 2:12)...even His final cry "It is finished!", mentioned in v. 31.What an absolutely amazing prophecy of every detail of our Lord's heinous death! Do you think Jesus understood Psalm 22 as referring to himself? Undoubtedly...He was quoting it on the Cross, fulfilling the prophetic written Word. Why do you think the Spirit inspired David to pen these words? As further proof to any doubters that Jesus in Messiah, the Lord and Savior of the world. Only one man has died with all of those facts recorded...there can be no imposter claiming to be He.

Q3. (Psalm 22:1) Why do you think Jesus spoke the words of Psalm 22:1? Jesus had always called Him Father. That moment on the cross was the first time He called His Father, "My God". He took my place on the cross.I believe He spoke those words so that I can call Him "Father", as His child, rather than My God, from afar. What was he seeking to express? Jesus had been in intimate fellowship with His Father forever. When He hung on the Cross carrying my sins, God the Father could not look upon Jesus, so He turned His back on Him. It was the first time their intimacy had been cut off and broken. I was the most lonely, forsaken cry ever heard in all the Universe! What was he feeling? Alone, forsaken, cut off, abandoned, rejected by His Father; Vile and reviled, filthy, degraded, humiliated, shamed, despised, mocked, "like a worm", rejected, misunderstood, alone, helpless, afraid, tortured from pain and disfigurement, miserable, thirsty, complete exhaustion, depleted, vulnerable, attacked, heartbroken from watching His Mother's brokenness and confusion, unutterable woe and despair. Focused on surrendering to God's will in those final hours to complete His work/assignment of saving the world from Satan and sin. Compassion for the sheep without a Shepherd, and for the repentant thief next to Him who asked for mercy (How like God to provide Jesus with that comfort...the comfort of a believing heart beside Him in His final hours!!! What an amazing God we serve!!!!!) Love for you and me! Perhaps, relief that He was going to be reunited with His Father after His final "It is finished" cry of completion! How did God answer his plea? He didn't! He allowed the fullness of suffering and separation from His Father, so that I will never have to go through that horror! He turned His back and stayed silent, so that I am never denied access to Him and I can hear His voice with no limits.

Q2. (Psalm 110) Why do you think that Jesus asked the Pharisees about verse 1, "If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" I think He asked because this reference is irrefutably to the Messiah and they couldn't / wouldn't accept that this local "man" Jesus, the son of Mary and Joseph was He. They spent most of their time trying to discredit Him, challenge His claims, ignore and punish His miracles as being from the devil, and to get rid of Him. They were expecting a mighty military Messiah who would come and deliver them from the oppressive rule they were under....and whom would allow them to keep their esteemed positions of authority.....this Jesus was just too humble, too "ordinary", too "simple" for who they were expecting the Messiah to be, and besides He challenged their hypocrisy, their "blindness", their pride and arrogance....So this question was another challenge to their hardened hearts...He was exposing their spiritual blindness to themselves. What point was Jesus making? He was telling them that He is their Messiah! They need look no further, for "I AM" was standing before them in their midst. How does Jesus combine the roles of Warrior-King and Priest in his ministry to us and to this world? To His Church, He is Warrior and Champion, moving her forward and her great High Priest. To His individual children, He is Warrior and champion in our daily battles against our foes. He's the King of the Kingdom we live in. He's our High Priest who ministers to us! In the world He is King of all creation (though only recognized as such by believers, but soon to be known by all!) He is the Warrior Who will fight the final battle against evil and as Priest will judge the world and those who have rejected Him. How do you reconcile the violence suggested in verses 5-6 with Jesus as "Prince of Peace"? He came to earth to bring peace to all who will receive His sacrifice for their sins. He is the Prince of Peace who reigns in the lives of His Children. However, to those who reject His offer of Salvation, and all it's benefits, He will be Warrior to their defeat and Judge of their souls, sealing their decision to live in hell rather than in Heaven with Him.

Q1. (Psalm 2) What does Psalm 2 teach us about Yahweh's "anointed" king? It teaches: He is opposed by evil kings (evil people as well) who recognize His power and authority, but conspire and scheme for how to throw off his bands of restraint and cords of control. His is all powerful. Omniscient, Omnipresent, Holy. He is seated on His throne in Heaven. He reigns. He is not threatened by their plots...He holds them in supreme contempt. He warns. He speaks. He troubles. He terrifies those who oppose Him. He is anointed and appointed, and installed as the most high King by His Father. He is spoken of by His Father: "You are My Son: this day I have begotten You" He has been given the nations as His inheritance and the furthest parts of the earth as His possession. He created all things...they are His. He judges. Those who reject Him will be broken with a rod of iron...power broken like a potshard. He is to be served with reverent awe. He takes pleasure in our rejoicing and high spirits! He is to be "kissed" (loved and revered). He blesses those who seek refuge in Him and trust Him. He is a generous protector! Why do you think the apostles saw this passage as referring to Jesus the Messiah? The writer of Hebrews says of this passage: To which of the angels did God ever say "You are My Son.".v7..they knew because of this reference. Also the words "Anointed One, and King on My holy hill, Zion. Only the Messiah would reign on the the throne of David.... What does the passage teach about the importance of submission to Jesus the Christ before it is too late? It teaches that He warns, and is patient, but there is coming a "cut off" date....and only He knows when that is for each unbeliever. To delay when one knows the truth, is to risk "being too late" and choosing hell for eternity. It teaches that there is choice!

Q3. (Psalm 117 and Lamentations 3:22-23). Why are love and trustworthiness so important as the bedrock of the Old Testament faith? The Lord was laying the foundation for relationship with His people, and there cannot be anything but fear in a relationship which is not based on love and trustworthiness! Those qualities are Who He is and He wants honest, authentic relationship based on His love and our ability to trust Him. I feel refreshed after reading those verses this morning....Ahhhhh."Because of His mercy and loving kindness and His tender compassion which fails not, we are not consumed...They are new and fresh every morning, and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness!" We are drawn into Him in those words! We can take them to the bank, so to speak! They are His forever qualities! What kinds of terms does the New Testament use to talk about these characteristics? Grace, mercy, loving-kindness, steadfastness, faithful and true, Redemption, Sanctification, Justified, Forgiven, everlasting love, destiny, eternal life with Him, He called us, we are chosen, glorified and raised to a heavenly dignity or state of being, beloved, sons and daughters of the living God, adopted into Him, His shed blood, death and resurrection. Can you think of any New Testament verses that speak of these themes? I have loved you, just as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love. Jn 15:9 The Father himself tenderly loves you because you have loved Me and believed that I came from the Father. Jn 16:27 Jesus Christ the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead and the Prince, Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him Who ever loves us and has once for all loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood. Rev. 1:5 I am persuaded beyond any doubt that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening, nor things to come nor powers nor height, nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Rom 8:38,39.

Q2. (Psalm 145) Which aspects of God's character mentioned in Psalm 145 stand out to you in particular? V11 "They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power, to make known to the sons of men God's mighty deeds and the glorious majesty of His kingdom." I asked the Lord for revelation to get my mind around How HUGE He is. He's been showing me how He breathed out the sun and moon and stars and the vast Universe without lifting a finger and by His power and might holds it all together, and yet the other morning He spoke my name to wake me up, in the most beautiful and gentle voice I've ever heard. I knew He knows my name. I know He helped my parents choose my name. But to hear this vast God of creation speak it just about did me in with joy! He's steel and velvet, power and gentleness...I guess we will never understand while in our bodies even a smidgen of Who He is! V20 He preserves my life....that means He's my keeper! What peace that brings! I'm sealed in Him by the Holy Spirit for ever and ever and ever! Why is it important for "every creature," every human being, to praise him? We were created to worship Him and to enjoy Him forever! When an individual does not know to praise Him, that life is void of meaning and purpose..alive but dead to Him. Every creature was planned and it's life ordained by a loving God and Father who is due worship and praise for Who He is! He is the giver of each life! In Him we live and move and have our being. What are you doing to help that happen? I share His love and His message at every opportunity! When I learned in Hebrews 2:12 that Jesus is saying "I will declare Your Name Father to My brethren (you and me); in the midst of the worshipping congregation I will sing hymns of praise to You!", I am highly motivated to yield my voice to Him...what joy it brings to have Jesus sing love songs to His Father through me! What joy it would bring Him to have everyone know and recognize that He is the only God and to praise and worship Him!!!! I'm careful to give Him the glory for all that He does in and through me.

Q1. (Psalm 103) Which one or two aspects of God's character mentioned in this Psalm stand out to you? This Psalm is one of my favorites! It's impossible to pick just one or two aspects. Forgiveness and healing are key to me, but today I'm thrilled to be reminded of His redeeming my life....the once wrecked, abused and hopeless life now has meaning and purpose, joy and hope, because of His mercy and love shown to me. V 14 always comes to mind when I feel pressure to perform! He brought this verse to me years ago and I still sigh with relief when I think of it. "He knows my frame. He remembers and imprints on His heart that I am dust." Then I remember that anything He calls me to do will only be accomplished as I surrender to Him and allow Him to do the work through me....this removes all pressure and preconceived ideas I might have. Why do you think the Exodus was so foundational in Israel's understanding of God? They had never known freedom, only slavery at the hands of cruel taskmasters. They were divinely rescued and led into freedom by His mercy and grace! It's wonderful to see that they were under grace until Mt. Sinai when they arrogantly said to Moses "All that God commands, we will do".....oops! So the law was given to demonstrate that they in their own strength could not "do all that He commands", and that they were sinners. The Exodus demonstrated that they needed a Shepherd, as exemplified in Moses, who as the under shepherd to the Shepherd, led them step by step. They learned of God's mercy and forgiveness, His provision of their daily bread and water....and fire at night and shade by day. According to Psalm 103:10-12, what are the limits to God's forgiveness? As far as the East is from the West....His forgiveness is unlimited! He forgives then buries them in the deep sea (Micah 7:19) and as Corrie Ten Boom said "then He puts out a NO FISHING sign", for we are to forgive ourselves and not bring it up to Him again!