iam4-1god

Q1. (Romans 5:1-2) According to verses 1-2, faith is a key to salvation. For Abraham (4:3), what was the relationship between faith and justification? For us (5:1-2), what is the relationship between faith and justification? In your own words, just what does it mean to be justified? If we believe that we have received salvation through Christ, then we are justified. We just need to believe that we receive!

Q4. (22:43) Did Jesus get "special treatment" because he was the Son of God to have angels help and strengthen him in his spiritual struggle? Do we get that help, too? I believe with all my heart that God gives us what we need to get through each situation, and I also believe that we, just like Jesus, get the same care and consideration. Jesus is the First-born of many brethern. We are heirs, according to the grace that was given us when we believed! Gloray! Gotta shout! Bye!

Q3. (22:42) When Jesus prayed "not my will, but yours be done," was the Father pleased? Why is the Father not pleased when we are passive and uncaring and dispassionate in our prayers that his will be done? What is required for us to pray the prayer of submission with authenticity? We must always believe that God is excellent, and Holy, and we should always want to please Him. Afterall, He gave so much to us and for us, that He deserves all our submission. We are, in and of ourselves, nothing, and we can do, in and of ourselves, nothing without Him. We are bound for hell. So, it is not unreasonable for God to want and expect sincerety when we pray and ask for help. It is not unreasonable for Him to expect us to want His will-not ours- when we pray. And remember-God has our best interests in His heart. He will not give us what will harm us. He wants us to have and be the best for His glory, so it is a win, win situation!

Q2. (22:42) Why did Jesus pray that the Father take the cup from him? According to Mark and Matthew, Jesus repeated this prayer three times. Why was he so intense about it? What did this mean? Why was Jesus resisting the Father's will? Or was he? Jesus was just wanting to make sure that He and His Father were on the same page. If there were some other way to get this done, etc. He wasn't resisting The Father's will, He was just wanting to make sure there was no other way. It was always His intention to carry out His Father's will. How many times when we pray, do we ask several times"does it have to be like this" or "do I have to give that up"? Remember, Jesus was in the flesh just like us. He experienced the same things that we do, so that He would be better able to help us. He understands what we feel and experience, cause He's been there, too. He never sinned, but He knew what it was like to be tempted, and that info is what He uses when He goes to The Father on our behalf! That is so exciting, when you stop and think about it!

Q1. (22:40-41, 45-46) Why did he ask his disciples to pray? What temptation did Jesus know they would be facing? What was the content of their prayer to be? Did they actually pray this prayer diligently? How does the Lord's Prayer word this kind of prayer? Why do you think Jesus wanted to be alone during his own prayer? Jesus knew that His disciples would encounter all kinds of temptations because of what He would go through. He wanted them to be able to stand fast and unmovable as events unfolded. The disciples were so miserable because of all the they knew was going to happen-much of it beyond their comprehension-that they probably cried themselves to sleep, or they were so tired from all the crying and grief that they slept. The Lord's Prayer says, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil". Alone time with The Father is very important. God wants it just as much as we need it. It's like being alone with your spouse. When you don't spend quality time with your spouse, things start going bad. It's that way with God, too. When we don't take time to hear and speak to God, things go wrong. To me, it shakes out like this: Jesus had told the disciples what was going to happen. They heard Him, but they didn't understand some of it. When the time got closer for it all to happen, they couldn't take the heat- or, bear the weight of it, so they went to sleep to avoid it. In the meantime, Jesus was in the garden asking The Father to remove this task from Him, but that He would do whatever The Father wanted Him to do. Ok, now they are on the same page. So, when Jesus returns to the disciples, He finds them sleeping, instead of praying. Which is pretty much what we do, sometimes.

Q4. (2:4) What danger is Nehemiah in? Why does he pray quickly and silently before he answers the king? How does this quick "arrow prayer" relate to the four months of prayer he has just finished? He is in danger because he is not to address the king. But because the king asked him what was wrong, Nehemiah responds after a silent prayer. Instead of straitening his countenance, he rsponded with an answer that, by all accounts, seems to blame the king. He prays before answering because he wants divine help for the words he needs to answer the question. This is one of my problems. I need to go to God for everything! Not just some-not just half-but all my issues. Take them to God in prayer. There is nothing too big or small. God is able! Gloray!

Q3. (1:11) In what way does Daniel's situation compared to Esther's? Why does God place his people in strategic positions today in the community, in business, in the military, in government? What responsibilities do we have to God that can cause danger to our positions and our lives? Has this ever happened to you? How do you pray in situations like this? Daniel and Esther were both at the mercy of a leader in a foreign land. God is in control of everything. He uses nations, and sometimes people to accomplish His goals. We have a responsibility to be obedient no matter what the outcome. Sometimes people don't like the fact that we are outspoken about our faith in God. Sometimes they feel convicted when they are in our presence, even though we don't say or do anything. They want us to go away. This is happening to me at work. I pray that God will move and minister to the one who is under conviction and wants me fired so that they don't have to deal with me anymore. Divine protection and presence is what I ask for. But always it is God's will and not mine be done. And, as always, confessing my sins and asking forgiveness.

Q2. (1:7-11) What is the basis of Nehemiah's appeal? How does he argue his case before God? What do we learn from this about intercession? Nehemiah went to God's Word and found God's promise for those who obey. He simply stated that God promised Moses that He would help if the people would obey Him. So, this is what we must do, if we want God to help us in time of need. Confess our sins and quote scripture that appies to what we are asking. This is not a formula-it is simply intercession in it's purest form. God does not need to be reminded what His Word says-we do.

Q1. (1:1-6) Why does Nehemiah pray day and night for four months? Why does he fast and weep? Isn't that excessive? Grief, sorrow, shame-these are the emotions that drove Nehemiah to pray in the manner he was praying. He needed answers and help from God, and he wanted God to see that he was desparate! I have gone to God in desparation looking for help. Only when we confess our sins and truly repent, can we find the comfort and help that God wants to give us.

Q4. (9:15-19) What was Daniel's essential prayer? What are the various grounds of Daniel's appeal? How did God answer the prayer (see Daniel 9:20-23)? Daniel confessed and asked forgiveness for the sins of his people. We must confess our sins if we want God to help us. It is imperative that we do this. After Daniel prayed, god changed Cyrus' heart, allowing the Israelites to return to their home. God is good-His mercy endures forever! Confess and believe-ask and receive- all God's grace and mercy!

Q3. (9:5) Since Daniel is such a righteous man in his generation, why does he identify himself with the sins of his people? He didn't commit them. How does this compare to how Jesus sought forgiveness for his people? Daniel was praying for a nation to which he belonged, and so, he needed to include himself in his prayer. He took ownership. While Daniel included himself in his prayer for his nation, Jesus gave His life for all who would accept salvation and believe in Him. All God's children are a nation-a people. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are God's nation! Jesus' death was meant to bring a nation to God! Gloray! We are a nation! No matter where we are, no matter what color aour skin is, no matter what ethnic group we belong to-we are a nation!!!

Q2. (9:3-4a) What is Daniel's demeanor as he prays? How does he prepare? Why is this so important in this case? In what ways might you and I prepare for intercession? Daniel prepared to pray in such a way as to let God know that his heart was in it. He fasted-he put on mourning attire. He felt that he had to get God's attention, because he was praying for something huge. He was desparate. We need to preare ourselves by making sure that we are free of sin-confession. Then, what I do, is, I go to my prayer closet, and I get on my knees, and I praise God for what He has done, give Him the honor He is due, and The Holy Ghost takes it from there! Gotta go shout! Bye!

Q1. (9:1-3) What encourages Daniel to seek God for the forgiveness and restoration of Israel to its homeland? What trait on Daniel's part brings this encouragement to pass? Daniel had faith-he believed that God would answer his prayers. Because he was persistant, and humble, his prayer was answered. This is really a very good example for us. If we are steadfast, not wavering, believing in God, He will help us! No matter what the circumstances, God loves us, and wants to be in control of our lives. Come Lord and control my life! Gloray!

Q4. (139:23-24) Why is this prayer of surrender to God so difficult to pray? When was the first time you prayed this kind of prayer to God? What was the result? Can a person be a genuine disciple without praying this kind of prayer? It's difficult to pray because we don't want to give up control, first of all, and second, because we fear punishment. I asked God to search my heart and clean out all impurities some years ago when I was first saved and received Jesus into my heart. Jesus came in and showed me what my sins were. I knew what I was being forgiven for. I know now that I can never go back and live that life again. I don't want to. I love my life with Jesus. I don't think that we can be genuine disciples without this kind of prayer. God can't be in the presence of sin. So, before we say anything else, we need to be cleansed of sin, and that includes what is in the heart. Then God can hear us and help us, as He wants to. He'll know that we are sincere.

Q3. (139:13-16) How is an awareness of God's involvement in your prenatal development meant to encourage you? What might this mean to a young woman carrying a child? A young father-to-be? Why is such knowledge overwhelming to us? To know that God is in control of even the smallest details is so wonderful! He loves us so much that He watches over us even before we are born! Our small brains can't get wrapped around this concept! I've heard people say that the idea is absurd! Well, maybe to our mortal minds it is. But we have to remember-God is not confined to the same barriers that we are! Gloray! He's bigger and more powerful! Nothing is too big or small for Him! Praise His Name!

Q2. (139:5, 10). In verses 5 and 10, how does God's hand touch the psalmist? Have you ever felt God's hand on you in a special way? Was it for your good? What was it like? I think of God's Hand this way-when I'm good, it's a soft touch, and when I'm bad, it's heavy. I have been in the presence of God at times, and felt so much love and compassion. Awsome! No words can explain the feeling. But there have been times when I felt that anger or disappointment because I did or said something wrong. Terrible! As soon as I confess and ask to be forgiven, though, that terrible feeling is replaced with joy unspeakable and full of gloray! It's as though the bad thing never happened! If only we could forgive ourselves and others that quickly!

Q1. (139:7) Why do people sometimes want to flee from God? Why do people imagine that God doesn't know what they do? Have you ever felt this way? We think in our small minds that we can hide or that we don't matter. Then we do something that makes us feel bad, and we want to hide. We fall under conviction, and think we can escape judgement. In reality, we are just trying to make ourselves feel better about the offense. We like the bad thing so much that we tell ourselves that it doesn't matter-God ain't lookin'. Deep inside we KNOW He's lookin'! This happened to me recently. I had a fight with my husband and I called him some really bad things. Did I get spanked? OH, YEA!

Q4. (20:3) What is the basis on which Hezekiah asks for healing? Why is personal righteousness and holiness important in getting your prayers answered? How can unrighteousness prevent answered prayer if all gifts from God are by grace anyway? Honestly-God wants us to be obedient. He wants us in spirit and in truth. However, we are not perfect-we must and are always trying to do right and good. Sometimes we fail. But, if our heart is right and we fall under conviction, and confess our sin, then God will cleanse us. He will forgive us. Then, when we pray and ask for help in and with our lives, then God, Who is faithful, will forgive us and hear our prayers. We must remain open to the leading of The Spirit, and do what The Spirit tells us to do.

Q3. Why is Hezekiah's healing important for his nation? How did it relate to God's promises to David? He didn't want to leave his people without protection and leadership while they were still in danger from the Assyrians. Since he was a descendent of David he invoked the promise to David's seed for healing, so that he could get his house in order-physically, and spiritually! Gloray!

Q2. (19:15) How do the first two sentences of Hezekiah's prayer (verse 15) correspond to the first sentence of the Lord's Prayer? How are they important to faith? How are they important to God answering the prayer? These sentences are affirmation to us, and God, that we are praying to the One, True God of all creation. For me, I am talking straight to God-my Heavenly Father. My Provider, my Sustainer, my Everything. And for God, it is the same. He knows that we are talking straight to Him, and that we believe that He is The One True God and that we believe that He will hear and answer.

Q1. (19:14) What is the significance of Hezekiah spreading out the enemy's message before the Lord? What is the underlying principle illustrated here? How can we apply this principle to our own lives? What happens when we don't apply this principle? God knows what is in our hearts and on our minds when we come before Him in prayer. I believe that, when Hezekiah spread the message before The Lord, That he did two things: 1. He affirmed to himself that God hears and answers prayer for specific needs, thereby strengthening his faith. 2. God wants to know that we are serious when we say that we believe in Him alone to help us, and to know that we are serious when we come to Him with not just our problems, but also with our praise and thank offerings. For me, this principle illustrates the fact that when I go before God in prayer, I need an anchor-or a starting point. I plan to start writing things down, whether requests, or praise-whatever. I plan to write it all down, and read it out loud. Confirmation for me that I believe I will get my need or praise across. Gloray! This is exciting!

Q4. Why is a person's attitude with regard to giving related to that person's attitude towards praise? Why does an attitude of possessiveness with regards to giving get in the way of worship? In what sense do all your possessions belong to God? What then should be your relationship to your possessions? How will these truths re-energize your giving? Your praise? We should always remember that everything we have is because God gives it to us. Everything. Just because I work for a living and pay my way doesn't mean that I alone did it. I freely acknowledge that I would have nothing, in fact I would be nothing-if it weren't for my Heavenly Father. It is He that sustains me in every area of my life. I praise Him and thank Him that I have what I need to make it through the day.

Q3. Verses 11 and 12 both attribute various characteristics to God, such as glory, honor, and might. How might you begin to mention God's greatness in your own prayers? Where is this kind of praise found by example in the Lord's Prayer? What are your favorite songs that point to God's greatness? A good way to mention the attributes of God in our prayers is to memorize scripture found in The Revelation and in Psalms. Also, I have found that thanking God for blessings He has given me is a great way to start, just in case I ever find that I have trouble starting, or remembering verses. I find that Psalms are a good place to go when I want to point out God's greatness. That's just me. Songs are good. But Psalms are better for me.

Q2. In what way does praise exalt God? Why should we exalt God? What does this exaltation do in us? What does it say about us? We exalt God because He deserves to be exalted! He is worthy of all honor, praise, glory, and blessing! And, when we give God His due, we are building up our faith. We are strengthening our belief and our faith in what God has already done for us, and what He is going to do for us.

Q1. In what way do our prayers of praise "bless" God? What do we mere humans have that God desires in a blessing? What are prayers like, that don't include blessing God? God wants true, heartfelt praise. He knows our hearts better than we do, and He always knows what is there. When we don't ask forgiveness before we ask for something or give praise or blessing to Him, then He won't hear us. We must be cleansed before we enter our prayer closet.