Jen

Q3. (Judges 7:1-3) Why did God feel Gideon's army was too large? Why was shrinking the army's size to a tiny band essential in restoring Israel's faith and allegiance? What kinds of pressures would Gideon be feeling not to obey God in shrinking his army? How was Gideon able to obey God fully in this? If the army was large the people would boast in their own strength and not in the Lord God. The sheer numbers of the Midianites must have seemed overwhelming to the Israelites making the number they had seem small. So shrinking the army was an unusual thing to do in warfare of that type but it would give the glory to God and turn people's hearts back to Him in whom they could exalt. As a leader of the people given the size of the opposing army the pressure from the people would be extremely strong in questioning Gideon's judgement and even maybe his sanity. God gave Gideon a way to narrow down the people by letting the fearful go home. I imagine right about now Gideon had times where he felt like leading the pack. This was in Deuteronomy in the Mosaic system that the fearful could go home. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q2. (Judges 6:36-39) Why does Gideon put out a fleece before the Lord -- twice? Is this a sign of unbelief or of belief? This is a "testing" of God? How does it differ from the sinful testings of God the scripture warns against? When, if ever, should we ask God to confirm his direction with a sign? What is the danger of demanding a sign? Gideon was not strong in his faith yet and was needing reassurance. I don't see this as a sign of unbelief. I also see it as a picture of how gracious God is to condescend down to us because he knows our frame. I think it is wise to ask God's direction for our life decisions if we are uncertain and it is not something specifically against scripture. We don't know the future. God does. Sometimes God shows us with a 'sign' if we are truly uncertain as to the direction we should take. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q3. (2 Timothy 2:3-7) Paul calls Timothy to endure hardship for the sake of the goal. What in the experience of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer illustrate this well? Which of these examples speaks most strongly to you? They all trained hard, worked hard and fought hard. A soldier speaks most strongly to me. I have been in revolutions, have suffered injuries, lost all my goods twice and have suffered much spiritual warfare with sleepless nights surrounded by enemies with the intent to cause as much harm and suffering as they could. Philipppians1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake". God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26 We need to pray for each other!!

Q2. Why do you think our churches tend not to declare the call to endurance and suffering? Why did Timothy tend to shy away from it? What is the result of a willingness to suffer for the gospel? This kind of reminds me of the song "Let The Good Times Roll". There is a difference in good times. A Christian can celebrate the good times in suffering through a growing closeness to the Lord and how the Word just seems to come alive. A non believer only knows good times as ease or drinking or drugs or money or fame, being popular or whatever. Suffering is just that . It is suffering and through it comes growth but it is our natural reaction to shy away from it because it hurts and anyone who asks or preaches it. Plus I have noticed that if you suffer for the Lord now people have a tendency to back away as if it is a disease they might catch or that it is your fault. (Psalm71:7, 20). That we should all catch that "disease". What a witness we are for Christ when we are willing to suffer for Him. That is why we are to obey God and leave the consequesces to Him. We are to focus on Him and not the problems (I have so much growing to do in this area) and to rejoice and speak to ourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual prayers. I feel sometimes that instead of being a lamb I am like a squealing pig going to the slaughter. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q1. (Judges 6:33-35) What inspires Gideon to blow the battle horn and summon an army against the Midianites. What does Gideon have in common with other judges and leaders of his era? (Hint: see Deuteronomy 34:9; Judges 3:10; 11:9; 13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14; 1 Samuel 11:6.) The Spirit of the Lord inspired Gideon and the rest of the judges and leaders in that era. He is still the inspiration today and without Him we are nothing. We cannot live the Christian life on our own. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q4. (Judges 6:25-27) What is the strategic significance of God's command for Gideon to tear down the Baal altar and Asherah pole? What positive thing is he to erect in their place? What risks are involved in this action? Why does Gideon do this at night? Is this night mission a sign of weakness or of faith? This would show total defiance to the town and their pagan worship of Baal. Plus Gideon erects at God's command an altar to the Lord up high for all to see. This would provoke a lynch type mob of angry people who have not the restraining order of the Holy Spirit in them. They would be filled with hate for whoever did this. I don't know why Gideon did this at night but it seems to me a strategic move in that in the morning it would be accomplished for all to see, unsuspectingly since it seems no one challenged them before and without hindrance. If he was weak in the faith he obeyed none the less which makes it more of courage on his part. (my opinion). God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q5. (Judges 6:25-31) What kind of leader has Gideon's father Joash been up to this point? How does Gideon's action affect his father? Shouldn't Gideon have considered the impact on his father? How should this have affected Gideon's action? (See Matthew 10:34-38) In what sense is Joash a follower of Yahweh now? It would seem that either Gideon's father served Baal because he believed or because everyone else did. Gideon's actions would put his father at odds with the town and perhaps with his son. Gideon was instructed by God who supersedes his father so it should have no effect on Gideon as far as obedience goes. Joash says if Baal is really god he can defend himself so he is going with Gideons actions for Yahweh. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q1. (2 Timothy 2:2) Why is it important for pastors and church leaders to execute a strategy of mentoring teachers and elders in a congregation? How much time should be devoted to this teaching of future leaders vs. the time spent in administration and programs? This is the method of passing on the truth that God has implemented. As the leaders pass from this earth new leaders need to arise who have been well taught in the truth and are able to stand up to the challenges of the Christian walk. Much of their time should be in teaching the truth to younger men (and or women) while others of the family of Christ use their gifts to keep the family strong and vibrant. Everyone has been given a spiritual gift to be used. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q3. (Judges 6:12-16) How did God see Gideon? How did Gideon see himself? Whose self-perception is most accurate? How can our own self-perception prevent us from becoming what God has made us to be? What is God's answer to Gideon's self-image? What might be an appropriate prayer to pray in light of what God has taught you from this passage? God saw Gideon as being strong and a mighty warrior. Gideon saw himself as nothing of any consequence. God's perception was the most accurate because God knows the strength and the battle are His. Many times I have thought or known that the forces arrayed against me are too much for me but that is not focusing on the Lord but myself. God assures Gideon that God will be with him. (If God be for us who can be against us). Lord help me always to see things in your perspective because you are my strength and my shield, my fortress and strong tower. Amen God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q4. (2 Timothy 1:12) According to verse 12, what is the source of Paul's fearlessness? What does he trust God to guard for him? The source of Paul's fearlessness was his faith in God. He entrusted God to keep that which he commited unto God being: 1. souls of those converted through his preaching 2. God to guard his own soul 3. God to carry out the ministry in the event of his death God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q3. (2 Timothy 1:8-10) Paul is writing to encourage timid Timothy. How is Paul's focus on Christ and the gospel designed to encourage Timothy? How is this an antidote for shame? When we focus on Christ and not our problems we have a different perspective on the issues at hand. We are encouraged and strengthened through the Holy Spirit to accomplish what God gives us to do. On our own we are doomed to failure. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6: 24-26

Q2. (2 Timothy 1:7-8, 12) Can you give examples of how cowardice and shame may have kept you from identifying yourself as a Christian on occasion? From testifying clearly about your faith? According to verse 12, what is the antidote for cowardice and shame? How then do we combat the cowardice and shame we might recognize in ourselves? I would have to say probably among family members. They know I am a Christian however I dislike confrontation and it has been an obstacle on occasion. Plus I don't feel good with words. Not an acceptable excuse. God takes our efforts and uses them in His own way. Another time was on an airplane when I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to ask the man next to me if he knew the Lord. I waited a couple minutes and the opportunity was gone. I was reading a book on Abraham God's friend and a man was in the aisle with a Christian t shirt on. I always felt that the Lord had set up a good witness and I faltered. It's like you have that one opportunity and then they are gone forever from your sphere of influence. The antedote is to recognize the eternal consequences for your own unwillingness to speak out when opportunity strikes or the Holy Spirit nudges and keep on praying. Our God does answer. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q1. (2 Timothy 1:6) What advice would you give to a person who has let use of a spiritual gift or ministry lapse? How can a gift or ministry be rekindled? What might be involved in reclaiming use of such a gift? Spend time in the Word and prayer. Ask God for help and wait for His timing. I like Isaiah 40:31. People need encouragement and sometimes they need to know that it is enough just to get through the day when times are of great difficulty. There was a song "What the world needs now is love sweet love, it's the only thing that there's just to little of." I think it can be applied to todays churchs. (that's us). What the church needs now is love sweet love, it's the only thing that there's just to little of." Lots of nice answers so this is my little piece. I just know that I am so grateful for the tender mecies from God in my life. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6 :24-26

Q3. (1 Timothy 6:7-10) How does love for money grow? How does it become a trap? How do you escape this deceptive trap? I believe it starts when we focus on the things of the world and take our eyes off the things of the Lord. The wordly things then become our god. Matthew Henry says v. 9 the evil of covetousness. "It is not said those who are rich, but those who want to be rich, that place their happiness on worldly wealth. When the devil sees which way their lusts carry them, he will soon bait his hook accordingly". How unsuspecting we are to the wiles of our enemy. "Some want to be rich; they are resolved in it. Such will not be safe nor innocent. Worldly lusts are foolish and harmful, for they drown men in destruction and perdition". v.10 "The apostle confirms that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. People may have money, and yet not love it; but if they love it inordinately, it will push them on to all evil. Covetous persons will abandon the faith, if that is the way to gain money. Those who depart from God do but treasure up sorrows for themselves". This is so tragic!!! Jonah 2: 8 "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs." God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26 Let us keep each other in constant prayer!!!

Q2. (1 Timothy 6:6) Why should we seek contentment? Doesn't contentment keep us from trying to get ahead so our families can have what they need? What's the balance between contentment and the quest for improvement? Matthew Henry says "Godliness is ever accompanied with contentment". I don't think he means sit down on a beach and never do anything to improve ourselves and our circumstances. If we are godly people it will make a difference on what we put our prioities on and the means we chose to improve those things that we would like to see improved. My circumstances right now are difficult for me and I find it difficult to be contented with somethings. I would like to see improvement in many areas including attitudes especially mine (that's where the trouble usually is). I find in myself I need more work in being godly which means more prayer and submitting to the Holy Spirit. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26 We need to pray for each other and I so appreciate your prayers!!

1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? I would guess that it appeals to the fleshly nature which loves money and takes pride in things. The prosperity gospel that I have heard is that God wants us to be financially well to do. He may and he may not. The Bible says "but godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Tim. 6:6. Money doesn't satisfy but a few needs or wants. True fulfillment and happiness comes from the Lord and our relationship with Him. Personally I like Proverbs 30:7-9 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

In Christ we are all equal. Some here might be employers and some employees but we are all equal of the same respect in Christ. I don't think Paul condones slavery but rather recognizes it as a part of the culture at that time. So he addresses the role the slave is to have to his or her master. The slave can do that through the knowledge of who he is in Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. This way some who do not know the Lord will be saved through the silent witness of respect and honor the slave shows the master. H.A. Ironside also notes that in that time and place many slaves were better off in bondage to Christian masters than they would have been otherwise. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q4. (1 Timothy 5:22-25) Why does Paul say, "Don't be hasty in the laying on of hands"? What are the dangers in doing so? How can these dangers be lessened? I think the proper "vetting" of someone for office is very important so you have an idea how this person handles or reacts to different situations. It's important in and out of the church. No one is perfect but it is wise to observe for a while and see past records or recommendations to lessen danger of someone who will harm the church. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q2. (Judges 6:13) In what way does Gideon blame God for his troubles in verse 13? Is Gideon's assessment accurate? Why or why not? Why do we blame God? What's the danger and how can we stop short of this in the future? Gideon blamed God for forsaking Israel when really Israel had forsaken God. It's easy to blame God. It takes the responsibility off us and we like that. The danger is that until we recognize our sins and repent we won't change and nothing else will change except maybe to get worse. We will miss out on God's mercies. We can stop this by recognizing what we are doing and going to God in repentence. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q3. (1 Timothy 5:19-21) Why was it necessary to make formal accusations and "try" the false teachers? Why were the temptations to compromise and not go through with it so great? Why is it so difficult to exercise church discipline today? If it is not a formal accusation with witnesses it amounts to gossip which the person can never defend himself against or the church protected from a "false teacher". Nothing is done and no one knows what is what. Is it true or false. Don't we just love to "sweep things under the carpet" to spare expense, time and pain. It's just a little thing it won't matter. Today it seems to be politically incorrect to discipline even in love. Besides it seems that there are hierarchies in churchs and those seem to be the correct views whether they are correct or not. In one church I was in someone suggested church discipline and I cringed. This person was a mean person. Kind of like someone with a uniform who thinks they are important because of that uniform and abuses their little power just because they have it. I think that sets a bad example for church discipline. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q1. (1 Timothy 5:1-16) What responsibilities do we have to help aging family members? According to Paul, in what way is this our Christian responsibility? In what way is this a "repayment" of a debt? To what does Paul compare to those who refuse this responsibility? In Ironside's commentary he says "If you are not gracious and kind to the old, the day may come when you yourself will be old and you will reap what you sow. We who can do so are to care for our older relatives. This is just ordinary Christianity in action." It is a privilege God gives us to have aging family members with us long enough that they need care. We should care with respect and humility for their wellbeing and dignity. Time marches on and it is our turn next if we remain here long enough. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26 "You can give without loving but you can't love without giving."

Q1. (Judges 6:7-10) According to the prophet, what is the reason for Israel's oppressed state? What commandment did they break? In what way hadn't they "listened"? In what way does this same sin affect Christians today? Israel once again entered into idolatry. They broke the first commandment: Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Ex. 20:3 In what way hadn't they listened? In every way! They were to remember the mercies of God and His provisions for them. They were not to serve or worship idols. They were to be a holy people, set apart from the ungodly. We have done the same thing. Jesus said "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God and him only shall thou serve." Matthew 4:10 We have become more like the world rather than the world more like us. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q4. (1 Timothy 4:12b) Rigid, unsmiling orthodoxy can teach right doctrine, but cannot produce godliness. Why not? Why is a strong example of godliness in church leaders essential to a healthy church? There is no love in rigid orthodoxy just rules. Love comes from the Holy Spirit in us. Romans 5:5. How can you have a healthy church without godliness in the leaders? They are missing the Holy Spirit from which comes godliness. Without the Holy Spirit I am nothing but an empty GONG in all that I do. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q3. (1 Timothy 4:7-8) How would you define "godliness"? What produces godliness in a person? How is godliness different from embracing a strict morality? I would define godliness as behavior that is pleasing to our God. Godliness is produced by the promptings of the Holy Spirit to a standard of living that is different from the worldly living that we were in and saved from through the penalty paid by our Lord for our sins. We need to read the Word and spend time with the Lord in prayer. I also think godly Christians to observe are valuable for others who have not had good examples. Are we being that for others? Godliness is out of love and a desire to please our Lord whereas strict moralitly is a set of man made laws (they may be good) for man's applause. As always I have a lot of work to do in all areas of my life. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26

Q2. (1 Timothy 4:3-5) Why is performance of legalistic requirements so attractive to people? What fruit does it produce in a person's life? In what ways is this emphasis so different from the true gospel? It is attractive to our fleshly nature and also the desire to look good for man's applause. It produces a self righteousness spirit which contrasts with the Holy Spirit that says all our righteounesses are as filthy rags. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26