sheep35

GREAT STUFF! running to the phone (to me) rather than to the throne!! "stake which supported us is no longer needed" As you mature in your faith, you will learn God's voice for yourself. to trust Him with the timing is not the easiest thing to do, but it always works.

Q5. (Proverbs 11:14) Why is it valuable to counsel with spiritual people in the Christian community when we’re learning to discern God’s voice? I may need someone to help me confirm whether a particular message could be God’s speaking to me, like Samuel & Eli. Some encouragement or caution, teaching or correction. How is having a spiritual mentor helpful? They may be more confident & experienced in hearing & discerning God’s voice. I may need help to get to a place of “still waters” due to life issues or insecurity. What is the danger of always going to another person to confirm God’s word? My confidence in Christ is dependent on going to Him first & my faith grows as I’m appropriately working (John 6:29). If I habitually go to others instead of God, I might be trying to fill a spiritual need by putting my hope/trust/belief in whomever I go to for assistance. Why is out-growing a mentor a common occurrence? I have to guess that reasonable parameters weren’t determined or maybe were met. My few discipleship experiences just sort of faded from weak commitments. Unfortunately, it’s just not a priority in the church-heartbreaking! Nice traveling w/ ya’ll! “But THANKS be to our GOD that, though we used to be slaves to sin, we have come to obey from our hearts the pattern of teaching that has now claimed our allegiance.” Romans 6:17 (modified) Appreciated so much great input!!!

(Mark 14:36; 1 Peter 3:7) Why is it necessary to recognize and then surrender our desires when we are seeking God’s will. If I don’t distinguish my own longings from God’s way for me, I can conveniently presume that He agrees with my will rather than listening for His & surrender to it. What happens if we neglect to do this? Per the lesson we may be misaligned from God’s will &/or experience uncertainty in hearing God. How can holding on to sin distort what you think you are hearing from God? In another lesson I mentioned Ps 66:18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; definitely an unnecessary hurdle we all have to navigate. I loved how the fuller passage of 1 John 1:9 included light, fellowship & purity as the framework of maintaining the humble, honest relationship w/ the Lord via confessing.

Q3. (Ephesians 2:1-3; 1 John 2:16). Give an example of what the voice of the flesh – our lusts and desires – might sound like. Perhaps this one time, since no one will know. Give an example of what the voice of the world might sound like. Everyone else does it; it’s a God given activity after all. Give an example of what the voice of the devil might sound like. God doesn’t really care all that much about you; otherwise why would’t He speak to you all the time? Why is a knowledge of the Scripture necessary for discernment of these voices? How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. 10 With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments. Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee. Ps 119:9-11 Word of God Speak – MercyMe

Q2. (Hebrews 5:14) Why will a person have to make mistakes in the process of learning to discern God’s voice? First of all we tend to want to be our own god so there’s that downhill learning curve. The bible is clear that we all stumble, need restoration, rescue & will always fall short of God’s glory. Even as a disciple we have competing voices & influences that serve as interference to what God may or may not be saying. If mistakes are part of the process, how can this be of God at all? God is certainly not intimidated by our limitations & is particularly great & praise worthy in creating beauty from anything or nothing. While He doesn’t require a catalyst, He wisely orchestrates life as it is to maximize our participation, His glory & life everlasting.

Q1. ((Judges 6:36-38; Psalm 95:7-10) Does Gideon ask for a sign because of his unbelief? I think Gideon was being cautious & had revealed insecurities from the beginning about himself rather than God. in recognition of the battle at hand it was wise of him to be careful & certain. His faith needed strengthening/encouragement. What is the difference between Gideon’s seeking confirmation, and “testing God” in a way that displeases God? perhaps the difference is one that only God would discern b/c it is in our hearts. Unlike moses (ex 4:10-14), Gideon isn’t backing out of the responsibility. Does God mind if we ask for confirmation? His loving kindness is pretty terrific & instructions on seeking Him fervently abound in scripture so I doubt He would mind especially when we are open to His plans instead of our own. When might God be upset with us for asking for confirmation? The normal routes of selfish gain, pride, power or disbelief “God has no use for the prayers of the people who won’t listen to Him.” Proverbs 28:9 MSG

How can pride corrupt our hearing from God? I’m thinking that pride is at the core of most, if not all sin & it is likely that unconfessed sin, mixed motives or a private agenda will block my hearing, as well as God’s priority of messages. Ps 66:18 talks about God not hearing us if I cherish sin in my heart. Bragging about hearing from God could be presumptuous & requires great discernment. How do we protect ourselves from being deceived by our pride? Remembering that life is not about me but the glory of God helps. Prayerful introspection, being a better listener & having fewer words, considering others as better than myself also helps but I’m still trying to understand its application. Live surrendered to God primarily, with a clear conscience & not pretending to be something I’m not.

Why is a willingness to obey without understanding the reasons for God’s commands so important? Obedience is stated by Jesus to be proof of my love for Him. (John 14:15) It is a reasonable response to His authority over my life & gives Him due respect & appreciation for who He is. Father values it so greatly that He attaches generous promises (peace, joy, blessings, etc) with it & negative consequences when we don’t! (deception, shame, burdened, etc) How does obedience sometimes help us understand God’s workings. In retrospect we may learn about more of His ways, sovereignty & love. It can be a relief to know that He is in control of the outcome & that I could be a part of divine plans!

Why is a desire for a relationship with God more important than seeking to hear his voice? I doubt we would seek to hear God if we weren’t first interested in knowing Him & as implied in the study, a relationship built on trust precedes (generally) & facilitates one hearing from God b/c the listener believes God has his/her best interests at heart. How does hearing his voice contribute to the relationship? It could provide deeper trust, inspiration, freedom & partnership, as well as being our needed encouragement during hard times. Why are we commanded to “press in” to know the Lord? The lifelong endeavor of knowing God can be relatively easy to set-aside, forsake or allow to fade away from, so the admonitions to ‘keep on’, work out, are encouraging. It's culturally more acceptable to take in entertainment, be independent &/or think I’ve ‘arrived’. My tendency is toward study & I have that leisure but am slack in other responsibilities. I frequently echo Paul’s heart in praying for as many who will to receive the Spirit of wisdom & revelation in order to know Him better. (Eph 1:17) How does Paul’s passion for a relationship with God inspire you? it is encouraging to see another believer totally committed & confident. Paul was completely sold-out, not concerned about looking back or facing difficulty b/c his relationship w/ Jesus is based on trust & hope in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

(1 Samuel 3:1-10) What was Eli’s counsel to Samuel, when he recognized that God was calling to the boy? Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening."' Was it good counsel? Yes! Although it wasn’t apparent immediately. What is the significance of Samuel recognizing that he is a servant? It could be tempting boast of knowing & being in favor with God even if we serve Him & His kingdom. Therefore, we’re encouraged to consider ourselves in humble terms & to even wear humility as clothing. (1 Pt 5:5-6)

Why does God sometimes not talk to us? As He is all-knowing (omniscient) I imagine that His timing is perfectly aligned to His perfect purposes. We may also have sin that is not being turned from, based on Psalm 66:18, so that He doesn’t listen. I’ve heard it said that when God is silent it’s b/c the teacher doesn’t speak during a test. Is it always because we aren’t receptive? No; God is sovereignly active in multiple ways so that perhaps we might seek Him more fervently through the Word or in fellowship, etc. i have no misconception that my radar can surely be askew! like a radio on the wrong channel! A fish in the wrong lake, etc. What should we do when we don’t hear anything from God? seek & consider truth about my receptors (primarily ears, eyes), His activity around me, my participation & cooperation w/ Him & any possible training He might be prompting. Of course it is wise to do as Pastor Ralph smartly illustrated & explained- Press On in what we know! Thought of a cool, older song:

Sometimes God nudges you by giving you insight into the spiritual state of people around you. What should you be asking God about once you receive this insight about them? How He might use me in accordance with His will; please use me to give salt &/light to this person. Reasonable to share (useful, safe to share contact info) Have you ever had a nudge from God that resulted in a person receiving help? Not sure. As a people-person, I extend myself comfortably to people & offer an assortment of suggestions, conversations, helps. What did you learn from this? I probably ‘play it’ safe although I make myself super available. I am skeptical b/c since the enemy does degrees of damage on earth & can masquerade as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) it is wise to test supernatural actvy (1 Thessalonians 5:211 John 4:1-4) Beautiful!! Glory to God!!

Praise be to God Almighty! Great testimony! Thank u!

What’s the similarity between God’s brief, inarticulate nudges or promptings, and David’s use of the Urim and Thummim to receive direction? The stones & nudge types of interpreted questions seem to be quick, more instant yes or no answers. Both are dependent on God’s sovereignty & participation in believers lives. Interestedly there is a New Testament use of lots (Acts 1:23-26) to replace Judas. What happens when David needs more than a “yes” or “no” answer? He gets a more prophetic, full answer based on God’s plans. I appreciate Hebrews 1:2 that mentions that God has spoken through His Son & that we can know now by the Spirit (1Cor 2:10). This teaching has made me a bit more confused; connecting an obsolete Old Testament practice to an already ambiguous potentially subjective interpretation.

Are promptings from the Holy Spirit clear enough when we’re seeking God for direction? No, at least for me & the few friends I talk with. I’m often amazed when others testify to such guidance even if it’s just a little. That He desires & hears my prayers is becoming enough. Why is “no” just as important an answer as “yes”? A NO can be a protective, timing &/or directional sign that’s just as valuable as an affirmative sign. I think I would welcome a ‘no’over silence. It can also leave space for something else, but I suppose that’s an ‘instead’. Have you ever felt God’s promptings to take some action? I haven’t felt God’s promptings & that’s why I hope to learn to discern God's voice. The uncertainty of tends to shake & renew confidence (in time) while keeping me going to the well. Honestly it can be frustrating but I figure there’s plenty He said already in the bible to apply & keep on hoping. Though He slay me…Job 13:15

Why was it important for Simon to get a very clear command from the Spirit to go with his visitors? Perhaps the visitors would have had a hard time convincing Peter or Peter could have refused them w/out knowing the Lord’s next steps for him. What would he have done if the word weren’t so clear? Perhaps he would seek God concerning this & hesitate. What does he do when criticized for taking this action (Acts 11:2, 12)? He confirmed what the Spirit had told him. What kind of faith does it take to obey the Spirit and take an action you know you’ll be criticized for later? Experienced, confident faith. Do you disobey when you know you might face criticism for obedience? I generally get a knot in my stomach & pray. Sometimes I cave but sometimes I obey. Unfortunately, I don’t get a clear command other than what is written in scripture & that is plenty enough instruction to hear! So in Romans 2 we might realize that having the capacity to judge, maybe big time like me (prayers appreciated), comes with great responsibility. I get & deserve criticism b/c I’m not always necessarily walking in the Spirit & honestly can’t tell the difference! So I get to work on this judgment stuff; with a goal of doing so only out of love. i’m always tempted to impress rather than be quiet, pray or do some variety of justice & mercy. Hallelujah, He cleanses (1 Jn 1:9) So, yeapers, i long for & actively wait for clarity, correction, guidance which I desperately need.

Why was it important for Simon to get a very clear command from the Spirit to go with his visitors? Perhaps the visitors would have had a hard time convincing Peter or Peter could have refused them w/out knowing the Lord’s next steps for him. What would he have done if the word weren’t so clear? Perhaps he would seek God concerning this & delay/interfere w/ other events; curious that the angel & lesson writer referred to him as Simon first. What does he do when criticized for taking this action (Acts 11:2, 12)? He confirmed what the Spirit had told him. What kind of faith does it take to obey the Spirit and take an action you know you’ll be criticized for later? Experienced, confident faith. Do you disobey when you know you might face criticism for obedience? I generally get a knot in my stomach & pray. Sometimes I cave but sometimes I obey. Unfortunately, I don’t get a clear command other than what is written in scripture. Another curiosity is the meat on the sheet & whether Peter ever ate from the sheet or what was being prepared + the voices' command to Get up, Kill & eat???

What would have happened if Paul hadn’t been sure of his instructions from the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem? He may have listened to the Tyre disciples who through the Spirit urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem (Act 21:4) or evangelist Philip & company in Caesarea, missing his assignment in Jerusalem & ultimately not stayed on track to finish his unique race (Acts 20:24) & erroneously considering his well-being & life before his call as a “chosen instrument to proclaim My name to the Gentiles & their kings & to the people of Israel.” Acts 9:15. Although I suspect that Father would have directed Paul right where he needed to be, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 Would you have tried to dissuade him? It’s comforting to receive encouraging words. I doubt I would have directly but I may have agreed with others! What level of maturity does it take to receive a direction that might lead us into hardship and danger? A great deal of courage & trust could be presumed to face known risk. Certainly a super convinced faith in God’s plan & high devotion to it no matter what. What happens when we choose the easy way, when God leads us on a difficult path? Hmm, I suppose we might have regrets but we wouldn’t know that we took the wrong way necessarily. Ripple effects or the butterfly effect would have consequences.

discontentment-ugh! great input!

How do you think it feels to Paul for God to personally encourage him when he is afraid and hurting? Absolutely amazing! So very assuring & privileged What do we learn about God that he speaks to Paul in this way? God shows Paul that He is very personal, caring, in control, encouraging, perfectly directive, involved & comforting.

http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/profile/39509-shogird/ Shogrid, i loved how u talked about the fact that Jesus was also human & susceptible to our limits so that He too needed time to regroup, right! ur suggestion that His presence stirred up spiritual forces that recognized a real threat! may the good Lord give u wisdom, patience & space to meet w/ Him as frequently as possible! thx for ur insightful input on this question. gwen

Hi! I'm gwen living in King George, VA. I'm just a regular average sheep in the pasture of God seeking to know Him better. i look forward to studying w/ ya'll & enjoying fellowship together as we feast on His good word. i''m hopeful that "whatever happens, we will conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. And we will know that we stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel!" Philippians 1:27 (paraphrased) in His love!