LaVerne

(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. Give an example of what the voice of the world might sound like. Give an example of what the voice of the devil might sound like. Why is a knowledge of the Scripture necessary for discernment of these voices? Anything that puts me n the throne of my heart is from the world, flesh or devil. I know immediately that it is wrong because it goes against what the Bible teaches.

(Hebrews 5:14) Why will a person have to make mistakes in the process of learning to discern God's voice? If mistakes are part of the process, how can this be of God at all? When I learn something by making a mistake. I do not forget it. The result didn't come easily

((Judges 6:36-38; Psalm 95:7-10) Does Gideon ask for a sign because of his unbelief? What is the difference between Gideon's seeking confirmation, and "testing God" in a way that displeases God? Does God mind if we ask for confirmation? When might God be upset with us for asking for confirmation? It all depends on the state of my heart. God cannot be fooled by words - He knows my heart.

How can pride corrupt our hearing from God? Pride causes us to take credit for things God actually causes to happen and we wander around our own world without listening for His voice How do we protect ourselves from being deceived by our pride? My best defense is to ask God to point out my pride immediately and stop me from taking credit for what He did

(Psalm 32:8-9; John 7:17) Why is a willingness to obey without understanding the reasons for God's commands so important? because He sees the future and knows what is best for us How does obedience sometimes help us understand God's workings.When we see the end we see what He knew

(1 Samuel 3:7; Hosea 6:3; Philippians 3:10-14) Why is a desire for a relationship with God more important than seeking to hear his voice? I believe that when I have a relationship with God I WILL hear HIS VOICE. How does hearing his voice contribute to the relationship? In every relationship there is communication Why are we commanded to "press in" to know the Lord? We are close to those we care about. How does Paul's passion for a relationship with God inspire you? He worked on it. I press toward the mark

(1 Samuel 3:1-10) What was Eli's counsel to Samuel, when he recognized that God was calling to the boy? He told Samuel to go back to bed and when God called to say speak LORD for thy servant heareth Was it good counsel? yes What is the significance of Samuel recognizing that he is a servant? God tells us what to do and we do it. We do indeed serve Him

(Acts 16:6-10; Psalm 27:14) Why does God sometimes not talk to us? He is also teaching us things during the waiting. Is it always because we aren't receptive? No What should we do when we don't hear anything from God? Keep preparing. Read the Bible. Pray

(Acts 5:1-11; 8:23; 14:8-10) 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? I should ask for direction and guidance. I should ask how I can minister to them. Have you ever had a nudge from God that resulted in a person receiving help? Often What did you learn from this? Be humble and open to God's leading. Don't take any credit for what He accomplishes through me

(2 Samuel 5:19, 22-25) What's the similarity between God's brief, inarticulate nudges or promptings, and David's use of the Urim and Thummim to receive direction? They both are guidance from God. What happens when David needs more than a "yes" or "no" answer? God gives more detailed direction.

Q1. (Acts 8:26-40; 16:6-10) Are promptings from the Holy Spirit clear enough when we're seeking God for direction? yes, and even when I'm not thinking about seeking direction, He still gives it. Why is "no" just as important an answer as "yes"? It's like someone giving directions to turn left or right. You won't get there if you don't follow them Have you ever felt God's promptings to take some action? If you followed through, what happened? yes, I was prompted to give a missionary, who was home on furlough, some money. I gave the money and a few weeks later I received a bonus that was 10 times what I had given her.

Q4. (Acts 10:19-20) Why was it important for Simon to get a very clear command from the Spirit to go with his visitors? This was something new to him and if it had not been clear he may have thought that he imagined the command. What would he have done if the word weren't so clear? Not bothered with the gentiles. What does he do when criticized for taking this action (Acts 11:2, 12)? He is sure that it is God's will. What kind of faith does it take to obey the Spirit and take an action you know you'll be criticized for later? Strong faith Do you disobey when you know you might face criticism for obedience? Not so much any more as I have grown in my faith

Q3. (Acts 19:21; 20:22-24; 21:12-14) What would have happened if Paul hadn't been sure of his instructions from the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem? Well, think about Jonah. When God wants something done, it gets done. Would you have tried to dissuade him? Yes, if I had feared for his life. It's comforting to receive encouraging words. What level of maturity does it take to receive a direction that might lead us into hardship and danger? It takes a great deal of maturity, but it also causes growth. What happens when we choose the easy way, when God leads us on a difficult path? We miss opportunity and reward.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 12:9a; Acts 18:9-10; 23:11; 27:24) How do you think it feels to Paul for God to personally encourage him when he is afraid and hurting? What do we learn about God that he speaks to Paul in this way? Paul had already heard from God on the day he was chosen to serve God, so he should not have been surprised to hear from God again. God was personal to him. This personal God also willing showed Paul His love.

Q1. (1 Kings 17-19) Why do you think the author contrasts the "still small voice" to the wind, earthquake, and fire? How does God's voice comfort and renew Elijah? Why is it easy to miss God when his voice is gentle and quiet? We know that God is all-powerful, so we expect Him to approach with noise. The still small voice is so gentle and really shows God's love.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 2:9-16) How does the Holy Spirit make "the mind of Christ" available to us? The Holy Spirit lives in us and we know, because we read the Bible, what is the right thing for us to do. The Holy Spirit makes us very sure that we should do certain things and not do other things. How does this make you dependent upon the Holy Spirit? If I want to do God's will and love people the way he wants me to love them, then I need to obey the Holy Spirit's prompting. How does this relate to listening for God's voice? The Holy Spirit's prompting always matches up to what the Bible tells us to do

Q3. (John 14-16) What promises concerning the Paraclete -- Comforter -- Counselor -- Helper -- Holy Spirit does Jesus give in John chapters 14-16? How do these relate to guidance? To "hearing" God? He promises to hear me and give wise counsel concerning what I face minute by minute and day by day. He promises to always be with me, so at any time and in any circumstance I can rely on Him for guidance. The world should be attracted to Christ by how I respond to the Holy Spirit's guidance (let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father, who is in heaven.)

Q2. (John 5:19, 30) Why do you think Jesus said, "By myself I can do nothing"? (vs. 30). Because He cannot detach Himself from the other two parts of the trinity How do you justify this statement with Jesus' divine nature as the Son of God? How can my body work without my heart? How can Jesus do the will of the Father without the power of the Holy Spirit? In what ways can we use Jesus' example as a pattern for our own life and ministry? When I get ready to do anything I need to seek first what God wants me to do, and then obey Him. How do you think Jesus would "see" and "hear" the Father? I don't know about the seeing, but I think the hearing is just listening to the Holy Spirit to guide Him

Q1. (Mark 1:33-39) What pattern do you see emerging in Jesus' prayer life? Consistency - it was important to pray often. Privacy - necessity of coming away from everyone Amount of time - -He wasn't in a hurry Why do you think he spends Quiet Time with the Father before the day begins? To get guidance and to feel the Father's love and to show love in return How does this prepare him for his ministry? He knew what the Father's will was for the work that needed to be done How did the disciple desires for Jesus differ from what Jesus felt impelled to do? They wanted Him to get back out to the crowd, while Jesus NEEDED to have time with His Father (Mark 1:37-38) Why? They had a different world view - not spiritual, but toward the kingdom of this world Do you have a Quiet Time? Yes - every day in the morning I read my Bible and have a devotional program and prayer time. What could you do to improve the quality of your time with God each day? I wish my prayer time wasn't so structured (with a list of family, neighbors, friends and ministries to pray for. I want a Father/daughter back and forth chat