Jilly

What does it mean to meditate on the Word? To think about, mull over, or ponder. What is the difference between Christian meditation and Eastern meditation? Christian- To think about, mull over, or ponder. Eastern- Hum or merge minds with the universe. How does God work through his Word to renew our minds? Faith Assurance: "I will never leave you or forsake you" (1:5) Faith Exhortation: "Be strong and very courageous" (1:6,9) Faith Food: "Meditate on it day and night" (1:8)

What kinds of things might Joshua be tempted to fear if he were to allow himself to dwell on his anxieties? Battle / Failing / Rebellion What does it mean to “be strong and very courageous”? Be faithful to God and follow His guidance. What is the distinction between weakness and strength in Joshua’s situation? Joshua's strength is to follow through and trust in the Lord. What is the relationship between fear and faith? Fear is not following through Gods guidance and faith is following through knowing that God is with you. Can you be courageous and still be fearful? Absolutely

Why is God’s promise to be always with Joshua so important to him? Joshua is going to battle many kingdoms and needs God by his side for guidance, power and comfort. Why is this promise so important to you in your present situation? God holds my hand in good and bad situations. It is very comforting to me. If God is with you, what limitations do you have? First thought I have is physical limitations, but God helps with that also.

In what way is God’s promise to Joshua, “I will give you every place where you set your foot,” a conditional promise? Joshua has to go through the land to claim it. If he were to sit back and do nothing, he would not be able to claim the lands. He must go out and claim what God has promised him. What’s wrong with a faith that consists primarily of the philosophy: “If God wants me to have it he will give it to me”? We would never be challenged to go get what is offered if it were just handed to us. What areas that God has promised you that you must press forward to receive? God has me continually studying His word to learn better what He wants of me. I enjoy it.

Why is it valuable to counsel with spiritual people in the Christian community when we’re learning to discern God’s voice? To make sure you are on the right track. How is having a spiritual mentor helpful? So you can discuss things and ask questions. What is the danger of always going to another person to confirm God’s word? That person may tell you something different that what God is trying to tell you. Ask God for confirmation and guidance. Why is out-growing a mentor a common occurrence? Your paths may go separate ways.

Why is it necessary to recognize and then surrender our desires when we are seeking God’s will. When we ask something of God we must be able to obey what He is telling us. What happens if we neglect to do this? Our desires will come through instead of God's desire. How can holding on to sin distort what you think you are hearing from God? We are prone to justify them.

Give an example of what the voice of the flesh – our lusts and desires – might sound like. Wanting to look a certain way or having something that someone else has. Give an example of what the voice of the world might sound like. Desires and ambitions. "The whole world-system, based as it is on men's primitive desires, their greedy ambitions and the glamour of all that they think splendid, is not derived from the Father at all, but from the world itself." (1 John 2:16) Give an example of what the voice of the devil might sound like. 1. Cravings of sinful man 2. **** of his eyes 3. Boasting of what he has and does. Why is a knowledge of the Scripture necessary for discernment of these voices? It shows the way Jesus wants us to be and keeps our lives in line with him.

Why will a person have to make mistakes in the process of learning to discern God’s voice? That is just the process of learning how to hear and know what God is telling us. If mistakes are part of the process, how can this be of God at all? We are learning to know that it is God talking and not us imagining something.

Does Gideon ask for a sign because of his unbelief? No. Gideon asks for a sign to make sure it is God talking to him. What is the difference between Gideon’s seeking confirmation, and “testing God” in a way that displeases God? Gideon is asking for confirmation and is not demanding miracles. Does God mind if we ask for confirmation? No. God knows those that are learning. When might God be upset with us for asking for confirmation? When we demand it.

How can pride corrupt our hearing from God? It can contaminate out motives. How do we protect ourselves from being deceived by our pride? Don't publicly claim God's guidance unless it is clear. Don't say, "God told me," unless he has really spoken. When you talk about God's guidance, do it with humility. It is God you are trying to promote, not the servant whose ears got cleaned out enough to hear Him.

Why is a willingness to obey without understanding the reasons for God’s commands so important? God knows all past, present and future. He knows and guides us the way He wants us to go. How does obedience sometimes help us understand God’s workings. When God allows us to see the end result.

Why is a desire for a relationship with God more important than seeking to hear his voice? Having the desire opens up the relationship that builds on trust. You must trust God with the hard things that He may ask you to do. How does hearing his voice contribute to the relationship? Hearing God's voice flows out of a relationship. Why are we commanded to “press in” to know the Lord? It maintains our relationship with the Lord. How does Paul’s passion for a relationship with God inspire you? Makes me want to continue learning so that I can have the best relationship with God.

What was Eli’s counsel to Samuel, when he recognized that God was calling to the boy? Eli told Samuel to go lie back and down and if he heard the voice again to say "Speak, for your servant is listening." Was it good counsel? Yes. Eli realized it was the Lord calling Samuel. What is the significance of Samuel recognizing that he is a servant? He is humbled and listening to God and carry out His command.

Why does God sometimes not talk to us? God wants us to continue in the pattern we are on presently. He will let us know when it is time for a change. Is it always because we aren’t receptive? No. What should we do when we don’t hear anything from God? Continue on the path we are on. God will let us know when it is time for a change.

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? Pray for direction and guidance and follow through to do his will. Have you ever had a nudge from God that resulted in a person receiving help? Possibly. Mostly I get nudges to pray for/with a particular person that I do not know in a store. I do not know what happens after that. What did you learn from this? God is good. I do hope that my prayers have helped the individuals I have met. I continue to follow Gods guidance to where he wants me to do something.