Godswriter

Q2. (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? The similarity between the two is that could be a yes or no answer that God gives us just like for David when God gave him a yes or no for what he was to do as well. However God sometimes can go beyond a yes or no answer as well. What happens when David needs more than a “yes” or “no” answer? God tells him straight out what he must do and how he must go about it. The Lord tells him this; You shall not go up but circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees then you shall pay attention and act promptly, for at that time the Lord will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.

Q1. (Acts 8:26-40; 16:6-10) Are promptings from the Holy Spirit clear enough when we’re seeking God for direction? For me personally I have had the experience that promptings are usually not always clear for me when I am seeking His direction. Usually I second guess Him and doubt what He is telling me a lot of the time. Knowing me as He does He must have sighed and said when will you realize I am trying to tell you something! As I have gotten older and more mature in the Lord I have realized that a nudge meant move or to do something like pray or send a card or email to someone who needed it. I know that for me the nudges have become a whole lot clearer. Why is “no” just as important an answer as “yes”? Because when God tells you not to do something or not to go where somewhere. It is best to listen because when you don't you could end up doing something that is sin. For me I know that from experience I wish I would have listened to a no from the the Lord when I was in my teens because if I had I never would have ended up in the occult for 10 years. However God used that experience for the betterment of my walk I am much closer to Him now and am in full time ministry as well. Have you ever felt God’s promptings to take some action? Yes I have. If you followed through, what happened? My first full experience is with the ministry I am now part of. God told me to write about my experience and tell the world in a blog. I did that and didn't get much response and then I started to pray for God to lead to people to it. As of today I am part of a ministry that works with all different religions as well as the occult. It all started with just one blog and me writing it.

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? What would he have done if the word weren’t so clear? What does he do when criticized for taking this action (Acts 11:2, 12)? Perhaps for Peter if he didn't get a clear command to go he would disobey and choose to not to go. Souls would not have been saved from the Gentile nation as well. He reconfirms what the Spirit told him about the Gentiles and them needing to be saved. What kind of faith does it take to obey the Spirit and take an action you know you’ll be criticized for later? Do you disobey when you know you might face criticism for obedience? A very courageous faith that trusts completely in God and His Promises. Yes I have multiple times but I am learning to obey.

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? Paul may have felt guilt for missing out on a God's given opportunity to serve God and bring souls to Christ. He would have gone elsewhere and followed the advice of the people of Tyre instead of listening to God's voice and heeding it. Would you have tried to dissuade him?No because God told him where he needed to go and he couldn't persuaded otherwise 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 to receive direction that might lead hardship and danger. It also takes a great deal of courage as well. What happens when we choose the easy way, when God leads us on a difficult path?We miss out on God given opportunities to do things that God wants to do. Nor do we have faith to claim the promises in the word of God that are for us.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 12:9a; Acts 18:9-10; 23:11; 27:24) How do you think it felt to Paul for God to personally encourage him when he is afraid and hurting? 2 Corinthians 12:9 a My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness. (NLT) From what the Bible says I believe that Paul realized that God was not going to abandon or leave or forsake him at any time during his ministry even during his imprisonment. Acts 18:9-10 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't be silent! For I am with you, and no one will harm you because many people here in this city belong to me." From what the Bible says I believe that God was telling Paul to be brave in whatever circumstance he was in. I also believe God was trying to telling him that no matter what He would always be there for Paul since Paul was his spokesperson. Acts 23:11 That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have told the people about Me here in Jerusalem; you must preach the Good News in Rome." I believe as Paul was being shipped off to Rome that he was scared and wondering what God had in mind for him to do there. Here we see God's steadfast love yet again being shown to Paul through God speaking to him quietly and telling him what to do and why. Acts 27:24 and He said, "Don't be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What's more, God in His goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you." In this section of Scripture we see God again showing His love to Paul this time through an angel of His to speaking to him directly. I believe this is a sign to Paul about God's provision in his life. What do we learn about God that he speaks to Paul in this way? When God speaks to Paul in this way He is telling all of us that He is both loving, caring, involved and not distant when it comes to human beings who believe in Him.

Q1. (1 Kings 17-19) Why do you think the author contrasts the “still small voice” to the wind, earthquake, and fire? The wind and earthquake and fire are destructive forces of natures that would scare Elijah and not comfort him while he is depressed and feeling defeated. While the still small voice of God will bring comfort and a sense of hope to his hopelessness. How does God’s voice comfort and renew Elijah? The voice tells him to eat and drink more than once to renew his strength so he can continue doing the work that God told him to do. The voicer tells him that there is a remnant left that still believes in God and doesn't believe in Baal. Why is it easy to miss God when his voice is gentle and quiet? It is easy to miss the voice of God when we are in hurry and want to get on with our lives and do our to do lists and don't want to wait to listen for His still small voice to speak to us. Distractions can stop us from hearing us from His voice.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 2:9-16) How does the Holy Spirit make “the mind of Christ” available to us? The deep things of God are known to us through the Holy Spirit telling them to us by the Lord. Everything from praying for a loved one who doesn't believe to witnessing is a Holy Spirit prompting How does this make you dependent upon the Holy Spirit? I must be willing and obedient to listen to His prompting when it comes no matter what and obey it How does this relate to listening for God’s voice? God's voice never conflicts with Scripture. It always matches up with it.

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? The Paraclete will abide with me forever. The Spirit of truth dwells in me for I know Him through the Lord. He dwells in me and with me. Jesus will not leave me an orphan; He will come to me. The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance things that I said to you. These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. When, He, the Spirit of Truth has come He will guide you into all truth. The Paraclete will never lead me into something that is not true but always lead me into the truth and into the Biblical truth of every decision.

Q2. (John 5:19, 30) Why do you think Jesus said, “By myself I can do nothing”? (vs. 30). Being a former Bible student who took courses in theology and Bible both. I can say that He needed to abide in the Father for anything to be done. That way all things would be accomplished the Father would get the glory due Him from it. How do you justify this statement with Jesus’ divine nature as the Son of God? The Book of Colossians states that in It pleased that Jesus all the fullness dwells in Him. IN what ways can we use Jesus’ example as a pattern for our own life and ministry? How do you think Jesus would “see” and “hear” the Father? We can learn to pray before we do our work or ministry first. By praying to Him daily and doing His will.

Q1. (Mark 1:33-39) What pattern do you see emerging in Jesus’ prayer life? Why do you think he spends Quiet Time with the Father before the day begins?For Jesus prayer was the number one priority in His life. He wanted to be about His Father's business by starting each day with prayer early in the morning How does this prepare him for his ministry? It helped him realize what the Father wanted Him to do to daily by praying for it How did the disciple desires for Jesus differ from what Jesus felt impelled to do? (Mark 1:37-38) The disciples were not of the spiritual realm like Jesus was. Jesus was from Heaven and not from earth at all. His father was not human like the disciples' father. So His priorities were different. Why? Jesus was the Son of God. Do you have a Quiet Time? Yes but it is hard to keep. What could you do to improve the quality of your time with God each day? I could learn to spend more time waiting for His voice to speak.

Hi everyone my name is Jennifer Strnad and I live with my mom and my pets in Peshtigo,WI USA. I am having trouble hearing from God myself and I do all the praying but don't let Him speak through His word or some other way. I am hoping after the study I will wait more for His voice.