Lottie

Q1. (1 Samuel 3:1-10) What was Eli's counsel to Samuel, when he recognized that God was calling to the boy? Was it good counsel? What is the significance of Samuel recognizing that he is a servant? Eli told Samuel that it was the Lord who was calling him. He told him he should go and lie down again. Then when God calls him again he should say, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.” W#s it good counsel? Yes, because Eli knew from experience that it was the Lord calling to Samuel. He knew that in order to hear from God we need to be humble and willing to listen and obey. The significance of Samuel recognizing that he is a servant is that he knows that the Lord is his master. He is the servant and he is putting himself under God’s hand and was willing to do whatever God wanted him to do. He realized the Lord was directing him. .

Q4. (Acts 16:6-10; Psalm 27:14) Why does God sometimes not talk to us? Is it always because we aren't receptive? What should we do when we don't hear anything from God? Sometimes God does not answer or talk to us when we are in sin and disobedient. In Psalms 66: 18b it says,” If I regard wickedness in my heart the Lord will not hear” (NASB) Sin breaks the fellowship we have with God and we cannot expect Him to commune or answer our prayers if we are disobedient. Other times I think we tend to think we have things under control and do not need Him. Or we get too busy and forget to take the time to talk to Him. Sometimes God draws away so that we become more fervent in searching for Him. Jesus talks about asking, seeking, and knocking. Asking means asking Him for help in little things. Seeking means we are searching for answers from God to problems we have and waiting on Him for answers. But knocking means being persistent and keep on doing it until we get an answer from God. Sometimes He wants to see if we want Him or just the things He can give us and He wants to test our faith by not answering right away. We should search our own hearts to see if we are in sin first and if we are then repent and ask for His forgiveness. If we are not in sin then just keep on being persistent and waiting on God and knocking until He answers.

Q4. (Acts 16:6-10; Psalm 27:14) Why does God sometimes not talk to us? Is it always because we aren't receptive? What should we do when we don't hear anything from God?

Q3. (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? Have you ever had a nudge from God that resulted in a person receiving help? What did you learn from this? I Should be asking God what it is he wants me to talk to them about and in what way can I encourage them. I should be asking if I should talk to them about salvation or how their spiritual walk is with the Lord. I admit at times I do not often do this because I get so wrapped up in my own things or get afraid. Other times I hear the Spirit telling me to be quiet especially if I know the persons do not want to talk about God. Other times I have just been led to give someone a tract to read. One time after my husband died and I was at a ladies retreat he directed me to read not only a poem I had written but verses from Isaiah 54 about the widowed woman and what I had written in my journal, words I wrote down that God spoke back to me. I knew it was Him because of the scripture involved in it. I read all 3 things that year in front of a roomful of ladies. Later I heard that there was a woman there who had just recently lost her husband. I knew then that God used my testimony to speak to her that day. Even though I never saw her God used me to help her and comfort her. We do not always have to be directly involved for God to work.

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? What happens when 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? What happens when David needs more than a "yes" or "no" answer? The similarity is that they both are brief answers but the stones are not always right. As in the case of Saul and his son Johnathan when Johnathan took some of the honeycomb when he was really hungry. No one at the time told him what his father had vowed. And all the Israelites were very weak and hungry from not eating anything at the time. That is why they killed the animals and ate them with the blood. It was not the fault of Johnathan that it happened but his father. God never told him to do that. That is why he was spared by the people from being killed. This time they should have asked God who was in the wrong and not used the Urim and Thummin to decide which one was responsible for God not answering Saul. One should always directly ask God and not rely on things like stones or tarot cards like people do now. Only God alone can give you the answers you want. Yes, the stones were right in most instances and aligned with what God wanted but if the Israelites would have directly followed the answer concerning Johnathan; then he would have been killed. But God stepped in and saved him in the end. When David needs more than a yes or a no he inquires directly of the Lord. He knows that he needs God’s guidance to do the right thing. He wanted to know for sure if he should go against them and attack because the people were looking to him for guidance. David needs more than a "yes" or "no" answer?

Q1. (Acts 8:26-40; 16:6-10) Are promptings from the Holy Spirit clear enough when we're seeking God for direction? Why is "no" just as important an answer as "yes"? Have you ever felt God's prompt Q1. (Acts 8:26-40; 16:6-10) Are promptings from the Holy Spirit clear enough when we're seeking God for direction? Why is "no" just as important an answer as "yes"? Have you ever felt God's promptings to take some action? If you followed through, what happened? Yes, I believe that they are if we are attentive and in obedience. If we have been staying close to the Lord through reading His Word, meditation and praying; we will know for sure if it is God or not speaking to us. It says in First John 4 about discerning the spirits and if we are close to God we can tell if it is Him speaking to us by what He says and if it agrees with the Word or not. Often we know within our spirit when something is not right or does not come from God. I remember reading a book called “Heaven is So Real” and getting to a point in the book when the author talks about being transported by the Holy Spirit to Heaven and seeing things that no one else seen. Immediately the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “No! This is not true.” It was strong and my spirit knew it was God telling me that this woman was being lied to by Satan and deceiving many people through her book. I stopped reading it then. Yes, I have felt God’s prompting in the past to take some action. Especially years ago when my daughter and I were both a part of a small group in a church. We were watching these DVD series called “The Truth Project” by Del Tackett. In one of the DVD’s he talked about how our calling is our vocation. And God spoke to both of us at the same time and told us that we were to be writers for Him and that He wanted us to go to college. If you followed through, what happened? At first, I resisted Him. I asked Him how could I do it when I had no job at the time. How would I pay for it? He kept telling me to trust Him. I finally gave in and applied to a Christian college. God gave me a love for learning that started in the very first class and continues this day as I am finishing my last class. He gave me a desire to do my best and as of now I am on the dean’s list. I never had straight A’s all the way through any grade before. I have had A’s mostly, along with a few b’s and a couple of F’s and one D. The math classes are where I got stuck and had a hard time. I felt like quitting almost on the last one but God kept telling me He would help me. And he has been with me all the way through and I could not have done it without Him.

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)? 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? It was important because Simon as a Jew believed that the Jews and Greeks or Gentiles should be separated and not eat together or do anything together. Because they were not clean like the Jews were and they worshipped idols. God had to make him understand that the Gentiles were included in the plan of salvation and he had no right to call them unclean or unfit. If the word from God had not been so clear Simon would have refused to go down and go with the visitors and then the man and his family would not have been saved. It takes a strong faith and a deep conviction and belief that this is what God wants you to do. You have to know beyond a doubt that it is in God’s will for you. I sometimes try to avoid doing things I know He wants to do out of fear of men and what they will say or think.

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? Would you have tried to dissuade him? 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? What happens when we choose the easy way, when God leads us on a difficult path? If Paul had not been sure of his instructions he might have been persuaded not to go to Jerusalem. Then many people would not have been reached for the Lord. And afterwards Paul would have felt very bad knowing that he missed out on what God wanted for him to do. Yes, I might have been one of them trying to dissuade him; knowing what was in store for him. We are all guilty of wanting the easy way out. It takes a very strong mature Christian to be able to go where you know you might be in danger. It takes a person who is into the meat of the Word and who knows the Lord as well as Moses knew God. Someone who is as the apostle John called a young man or a father. One who is strong in the faith and had overcome the wicked one or the devil. A new believer does not have the strength to do it like a more mature saint has. A more mature older saint has tried and found out that God is faithful and will help him or her. When we choose the easy way we forego some of the blessings and gifts that God could have given us. We miss out on opportunities to witness for Him and on drawing closer to Him. We miss out on becoming stronger, closer, and more like Him. And we miss out on any rewards or fruit we would have gotten from our efforts. We really miss out on being fully blessed and more fruitful when we opt out of something we think is too hard for us.

How do you think it feels to Paul for God to personally encourage him when he is afraid and hurting? I think Paul felt that God loved him enough to speak to him. He knew that God had designated him to speak to the Jews and the Greeks about Him. I think he felt that God was concerned about his spiritual condition and wanted to comfort him. God knew that Through the many times that God spoke to him Paul knew that God was on his side and would help him. This gave him courage to speak out for the Lord. What do we learn about God that he speaks to Paul in this way? We learn that God cares about his children. He cares enough to speak to them and encourage them. We learn that he is compassionate and loving. That He knows what we need to hear and when. Because He knows everything about us and is always present.

Lesson 2 Question 1 a. Why do you think the author contrasts “the still small voice” to the wind, earthquake and fire? I think the author does that to show us that God does not always talk to His children in a booming voice or through earthly events. Sometimes He speaks to us through His Word or through His Spirit. And it might be in a voice only we can hear and He will wait till we are alone and without distractions. I also think that He does it that way so we do not become afraid of Him like the Israelites were and they chose not to go near the mountain. He wants us to have a relationship with Him and talk to us as a friend to friend like He did with Moses. b. How does God’s voice comfort and renew Elijah? God comforts Him by telling Him that he is not alone. There are other faithful people still out there who have not bowed to Baal. He comforts him by coming to him softly and not scolding him for his fears. He shows great love and concern for him by having the angel give him food and water twice. c. Why is it easy to miss God when His voice is gentle and quiet? Because sometimes we think it is our own thoughts and do not think it is Him. Sometimes we listen but do not pay attention to what He says. Or we are distracted by other things and ignore Him.

Question 4 a How does the Holy Spirit make the “mind of Christ” available to us? The Spirit shows us the deep truths of God’s Word. He shows us what is in the mind and heart of the Father. B How does this make you dependent upon the Holy Spirit? It makes me dependent because it is only through the Spirit that I can understand and know God. Only through the Spirit that wisdom can be imparted to me and I can know God’s will for me. Because only the Holy Spirit really knows the mind and heart of God. c. How does this relate to listening to God’s voice? It is through the Spirit that I can begin to understand when God is speaking to me. The Spirit helps me understand what He has to say in his Word. The Spirit helps me understand the deeper depths of God’s Word. Without the Spirit helping me I would think it is all foolishness. Without the Spirit I would not know how to interpret what it says or be obedient.

Question 2: A Why do you think Jesus said, “By myself, I can do nothing.”? Jesus said to emphasize to the Jews and His followers that God is the one who gives Him the power. He cannot do miracles on His own in human form. Jesus had to rely on God and the Holy Spirit to work through Him. Just as we cannot do anything by ourselves. We cannot witness to others or overcome our own bad habits and sins. Only through the Holy Spirit in us can we be overcomers. b. How do you justify this statement with Jesus’ divine nature as the Son of God? Although Jesus was God’s Son as a human he had no power. Jesus gave up all his authority and glory when He came to the earth. He was divine and human, therefore, He needed the Father’s help. Just like we need God’s help to do His will. God is all-powerful and can do anything. Nothing is impossible for Him. c. In what ways can we use Jesus’ example as a pattern for our own life and ministry? I can realize and understand that in order to obey God I need to spend time with Him and listen to Him. I need to study the Word and understand what He wants us to do. I need to be in close communion with the Father as He was so that I can know what He wants me to do and be able to glorify Him better. I need to admit that I cannot do it on my own; that I need his divine help. Only God can give me the ability and power to fulfil His will here on earth. I just need to believe this and look to Him and not what is around me. Something that I am having a lot of trouble with right now. D. How do you think Jesus would “see” and ‘hear” the Father? I think He heard the Father when he prayed to Him and listened for His voice. I think He saw the Father in all that God had created on earth. He also saw Him through the Old Testament stories and the Psalms of David. He probably also saw The Father as He remembered when He was with Him and how God spoke things into existence

Listening to God Question 1: a. What pattern do you see emerging in Jesus prayer life? He always chose to go out early in the morning to pray and in a secluded place. He often spent a whole night in prayer. b. Why do you think He spends Quiet Time with the Father before the day begins? I think Jesus knew how important it was to stay in touch with His Father. He knew he needed to pour out His concerns and hear what God wanted Him to do. He knew that His power came from His Father. He knew that spending time alone with God would strengthen Him and prepare Him for what he needed to do or had to face. Jesus came to do the Father’s will not His own so He understood the importance of communicating with God. c. How does this prepare Him for His ministry? It helps him to become stronger to resist the devil or distractions that come along. By listening to His Father He knows what is His main objective and what is more important. Yes, he is to heal but even before that Jesus is supposed to preach the good news of salvation to sinners. That is why He was born and why he died on the cross. d. How did the disciple’s desires for Jesus differ from what Jesus felt compelled to do? He disciples wanted Him to keep on healing the sick, lame, blind, and demon possessed. But Jesus main focus was on salvation and preaching the good news to people. They also thought like the crowds that He would save the Jews from the Romans; but that was not whey He had come. The disciples were not thinking in spiritual terms but physical ones. They did not understand who He really was at first or why He had come. They thought he would become their conqueror not Savior. e. Do you have a Quiet Time? Yes f. What could you do to improve the quality of your time with God each day? I could decide to only read a chapter a day or a few passages and focus on them. I could ask God to enlighten me and help me understand what He is saying. I could spend more time in praising Him first and in confessing my sins before petitions or requests. I find the longer I am away from others in the church the harder it is to really focus on Him. The more discouraged I get about my circumstances. I long to have that close relationship back again.

Hi, my name is Laura and I am new to this study too. I have been a Christian for a long time but looking for a church right now. I am looking forward to this bible study.