patahutch

Gideon sought confirmation because he needed the assurance that it was God who gave the instruction to him. I believe because of his background and his perspective on himself, Gideon wanted to be sure that he was the person God had chosen for the task. Even Gideon's approach was a demonstration of humility. The difference between seeking confirmation and testing God is that the latter seeks for God to prove Himself for who He is. This is the result of a sinful, unbelieving heart. Even if God does anything, that heart will not believe God. It is tantamount to manipulating God, trying to "tie Gods hand behind His back." However, seeking confirmation is seeking God's assurance in order not to step out of line with God or to put ourselves in a place where we might sin against God. I believe the difference between Gideon and the Israelites in the wilderness is that Gideon, because of his self-perception, wanted God's assurance. The Israelites, on the other hand, saw God's miracles so should have trusted God, but became discontent and unbelieving heart tested God. I don't believe God has an issue with us seek confirmation especially as we mature in Him. It is when we begin to doubt His love and goodness that God might become upset with us. Lack of trusting in God's goodness is a sign of unbelief. As Christian, if we have gone down the road of "testing God,' we need to repent and trust in God's goodness and plenteous mercy.

Pride can contaminate our motives. We can protect ourselves from beg 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.

Q3. (Psalm 32:8-9; John 7:17) Why is a willingness to obey without understanding the reasons for God’s commands so important? How does obedience sometimes help us understand God’s workings? Only when we do obey what God shows us will we find out what he is planning to do through us. Our willingness demonstrates our trust in God and it is also. I believe that if we obey God, it allows Him to reveal more to us. Our willingness to obey helps us to develop a receptive heart. Obedience shows trust and God will reveal more to us when we trust and seek to understand him. We will come to understand that God has a greater purpose in everything.

Q2. (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? How does hearing his voice contribute to the relationship? Why are we commanded to “press in” to know the Lord? How does Paul’s passion for a relationship with God inspire you? Developing a relationship with God causes trust. A relationship is an important part of receiving from God. When we seek to know He, we seek Him for who He is and not just to hear his voice. That comes as a result of this relationship. Samuel was serving God but was not aware of His voice, but as his relationship developed, it was easier to discern God's voice. Because a relationship is based on trust, it would be easier to execute the simple and hard things He will instruct us to do as His servants. Paul commands us to "press in" to know the Lord so we may know Him well so that we may become like HIM. Paul's relationship with the Lord inspires me to press on. Paul's passion for God allowed him to do great things for God. Paul's pressing shows a level of abandonment to the will of God and a desire to relinquish everything that he held dear. God was more dear to him than any of his earthly possessions. I desire to spend the rest of my life seeking to know God. After 20 years, I realize that I have not been obedient and I have not trusted the Lord as I thought I did. This caused rebellion and consequences in my life. I want to reach that place of finally developing a real relationship with God so that I truly relinquish control and become more submissive to God.

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 counseled Samuel to respond to the Voice by saying "Speak LORD, thy servant (slaves) hears. This was indeed excellent counsel, especially from one who has knowledge of the LORD'S voice himself. The significance of Samuel recognizing that he is a servant is that he is in the service to God. As he serves the Lord, he must remain humble and obedient.

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? There are a number of reasons why God sometimes not talk to us. In the portion of scripture in Acts 16:6-10, the Holy Spirit did speak by forbidding the disciples from preaching in Asia. If by "not talk" it means telling us to go or not to go, God is all knowing and has reasons for not speaking with us. Sometimes, our disobedience poses a hindrance to the voice of God. Sometimes our stubbornness. There are a number of reasons why God sometimes does not talk to us. No, it is not always because we are not receptive, but because He might not have any directive on the particular matter. We should prayerfully be still and trust in God's goodness towards us His children.

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? God is sovereign and can choose to do as He pleases. Sometimes He does not speak with us because He knows we are not receptive, or we are not at the place to receive His words, or we are just outright disobedient, or He chooses not to for His own purposes. Sometimes, He has an appointed time and our responsibility is to wait upon Him. Our responsibility is to be still and wait patiently upon the Lord. This is a discipline and a demonstration of the Fruit of the Spirit. I realize when God is silent when we are not mature, we have a tendency to become anxious and agitated. This can give place for the devil to speak. We have to be very still in these time, lest we step out of God's will.

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? It is important for us to ask God what to do with these nudges. He reveals it for a purpose whether to confront and correct the individuals if there is a need for repentance, pray for them for their restoration, expose their wrong or seek their deliverance or healing. Yes. I am just a vessel to be used by God for his glory. I have to make myself available to Christ.

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? Being a Jew who was now serving the Messiah, Simon was culturally nurtured to believe that Jews had nothing to do with anyone outside of their race. Additionally, the Romans were their oppressors. So, the vision prepared Peter to receive the visitors who were not of his race. Peter would have rejected them because culturally they were unclean and they would have been despised and rejected by the Jews (now converted followers of Christ). He recounted his vision and preparation by the Holy Spirit who assured him not to doubt anything. It takes humility faith and childlike faith to obey the Spirit of God. If we understand that the approval of God is more important than the disapproval of man, it does not take much, especially when we value His approval. I had disobeyed not because of fear of criticism, but because of my own self-will. May God forgive me and help me to move forward with His grace and love.

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? He might have been swayed by the people because he knew they loved him and meant him well. However, this would have prevented him from accomplishing God's mission for his life. I possibly would because no one wants anyone they love to suffer any kind of harm. I think it takes a level of maturity which where one would have completely abandoned his or her desires in order to fulfill God's will for his or her life. It is one that realizes that his or her life is not his or her own but a gift from God to be used for His glory. When we choose the easy way, we might feel comfortable like Jonah, but in the end, it will catch u on us or we might suffer the dis-ease of being out of God's will.

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? I think Paul felt encouraged, comforted and strengthened in his weaknesses, hurt or when he was afraid knowing the fact that God spoke to him directly concerning these situations. God is concerned about us in our various state and emotions. He gives us the assurance we need if we will allow Him to.

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? Both are instructive as they give direction as to what we are querying God about. When David needed more than a "yes" or "no" he would ask God for a sign.

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, they are. No is just as important as a "yes" because God is omnipotent and He knows everything and knows what's best for us. Yes. Whenever I follow through or obey, it is always to my benefit and for God's glory and honor.

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? Possibly because of Elijah emotional state, God chose to speak with him in this low and comforting tone of assurance and love. Oftentimes, when we get the impression that speaks in a thunderous voice, it brings fear to those who encounter it. It certainly conveys to me Peter's restoration. God listens to Elijah without rebuke and reveals Himself with a gentle rebuke. God allows Elijah to go back the way he came and gave him new assignments. He gave him the assurance of a place nearby where he passes by. Also, that He, God, has other faithful prophets who have not failed Him. Our expectations can become a hindrance and cause us to miss God's voice. When we restrict how God's communicates to us, we can miss Him. As stated in the presentation, we can miss God's voice as a passing thought because it's not loud.