Botshelo

Q1. (1 Samuel 3:1-10) What was Eli's counsel to Samuel, when he recognized that God was calling to the boy? Eli asked the boy to go back in bed and lie down, and wait for God to call again and when He does he should say; Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening."' Ref: Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, 'Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening."' Was it good counsel? Yes. Eli is correct in discerning that Yahweh is calling the boy, and his instruction of what to say is right on target: What is the significance of Samuel recognizing that he is a servant? It is humility. It signifies that he is owned by God just like a slave is owned by its master. Ref: "Servant" is ʿebed, "servant, slave." The term is used as a polite and humble way to refer to oneself (Genesis 33:5; 2 Kings 8:13). In the case of a king, all his subjects are considered his servants, including all who serve him directly -- his officers, officials, and ambassadors.

Instruction to Testify in Rome (Acts 23:11) And Don't Hesitate to Go with Them (Acts 10) LESSON 4: QUESTION 4 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? According to pastor Ralph, it is a lesson learnt - the importance is in holding fast to what God tells me / us, even if I / we don't understand it. Also we must listen and obey when God is speaking a definite word to direct a disciple's ministry. What would he have done if the word weren't so clear? He would have disobeyed God by believing in what he thought he knew and was right. What does he do when criticized for taking this action (Acts 11:2, 12)? Peter tells them about his vision and what God said in it. From Verse 4 Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. 6 I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. 7 Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ 8 “I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 “The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ 10 This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again. 11 “Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. What kind of faith does it take to obey the Spirit and take an action you know you'll be criticized for later? Total dependence on God and bold. Without wavering and without fear. Do you disobey when you know you might face criticism for obedience? I have learnt not to compromise when it comes to the things of the almighty God. And find myself all alone for that reason.

Guidance to Travel to Jerusalem -- and Confusing Interpretations LESSON 3: QUESTION 3 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 would have missed the direction of the Holy Spirit which would have led to disobeying God and even loosing his destiny. I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." It's important that Paul knows God's direction for sure. He understood the will of God. That is why he says; "This isn't my choice," Paul is saying, it's the Spirit of God who compels me to go to Jerusalem at this time. Would you have tried to dissuade him? I believe I would also have dissuaded him, but would not if I understood the will of God. 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? At the level whereby you take the "Spirit" as a human spirit rather than the Holy Ghost. When you feel compelled by the Holy Ghost. When you can sense His promptings. What happens when we choose the easy way, when God leads us on a difficult path? We loose direction. The "flesh" resists pain and struggle. The "flesh" can keep us from doing what God tells us to do, if we're not sure of what God has told us.

LESSON 2: QUESTION 2 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? Paul, receives several words of encouragement from the Lord over the course of his ministry. They are memorable -- often short -- but they "provide him the assurance" that he needs at the time. Words of Encouragement: Paul Knowing his weakness and fear, God speaks to him in a night vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." (Acts 18:9-10) Paul is afflicted with some kind of problem, "a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me" (2 Corinthians 12:7). But then, God speaks to him a word, a sentence: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9a). Paul is profoundly moved by this, because God has taught him a wonderful truth: He is strong when he depends on God. The result is that Paul begins to exult in his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:10). His whole attitude has been changed by a personal word from God. Paul has been attacked and falsely accused by the Jerusalem Pharisees, who plan to kill him. As he sits in the Roman barracks, beat up and discouraged, God's speaks to him: "The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'" (Acts 23:11). As Paul senses the Lord's presence, he knows that he is not alone, that God has this all in hand, and that God has a plan he is working out for the future. Paul's wounds may still be aching, but his heart is lifted up. He has heard from God. Finally, just before a shipwreck on his voyage to Rome, an angel brings him a word of assurance that he subsequently shares with the ship's crew: "Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you." (Acts 27:24). What do we learn about God that he speaks to Paul in this way? God is a very present help in times of need. He is the comforter and defender. He does not abandon or forsake us. He always provides a solution in the right time. His presence brings courage and assurance. He speaks in soft voice into our inner being and changes everything.

Q1. (1 Kings 17-19) Why do you think the author contrasts the "still small voice" to the wind, earthquake, and fire? In most cases God's voice had been identified as powerful or with force as in the following experiences: For example: God's voice is not always quiet. Sometimes it booms like the sound of many waters (Ezekiel 43:2; Revelation 1:15; 14:2; 19:6), thunder (John 12:28-29; Revelation 14:2), and loud trumpets (Hebrews 12:19; Revelation 1:10; 4:1).God's voice is not always gentle. Sometimes it comes to bring a strong rebuke (Acts 26:14).God's voice in not always even a voice or sound. Sometimes it is an impression, or a nudge, a dream or vision. But God is Love, Wisdom, Power and the Word. He will talk to us wise counsel through His powerful word. When He does we cannot be confused or miss His voice. We are encouraged and comforted. Here is the Point: What's the point? Probably that God's presence is best conveyed in personal communication with his servants, not in some showy, spectacular display of power. The essence of God's nature is not power -- though God is fully capable of displaying overwhelming power. Rather, the essence of God is in his relationship and communication to the person. In New Testament terms you might say, "God is love" (1 John 4:8) or perhaps, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God" (John 1:1). 1. God's voice is often quiet. Sometimes, unless you're trained to recognize God's voice, you might mistake it for a passing thought. 2. God's voice can guide us in what to do. God gives Elijah an assignment to anoint three men -- two kings and his prophetic successor. 3. God's voice can provide comfort when we are anxious. Elijah is fearful and exhausted, depressed and hopeless. God comforts him by giving him new work to do -- a new assignment. Jesus comforts and restores Peter in a similar way -- with a mild rebuke 4. God's voice can bring a rebuke. Sometimes, we need God to set us straight, to correct us and our errors of thinking. Elijah has been complaining, "I, only I, am left." How does God's voice comfort and renew Elijah? God comforts him by giving him new work to do -- a new assignment. God also comforts Elijah by pointing him to a spiritual companion, Elisha, who will share his sometimes lonesome life with him, and eventually succeed him so that his life's work will continue after his passing. What a blessing! Why is it easy to miss God when his voice is gentle and quiet? Sometimes, unless you're trained to recognize God's voice, you might mistake it for a passing thought. too often we aren't listening. Or there is so much noise in our lives and so little quiet, that God's gentle voice gets lost in the clutter.

Question 1: (Mark 1:33-39) Answer to question 1 (Mark11:33-39) Jesus withdrew to a solitary place everyday at dawn to pray was an important pattern in His life, one which He sought to demonstrate before His disciples for them to emulate. Why do you think he spends Quiet Time with the Father before the day begins? Jesus Christ wants to seek guidance and direction on what God wants Him to do next. How does this prepare him for his ministry? He will be able face challenges and defeat temptations. He will be certain of what to do. How did the disciple desires for Jesus differ from what Jesus felt impelled to do? By desiring Him to continue healing new crowds which sought His help. (Mark 1:37-38) Why? Jesus priority was not healing. He was impelled to preach in other villages too, which He says it is the reason why He came. Do you have a Quiet Time? Yes I do have a quiet time. What could you do to improve the quality of your time with God each day? I have to avoid some of the pleasures and commitments which take most of my quiet time.