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Q4. (Philippians 3:9; Genesis 15:6; Habakkuk 2:4) Abraham had been a moon-worshipper. According to Genesis 15:6, how does he come into right relationship with the God who created all? How can a person today become righteous by faith? What is involved in really “trusting” Christ? According to Genesis 15:6, Abraham believed in the LORD and the LORD accounted it to him for righteousness. That is the requirement for us all - BELIEVE what God has done - He sent Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, to die for us - to shed His blood on a cross for our salvation - He rose again after 3 days and now sits at the right hand of the Father...ever living to make intercession for us. It's an overwhelming thing to consider, if we really break it down. But let's not stop here - there's so much more - let's go for everything He has for us! Really trusting Christ begins with first believing in His sacrifice, then believing every Word that proceeds from His mouth and searching with all your heart for understanding, amongst other things. Pray - talk to the Lord. Read the Word. Fellowship with God's family often - these are the things that will keep us sharp and continuing to trust Christ - the work is finished - He's done it all.

Q3. (Philippians 3:7-8) How do legalism and the resulting spiritual pride prevent us from trusting in Christ by faith, and knowing him? Legalism and pride are opposite of faith and humility so I think they can block access to Christ. Faith in Him is NOT me leaning on any of my own ways - legalism and spiritual pride are some kind of human error (and snobbiness), nothing Godly about it. If legalism and spiritual pride are in the house, the Lord will not be coming to hang out or kick back there... But He will help us to see our error and He will direct our path if we ask Him - so ask for His direction, His wisdom, and His discernment, and His Word to back it all up in LOVE. How has your pride in yourself kept you from drawing closer to Jesus? I never felt worthy enough to come to Him - and that's pride too. My pride was also believing that even though I didn't feel qualified to belong to the popular, acceptable, 'good' people, I didn't feel I was as bad as the worst I'd seen, either (as if there is a hierarchy of sin - but I didn't know any better back then) - so, it was easier to be at the top of the chain amongst the 'people from the other side of the tracks' than to become acceptable to those the world calls 'good.' As I walk through the years with my hand in the hand of the Living God I ask Him to expose anything in me that is not pleasing to Him. It's not always easy to receive correction, and sometimes I have to hear it more than a couple times - not sure how 'pride in myself' applies - I'm not aware of anything that I hang onto that keeps me from getting and staying as close to Jesus as I can... Maybe I might not have spoken up for Jesus because I was worried it would cost me something personally in the past - but no more. God is good! We can count on that. He's working all things together for His purpose no matter what...

"Q1. (Acts 9:4-5; 26:14) Why does persecuting Christ's people constitute persecuting Christ himself? What kinds of goads or prods have you seen God use on you to move you along Christ's path? When you "kick against the goads" is it harder on you or on God?" - We are the Body. - He uses His Word to keep me in check. - Is it harder on me or God when I'm kicking against the goads...? Hmmm. It is hard on us both - on Him because it breaks His heart to see us struggling when we don't have to; on me because I am a weak and broken vessel, with no ability to find my own remedy, and quick to forget the God Who is with me in every storm - therefore my suffering seems insurmountable at times. God sees the end from the beginning, therefore knows the outcome - I do not, and without faith I begin to drown. I believe God is in all things with me, and His heart aches in the moment with me - His capacity to suffer is inconceivably greater than the whole of humanity combined, therefore making comparisons is futile - is His suffering greater or lesser...? What I do know is when I am in the throes of woe it's all about me and all else must go! Haha! Nothing ever seems harder at the time - therefore, I submit to you that due to my sincerely limited capacity I am unable to answer the last portion of Q1. LOL.

"Q2. (Acts 9:10-18) Why do you think God sends Ananias to Paul rather than revealing directly? Why does Ananias argue with God? Why does it take courage to obey? What does Ananias do and say? Have you ever had God guide you to talk with someone and minister to him or her? Have you followed through?" I'm with Wynnie - God needed to show Paul that ours is a collaborative effort. I think Ananias argues with God as a double-check. The reason it takes courage for me to obey is that I don't know how others may receive me - and what if I didn't hear correctly - won't that disqualify me in the future? (Part of Ananias's double-checking.) (BUT - Perfect Love casts out fear - Amen!) Ananias does as the Lord tells him to do. Yes, God has led me to speak to another. Yes, I have followed through. It would be more uncommon for me not to speak now...