Francine

Q13. (1 Kings 19:18) Why is a parent's rebuke difficult for a child to listen to? Because for a child, rebuke may resemble rejection further causing the child to feel guilt or shame. Hence, the rebuke must be grounded in love and grace with appropriate and relatable conversations about the what was done and why the behavior or act done is unacceptable. Why is God's rebuke difficult for us to listen to? God’s rebuke is like removing a bandaid from a sore to apply salt. Salt causes deep burning sensation but in the end cures at the root in a way the bandaid of our pride, fears and emotional limitations could not. How does a loving but sharp rebuke help our children? From this our children learn Godly principles, humility and love in how to respond to situations in a world filled with ungodly compromises How does God's rebuke help us? God’s rebuke help us to grasp His love for us and helps us to grow in grace for fulfillment of destiny and transformation of lives within our sphere of influence. What would it take for you to embrace God's rebuke like Solomon's "wise man" (Proverbs 9:8). It takes humility and trusting God’s love for me in every season. Oh I have benefited greatly during seasons of belly moving rebukes from God. I am who I am today, empowered by His grace because of His love for me in this way.

Q12. (1 Kings 19:11-13) Why do you think the author contrasts the "still small voice" to the wind, earthquake, and fire? Maybe because God is the author of love and peace when life itself in different seasons presents to us in the various character that each Act of God depicts. How does God's voice comfort and renew Elijah? God’s voice was peaceful in comparison to the noise of the enemy constantly pounding at Elijah during a very terrifying time. Why is it easy to miss God when his voice is gentle and quiet? because of the noise around us from people and situations that we often give in to because of anxiety and fear

Q11. (1 Kings 19:14) In what ways does self-pity prevent us from discerning the Lord's voice? self-pity is a bad fruits of Satan’s lies, which when collected in our destiny basket, will create a barrier to us hearing let alone receiving the truth of God What is the relationship of self-pity to pride? self-pity causes one to position the problem or situation above God, which is what the root of pride is when Satan attempted to position himself above God. The character of self-pity solicits undue and unhealthy attention, which is a form of entitlement How does a sense of entitlement stand in the way of true discipleship? the entitlement spirit blinds the spiritual eyes from the need to surrender and let go of the victim way of thinking. Hence, the victim life gives no room to healing and growth through the power of God’s word.

Q10. (1 Kings 19:3-5) How might Elijah be "at fault" for being depressed? A fault represents a sort of wrongful action. The story points to genuine fear, anxiety and exhaustion from being chased and threatened by Jezebel who had slaughtered hundreds of prophets Is "fault" the right question? no Does God chide him for "lack of faith"? no How does God minister to him? God ministered to Elijah with a Gentle whisper asking him simply what is he doing in the place where he was. God also used ministering angels who refresh and nourish Elijah How do you minister to a friend who has isolated himself or herself in deep depression? encouragement, support through presence and positive conversation

Q6. (1 Kings 18:21) What is the danger of syncretism? the danger of syncretism is that when other deities begin to be mixed in with the Deity of God the perfect trinity of Heaven, the message of truth is blurred, then a spiritual deficit becomes inevitable because what should be the compass of truth based on God’s precepts, now becomes enigmatic. What currently competes with your allegiance to Jesus in terms of time, focus, commitment, etc.? None, but passionately yielding in surrender to God’s purpose for my life. Why is there competition, do you think? Competition has many levels to it and can be healthy or venomous. However, venomous competition rooted in ignorance and arrogance, occurs when there is egotistical power struggle. Also, a misalignment of roles, position or place outside an understanding of purpose is a damning factor to unhealthy competition. Put in context, Elijah’s summoning of all the prophets on Mount Carmel demonstrated a healthy competition, in his attempt to ignite the fear of God in the opposers of God for all to turn in surrender to Yahweh. How long will you go limping between two opinions? Not just for the unsaved, but a critical question for many believers. For though many call on God having done the foundational steps, confession of sins, baptism etc., Jesus is still not Lord of their lives, hence wavering of heart continues. For the born again believer, a daily surrender to God in humility is important to keep us in line with God’s truth through the different seasons and heights of our lives. In God’s truth, we are guarded against the things that trap us between opinions casted by the **** of the flesh, **** of the eye, the pride of life and anti-destiny people that can easily compete with our allegiance to Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Q4. (1 Kings 17:8-16) Why does God send Elijah to a poor widow rather than a rich man? God sent Elijah to a poor widow to allow for a new rising of Faith to be revealed through the widow, who was commissioned to give much out of her nothingness wherein lay her deliverance from poverty to abundance, both spiritually and naturally. Also, Elijah’s Faith had been out to the test in that he was commissioned to go seek refuge from an unlikely source, the widow, who was obviously in need of refuge herself. If God sent someone to you to provide for, how would you respond? naturally I would want to help and more so because I bear this passion to help which I believe is a gift from God. In an extreme circumstance such as the widow, who knows what my flesh response would have been, but I have learned that God’s voice is always the safest voice to follow. God will never leave or forsake his own either way.

What is the appropriate role of common sense in our lives? The appropriate role of common sense in our lives is God’s gift to us for guard rails throughout the different seasons of our lives per the circumstances. Does that supplement or contradict faith in God's ability to work miracles outside the natural order? Absolutely not! It is God who makes the provision of wisdom, understanding and knowledge, but all is subject to God when He demands our submission to a faith move that usually makes no logical sense.

What kind of courage does it take for Elijah to go before King Ahab with a message of drought? audacious and a crazy kind of courage. What dangers does this bring to Elijah? danger of death, the fact that he is bringing a kind message to Ahab, that would clearly ridicule the power of his god known to them as the rain god of fertility Why is "speaking truth to power" so difficult when the power structures are corrupt? because power structures are hardened by their own warped abilities which is strengthened by their influence to cultivate responses that suite their worldly desires. Also, the difficulty is at the heart of truth disturbing the plans of evil schemes. Those whose heart are enshrined in evil are arrogant against anyone who pose as a threat to the fulfillment of evil desires.