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What does it mean to you to bless or to praise the Lord? To bless or praise the Lord mean that I am so thankful for his goodness and mercy. I give him all honor and glory! Do you take time in your daily devotions to bless him, to praise him? Yes! I do not take anything for granted. I am thanking God throughout the day. When I go out and get back home safely, I am thanking him for his covering. Sometimes when I am watching the news and I hear about someone being saved from a car crash or a child being saved from child trafficking I praise him. If I don't do nothing but just say "thank you Jesus" I praise Him. What does it mean to you to receive a blessing from the One who made heaven and earth? It means to be that God loves me!

Which word pictures in Psalm 133 do you find most compelling? "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity". Picture of beauty, joy and loveliness. Why do you think lasting unity is so hard to achieve in our world, in our countries, in our churches, in our families? Lack of love for one another. Everyone has their own agenda and think theirs is better than the other. We disagree and cause division over unimportant issues. Some seen to get joy in causing tension by discrediting others. Things of the world have overflown into our churches where it is more about position and power than love ye one another. What do you think is the chief obstacle to love in your life? Trust.

State the Davidic Covenant or Promise in your own words. Promises that David's descendants would rule over Israel as long as they followed God and his royal line would never end. How was this promise fulfilled in Solomon’s time? Solomon would become King and he was allowed to build the temple that David wanted to build. How was it fulfilled in Jesus? How will it be fulfilled when Jesus returns? Jesus was the promised Messiah. Promise made to David will be fulfilled when Jesus returns in all his glory.

Why does demanding answers from God lead to stress? Demanding answers from God lead to stress because we are not trusting him. We want our prayers answered right away. How have unexplained events in your life made you angry? How do you actually go about calming and quieting your soul? Unexplained events in my life made me angry to the point of tears. In my golden years I have become nothing but a big cry baby. Thru my tears I pray to God for comfort, peace. I have learned like the Apostle Paul says, " I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:12). We can't stay on milk forever. In some point in our lives we must grow up. What does it mean to “hope in the Lord”? To put my trust in the Lord. Be still and wait on God to move on your behalf.

How does knowing that God forgives us affect our lives? Our faith? How does knowing God forgives us affect our willingness to forgive others? How is your “expectancy level”? How is your hope? How is your faith? Knowing that God forgives lets me know his love for me. His grace and mercy shown to me makes me want to be more like him. I know I do not deserve his forgiveness, therefore how can I not forgive when someone has wrong be. I put my trust and hope in God and my faith grows stronger each day.

Can you think of times in your life when God has delivered you from affliction? Or perhaps from “the cords of the wicked”? Fortunately, I have not had any physical afflictions. Being black and a woman, in this American, I have had to deal with discrimination and prejudice. Especially on the job. The discrimination ranged from being denied job positions I qualified for to being disrespected. These are painful and hurtful things to have to endure. I am retired now so I don't have to deal with the job discrimination, but racial disparities are on the rise. How have you dealt with the bitterness that comes from oppression? In the beginning, I responded to the situation in not a so subtle way. I was labeled an angry black woman. I lived thru the civil rights age and knew what it was like to be looked down on. I was trenched with bitterness determine I would not be oppressed as my forefathers were. Praise be to God, as I grew in the word my faith got stronger and my attitude changed. Scripture says to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" and try to do just that. Have you been able to forgive? If not, what would it take to enable you to forgive your enemies and offer them a blessing? Yes, I can honesty say I have. Life is just too short to hold grudges. If nothing else, during this COVID-19 I have learned that. We are all God's children and he loves us all the same. I hope I live to see the day when we all come together as one.

What does it mean to “fear the Lord”? "Fear the Lord" means to reverence and trust him. Also, to respect him and obey his commandments. What kinds of blessings has God showered over your life? God has showered my life with numerous blessings. To name a few, life itself is a blessing. I have two wonderful children and a grand. He has kept me and my family. I have a roof over my head and food in my cupboards. Why does he allow remaining struggle Who said the road would be easy. I look at struggling as a way of preparing me for the way of life. I learn to keep my trust in the Lord. Does faith always result in prosperity? How do you define prosperity? I believe it does. It may not result in material things but God will reward those that follow his word. Prosperity is my personal relationship with God.

Why is work without trust inadequate? We can do what we can to establish homes and security for our families. Without God all of that is done in vain. God knows what's best for us. We need to trust in the Lord in all aspects of our life and that he is working on our behalf. Why is trust without work an illusion? Having good work ethics is important. Without trust, it is all in vain. How can we achieve the kind of balance that affords us good rest? There is a time to work and a time to sleep. Trusting in the Lord to meet our needs will help us to sleep at night. Why do you think the psalmist stresses that children are both a “heritage” and a “reward”? Our children are a gift from God and they are our future.

Why doesn’t God always do the stupendous miracles of which he is capable? God does not always do the stupendous miracles because he knows what best for us. Sometimes we made pray to God for something that is not in our best interest or we are not ready. Our time is not his time! Why is patient obedience over the long haul necessary to both the success of our labors and our own spiritual maturity? Patient obedience is necessary to show our trust in the Lord. I look at it as preparation for the blessings to come. I must not quit knowing that joy will come in the morning. Can we shout for joy now, even before we receive the answers to our prayers? What might prompt that in us? Yes, I can! My faith is strong enough to know that whatever I am going thru my prayers will be answered if it is His will. Thru it all, I trust God!

What does this psalm teach us about the security that the Lord gives us? The Lord surrounds his people, protecting them from every direction. What examples do you see of unrighteous rulers? What kind of government happens when rulers are unrighteous? Unrighteous rulers are anyone that want control and power by any means necessary. If the ruler is unrighteous, then the government will be as well. In reading some of these post, I am really shocked as to how some are pointing the finger at a specific person or group or party in judgement. If we are going to be specific, then name all the people, groups or parties. We need to pray for our leaders and healing for this country! What happens in the government of our hearts when we allow unrighteousness in us to continue to guide our actions and thoughts? Sin and more sin. We will forget about God. No peace. There will be a continuation of what we are seeing in our country today, division.

Think back on your own life. In what circumstances have you seen God deliver you from danger from others? Even from danger from yourself? I have not experienced any physical danger, Praise God! However, I know that I could have been in danger many times and the Lord saw fit to keep me. My prayer is always continue to keep your protective covering over me. During the COVID-19, I have had many emotional days with thoughts of not wanting to live. God comforts me through yet another day! How do you explain God’s undeserved love toward you? He gave his only begotten son to die for our sins. of your love and mercy? How do you explain God’s undeserved love toward you? What undeserving person comes to mind who can be the object of your love and mercy? The climate we live in today, as an African American, I would have to say those that discriminate against me.

What does this psalm teach us about trust that our Master will right our wrongs? We learn that God is merciful and gracious. He will hear our prayer and will answer according to his wisdom and grace. What does it teach us about contempt for others? We should have compassion for those that are oppressed. Today's time is a prime example of the perfect opportunity to show compassion. We have so many oppressed people. Instead, those that are less fortunate are despised and looked down upon. God words says that we are to have compassion for them. What group of people in your particular community most bear the brunt of prejudice? What can you do to go out of your way to show active love toward them? Unfortunately, I am part of that community, as an African American, that are discriminated against. I have never seen so much racial tension, chaos and division as I see today. It makes me wonder, where are the Christians? How can you sit back and see what's going on and not speak up? I hold on to my faith and continue to trust God. I try not to let what I see and hear about my people sway my love for humanity. I continue to believe God is in control!

Why do people desert the house of God in our day? People desert the house of God in our day because the world have more to offer. Whether it be our jobs or sports, our lives are so busy that we forget about God. Sometimes it may be because we have had a disagreement in the church and leave. Why do so many Christians believe they can mature in Christ without the help of Christ's people? I think it is the times of today. We have so much advance technology that thru TV and social media people feel that can worship from their homes. What they don't realize is that it does not have the same affect as worshiping among your brothers and sisters. We straw strength from one another. How can you pray for the peace of God’s house? What can you do to “seek the good” of God’s house? We should continue to go to the House of the Lord for worship. Pray for peace and encourage one another. Continue to spread the Good News!

In what ways is God your Help? God is my help in all ways. How does he help you? He is one I can turn to when I am down & out and he comforts me. Sometimes I get weak on this Christian journey. When I feel like just giving in, he strengthens me. I look to God for guidance. In what ways is he your Keeper? How do you perceive that he guards and protects you? He protects me from any hurt, harm or danger. He keeps my going out and coming in. He will not allow the enemy to defeat me. I thank him each and every day for keeping his protective covering over me. How is he your Shade? How do you see that he shields you? He will be by my side always to protect me

In what ways does stress pull us away from God? Stress pulls us away from God when we pray to God for something and we feel he does not answer fast enough. Also, when we try to fix the problem ourselves instead of waiting on the Lord. In what ways does stress draw us closer to God? Stress can draw us closer to God when we trust and believe that He and He alone can fix our problems. Have you given your stress points to God fully? What are you asking him to do about your stresses? Yes! I am asking him to guide me to make the right decisions. To give me peace and to comfort me in the times we are in now.

You have been redeemed, purchased by payment of a price. In your own case, what kind of slavery have you been rescued from? Yes, Jesus paid the price for me to be rescued from my sins. Thank God for His goodness and mercy! Does this inspire you to sing to the Lord, even while darkness still swirls around you? I find singing is the best form of lifting my spirits when I am troubled. Why do you think Jesus wants you to reign with him in the New Heavens and the New Earth? Jesus loves me so much so that he gave His life for me. I belong to Him. He is looking forward to me reuniting with Him.

How is the Lamb described in verse 6? The Lamb was standing, as though it had been slain (conqueror), with seven horns (omnipotence) and with seven eyes (omniscience), which are the seven spirits (full power of the Holy Spirit) of God sent out into all the earth . What does that tell you about his ability to help you now, in your present circumstances? Jesus died to take our sins away, but He did not stay dead. He raised from the dead, He is alive! The trials and tribulations that we are going thru, Jesus is here to help us. Considering the standing Lamb that was slain, how do the wounds you have experienced become your strengths? The wounds become my strength when I look to Jesus knowing that He is still standing.

Day 2 Meditation (Revelation 5:5). How do humility and victory go together? How do the Lion and the Lamb fit together? How did Jesus humble himself? Why is it necessary to humble ourselves before God will exalt us? When we humble ourselves to God's will, we will come out victorious. Lion symbolizes authority, the Lamb symbolizes humbleness. Jesus humbled by obeying the father and becoming the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. We need to humble ourselves before God to show our obedience.

How can pride in our own righteousness and religious achievements actually get in the way of "knowing Christ"? Has this ever happened to you or someone you know? Pride in our own righteousness and religious achievements can get in the way of humbling ourselves so we can trust Christ for righteousness. Yes it has happen to me. Sometimes when you achieve success in your personal life, you forget how you were able to do it. I began to think I was doing it on my own merits and totally left Christ out.

What does it mean to be “in Christ”? Why is such union with Christ so important? It means you are covered by His sacrificial blood & you have accepted Him as your soul's saviour! It means you are a christian & obey His word. It means you have been baptized for remission of sin in Jesus's name. We can do nothing without Christ.

How did Jesus demonstrate the importance of humility and forego his rights in order to do God's will? Jesus humbles himself twice over -- first, in his humbling by becoming a human being and whatever loss of divine power and prestige that required. Then again, by voluntarily assenting to the most shameful and painful death imaginable in his day. What happens when we try to exalt ourselves, rather than waiting for God to exalt us? What do you call this tendency? When we exalt ourselves we are making ourselves greater than or more important than God or other human beings. God will humble us. This tendency is called pride.

In what way is death "gain" for Paul? (verse 21). Which is better for him? Life or death? (verse 23) How does Paul decide which he prefers -- life vs. death -- according to verses 22-24? Death is gain for Paul because he will be with the Lord. If he died is better for him for he will be spared from the troubles of the world and see Christ face to face. Paul ponders between the two. Paul concludes that whichever gives Christ the most glory.

Why should appearing before Christ as Judge make us fearful? Will we be condemned at that judgment? Appearing before Christ is the time that we may receive what is due for the things that we have done while in the body whether good or bad. No we will not be condemned. What saves us? We are saved by Christ. How will our works be judged on that day? Our works will be judged for rewards that we will receive for faithful service.

In what ways is heaven like your "home"? Which is eternal? Which is temporary? To be in Christ's immediate presence in heaven. Eternal is Heaven. Temporary is here on earth. What kind of faith would it take for you to walk or live with this as your belief, rather than holding on to your earthly possessions, status, and life? Faith the size of a mustard seed is all it takes.

Are the prophecies about imprisonment in Jerusalem in conflict with Paul’s leading from God? No. Paul is trusting God and obeying his direction. What, then, conflicts with Paul’s leading to go to Jerusalem? There are no conflicts because Paul obeyed God. Why do you think Paul actively encourages prophecy in the churches he establishes (1 Corinthians 14:1, 5)? Why do you think many Christians despise prophecy today (1 Thessalonians 5:20)? Prophecy is encouraged to edify our churches. People despise prophecy because of lack of understanding.