Ms CJ

Q3. (Psalm 34:1-3) Why should we praise God continually? What are barriers to continual praise? What does continual praise do to our spirit? How are you training yourself to praise continually? Why should we praise God continually? * It renews our mind to God's ways daily * It keeps our hearts tender before the Lord * If we create a habit of praise towards Him, to be the first place we turn in time of need or trouble as David learn to do. What are barriers to continual praise? * Unrelated things in our life, the natural side of man * Uninhabited things that take the place of worship What does continual praise do to our spirit? * Brings in joy, structure, victory, peace, trust, love, hope, renewed faith and a picture of Jesus How are you training yourself to praise continually? * Renewing my mind daily * Giving thanks * Having Him on my mind daily as I rise and as I lay at night * Turning to Him in all things * Loving Him and staying in perfect peace with Him in all things

Q4. (Psalm 34:18-22) What encouragement does David give to the brokenhearted? What does it mean that God "redeems" you? How can we avoid condemnation according to Psalm 34:22? What encouragement does David give to the brokenhearted? * "17The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers (nāṣal) them from all their troubles. 18The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves (yāsha

Q2. (Psalm 118) What does "the stone the builders rejected" (verses 22-23) have to do with the Messiah? What do verses 25-27 have to do with the Messiah? What does "the stone the builders rejected" (verses 22-23) have to do with the Messiah? * The "chief cornerstone" (NRSV, NJB), "capstone" (NIV), "head stone of the corner" (KJV), is the stone that crowns the building, the most prominent and important stone of the entire structure.11 Jesus is also referred to as the "a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." What do verses 25-27 have to do with the Messiah? * With the words of this psalm the crowds welcomed Jesus as the Messianic King into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, while throwing palm branches on the road before him. But the leaders rejected him and had him crucified. Just before his crucifixion Jesus addresses the city with great sadness: Just as Jerusalem's leaders rejected him, Jesus cannot enter and reign in our hearts either until we acknowledge him for who he is: "The one who comes in the name of the Lord Yahweh."

Q1. (Psalm 100) What is the predominant emotion in Psalm 100? How does this psalm make you feel emotionally about God? What are the reasons for praise given in verses 3 and 5? What are the commands in this psalm? What is the predominant emotion in Psalm 100? * Joy, Thanksgiving, Praise How does this psalm make you feel emotionally about God? * Joyful, Glad, Understand His Goodness What are the reasons for praise given in verses 3 and 5? * The reason for the jubilation,Yahweh is our Creator, King, and Shepherd, * We are his; Yahweh is God who created us. We belong to him, like a king with his people, like a shepherd and his flock. We are not alone! We belong to the family of God and are tenderly cared for as sheep. God takes responsibility for us! * Verse 5 gives the reasons for our jubilant praise -- God's character. His goodness and righteousness (ṭ

Q4. (Psalm 51:17) How does one achieve a "broken and contrite heart"? What are the earmarks of this condition? How does this differ from "being sorry" for a sin? How does humility relate to this condition? How does one achieve a "broken and contrite heart"? * "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, What are the earmarks of this condition? * One who is physically and emotionally crushed because of sin or the onslaught of an enemy. How does this differ from "being sorry" for a sin? * Until our hearts break with sorrow at our sin, we are not quite ready for forgiveness. How does humility relate to this condition? * Oh, that our sins would break our hearts!

Q3. (Psalm 51:10-12) How is it possible to have a "pure heart" after great sin? What does a "pure heart" consist of? What is the relationship between a "pure heart" (Psalm 51:10) and a "united" or "undivided heart" (Psalm 86:11)? Who purifies the heart? What is the process? How is it possible to have a "pure heart" after great sin? * Washing away the thought that caused the sin. Change the pattern that has been set that causes it to act in your life. * Let God restore you and rebuild you What does a "pure heart" consist of? * Holiness, renewed mind, changing of the way you have always done something What is the relationship between a "pure heart" (Psalm 51:10) and a "united" or "undivided heart" (Psalm 86:11)? * Pure heart towards God and a united heart with Him and yourself * Agreeing with God's word and walking in love Who purifies the heart? * The love of God and His holiness * Our own self as well, letting of free will and doing His will What is the process? * Asking for forgiveness, changing our ways, living holy and walking in love. It 's always the same and we will do this over and over as we go through life. We will sin even when we don't mean to. Just like Paul stated of himself.

Q1. (Psalm 32:2-5) How does self-deceit operate with sin to enslave us? How does confession enable us to get free from sin? Why do we sometimes resist the truth about ourselves? What does it take to get us to see truth sometimes? How does self-deceit operate with sin to enslave us? * We rationalize our sin and make it someone else fault or we justify it. How does confession enable us to get free from sin? * We know that we are forgiven first by God and when we know that then we release our self from the sin and the guilt and shame. Why do we sometimes resist the truth about ourselves? * Pride, flesh and wrong thinking What does it take to get us to see truth sometimes? * David stated, his bones were wasting away and the hand of God was heavy on him.

Q2. (Psalm 51:3-6) When David says, "Against you only I have sinned" (4a) is he minimizing his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah? What does he mean by this? When he mentions his sinfulness from before birth is he excusing himself or blaming Original Sin? What does he mean by this? When David says, "Against you only I have sinned" (4a) is he minimizing his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah? * No! He understands that only God can hold him accountable for the sin he has committed. * That God will judge him When he mentions his sinfulness from before birth is he excusing himself or blaming Original Sin? * His blaming Original Sin and he is affirming that he is sinful through and through. What does he mean by this? * He is acknowledging the awfulness of his sin in the clearest possible way by using these various synonyms of sin that describe its convolutions of rebellion, twistedness, missing the way, and wickedness.

Q4. (Psalm 22) What similarities do you see between the words of Psalm 22 and the events of Jesus' crucifixion? Do you think Jesus understood Psalm 22 as referring to himself? Why do you think the Spirit inspired David to pen these words? What similarities do you see between the words of Psalm 22 and the events of Jesus' crucifixion? * In reading what Pastor Ralph has written already, I couldn't answer any other way! "But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people." (22:6) "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not." (Isaiah 53:3) "All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: 'He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.'" (22:7-8) "He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him." (Luke 18:32-33) "The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, 'He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.'" (Luke 23:35) "Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me." (22:12-13) "Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed." (Acts 4:27) "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me." (22:14) "Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.'" (Matthew 26:38a). "And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." (Luke 22:44) "My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death." (22:15) "Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.' (John 19:28) "Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet." (22:16) "And they crucified him." (Mark 15:25) "They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son." (Zechariah 12:10) "I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." (22:17-18) "And they divided up his clothes by casting lots." (Luke 23:34) "When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 'Let's not tear it,' they said to one another. 'Let's decide by lot who will get it.'" (John 19:23-24) Do you think Jesus understood Psalm 22 as referring to himself? * Of Course He did, He was seated at the right of the Father then and well as now. He left heaven only for us. His is the Beginning and the End. Why do you think the Spirit inspired David to pen these words? * These words predicted the future suffering of a High Priest, King, a Savior and a Judge. Every word from the mouth of God is a living breathing a future for mankind every word and that's why " man shall not live by bread, but by every word from the mouth of God"

Q3. (Psalm 22:1) Why do you think Jesus spoke the words of Psalm 22:1? What was he seeking to express? What was he feeling? How did God answer his plea? Why do you think Jesus spoke the words of Psalm 22:1? * Jesus came to fulfill the law and death was and still is the only thing that will fulfill the curse of the law of sin. He lived out His ministry prophetically and every work or thing He did concerning God's word could be linked with it. The Jews had learned to recognized this as well and it causes hatred in their hearts towards Him. I do believe David understood what He was saying and writing, if he had not then he would not have mention in other Psalms about his coming Savior or Messiah. The Patriarchs in the Old Testament that spoke of the future had to of gotten revelation of Jesus or they would not be seated with Him today as we know is spoken of in the New. This witnesses to the fact in God's word that there is a past, a present and a future. Just as He is the same yesterday, today and forever. God's people have always seen prophetically and will until He comes back in all His glory. God's word is a living and if it was not a living word then how is it when we pray and quote the word, God answered us with just as He did David. What was he seeking to express? * How terrible it is to be separated from God at the time of death. To see that death is real and that without God even in death is something words have a hard time speaking. What was he feeling? * The sting of death. (Oh, death were is your string) We will never feel the string of death the way He did. Not in any form of death will man feel as He felt. We know no pain or suffering the way He does and that's why He will never leave us nor forsake us because He understands and even though there will be ones that refuse and reject Him, He will still be there understanding the pain of life and death. How did God answer his plea? * He kept silent and why did He keep silent? Think about it! When God speaks, His words can curse or they can bless, His words speak life or death. He speaks and judgment comes and He had made Jesus the Judge. I believe John 1:1, in the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit were all present at the time of sin and from that point on when Jesus said, "I will go and become a once and for all sacrifice of sin and I will conquer death for mankind", from that point on Jesus took control of mankind and has been the one to speak through out God's word and the one we see. There is only one time in the Old and the New I believe the Father spoke and these are His words " This is My Beloved Son in whom I Am well pleased" His Father couldn't speak, He had to stay silent for the sake of mankind and letting the whole law of God be fulfill.

Q2. (Psalm 110) Why do you think that Jesus asked the Pharisees about verse 1, "If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" What point was Jesus making? How does Jesus combine the roles of Warrior-King and Priest in his ministry to us and to this world? How do you reconcile the violence suggested in verses 5-6 with Jesus as "Prince of Peace"? Why do you think that Jesus asked the Pharisees about verse 1, "If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" * They saw the Messiah in purely human terms, as a physical descendent of David, and thus inferior to David. Jesus' question, based on his careful understanding of this psalm, revealed the "greater than David" nature of the Messiah. What point was Jesus making? * That they were not looking at things in the spirit, but at the fleshly things. They did not want a true King born of God, but one born of the flesh. They wanted to keep their rule over man and to sit beside him as rulers and in the way that Jesus was teaching they were come to nothing but mere men. How does Jesus combine the roles of Warrior-King and Priest in his ministry to us and to this world? * Jesus shall not only be a King, but a Priest. He is God's Minister to us, and our Advocate with the Father, and so is the Mediator between God and man. He is a Priest of the order of Melchizedek, which was before that of Aaron, and on many accounts superior to it, and a more lively representation of Christ's priesthood. How do you reconcile the violence suggested in verses 5-6 with Jesus as "Prince of Peace"? * Christ's sitting at the right hand of God, speaks as much terror to his enemies as happiness to his people. The effect of this victory shall be the utter ruin of his enemies. We have here the Redeemer saving his friends, and comforting them.

Q1. (Psalm 2) What does Psalm 2 teach us about Yahweh's "anointed" king? Why do you think the apostles saw this passage as referring to Jesus the Messiah? What does the passage teach about the importance of submission to Jesus the Christ before it is too late? What does Psalm 2 teach us about Yahweh's "anointed" king? * It teaches that when men or nations come against God's anointed one or ones that they have risen up and come against Him. The Psalms states: "The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 'I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." Why do you think the apostles saw this passage as referring to Jesus the Messiah? * A history of reading the word of God brought revelation and truth to light that they were in fact seeing the Word that had truly come in the flesh and was and had dwelt among them. This Psalms is just one of many that has spoken of the Son of God; "7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father. '8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery." What does the passage teach about the importance of submission to Jesus the Christ before it is too late? * That He will one day rule as King over all the earth. * That He is from the Father God of Heaven, coming as His Son. * That He is coming as their Savior * He is coming as the Judge. "10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him." (2:10-12)

Q3. (Psalm 117 and Lamentations 3:22-23). Why are love and trustworthiness so important as the bedrock of the Old Testament faith? What kinds of terms does the New Testament use to talk about these characteristics? Can you think of any New Testament verses that speak of these themes? Why are love and trustworthiness so important as the bedrock of the Old Testament faith? * Love and trustworthiness became pillars (faith) that God used to build the house of God with. If you look up the word faith the Old Testament you will find there is but only one scripture that talk of faith and as we know it is the one Martin Luther discovered that changed his life. Hab 2:4 4 "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith. God used signs and wonders in the Old Testament to build faith in His people. I like the Vine description of the word faith; FAITH The main elements in "faith" in its relation to the invisible God, as distinct from "faith" in man, are especially brought out in the use of this noun and the corresponding verb, pisteuo; they are (1) a firm conviction, producing a full acknowledgement of God's revelation or truth, (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright

Q2. (Psalm 145) Which aspects of God's character mentioned in Psalm 145 stand out to you in particular? Why is it important for "every creature," every human being, to praise him? What are you doing to help that happen? Which aspects of God's character mentioned in Psalm 145 stand out to you in particular? "13b The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. *14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. *15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. *16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. *17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. *18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. *19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them . *20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. (145:13b-20) Why is it important for "every creature," every human being, to praise him? * It is a declaration of praise and a call for "every creature" (NIV) or "all flesh" (literally, KJV, NRSV) to bless (bārak) Yahweh's name forever. What are you doing to help that happen? * By writing Psalms to share with the world. * By sharing my thoughts and understanding of who He is * By sharing how good and gracious He is and has been to me The list can go on and on in my everyday life of how or why I serve Him, how I share about Him and understand how everything in my life is about Him. I have built my world around Him, to glorify Him and to bow before HIm and praise. I know He is worthy and holy. There is no one like Him!

Q1. (Psalm 103) Which one or two aspects of God's character mentioned in this Psalm stand out to you? Why do you think the Exodus was so foundational in Israel's understanding of God? According to Psalm 103:10-12, what are the limits to God's forgiveness? Which one or two aspects of God's character mentioned in this Psalm stand out to you? 1) The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 2) He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever...." (103:8-9) Why do you think the Exodus was so foundational in Israel's understanding of God? * "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation." (Exodus 34:6-7)19 According to Psalm 103:10-12, what are the limits to God's forgiveness? * "10 He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." (103:10-12) David employs two similes to illustrate the completeness of God's forgiveness: Height -- "for as high as the heavens are above the earth...." Distance -- "as far as the east is from the west...."

Q4. (Psalm 24) How do verses 1-2 establish the Lord's right as King? What do verses 3-6 tell us about the requirements of the King? What do verses 7-10 tell us about the glory of the King? How does this psalm speak to you in your situation? How do verses 1-2 establish the Lord's right as King? * 1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters." What do verses 3-6 tell us about the requirements of the King? * 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior." 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Selah" What do verses 7-10 tell us about the glory of the King? * 7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory?The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, You Ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is He, this King of glory?The LORD Almighty

Q3. (Psalm 126). In this psalm, the nation is going through some kind of crisis. How does the memory of God's deliverance in verses 1-3 prepare them for the prayer of verse 4? In this psalm, the nation is going through some kind of crisis. How does the memory of God's deliverance in verses 1-3 prepare them for the prayer of verse 4? * The statement the "Lord has done great things for us" brings them into mind of their past with God. Remembering how He brought them out and turn their poverty into riches unknown to man at that time. It even caused the nations to look in wonder and even fear them. When we recall the past of wonderful things God has done we gain faith, hope and trust in Him. We believe that once again He will show mercy and restore to us what we seem to have lost. In thinking of their crisis for their nation, puts me in mind of our nation and so I too pray also; "Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev." Fortunes not only refers to money, but freedom, stability, integrity, sovereignty, good laws, God's protection, a land that stand and say's "In God We Trust". We need God to do this just as much today for America, as even Israel does today. How do you understand the two metaphors of deliverance: (1) a wadi or dry gully and (2) sowing and reaping? 1) a wadi or dry gully' * When we are spiritually dry it is just like a wadi or dry gully and it stops the rain of the Holy Spirit. Our souls cry out from drought and our lives show lack in every form. This is the cry of the people here, they saw when things were good and their land was prospering. 2) sowing and reaping; * When we give God the praise daily in our lives, then daily He loads up with His benefits. If we plant in our lives a place of worship and we go to that field in our hearts everyday and we commit our day to Him, we rely upon him in our daily activities, we walk in His commandants and ways, then a harvest from heaven will come so that the windows of blessings will overflow in our lives as the "rains have come to overflow the wadi or dry gully". How do these metaphors help you in your situation? * To recall His goodness, to walk in His ways and forever praise Him!

Q2. (Psalm 96) What does it mean to "ascribe" to God attributes of glory and strength? What happens when we fail to ascribe such qualities to him? In what sense is praise to God "fitting" or "worthy"? What does it mean to "ascribe" to God attributes of glory and strength? * As it is stated in the lesson; "to render back to Him cheerfully and joyously in a laudatory recognition, as it were by an echo, His glory and might, which are revealed and to be revealed in the created world." What happens when we fail to ascribe such qualities to him? * We accredit our self or we accredit the devil. The glory or praise will go somewhere other than to our God. * We take away the vision in some ones mind including our own of who He is when we fail to give glory and honor to Him. In what sense is praise to God "fitting" or "worthy"? * In every sense! From heaven to here on earth, from here to heaven, " let praise ring out". For He is worthy to be praise. It is fitting to praise the Most High God, Creator of the universe. There would be nothing in creation but a void if it was not for our God. (Gen 1)

Q1. (Psalm 57) Why is praise difficult in the midst of trying circumstances? How does praise affect our faith? Our attitude? Our motivation? Why is praise difficult in the midst of trying circumstances? * Because of our flesh, our doubt and our unbelief. We live in a natural man first and it takes learning to surpass this part of our self. We have to train our self up to run right to God, begin to pray and then find peace. Once we find our place of peace, then we call upon grace and in this grace we are able to take a stand against the enemy of our soul. Then we can praise Him! This can take 5 mins. or it take 5 days, some can take 5 yrs. How does praise affect our faith? * The more we praise Him and His mighty works and power, the more we gain peace and comfort in knowing His is everything we need. He can take care of what ever we need Him to take care of. Praise is a faith builder. Its set the foundation, builds walls around us, the roof covers us and the windows help us to see our problems, and because of our praise our doors are sealed with the blood of Jesus. We are protected due to the house faith built and the foundation of praise. Our attitude? * Praise puts us in the place of changing our attitude. It changes us from a negative one to a positive one. Our motivation? * I have went from wanted to speak ugly over someone because they hurt me to blessing them and praying for them due to praising Him. Praise changes a heart, a mind set, a live, an out come, creates a future and stops evil, etc.

Q5. After you've studied the psalms in this chapter, what do you think it means to "rest" in God? How do you seek God's peace when you have a dozen things coming against you? After you've studied the psalms in this chapter, what do you think it means to "rest" in God? * God lead me to look at the word, "peace" NT:1515 irene (i-ray'-nay); probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity: KJV - one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again * Look at the word prosperity ( to prosper) this brings me to; III John 2 " Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." NT:1514 eireneuo (i-rane-yoo'-o); from NT:1515; to be (act) peaceful: KJV - be at (have, live in) peace, live peaceably. NT:1517 eirenopoieo (i-ray-nop-oy-eh'-o); from NT:1518; to be a peace-maker, i.e. (figuratively) to harmonize: KJV - make peace. These meanings above offer us a sure way of living in the rest (peace) of God, also as it shows again in III John 2 our souls will prosper and we will be in good health. How do you seek God's peace when you have a dozen things coming against you? * Again I have learned to get peace in it, take a stance in God's word and promises concerning the matters with the Armour of God and create that shield of faith I talked about earlier and wait upon the Lord.

Q4. (Psalm 46) How does the imagery of the river and streams in verse 4 function in Psalm 46 to speak peace to the harassed and harried person? Verse 10 tells us: "Be still and know that I am God." How does knowledge of who He is affect our peace? How should it affect our words? Why does He command us to "be still" as a result of this knowledge? How does the imagery of the river and streams in verse 4 function in Psalm 46 to speak peace to the harassed and harried person? * It speaks of joy; Here is the meaning of joy in the Vine, NT:5479 chara (khar-ah'); from NT:5463; cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight: KJV - gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy (-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous). NT:5463 chairo (khah'-ee-ro); a primary verb; to be "cheerful", i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well: KJV - farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hall, joy (-fully), rejoice. What the author is saying here is, " but if you will get into this river of joy, then you will find contentment, a place of protection, a silent as the storm passes by". Verse 10 tells us: "Be still and know that I am God." How does knowledge of who He is affect our peace? * There are two effects in our faith walk; 1) turmoil, strife, bitterness, rejection, en stability due to the insecurities in the storms along with situations in our lives to last longer than they should 2) joy, safety, trust, mercy, grace, security, stance, a quick moving of the spirit to move on pass, and seeing how God answered faster than before. In my own life I have learned that if I stand still before Him, choose that place of peace, waiting upon Him to answer, the storm or thing moves on by with the right answer. By doing this, I have found that His way is higher than my ways and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. The answer may of been different than mine, but I have found peace, joy and comfort in knowing His is always right and I find I always win, I never lose. How should it affect our words? * We should be going from the negative to the positive. Faith words, that's all we should learn to speak is faith words. Negatives will keep us in our wilderness, example look into your wilderness experiences! Why does He command us to "be still" as a result of this knowledge? * In this stillness there is a retreat, a place of rest. We are to war in the spirit not the flesh and this is one of the greatest weapons we can use. To war like this is to create a shield, this shield will protect us from the artillery of the enemy, then we are not wounded as we have been by the works of our flesh and the lack of our faith.

Q3. (Psalm 31) What does it mean to say to the Lord, "Into your hands I commit my spirit" (31:5)? How does that statement bring peace to a person? How does the statement, "My times are in your hands" (31:15), bring peace to the troubled soul? What does it mean to say to the Lord, "Into your hands I commit my spirit" (31:5)? * I looked up the word commit and it said to act upon; So, if I am acting upon my commitment to God then I have surrendered my life to Him in deed not just works or words. * It also say's " my spirit " not my soul, not my body, but my spirit why my spirit? If I do not commit my spirit to Him then there is no salvation plan truly working in my life? Deeds are working, works are working and words are working, but salvation is not working if I have not truly committed my spirit to Him. Here's why! Remember what Jesus stated in John 3: 1-21, well this is exactly what it means to "commit your spirit" you must be "born again" if you say it with your mouth and don't act upon in your heart and change your ways than you have not truly be born again. It is proven over and over in His word and this is what He was trying to make Nicodemus understand, this is not an earthly conversion but a spiritual one and that you can not rein in His kingdom if you can not see Him as He is and not except Him as He is. You must be born of God and not religion. Anyone that has truly committed to Jesus has in their spirit seen Him in some light and they know that they have changed spiritually changed. David here knew he had changed and he knew that one day because of the Son of God, a King was coming to rule and rein from the spirit and not the flesh. Jesus made this commitment from the cross so that man could make the commitment. He made a portal for us, so we would had this place in the spirit, yes even it had to been made open by the our Savior and now not only is this place just for one to truly commit every thing about them, but when we die this portal is only for the believer who will shoot up this portal through to the 3rd heaven and by pass the 2nd heaven where satan reins. So, this is what it means to me and this is what it meant to Jesus as he talks with Nicodemus. Jn 3:1-21 1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." 3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" 5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." 9"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. 10"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven

Q2. According to Psalm 23, how does the Lord our Shepherd quiet his sheep and give them confidence? How many ways can you find in this psalm? According to Psalm 23, how does the Lord our Shepherd quiet his sheep and give them confidence? * The presence of the shepherd offers comfort to the flock. Sheep are content merely to be in the same field with their shepherd; Christians are comforted by the very presence of the Lord. This thought is especially comforting when darkness overshadows the believer. Jesus is our Door; nothing can touch our lives without touching Him first. This is a perfect picture of the shepherd. He literally becomes the living door of the sheepfold. He curls up in the door or in the entrance of a cave. He puts his body between the sleeping sheep and ravenous animals or thieves. How many ways can you find in this psalm? 1) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; 2) He leads me beside the still waters. 3) He restores my soul; 4) He leads me in the paths of righteousness 5) For You are with me; 6) Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 7) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; 8) You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 9) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, All the days of my life; 10) And I will dwell[a] in the house of the LORD, Forever.

Q1. According to Psalm 131, just how does David quiet his inner person before the Lord? What are the elements mentioned in this psalm? According to Psalm 131, just how does David quiet his inner person before the Lord? * He has stilled his soul before the Lord. He has become as a weaned child from his mother's breast. * He has put his hope in the Lord. * His crying has ceased * His mind is at peace * His will is surrendered * His eyes are no longer graze upon the darkness, but they graze upon light of the horizon of the coming glory of the Lord. What are the elements mentioned in this psalm? * Humility * A rest * Trust * Hope * Love * Future These are the foundational elements that has been created in him through the events in his life. He has not only learned through trial and error, but through learning the personality of who his God is and how he as king sees the love of God for His people.

Q4. Since Christians don't seem immune to accident, persecution, and death, how are we to understand these psalms of protection? Why don't some believers seem to be protected? Does God really protect us? How? Since Christians don't seem immune to accident, persecution, and death, how are we to understand these psalms of protection? * When we learn to live a spirit-filled life and we walk daily with Him, a confident's comes in understanding the love He has for us and how He has committed to take care of us. He has sworn to Himself and has made a covenant with us. The blood of Jesus and the name of Jesus is a trusted guarantee that He will never leave us or forsake us. If we have gain these understandings of His love and protection, then it is easy to understand these psalms of protection. The fear of life what ever it entails is taken out and no longer there, as the bible say's in Psalms 27," in whom shall I fear ( what shall I fear ). The whole of it is in: KNOWING HIM, it's all about: TRUSTING HIM Why don't some believers seem to be protected? * They haven't gained a knowledge of who His is and they haven't built a living walking relationship with Him. You must know Him, develop a walk with Him in order to trust Him and rely on Him. This what a spirit-filled life is, it's living more in the spirit where He is then living in the flesh where fear is. If anyone out there isn't feeling this protection then examine you relationship with Him. Look at the past times you have needed that protection. Did you first turn to Him, did you turn to His word and find comfort, safety and a answer? The fastest way to see and know His protection is to train your mind up to first turn to Him and go to His word and find what you need. If we live like this and we train ourselves in this manner then we gain the most trusted assured way of living in knowing He all ready knew and He is already there with you and most of the time we will see He has already taken care of it. This is a spirit-filled walk with Him, it's the only way to live and it makes life much more easy to live with and deal with. You learn even to get along with others better and complaining seems to disappear. Does God really protect us? * Once again look to the past. Has He taken care of you or was it by chance you made it through. Have you ever been so sick and thought you might die and some how you made it through? I can look back in my past when I wasn't in the relationship I am now in and see even then how He was there and how He save me, healed me and loved me. Oh yea, He protects us or many of us may not be here and answering these questions or have the ability to answer them. Oh yea, My God Protects! How? * By His love, by His promises and His commitment to do so. He watches over us day and night, He has put His angels in charge of us and He sent His Son to die for us so we would have the Holy Spirit to come and be our Helper and our teacher to teach about Him, His Son and His divine love and protection. He becomes our refuge, our strong tower, our deliverer, our Savior and so much more. If we dwell in Him and we trust in Him so many times when things come our way, we will see and learn how He does it........