Jo621

I believe that Gideon put out a fleece 2 different times due to his feeling inadequate in himself, and to be reassured that he was hearing right from the Lord. So often our flesh can hinder our actions and being sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Gideon exhibited great respect and awe towards God, in that he sought God to not be angry, but he was needing a confirmation that this was what God wanted him to do. He was not arrogant in any manner, but very humble. Those who tested God did so irregardless of the sovereignty of God. They failed to remember who God was and is, seeking to fulfill their lusts of the flesh. These people preferred to indulge themselves in rituals that made them feel good, even though they knew to do so was against all that God stood for. Sometimes we may feel God talking to us, leading us into a ministry or of service to Him. The first thing that happens is the enemy will come and try to demean what God has been talking to you about. At those times, it is important to take this matter back to the Lord, asking Him to confirm His leading, even if just to give us reassurance. Our Lord is a loving God, and under- stands how weak we are, and that we often need to be encouraged.

The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, who empowered him to blow the trumpet calling the people to follow him into battle. Just as the Spirit of God came upon other leaders and judges, Gideon was filled with the spirit of wisdom, stirring him, and came upon him mightily to fulfill God's purpose. We too need to follow closely and listen to the Holy Spirit's leading, so that we may be used of God in these last days.

Joash had clearly compromised his walk with the Lord. He was trying to serve both God and baal. Gideon's actions forced him to make a choice, whether to remain faithful to Baal, or to force him to go back to Yahweh. Gideon's actions had stirred up the people, and it caused Joash to side with his son and God. Sometimes it takes a crisis to get our attention, and make us evaluate our lives. This confrontation forced Joash to take a stand and defend his son, even against the majority. I believe his eyes were opened once more, and God moved in his heart convicting him that he had to choose whom to serve.

Tearing down the Baal altar and Asherah pole was an outward denunciation of these foreign gods, as well as taking a stand to obey the one true God. Using the pole to burn and the wood of the grove to burn a sacrificial offering to God was truly something. Gideon showed his courage in obeying God as any attack against any god was believed to be an attack against the local government. Even though Gideon did this at night, it still took courage, and avoided any interference from anyone trying to stop him.

Gideon saw himself as very weak and of little use. But God saw him as a mighty warrior. It's amazing what we can become if we would only allow ourselves to see us through His eyes. Once he got his eyes off of himself, and focused on God, he was encouraged enough to believe he could do whatever God chose him to do, for it would only be in God's strength that victory would come. Lord, I know that I am nothing in myself. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and lead and guide me in what You would have me to do. I offer myself to You to be a vessel of honor, knowing that only as you enable and equip me can I be what You have called me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Gideon had been raised hearing all the stories of how God had delivered his people so many numerous times, but had not seen any miracles himself. He believed that God had forsaken them due to all the problems and adversity they were dealing with. Yet he failed to take into account that it was his own people who had brought this upon themselves due to their neglect of serving God and Him only. It's easy to give God praise when things are going well, but it's another thing when we are faced with difficulties. It's much easier to think that God doesn't care and blame Him. Yet if we would just examine ourselves and see if we have messed up and have sinned in our walk with the Lord, then we need to ask God for His forgiveness. Then we are at liberty to bring our needs before the Lord, and know that He will intercede on our behalf.

The Israelites no longer worshipped only one God... they also worshipped the god of the Amorites, and quickly forgot the commandment of the Lord "Thou shalt have no other gods before me". Instead of remaining faithful to the God who delivered them from bondage, they quickly fell prey to the other gods of those around them. You can't compromise and serve God. When we put anyone or anything ahead of God, we are doing the same thing. God deserves our total love and dedication.

Q2. (1 John 2:12-14) John encourages "children," "young men," and "fathers." Why do you think he takes time to encourage them? In what ways does he encourage them? New believers in Christ are full of so much excitement in knowing their sins have been forgiven. Yet it doesn't take long for the enemy of our souls to throw doubt and condemnation at us, once we are not around other believers. It takes constant tending to, and feeding on God's Word and fellowship with others to encourage one in their new walk with Christ. When one is young, they are full of strength, ready to fight the good fight of faith, and able to endure. Yet they too need to be encouraged to continue to fight, and not let down their guard. Oftentimes they are more apt to be the ones ready to step out, full of vigor and enthusiasm and work for the Lord. The enemy thrives on trying to tear down one who is seeking to follow and serve the Lord, causing them to doubt themselves, so they will eventually just give up. The mature saints or believers are those who are "seasoned" in the service of the Lord, having walked many hard places. Yet they need to be encouraged that they are still needed, and that what they have gone through can and will be of value to others, who have yet to face those challenges. They have much wisdom and knowledge to share to those who are young in the Lord, and those who are just joining the family of God.

Q1. (1 John 2:7-11) How does hate and unforgiveness blind us spiritually? If we have been darkened by hurt and hate, how do we come into the light? When one is full of hate and unforgiveness, it affects everything about them. It carries over into whatever they do in life, and with whom they associate with. That hate eats away at them, causing such resentment and bitterness to be reflected in all they do and say. It has a tendency to warp a person so much, causing them to become so cynical and bitter, and comes across in all conversation and action. One who has been in that place of darkness of hurt and hate has to finally come to the place where they must recognize their need of God to help them in this place. God can completely heal and restore that which has been eating at a person's soul, making them completely whole again. He can fill them with His divine love, grace and mercy, and heal them of that hate and bitterness, if they are willing to first of all ask for forgiveness of those awful feelings, and asking God to fill them with His love and compassion instead. God will do what no man can do, and make whole again.

Q5. (1 John 2:3-6) How can we be serious about obeying Christ without become legalistic and judgmental, with a self-righteous attitude like the Pharisees had? How do love and legalism differ? How can we be serious about obedience and make love our center? When we remember where Christ has brought us from, the life we used to live when we were in the world, and where we are now, it will make all the difference. It is Christ's keeping power in us that keeps us, guiding and directing our steps daily. We can't do anything outside of Christ that we can be assured that we won't slip up again. When you truly love someone, you will do whatever you can for them willingly. You don't mind that it is not always easy, but it's worth it. Knowing how much Jesus loved me enough to die on the cross for my sins is unreal. I can never even begin to repay Him, but all I know is that I love Him, and want to be with Him for all eternity. Being legalistic and judgmental means trying to obey the laws and rules, sticking to a form of godliness. There is no way one can follow every single part of the law. It's so important to keep in mind and remember where God has brought you from, the kind of life you once lived, and remember that it is only by God's grace and mercy that you are now saved. Forgetting those things will cause you to think you are better than others, looking down your nose at those you feel are less worthy, and your actions can cause much harm to be done to one who is truly seeking Christ.

Q4. (1 John 2:1-2) What assurance does John give us if we do sin? How does this comfort us? How does it make us want to avoid sin? We are told that we have an advocate with the Father...that is one who will intercede on our behalf. It's like having an older brother who will step in and fight for us when we mess up and find ourselves having to face the consequences of what we have done or failed to do. Thus knowing that Jesus Christ is our mediator between us and His Father is such a comfort, especially knowing that we are weak in ourselves. Even though we may strive to live as Christlike as possible, our flesh is weak, and we are apt to still make mistakes. To know that Jesus is with us and is there to stand in the gap for us means everything to me. Knowing how much Jesus loves us, willing to lay down His life for each one of us, and then is there to "stand in our place" before His Father is so awesome. It is truly precious to me, and it makes me want to draw even closer to Him, so that my life will reflect more of Him, thus enabling me to become what He has called me to be.

Q3. (1 John 1:9) How would you define "confession"? Why is confessing our sins so important? What happens to us if we stop confessing our sins? What are the promises given to us if we do confess our sins? How is forgiveness of sins different from cleansing? Confession is to acknowledge and admit your wrongs and failures. Confession has a way of humbling a person, revealing their sincerity in asking forgiveness, and their desire to lay those things down that have gripped their lives and tripped them up. Somehow that weight that has laid on their soul is lifted and there is a freedom and joy again in knowing their sins have been forgiven. When we fail to confess our sins, we will become so hardhearted, cynical, bitter, and resentful to those who love you and are reaching out to you in love. A wall goes up between other believers and yourself, and you eventually stop associating with them. When we confess our sins, God's Word says He is faithful to forgive us, our sins are no more to be remembered, as they are covered under the blood of Jesus Christ. Our names are written in the Lambs Book of Life, and we are restored to complete fellowship with Christ. "Forgiveness of sins" is being excused, or forgetting of mistakes and failures, and is not thrown back up in your face. "Cleansing" is an inner work that comes from the Holy Spirit who does this work in us. It is not our strength that will do the work, but the strength of the Holy Spirit in us.

Q2. (1 John 1:5-7) What is the result when a Christian walks in darkness, that is, continues willfully to do what he or she knows to be wrong? How does this involve self-deception? What is the result, according to verse 7, when we walk in the light? How do we get back into the light if we sin? When one continues to deliberately sin when he/she knows it is wrong will eventually grow cold spiritually. They will find themselves becoming numb to the proddings and convicting of the Holy Spirit. They eventually become calloused to where it no longer bothers them that they knowingly have shut the door to what is right or wrong. When one first begins that path of sin, they will find themselves rationalizing what they are doing. "Oh, I'm not doing anything really wrong... not like "so and so.." The longer they continue in this path, the much easier it is and harder to quit. When we "walk in the light", we don't avoid other Christians. Being with other believers is encouraging, and it lifts your spirit. But when we fail God, and are not living as Christ has told us, we will begin slipping away, avoiding those we used to love to be with, and eventually begin to find fault with everyone else, feeling as we are being picked on because we are not involved as we once used to be, and before long, we will find ourselves missing church, and having anything to do with our former church family. Yet God's Word has promised us that if we will acknowledge our sins, and ask His forgiveness for our failures and mistakes, He is faithful and will forgive us, if we genuinely seek His forgiveness, and ask Him to help us in our daily walk to avoid going back to that same pit we just came out of.

Q1. (1 John 1:3-4, 6-7) Why is our fellowship with fellow Christians so often just on a surface level? How can we have fellowship at a deeper level in Christ? What would it take in your Christian group or your relationships with other believers to deepen your level of fellowship so it is authentically Christian? It's much easier to just put up a wall with other Christians because we don't want to get hurt, and let our true feelings be known. Once we are willing to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and direct our steps, we will be willing to reach out in love with other believers to share what God has done in our lives. Oftentimes we have to learn to reach outside our own selves, to ask the Lord to help us see others as He does, to be sensitive to others needs, focusing on what is happening in their lives, and allowing the Lord to prod us, moving us with his love and compassion.

Q4. On what ground does Abraham so boldly address God? Do you think God desires us to do the same? Why or why not? Why do you think Abraham's intercession pleased God? What will it take for us to please him in our prayers? Abraham came boldly before the Lord on behalf of his family members. He wasn't afraid to seek deliverance on their behalf, and believed that God was a just God. The Bible tells us "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much"...that tells me that God does desire that we intercede for our loved ones, as well as others. When we seek God on someone's behalf, we often are moved by a compassion that will touch God as no other. We are made after God's image, and His love for us knows no bounds. When we place ourselves in another's place, we pray more earnestly.

Q3. (18:19) In your own words, describe what a lifestyle of "keeping the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just" looks like in the twenty-first century. In what ways is this difficult? In what ways is this easy? What are the special challenges? To keep the way of the Lord today requires that we remember that we are not of this world, but are just travelling through. There are so many temptations in this world that will trip up the child of God if we are not careful. We must keep ourselves separated from this world by staying in God's Word and focusing on the things of God. Yes we have to work in this world and come in contact with those who live "like the devil". Oftentimes we are ridiculed by our beliefs, our standards, and our prudish manners. Yet when we fail to "stand on God's Word" and "put on the whole armour of God", we are more apt to compromise with this flesh of ours, and be tripped up. Everyday we must first start off with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in all our ways, and to put on the whole armour of God. We must remember that we are in the last days, and the adversary is out to "steal, kill, and destroy" those who let down their guards. Stay close to God in prayer, fellowship, and reading of His Word. Abstain from every appearance of evil, and seek out God for His direction in all our ways.

Q2. (18:16-19) How can fathers and husbands strike the right balance -- of being godly, caring leaders without being dictators? How can mothers and wives strike the right balance -- of being submissive and at the same time being open about their needs and desires? (I know of no Christian cookie-cutter answer to this. It must be conscientiously worked out within the crucible of marriage.) It's important that the father and/or husband remain steady in God's Word, be consistent in all they do, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them in all their ways. When one remains close to God, he will be guided in all areas of their lives. Love will be the ruling factor and will keep everything else in line. Women and wives need to first of all keep Christ first in their lives, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them in all their ways. When one is prayed up, they are less likely to take offense in things, and will be more receptive to the leadership and direction of their husbands. The woman is the complement of the husband, and oftentimes is the glue that holds things together. Even when things are not at their best, a godly woman will seek to be pleasing to her spouse, as well as to God. She will strive to keep peace in her home, yet at the same time seek to keep the lines of communication open between her husband and herself. Sometimes you will find when you go out of your way to show extra love and encouragement to ones' spouse, that in itself is the doorway to be able to share more of what's on your heart, and to keep a receptive atmosphere.

Q1. (18:14) How can we tell if we really believe in God's present willingness to do miracles in our day? Is there any indication in Scripture that God will stop doing miracles? Is there any indication that God continues to do miracles? How can we regain an active faith in the God of miracles? Our very lives will reveal what we believe by what we say and do. It's so much easier to believe for a miracle in someone else's life than ourselves. So often, when we don't get a reply or something happens to increase our faith, we begin to doubt, and that doubt becomes unbelief. Oftentimes we have to "walk by faith" and stay in God's Word, thanking Him in advance for what He is going to do, and is doing now on our behalf. God is still the same yesterday, today, and forever. He has never changed, and never will. His love for each of us is so immense we can never even begin to fathom the length and breath of it all. Yes, God still does miracles. Each one of us who are believers in Christ Jesus are "miracles" just being "born again." To change us from within and cleanse us by His blood is a divine miracle that continues daily as we grow in Him. To change us from a life of sin to a life of righteousness in Christ is an awesome miracle, and one for which I am continually thankful. At times we may find ourselves weak in our faith and wonder if God is still working miracles. Yet if we will go back over our lives, and remember where God has brought us from will make all the difference in the world. It's important to remember that God has never failed us and never will, as long as we remain faithful in serving Him. He has always made a way where there was no way, and will continue as long as we live.

Q3. What does it mean to have your heart circumcised? Why is this a necessity for all true believers, both Jew and Christian? How can we keep our faith active as an inward expression of love rather than become only an external religion? Have you ever struggled with this? To me, having your heart circumcised, means a putting off the old life and taking on a new life in Christ. It is a laying down of my past, and allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse and purge me, making me new in Christ. Circumcision is necessary for both Jews and Christians alike. We all have had things in our lives that were not pleasing to God, and it's vital that we allow the Holy Spirit to purge us, so that we are cleansed in all areas of our lives. By staying in God's Word and having a faithful prayer time will keep our faith active. Yes, I have faced struggles while serving the Lord, but I am so thankful for the prodding of the Holy Spirit and the convicting power of God in stirring my heart, and drawing me back when I slipped.

Q2. (17:11) What does circumcision signify for Abraham, his household, and his descendents? It signifies obedience to God, and setting aside themselves for service to the Lord. It's a separating of Christ's chosen from the world. Why is some kind of definite act on Abraham's part important to confirming the covenant? It's an act of faith in following through with God's commandment. It shows his commitment to serving Christ fully and completely, which includes all of his household. What does Abraham's obedience the very same day signify? Abraham showed he was determined to trust God in all things, and to show his total commitment to serving the one true God. He showed an act of faith in following through with this directive, believing that God would bring to pass all that He said, and that he had complete confidence in God.

Q1. (17:1-2) When God tells Abraham, "Walk before me and be blameless," is he requiring moral perfection? What kind of blamelessness does he require of Abraham? Does he expect more (or less) of Christians under the new covenant? Moses is required to walk before God with a sincere heart, letting all his actions, thoughts, deeds all be done with the awareness of Christ at all times. He is to seek God's leadership and direction with his whole heart, letting everything be guided and directed by God's divine will. He is still human and as such is apt to make mistakes. Christians today are not exempt from serving God wholeheartedly. We can't be complacent in our attitude, but let our every thought and action be guided by Christ. Each day we must seek God, looking to Him for direction in our lives, and remembering that we are but human, and realize that it's only by God's grace and mercy that we can walk in the fullness of Christ.

Q4. What lesson is God teaching you out of Hagar's experience? Sometimes you are in places that are quite difficult, and they seem that there is no end to it. It's a constant confrontation, demanding, and quite gruelling place. Seeing how Hagar submitted herself to return to such a hard place and circumstance, it shows me that I must learn to let go of my desires, and give them to God, believing that He knows what is best for me, and will provide for me in the very best way. Which situation that God is calling you to is most difficult for you to submit to? Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am now tied down 24/7 taking care of my grandchildren, as they have been placed into my care. As they are quite young, it is something that demands constant attention, total devotion, and leaves no room for me. Even though other family members try to help, the baby has transferred his full affection and needs to me, as I have become his security. Yes he does interact with the others, but when it comes to me being out of his sight, trying to leave is impossible. As I am now retired, being back to the place where I have no free time at all has taken a toll on me. Yet in spite of what has happened, I know in my heart I couldn't do anything less than what I am doing. I only know that God is my provider, and will sustain me in spite of my weaknesses.

Q3. (16:13-14) What is the significance of Hagar's name for God -- El Roi, the God Who Sees? What an awesome revelation during a time of crisis in one's life. To recognize in the midst of it all that there is a God who loves us unconditionally, that realizes who we are, knows our name, and truly cares about us. So often in our troubles, we can't see anything but ourselves, but here Hagar's eyes are opened, as well as her spirit that the Almighty God knows her and loves her. What does it mean to a person who is discouraged and losing hope? When one is so down and out, your circumstances are so bleak, and you feel so alone, without any hope in sight, it is so wonderful to be reminded that we have a Savior who loves us no matter how we are, or what we have or haven't done. What is so amazing to me is that God has never left us at any time. He has been there all along. It's just we ourselves that have been blinded to the truth, and been so overwhelmed in what we were going through that we shut ourselves off from everyone else. It's easier to just withdraw more and more, holding others at bay. But eventually, we must come to the place where we go to the Savior, asking forgiveness for our doubt and despair, asking cleansing in our heart from anything that may be a hindrance in our lives, and ask Him to take complete charge of our lives. Only then can we let go of this horrendous burden, and be lifted up into His presence, and be refilled and renewed by His precious Holy Spirit. Only when we let go of self, can we be filled with His glorious presence. What does it mean to you personally? For many years, I have been a Christian woman raising our 3 children in church alone; now it's my 2 grandchildren. It's not an easy thing to do, but God has been so faithful to me. Oh don't get me wrong, I find myself struggling oftentimes with frustration and despair, but somehow God in His infinite love and mercy, draws me to Him, where I can be refilled and restored. I would hate to think I didn't have my Heavenly Father, as frankly, no one else cares for me in such a way. I truly can't fathom why He hasn't given up on me, but oh how thankful I am that He hasn't. He first saw me, called me to be His own, and still loved me even when I failed Him so many times. Yet He hasn't given up on me. What a blessed Savior we serve. I so thank Him for His grace and mercy, and His continual prodding in my life.