Thursday, January 31, 2013

Fresh Air



Discovering the original Hebrew and Greek meaning of words can help us see what the text really means.  The Hebrew and Greek Languages are very descriptive and sometimes the pronunciation of the words even sounds like the meaning of the word. For instance, the word “Spirit” in Hebrew is “Ruwach” and is pronounced, “roo-haa,” and means “wind, breath.” Can you just imagine the Spirit of the Living God breathing life into Adam as He formed Him from the dust of the ground? That same Spirit, eternal in all aspects, breathes God’s eternal breath into us, His human creations. It is in this vein I want us to look at the Scriptures we have for this lesson. Allow the breath of God, His “Ruwach”  “roo-haa” to blow into your spirit.

1. Read Genesis 1:1-2. Focus on verse 2. What does the passage say hovered over the waters? 

“Roo-haa” hovered over the waters. The Creator, as the Triune God, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit blew Their eternal breath as the One Eternal God over the silent waters. The earth was  formless and empty and God blew His life and things began to happen. Can you imagine the emptiness? God took this empty nothingness and “roo-haa” there was the beginning of the earth and the waters of the earth. God’s breath created all we know out of complete nothingness. No one else could do what He did and what He continues to do.

Sometimes we believe God cannot help in our lives. He can create life, but can He repair our broken marriages, families, finances? Can He take the circumstances in life and breathe new life into it? The answer is a resounding “yes.” He can and He will.

2. What are some areas in your life you need God’s Spirit to blow on you? Tell Him.

Our text today is from Psalm 139:7-14. This whole chapter could be preached on for a year in my opinion. It speaks of God as the One who has cared for His creation and is caring for His creation and will care for His creation. We matter to God. He didn’t throw humans together willy-nilly. He had a plan and has a plan for each of us.

3. Read Psalm 139:7-10. Where can you go to escape or hide from God’s Holy Spirit? Where is God?

There is nothing we can do to escape from the One who watches over us continually and eternally. That should be a comfort. We aren’t left alone on this earth to fend for ourselves, although it may seem like it at times. The problem is that we don’t always acknowledge God’s presence. We don’t always turn to Him for help and comfort. We don’t always remember He is our constant companion an ever-present help in times of trouble.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

4. Read John 14:16-17. What did Jesus ask God the Father for on our behalf? Why? Who is able to receive this gift?

If you know Jesus as your Lord, the Leader of your life, then you have been given this wonderful gift of God’s Holy Spirit. This eternal breath, life-giving and truth-filled Spirit, resides inside each believer. The sad thing is, we often don’t take advantage of Him and allow Him to counsel us in our everyday lives. He’s there willing and able to help us at all times. Even if we think, “Aw this is not too bad, I can deal with it,” His Holy Spirit desires to lead us in every aspect of our lives. He’s there for the big and the little things we face. All it takes is for us to ask Him. We must to tap into this awesome power from God.

5. Read Psalm 139:11-12. The dark can getting pretty dark so that even the seemingly easy and benign things in life seem too much for us to bear. What do these two verses say about how God views darkness? What are some areas in your life where you feel alone and in the dark?

The dark isn’t dark to God. He sent His Light into the world through His Son. Those who trust their lives to Him have no need to fear dark areas that seem to crowd in. “The night will shine like day; for darkness is as light to You.” Have you ever tried to speak truth to the darkness you face? Try saying, “Darkness, you have no authority over me because the Light of God’s Truth resides in me in Jesus’ Name.” Speaking truth into our life helps. It gets us to focus on Jesus and His Power given to us by the Holy Spirit. The evil one knows Truth (Jesus) and flees from Him. Christ is victorious over all darkness. Hold on to that.

“But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. 
He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.” John 15:26

Our Advocate, the One who goes to bat for us, resides in us. He continually breathes the “roo-haa” of God testifying to the Truth that is Jesus. Spend time listening to the Holy Spirit and breathe in His power to lighten the darkness you may face.

6. Read Psalm 139:13-14. What did God create within you? Where did He do this? What should we praise Him for? 

Do we really understand the knowledge God has about us? He knew us before we were born. He did the “knitting” and we are His design. “God don’t make no junk.” You are one-of-a-kind, perfectly created by God’s Hand. He cares deeply for you. Our earthly bodies may not be perfect by the world’s standards, but God’s standards are different. He created us out of the pureness and perfect purpose of His love.

This world is temporary. It’s pain and problems only a mist. He is drawing us to Him. He continues to whittle and shape the rough aspects of our being to line up perfectly with His ultimate design. He wants us to look and act like the only perfect One ~ Jesus. All we need to do is submit to the Master Designer.

7. Read Titus 3:4-7 (NLT) “ 4. When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5. he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

    Circle the following words above.

    revealed- (vs. 4); kindness and love (vs. 4); saved- (vs.5); mercy (vs.5); washes (vs.5);       
    new birth and new life- (vs. 5); generously poured (vs.6) Spirit- (vs 6); grace- (vs. 7); 
    declared- (vs.7); righteous- (vs. 7); confidence- (verse 7); life- (vs. 7)


Look at all these words and take in the enormity of what God has breathed into all who have given their lives to Jesus. What does this say to you? How does it fit with the way you live your day-to-day life? You may know these things in your head, but have they made it down into your spirit, your heart, the eternal “roo-haa” God has breathed into you? His Spirit is active and powerful wanting us to tap into Him. Breathe in, breath out the Spirit of God as you live daily.

8. Read 2 Timothy 1:7. What did God NOT give you? What DID God give you? Why should this matter in your life?

The Holy Spirit gives us courage. He denies the lies the world and the evil one tells us. Instead He gives us an limitless supply of power, love and self-discipline. We can’t do it alone. We must rely solely on the Holy Spirit residing within us.

9. What are you afraid of in your life? According to scripture you aren’t subject to this fear any longer. Would you take the time to lay these fears before Jesus and allow His Spirit to replace your dread?

 Whose power do you depend on? Your’s or God’s? Explain.

You, friend, are filled with the same power that raised Jesus from the grave. In fact, it propelled Him from the grips of death and thrust Him to life as our Redeemer and King. He loves you so much He propelled you from death to eternal life. He didn’t leave you alone to fend for yourself. As He created you, His will was to fill you with His Spirit, “Ruwach” actively breathing every moment of everyday. He looks on you as His dearly loved creation and He’s made a way for us to be in perfect relationship with Him through Christ. Breathe Him in and live out your life knowing His Spirit lives within you.

“Jesus has the power of God, 
by which He has given us everything we need
 to live and to serve God. 
We have these things because we know Him. 
Jesus called us by His glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A Night Meeting


The term “born again” has gotten a bad rap for some people. To many it connotes an uptight, fundamental, ridged, judgmental, self-righteous goody-two-shoes person. Being born-again has been used and abused by many people including Christians themselves. But, its really the most wonderful and awe producing term because it was first spoke of by Jesus Himself.

1. What does the term “born again” say to you? How do you feel when you hear it?

In our text for today,  Jesus was speaking to a religious leader of the day named Nicodemus.  He was a Pharisee. The name Hebrew word “Pharisee” means “separatist, or the separated one.” They thought more highly of themselves and were viewed as the ultimate authority on Scripture and the Law. So to have a Pharisee meet with a common Rabbi and ask questions was extremely unusual and pretty risky since Jesus was causing a ruckus among the leaders of Israel by all He was saying and doing.

2. Read John 3:1-2. When did Jesus and Nicodemus meet? What does Nicodemus say to Jesus? Why is this significant?

Jesus met with Nicodemus at night. This was more than likely because Nicodemus was afraid of what the other Pharisees and leaders of Israel would think of (or possibly do to) him. Even though Nicodemus was considered an expert on God’s Word, he didn’t realize who Jesus really was. All he knew was Jesus was a teacher who came from God. Jesus was about to rock his world with what He was about to say.

3. Read John 3:3. What was Jesus’ reply to Nicodemus? 

Notice Jesus began His conversation with, “I tell you the truth...” He was stating He was only going to tell the whole truth no matter what Nicodemus thought. In other words, He was saying, “Here is the whole truth as to why I am here doing what I am doing, so listen closely, what I have to say comes from God.”

Nicodemus’ response to Jesus was another question. “How can a man be born when he is old? ...surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” He was dumbfound and little taken-back  by Jesus’ words. It was like Nicodemus was saying, “you have got to be kidding me...that’s impossible.” He didn’t yet understand what Jesus was saying.

4. Read John 1:12-13. Who does Jesus give the right to become children of God? How does this passage  define being  “reborn”?

Being born again (reborn) is not something we can accomplish on our own. It is a gift of God’s grace to mankind. Our only requirement is to accept this transforming gift to be a part of God’s eternal kingdom and have a relationship with Him.

 5. Read John 3:5-8. What do you think Jesus means by “being born of water and the Spirit”?

God’s Kingdom is not of human origin. It is Spirit ~ His Spirit. Our earthly bodies are limited and will die. The spirit we have within us is eternal. In order for our spirits to be joined with God and become His, we must give up our right to our lives and give the reins over to Jesus. Jesus knew this was a hard concept for Nicodemus just as it is for us now. It’s just like trying to figure out where the wind comes from. We don’t know how this rebirth happens. All we need to  know is that the Holy Spirit accomplishes it. He is the Source of this rebirth into God’s Kingdom. It’s nothing any person can do on their own. It all comes from God’s gift of grace.

6. Read John 3:9-15.  What did Nicodemus ask Jesus? Why did Jesus think Nicodemus should know what He was talking about? 

What does Jesus mean by saying, “I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things?"

What does the passage mean by this statement Jesus made, “...the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.”?

“Nicodemus was a very important person. As “Israel’s teacher,” he was a recognized authority on the Old Testament. Jesus implied that the Old Testament teaches a new birth, and so His own reference to being born again should not have shocked His visitor: Does the Old Testament teach this? Yes. Through Ezekiel God promised to take away His people’s heart of stone and give His people a new heart (Ezekiel 11:19), and through Jeremiah God promised to write His Law on the heart rather than on tablets of stone. (Jeremiah 31:33)” ~ 735 Baffling Bible Questions Answered” by Larry Richards page 330

Nicodemus was a very religious person and an expert on God’s Word. He should have understood what Jesus said right away but he didn’t. Jesus knew the Holy Spirit would have to soften Nicodemus’ heart to allow him to understand what it meant to be born again. All of this is done by God’s Holy Spirit working on the heart of a person no matter how religious and Bible-savvy they are. No matter who we are, we must be born-again by the Spirit of God. How did God make a way to be born again?

 7. Read John 3:16-21.  Write out verses 16-17 in your own words:

    There is no judgment by God for whom? 

    What is in store for those who do not believe in God’s one and only Son?

    What is God’s judgment based on?

    What does darkness represent? What does the light expose?

    What do those who come to the light show to the world?

We are condemned by the sin in our lives. There is nothing we can do on our own to cleanse our guilt. It is only through believing in Jesus as the One and Only pure sacrifice for our penalty of sin that we have any hope of being cleansed and made right with God.

This was a stunning proposition for an old Pharisee like Nicodemus. His whole life was about being above all those around him. He was an expert at following all the rules and regulations of religion. Now he was hearing Jesus, who he believed was sent by God, say a person can only come to God through Him ~ Jesus.

8. Read John 19:38-40. Who went with Joseph of Arimathea to take Jesus’ body and prepare it for burial?

Do you suppose Nicodemus was confused by Jesus’ death?

Jesus had told Nicodemus that the Son of Man was to be lifted up like Moses lifted the snake up for the people of Israel to look upon and to be healed. He had just seen Jesus being lifted up on a cross. I’m sure the night Jesus spoke to him came rushing in. I choose to believe that he did come to Jesus and became born again. Maybe he was able to look beyond his religion and accept the grace of God given by the Son of Man ~ Jesus.

9. Read 2 Peter 3:18. What does it mean to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”?

Just like Nicodemus, we may be full of knowledge but haven’t received the grace God offers through Jesus. This gift of grace is given to anyone who acknowledges Jesus as the only way to God. Is there something that is getting in the way of your receiving the gift of grace from God found in the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins on the cross so long ago?

10. Read  Romans 3:23-26. Who has sinned? How can sinners be made right with God? Why do you or don’t you believe this?

Like Nicodemus, take time to meet with Jesus. He can answer your questions about who He is. The best news is this, Jesus has made a way to know God intimately and become a member of His Eternal Kingdom. You too can take part in this wonderful story of God’s grace through Jesus. God loves you so much He sent His only Son to make a way for you to be forgiven of all you have done wrong and draw you into life with Him forever.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Which Prodigal Are You?



1. Read Luke 15:11-12. What did the younger son request of his father?

What did the father do in response to the son?

The young son in this parable was very bold and obviously selfish. According to Middle Eastern culture of the time, the son coming to the living father and asking for his inheritance before the father’s death was like saying, “Drop dead Dad.”  His actions were brazen and went against the honor of the father-son relationship. The community would be outraged.

Similarly, the father’s reaction to the son was contrary to the traditional response expected. This was to take his left hand and backhand the son across the face, disowning and banishing him from his presence. Rather than exploding with anger, the father divides his money. The literal interpretation means he “divided his life” between the two sons. He allowed the younger son to divide the family and leave to do his own thing. The local community would look down on the father’s response to the son and could even cause him harm. He lost credibility in among his peers.

The father had two choices in his response to the son:
* He could choose to protect himself by rejecting his son and banish him.

* He could choose the way of suffering by letting his son go and take half of his fortune, and in this case his heart.

God responds to His children with great compassion and mercy. Though He could respond to us in anger when we sin against Him, He shows love. Like the prodigal’s father, God allows us the freedom to make our own choices.

2. Read Luke 15:13-16. Describe what the son did after he got his inheritance from his father?

What unexpected occurrence also affected him and the country was   living in?

Where and how did he end up?

The prodigal son left the will of his father and the protection he gave. He no longer lived under his direction but took out on his own. Without much thought of the consequences, he squandered all his money on “wild living.” A famine hit and knocked the young man into extreme poverty. He didn’t see it coming and wasn’t prepared for it. Alone and hungry, without protection and provisions, he looked for work and finally hired himself out to feed pigs. In Jewish Law, pigs were ceremonially “unclean” and never to be eaten or touched. (See Leviticus 11) Here the young man found himself living in the most degrading and filthy environment.

3. Read Luke 15:-19. Look at the King James Version below and underline “came to himself.”

“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!”

The only other time this phrase, “came to himself” is found in Acts 12 where Peter is miraculously freed from prison by God’s angels. The whole time Peter thought he was dreaming until the angle left him in the street. Verse 11 says, ‘Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord has sent His angel to rescue me...”’ This phrase literally means “to come to reality.” Peter finally realized all he was experiencing was real.

This same phrase happens here Luke 15. The young man finally realized his surroundings and situation in life were real. His life had come to living with pigs and wanting their leftovers. He woke up and accepted how he was living and what he left behind when he demanded his way and left his father.

4. When have you ever experienced reality’s cold slap in the face? Explain.

The prodigal son is not yet at a place of repentance. He is only in a place of desperation and thinks he has figured out how to remedy the situation. Servants of his father were treated well and he wanted to at least be able to have a life like theirs. By working he could pay off his debt to his father all the while being fed and clothed. So with determination in his steps he heads on home.

“In the Middle East, it was considered humiliating for men over age forty to run. As the father ran, he would have had to lift his robe—another humiliation. As the father drew closer, the son would see not anger—but joy. And when the father reached him, the father kissed him over and over on the neck.” ~ Dr. Ken Bailey

5. Read Luke 15:20. Describe what happens in this verse.

To have seen the young man in the distance, the father would have had to be looking for him. Being a parent myself I can just imagine the father going to the end of his driveway everyday looking for his son to return. His heart longed to see his boy again. When the father sees him, his heart is filled with compassion and he runs to greet him. He had every right to turn away from him and never accept him home. Instead he threw his arms around him and kissed him. It wasn’t about the money, it was about the condition of the father’s heart towards the son and the son’s heart toward him.

God’s heart towards you and me is one of great compassion. He is right in his part of our relationship with Him. It’s our heart and it’s condition that is in question. The son had finally turned toward home but was still relying on his own abilities and not his father’s love. He thought he could earn back the money he lost as a worker for him.

The Middle Eastern custom of the time was to punish sons for ever bringing shame to their father. The father knew his son had done this. He knew what the community required him to do. So, he ran out to meet him and threw himself on his child, protecting him from harm. He protected him with his love and his physical body from the punishment he knew the community would want to give the boy.

“As the son comes closer to his home, he would likely experience fear and shame. He (had) wished his father dead; left family and community; and now he has lost everything. He expects to face his father’s and brother’s rejection and anger. Further, the community would reject and banish him—as was the custom. Any Jew who lost his money among foreigners would face the Kezazah (literally “the cutting off.”) The Kezazah would be performed by breaking a clay pot at the feet of the prodigal as visual symbol that the community rejected him forever.” ~ Dr. Ken Bailey

6. Read Luke 15:21. What did the son say to his father? Read Psalm 51:4. What similarities are there with Luke 15:21?

Psalm 51:4 was written years before by King David. David has committed adultery and murder and was repentant before God. Perhaps Jesus quoted this in His parable to bring His point home to the Pharisees who were among a crowd of tax collectors and sinners. They would have readily recognized this passage of Scripture.

7. Read Luke 15:22-24. What is the Father’s response? What does he do?

“Experiencing the father’s visible, costly love for him, his contrived speech melts away. All that is left is feeling that he is is not worthy to be the father’s son. The grace is too overwhelming. Then the father restores the son—showering him with the best robe, providing shoes for his feet (slaves were bare-footed: sons wore shoes), placing a ring on his finger (a signet ring would give him the power to transact business).

The imagery here is that of the son returning with dirty rags on his back and a contrived speech. Yet it was the father’s costly, unexpected outpouring of visible love that turns the son’s heart toward him—perhaps for the first time. The son’s work (repentance) is simply accepting being found by the father.” ~ Dr. Ken Bailey

Can you see it? The father doesn’t care what his son has done. He cares that he has come home and has now repented. Our Father in heaven is reflected in this story. He stands at the end of his driveway scanning the horizon for his child to come home. When we come home, when we repent, He runs to us, hugs our neck and pours out his gift of life unlike anything we could ever ask or imagine. We are dead without Him. He gives us eternal life when we ask Him.

In the parable, the young man knew he had done wrong and was ready to receive whatever came from the father’s hand. He knew he deserved the punishment he was due. His heart changed from thinking he could earn back what he owed to being humbled by the act of compassion and grace on the part of His father.

All of us should be able relate to the prodigal son. We have all sinned against our heavenly father and deserve the penalty that comes with it. We deserve death. (See Romans 3:23 and 6:23)

8. How we define repentance defines how we interact with God and with others. How do you define repentance?

The Parable takes a sharp turn from all out rejoicing to shock, disappointment and anger of the older brother. We leave the music and laughter of the celebration to peek in on a hard and wounded heart.

9. Read Luke 15:25-27. Where had the older son been before he heard the music and dancing? 
      
      Who did he ask about the party? What did the servant tell him and what was
      the older brother’s response? 

      What was his father’s explanation? 

The older brother seems to have been a dutiful son while the younger brother squander his inheritance. We can see from his anger he had some other issues brewing within his heart. He was resentful and bitter not only towards his brother but also towards his father. The older son probably harbored all his feelings for a long time and they’d finally come to the surface.

10. Read Luke 15:28-30. What was the response the older son gave to his father’s explanation?
      What was the father’s response?

The older boy had depended on the father noticing what he had done for him over the years. It was all about what he did for the father and not on what the father provided for his sons.

11. Read Micah 6:8. What does this verse tell us is required of God’s children? How can a person have bitterness and anger in their hearts and continue to be humble and walk in obedience to God? 

When the older son finally faces his father, he does so from an adversarial position. He spews his anger he had harbored for so long and the father responds with the same kind of love he had just shown the younger son.

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

12. What was the older son’s response to the last thing his father said?

There was no response. In the parable, Jesus leaves us with no resolution to the older son’s attitude. Perhaps He wanted those in the crowd, particularly the Pharisees, to understand it was they who represent the older son in the story. The younger son represented the “tax collectors” and “sinners.” It causes me to reflect on my own heart issue. Am I repentant of my anger and bitterness; my sin and disobedience? I am both sons at times. What about you?

The father was defending His joy over his younger son’s return. He wanted the older son to reunite with and celebrate in the repentant younger son return home. The boy was lost and now was found. God defends His joy over and over and over in His Word. He delights in restored relationships with Himself. He grieves over those who can’t or won’t grasp the grace and mercy He extends through His Son Jesus.

13.  Are you willing to accept God’s grace and mercy? Are you willing to listen to the Father as He draws you into his joy? Take this moment to listen. Open your heart to Him and receive the delight He so freely gives.

God desires His children to enter His presence, His joy, His delight. All we have to do is accept the invitation to repentance and celebration. He wants to envelop us with His love.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Praying for God’s Perspective



Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; 
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night, 
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won, 
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, 
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
Words: Attributed to Dallan Forgaill, 8th Century (Rob tu mo bhoile, a Comdi cride); translated from ancient Irish to English by Mary E. Byrne, in “Eriú,” Journal of the School of Irish Learning, 1905, and versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt.

I want nothing more than to see as God sees. This should be my earnest request. It is a petition worth more than any other. To see as God truly sees is the greatest answer to all my needs. My desire is for His will and for me to understand it as He speaks it to me. We cannot regard Him with anything less than who He is ~ holy.

1. Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Why shouldn’t we lose heart when our earthly bodies fail or circumstances come hard against us?

Even though we think of our circumstances as hard and at times unsolvable, through God’s eyes they are viewed differently. How does God view them?

What are our troubles achieving for us?

Who should we fix our eyes on? Why?

What is the difference between “seen” and “unseen”?

2. Read 2 Corinthians 5:7. (NIV) Fill in the blanks:

“We live by _____________ and not by__________________.”

So often we become exasperated with what is happening in our lives. Sometimes we can’t even put a finger on what is bothering us. Other times we face insurmountable circumstances in our lives. With the Lord they aren’t insurmountable. He can do anything. We must see God in a heavenly perspective and not our limited earthly perspective. Living by faith, is not depending on our own limited vision. It is an active belief in the Almighty who we cannot see, but know is with us always. Faith is using the vision of the heavens, not the limited vision we have on earth.

3. Read 1 Peter 1:3-9. Why should we praise God?

Describe the eternal inheritance we will receive as followers of Christ?

What are we shielded by?

Why should we rejoice?

What will have to endure for a little while? Why?

Even though we do not see Jesus physically now, we believe in Him. What are we filled with?

What are we receiving?

Receiving the vision of God is receiving 
a perspective of the heavenly kind.

When we pray we praise God for who He is, the position He holds and the power and mercy He has. Our prayers are heard in the very presence of God because God the Son made the way for us to be reconciled with God. The power and counsel of the Holy Spirit give us the words to say because He knows our deepest needs and knows exactly how to fill us.

In our communication with God the Father ~ God the Son ~ God the Holy Spirit, we worship, thanking God for who He is and what He has done. We lay our needs before Him and expect the best from His infinite provision. We seek to have the vision of God, a heavenly perspective, not this blurred, obscured, and distorted vision of this world.

4. Read Hebrews 11:1, 6. What is the definition of “faith”? 

What happens when we don’t have faith? Why? 

If we believe God what do we receive?

Believing God is essential to living full lives, especially in our prayer time. But, what’s cool about God is that He provides the faith that we need, all we have to do is ask Him. He supplies for every need that we have. So, in our petitioning of God, we must include our need for better vision ~ the vision from a heavenly perspective, God’s perspective.

As we close this study on prayer, it is my prayer that you have grown in your understanding of how God desires to communicate with you and draw you into the divine relationship He has within the Trinity. There is so much more that He will teach us as we learn our position in regard to His heavenly and righteous position. Through prayer and trust in God through His Son Jesus, we tap into the power provided by His Holy Spirit living within us. Continue growing in His Word and in responding to Him in your prayers. May God richly bless you as you go on by faith with a new heavenly perspective.

Prayer Time
God wants to give us the heavenly perspective that He has. All we have to do is ask. Go to your prayer journal and write out your request for the heavenly perspective from God’s hand and not the limited earthly vision the world has.

Discussion Questions
1. So many times we become exasperated with what is happening in our lives. Sometimes we can’t even put a finger on what is bothering us. Other times we face insurmountable circumstances in our lives. Share an incident that was/or is like this in your life.

2. You should want nothing more than to see as God sees. This should be your earnest request. It is a petition worth more than any other. Give an example of how having God’s perspective of something you have gone through or are going through that has not made sense to you before?

3. Believing God is essential in our lives, especially in our prayer lives. But, what’s cool about God is that He provides the faith that we need, all we have to do is ask Him. He supplies for every need that we have. So, in our petitioning of God, we must include our need for better vision ~ the vision from a heavenly perspective, God’s perspective. Have you ever prayed for the perspective of God? If so, how did it affect your faith? If not, why not?

4. After studying about prayer what is it that you have learned that has affected you most? Share.


Saturday, January 26, 2013

“Eager Expectation”



We are in a waiting period here on earth. Not all things have been revealed and won’t be until the return of Christ. We wait with great expectation for God to send Jesus to return to earth and get His own from this evil world. Until that time, we wait and hope. This is part of our prayers. We wait and hope and express this in our prayers.

1. Read Romans 8:18-21. What do you think “waiting in eager expectation” means?

In Greek the word for “great expectation” is “apokalypsis” and means “to be attentive with earnest expectation.” Literally, it can be translated as “looking forward as with the neck stretched out and the head thrust forward.” 

Our prayer life should involve this great expectation. God has great things in store for us on this earth and even greater, infinitely greater things are in store for us in Eternity. This expectation should be in the forefront of our minds and hearts. We should be so intent on Jesus and all that He has for us, that we see nothing but Him. Part of petitioning God is expecting that He will answer us with the best that He has.

2. Read James 1:17. (NIV) Fill in the blanks:

“Every __________ and ______________ gift is from _______________ coming down from the ____________ of the heavenly lights, who does not ________________ like the shifting shadows.”

Yes! Every good and perfect gift comes from God. No matter what His answer we can trust that He has given us His best. God doesn’t pull the rug out from us. He is not up in heaven thinking about how He can trick us or pull a fast one. Each and every gift is good and perfect.

3. Read Matthew 7:9-11.  Write out the questions that Jesus asks in verses 9 & 10.

How does He compare the gifts we give to our children to the gifts that God gives to us in verse 11?

God is the perfect parent. He loves us so much that He gave up His best for us in His Son Jesus. He gives His best to us every time we pray. We may not see the reason for His answer, but He never gives anything that is inappropriate. As His dearly loved children we should have the attitude of eager expectation when we pray. We all want to give God the answer to our prayers the way we would like Him to answer them. Instead we must trust that He knows what is best. Our role in prayer is to accept the best from God. He never gives anything less.

4. Read Jeremiah 29:11–13. (NIV) Fill in the blanks:

For I know the _________ I have for you, declare the Lord, “plans to ______________ you and not to harm you, plans to give you a __________ and a ________________.
Then you will _________ upon Me and come and __________ to Me, and I will _________________ to you. You will ____________ Me and _____________ Me when you _____________ Me with all your heart.”

From this passage we find that God does have a plan for us. He is not making things up as He goes along. Because of the plan that He has for each one of us, there is a future for us as well. Our future includes the Hope ~ Jesus the Holy One. It is because of Him that we have a hope and a future.

God does have a plan for us. The only way we can access this plan is by seeking Him in our daily lives. When we come under submission to His will and authority, He gives us what we need, when we need it. This is vital to living our lives under Christ’s authority.  When we seek Him we must seek Him with all of our hearts. It is then and only then we shall find Him.

God is not hiding, but we do have to turn towards Him and submit to Him and not to ourselves (or the world) in order to find Him. God remains the same. He never changes. Look to Him as your One True Hope.

5. Read Isaiah 55:10-11. Answer the following:

What does God compare His Word to?

What does God’s Word accomplish?

God does have a plan and a purpose for you and me. The words He speaks to us, as we sit at His feet in prayer, are words that are full of life and hope. His words never go out without accomplishing something. When God speaks, His words accomplish and achieve the purpose for which He intended. This is our hope, to hear God speak and understand that His Word never comes back to Him with nothing accomplished.

Prayer Time
Go to your Prayer Journal and write out a prayer that speaks of God’s greatness. Tell Him what you believe to be your hope. If you are eagerly awaiting the hope He has planned for you, then write this out. If you don’t have any hope, tell Him about it. Then wait on Him in the hope that He gives.

Discussion Questions
1. Our prayer life should involve great expectation. God has great things in store for us on this earth and even greater, infinitely greater things are in store for us in Eternity. How do you view having hope in Christ? Explain.

2. Every good and perfect gift comes from God. No matter what His answer, we can trust that He has given us His best. Do you believe that God has only good and perfect gifts for you? Why or why not.

3. God does have a plan for us. The only way we can access this plan is by seeking Him in our daily lives. When we come under submission to His will and authority, He gives us what we need, when we need it. What do you feel about accepting all that God has for you whether you think it is what you want and not?

Friday, January 25, 2013

"The Spirit Prays"



There are times when we don’t know what to pray. Sorrow, fatigue, sickness, and all kinds of things can get in the way of our communication with God. So often we think that we have to keep the conversation going with Him to constitute prayer. But, just sitting in His presence is the best thing we can do.

The throne room of God is an active place full of the power and the presence of the Holy One. So, in this place we come to be restored and strengthened. Sometimes we need to be quiet and listen to the voice of God as we are bathed in His presence. Maybe the reason we don’t know what to pray at times, is because God wants us to be quiet and rest in Him. He does the talking. God provides His Holy Spirit to search our hearts and He does the communicating for us.

1. Read Romans 8:26 & 27. (NIV) Fill in the blanks:

“In the same way, the _____________ helps us in our _________________. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself ________________ for us with _____________ that ______________ cannot express. And He who ________________
our ____________ knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the _____________ in _______________________ with God’s will.”

There have been times in my life when I couldn’t pray. Sometimes I was so down that all I could do was lay my head in God’s lap and allow Him to pray for me. I have woken up in the middle of the night with irrational fear and just like a child frightened in the night cries out for their mother or father, I cry out to God. He immediately sends me comfort through a song or scripture that fits the situation. God sends His Spirit to intercede on my behalf. He does the praying for me. He places His holy hand on my head and soothes me back to sleep. When I try to work the fear out on my own, I struggle all night and can’t rest. But, when I go to Him and trust Him, I can rest easily.

I remember when my mother lay in ICU gravely ill and my brothers and I were there with her late one night. I don’t remember who started the song, but we all joined in and sang the most perfect harmony I had ever heard. I recognized our voices, but there was something very different about them. These voices came from a place that was not of this earth. God’s Holy Spirit was singing for us. We sang in the midst of the sounds of respirators and alarms in the ICU which seemed to miraculously become silent. The song we sang was this:

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
(Daniel Iverson. Copyright © 1935)

The Holy Spirit entered into the lives of my brothers and me and gave us the words to pray through the harmonies of one of my mother’s favorite hymns. As the song wafted down the hall of the ICU that night, I know that the Spirit ministered to my mother, the other patients, nurses, doctors and anyone close by. That’s how God works. He wants to communicate with us all. After we finished, we kissed Mama and left silently. There was nothing left to say. The Holy Spirit said it all and He said it perfectly.

2. Read Romans 8:34-35. What is Christ doing for us in the Throne Room?

Who or what can separate us from the love of Christ?

Nothing, nothing, nothing can come between you and Jesus. He won’t stop loving you and is interceding on your behalf at the right hand of God. In other words, He bridges the gap between those who love Him and God the Father. Through God the Holy Spirit we have direct communication to God the Father because of what God the Son accomplished on the cross. He doesn’t read between the lines of our prayers, but digs deep into our soul revealing our true need. His power interprets and intercedes on our behalf before God the Father. In His love we lack for nothing.

Some folks say that they don’t know how to pray. But, all God wants is your heart and wants to include us in holy conversation. He provides the words. Remember, prayer is our response to God. If you open your heart to Him, He supplies the words and reveals the true hope of our hearts.

2. Read Psalm 5:1-3. (NIV) Fill in the blanks:

“Give __________ to my words, O Lord, _______________________ my ___________________. Listen to my ________ for ___________, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O Lord, You ______________ my voice; in the morning I ______ my _____________ before You and __________ in expectation.”

We can rest in the knowledge that God hears and listens to our prayers. Part of our prayers involve our waiting in expectation of God’s voice. We want God’s answer and not just any old answer will do.

I just heard someone say that they had been praying to God, but each time they got God’s answering machine. Know this, God takes His own calls. He hears and listens. He answers us and even gives us the words to say through His Holy Spirit. We must, however, wait on Him. God wants the best for us. He knows what we need and when it is appropriate He gives the answer to us. Trust Him.

Prayer Time
Sit in the presence of the Holy One and allow His Spirit to speak for you. Write out anything you hear from Him. God speaks to our hearts. Open your heart to Him and allow Him to speak for you and speak to you.

Discussion Questions
1. There are times when we don’t know what to pray. Sorrow, fatigue, sickness, and all kinds of things can get in the way of our communication with God. So often we think that we have to keep the conversation going with Him to constitute prayer. But, just sitting in His presence is a vital part of prayer, especially when words escape us. How do you view being silent before God in prayer?

2. Nothing, nothing, nothing can come between you and Jesus. He won’t stop loving you and is interceding on your behalf at the right hand of God. In other words, He bridges the gap between those who love Him and God the Father. Do you ever feel like your prayers never go anywhere and there is a great chasm between you and God? How does Jesus bridge the chasm?

3.How does it feel to you to sit in silence in the presence of the Lord?

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Divine Interuption



We are so blessed to be able to approach God and when we approach Him with the right attitude of who He is and who we are in relationship to Him, we can lay our requests out before Him. It’s ok to tell Him what is on our hearts.  We are responding to God in prayer with our requests by asking Him to give us His best for the need we have.

1. Let’s begin our lesson today by reading about a couple who had a huge request of God. Read Luke 1:5-25. Summarize what happened to Zechariah and Elizabeth:


I wanted us to look at this story of Zechariah and Elizabeth because their story represents the requests we all make. Their request was a deep desire for a child. They had done everything right and I’m sure they were growing weary in their plea for a child. I wonder if they had stopped praying for a baby. They were old now. Even though they may have stopped praying, God didn't forget their prayer. God never forgets.

The desire for a child can be one of the most painful things. The emotions involved run from great expectation to great sorrow as time goes on and there is no child to hold and love.

Mike and I wanted a child so desperately and were told we would possibly never conceive. So, this story in Scripture is one that I can relate too. No matter what your greatest need, God knows already. But, we must approach Him in response to His will for us. This isn’t giving up ~ it is giving into the ultimate and perfect will of the Father.

Meet Zech and Beth
Meet Zechariah and Elizabeth, a very special couple that God had chosen to fulfill His will. They were a couple who loved God and served Him faithfully even though it seemed like they would never receive their deepest desire ~ a child. Let us look at them on a personal level. Just for fun, I’ll call them Zech and Beth to illustrate how human they really were. Just like you and me, they had a past, a present and a future. They had hopes and dreams. They had human bodies that grew older and failed. They had relationships and family. They had jobs and a home. They were people, created by God with a great need for His intervention.

2. Read Luke 1:5-7. What did Zech do for a living?

What family line did he belong to?

Who was Beth?

What was her family line?

What kind of people were they?

What were they lacking?

How old were they?

By looking at their lives, what can we surmise about their deepest desire?


Zech was a priest from the priestly division of Abijah. That means that he was a faithful servant of the Most High God and he was one of many in his family who had served God. Abijah was a direct descendant from the line of Aaron, the first priest appointed by God. (Aaron was the older brother of Moses). So for many, many years the family line of Abijah served God faithfully as priests. You could say that Zech was in the family business. Having a child to carry on the family line was very important to him.

Beth was also from the family line of Aaron, the first priest. She too was part of the family business and supported her husband in his priestly duties. We could probably call her a preacher’s wife. Being a preacher’s wife is not an easy role. You are under a lot of scrutiny and I’m sure she was the brunt of many a wagging tongue. Being in the public eye so-to-speak and being barren, must have been very difficult. Having a child was a major thing for women of that day. So Beth wanted and needed God to answer her prayer.

Divine Interruption
3. Read Luke 1:8-10. What was Zech chosen to do?

What was happening outside the temple?

Zech who was not a high priest, but rather one of the local priests that was chosen by “lot” (a means of deciding issue or determining the divine will in the matter) to serve in the temple. He was to go into the Most Holy Place of the synagogue and burn incense (representing the prayers offered). This was a sacred act on the part of the priest and he was offering it up for all those outside who were in prayer themselves.

4. Read Luke 1:11-17. As Zech was going about his priestly duties inside the Most Holy Place, what happened?

How did Zech respond?

What was the message that he received?

There was definitely a divine interruption that day for Zech. He was going about his business and God interrupted. That so often happens in the lives of those who follow Christ. We get so focused on the task we forget that God is present and wants to talk with us. Zech was startled and rightly so. I would be too if an angel appeared before me. But, it should be no surprise that God is present and wants to give us what we need from the unlimited resources of His love.

5. Read Luke 1:18. What did Zech ask the angel?

Hey, it sounds like a good question to me. But, Zech was standing in the Most Holy Place. God sent His angel to give Him an answer to his prayers. (Maybe not exactly the way Zech had expected.) God knew his deepest longing and gave it to Zech at the perfect time. The child was to herald the coming of the Messiah. God was serious about this message to Zech just like He is serious about the message He has for you and me.

So often we don’t think that God knows enough about how things really are in our lives. We give Him all sorts of ideas and suggestions to help Him along. But, God does know what we need and when we can handle it. There is a divine order that often interrupts the lives of those who seek Him. God indeed wants to interrupt our lives so that He can show us His glory.

6. Read Luke 1:19-20. What was the angel’s response?

God accomplished His blessing while manifesting the weakness of Zech as a human. He took away all hope according to human principles so that all hope would be found in God and that He would be glorified. Zech’s faith did not measure up to the height of his prayers. Was he just praying and not believing? Who knows? All we know is that God did indeed answer Zech’s prayer in a way that poor old Zech could never have imagined. God hadn't forgotten his prayer.

7. Read Luke 1:21-22. Who was waiting for Zech?

What were they wondering?

What happened when they found that Zech couldn’t speak?

God was not punishing Zech, but kept him silent in order for the people praying outside could see that God had spoken to Zech. Maybe if Zech would speak, then he would try to explain God’s actions instead of allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to be displayed through Beth’s pregnancy when it became evident.

God often works the same way in our lives. He gives us His answer to our deepest needs in His time. This is so hard to understand, but we shouldn’t want it any other way. God’s way is the best way. It’s not always the easiest way or the most convenient way. God gives us what we truly need, not necessarily what we really want. There is a difference.

Beth’s Response
8. Read Luke 1:23-25. What happened when Zech’s time of service at the synagogue was over?

What was Beth’s response when she found out that she was pregnant?

When Zech went home after serving at the temple, Beth became pregnant. She stayed in seclusion for any number of reasons, but her response to what was happening to her is the perfect response to an answered prayer. “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. "In these days He has shown His favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” 

We can all learn something from Beth’s response. She recognized the source of her delight. God answered her in a way she could never have imagined. God had indeed taken away her disgrace and blessed her with a child. God may not answer us in the time and way we see fit, but He does hear us and He does answer us according to His will.

Zech and Beth’s Baby 
9. Read Luke 1: 57-66. Answer the following:

What happened when Beth gave birth and the baby was circumcised eight days later?

What did they name the child? How did Zech answer the people who were asking him about the child’s name?

What happened when Zech wrote out the name John?

What did the people do?

Zech’s tongue was loosed when he wrote out the baby’s name ~ “John”. The name “John” means “the favor of the Lord.” The favor of the Lord is the source for true joy and gladness. Zech praised God like no other time. God loosened Zechariah's lips when he bowed in praise and agreement with God. The same is true for you and me. When we bow to the perfect will of God, He can work in us in extraordinary ways. Why do we ever want our own way, when we know that what God desires for us is to show us His favor? His favor is our source for true joy and gladness.

Prayer Time
Go to your Prayer Journal and present your requests to God. Humble yourself before Him and ask Him to fill your needs according to His plan. Accept the favor of the Lord.

Discussion Questions
1. You are blessed to be able to approach God and when you approach Him with the right attitude of who He is and who you are in relationship to Him, you can lay your requests before Him. Do you feel that you can ask God anything? Why or why not?

2. God does know what you need and when you can handle it. There is a divine order that often interrupts the lives of those who seek Him. God indeed wants to interrupt your life so that He can show you His glory. What are your thoughts about God’s divine interruption in your life? 

3. God accomplished His blessing while manifesting the weakness of Zech as a human. He took away all hope according to human principles so that all hope would be found in Him and that He would be glorified. How has God answered some of your prayers in ways you didn’t expect ?

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

We Need God



Asking for help is a hard one for me.  Let me just see if I can do it first, then ~ MAYBE ~ I will ask for help. The truth is that I do need help, we all do. Calling on God is not a sign of weakness. It shows that we recognize that He is greater than we are. This week's lessons will focus on supplication or petitioning God ~ asking Him for help. The first step in that process is recognizing that we are in need of Him.

Because we are not God, we are in need of Him. It sounds too simplistic doesn’t it? We are in need and God is the only one who can supply our needs. So we go to God with our needs and with humble attitudes that He is greater and we are not.  In order to have a right relationship with God, we must recognize His authority over us and fully respect this. This is essential to our communication with God. We want Him to hear us and answer us with His divinely perfect will.

The Greek word for “petition” is “deesis” which means “supplication, request, and prayer for particular benefits.As Christians we are to bring our requests to God. Its ok, in fact it is to be part of our prayer time. By coming to God with our needs we are admitting that we have need of Him. Great need!

1. Read Philippians 4:6. What kinds of things are we to bring before the Lord?

What can’t we bring to God?

We are to bring everything to Him. It’s ok. We must not feel guilty for bringing our needs before God no matter the size.  I have often heard people say that they do not want to bother the Lord with their little problems. For some reason we save our requests for the “BIG” issues of life. People say things like, “Just answer this one God and I will never bother You again” or “If You give me this request I will devote my self to You the rest of my life.” 

Our prayer time becomes a bargaining time with God. Does this sound familiar to you? It does to me, because I’ve done it myself. We learn from His Word that He doesn’t work that way. God is very up front with us. He says to rejoice, be gentle, don’t be anxious and ask Him to fill our needs. He is faithful. He desires nothing from us but our love and obedience to Him.

Over this last week of our study on “Prayer” we will break down the petition part of our prayers. Let’s begin by reading the following scripture passage and see what we can learn at the feet of God through His Word.

2. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-6 and answer the following:

Verse 1- What does Paul urge the believer to do?

Verse 2– What does Paul include that we are to pray for? Why?

Verse 3– Why does Paul say that this good?

Verse 4- What does God our Savior want for everyone?

Verse 5 – Who is the mediator between God and man?

Verse 6- How did Christ make this mediation between God and mankind possible?

The Apostle Paul is urging us to seek God in all things. In other words He is the source for all of our needs. There is no better or more perfect source than at the feet of our Heavenly Father.

We see that in the first two verses we are to present our:
Requests
Prayers
Intercession
Thanksgiving

And he states we are to do it for three groups of people. These include:
Everyone
Kings
All those in authority

He then gives us the reason for this:
To live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
It is good and pleasing to God.
God wants all people to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth.

When we say our prayers, they should not just be only for ourselves and those we love, but for everyone we know, for the government and other authorities. Remember that prayer is our response to God and we are seeking His will concerning who and what we are praying for. When pray, we are not giving God our ideas or plans for these people, but rather we are asking God for His plan.

We have learned that God is the Supreme Ruler and Authority and that we are to submit ourselves before Him. As we see in 1 Timothy 2:5-6, Paul states, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all men – the testimony given in its proper time.”

We can approach God because of two things:
God has given us the way.
Jesus has made the way.

It is essential to recognize that God has given us the way to approach Him through His Son Jesus Christ. And Jesus has made the way through His selfless act of paying our ransom through His death and victory over it.

I never want to forget what it took for me to enter the Holy of Holies and approach the Throne of God. So often I do forget when I casually throw up a prayer. My ability to pray at all came at a tremendous cost. It cost Jesus His life. He paid for my life and the forgiveness of the debt of my sin with His life and He sits at the right hand of the Father bidding me to come and enter and communicate with the Creator of the Universe ~ the Creator of my heart.

3. Read John 14:6. Write out the verse:

Apply this verse to prayer.

We need Jesus. We are in great need of Him because He is the only way to God. As we learn more about asking God to fill our needs through Jesus, we must admit that we are in need of Him. There is no one greater, no one able to fulfill the physical, mental and spiritual needs we have.

Prayer Time
Go to your prayer journal and admit your need of Jesus. He is the only way to God. Lay all you ideas down and approach God with a heart ready to receive God’s best for you and those who are in your life and those who affect your life. Ask God to reveal His perfect plan. Learn to trust that He knows best. God is waiting to hear you and answer you. Open your heart to Him.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
 Trust in God; trust also in Me.” John 14:1

Discussion Questions
1. Calling on God is not a sign of weakness. It shows that you recognize that God is greater than you are. Why do we need God?

2. You are to bring everything to God. There is no guilt in admitting your need to Him. Are there certain things that you feel you shouldn’t bother God with? 


3. When you pray, your prayers should not only be for yourself and those you love, but for everyone you know, for the government and other authorities over you. How can you pray for those in authority when you don’t like them, even hate them, their policies and laws? And if you do pray for them, how should you pray for them?


Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Fellowship of Thanksgiving



Today’s lesson will focus on our fellowship with Jesus Christ. This fellowship is the basis for all we are as believers in Him. And yet we neglect this portion of our thanksgiving so often. Can you picture yourself at a party given in your honor by a dear friend? All around you are the things you love and enjoy in life. You enjoy the punch and cake (for me in would be coffee and key lime pie) and talk with all your friends and family. Laughter fills the room. You fellowship or interact with everyone and forget the dear friend who threw the party for you. You never get around to enjoying their company and forget to thank them for this great celebration they have prepared for you. Does this story sound ridiculous? Yet, this is what we do to Jesus. We forget to talk to Him and thank Him for all He has done for us.

1. Read 1 Corinthians 1:4-9. (NIV) Write out verse nine and circle the words “called,” “fellowship” and “faithful.”

The Holy God, Creator of the universe, has called you and me into fellowship with His most precious Son Jesus. We are called into this relationship by God who is faithful. In other words, God has invited us into a relationship with God the Father ~ God the Son ~ God the Holy Spirit. This is a relationship like none other because it involves the “Three-in-One” ~ who are called Faithful and True. God expects us to participate faithfully as well.

The Invitation
Let’s look at the first word I asked you to circle in 1 Corinthians 1:9. The Greek word for “called” is “kaleio” and “means to call, summon or appoint; to name; to invite.”

We are going to draw our attention to the word “invite.” Our invitation, sent by God, is a divine invitation to salvation and eternal life with Him.

2. Read Hebrews 3:1. What are we as believers to share in?

What are we to focus on?

Whoa! Our invitation to participate in a relationship with Jesus is a heavenly calling. So often I forget the magnitude of this invitation. I become presumptive of it and ride rough shod over it, neglecting this holy calling. God sent His only Son to this earth to invite us into fellowship with Him. Now that’s some invitation.

3. Read 2 Timothy 1:8-10. Focus on verse 9. What has God called us to? Why?

There is a plan and a purpose for everyone based on the grace of God.  He has sent us an invitation brought to us by the Holy Spirit. He did not send out the invitation just for the fun of it. He issued His call to us specifically to line up with His purpose of grace. The rest is up to us. The question is: Do we accept His invitation to fellowship with Him?

4. Read Romans 8:28. Write out this verse:

We are called (invited) according to His purpose. God, in His great wisdom, has called us for His divine purpose. He invites us into a relationship with Him. This relationship is one in which the Triune God ~ God the Father ~ God the Son ~ God the Holy Spirit already participate in together. It is full of perfect love and joy. It is delightful and God wants us to join in.

Fellowship with the King
5. Turn to Acts 2:42-47. These six verses talk about our fellowship as believers. This is how we are called to participate with Christ and His body (other believers). We will go verse by verse to help define what we are called into fellowship for:

Verse 42- What four things did this group of believers devote themselves to?
1. ______________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

Verse 43- Because of their devotion, everyone was filled with awe. They were participating in this holy relationship with King Jesus. What did they witness?

Verse 44- When believers are in fellowship with Jesus and with each other what is the result?

Verse 45- What is the action taking place in this verse?

Verse 46- What did the believers do in this verse?

Verse 47- The result of their fellowship as believers was exhibited in two ways. What are they? 
         1. 

         2. 

In the second half of this verse, God shows His favor by doing what?

These few verses describe a party that is going on. Believers are called to participate in a right relationship with God and others.  We are to study God’s Word, meet together regularly, be nourished and join in prayer together as well as individually. “Self” is not priority. A giving of ourselves is required so that by our gifts we help provide, through the power of the Holy Spirit, for the needs of others. We are provided for as well. All are provided for. This is unity. By this we will see God’s hand move.

By participating in a right relationship with Christ, we speak to Him in our prayers and enjoy His favor. The results of our relationship, our active participation, will result in God’s blessing. More and more people will come into relationship with God by giving control of their lives to Jesus. Our thanksgiving should reflect this in our prayers and praise to our God.

We have learned that God has invited us into a relationship with Him. He offers us His fellowship, which is our inclusion into the holy relationship of ~ God the Father ~ God the Son ~ God the Holy Spirit. God is faithful forever and ever. Best of all, He gave us His most precious Son Jesus to make this fellowship possible. And Jesus is coming again!!

Prayer Time
Go to your Prayer Journal and take this time to thank Him for His faithfulness. Spend some time enjoying the fellowship of God. Let Him talk too. Be still and know that He is God.

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, 
whose rider is called Faithful and True.” Revelation 19:11a

Enjoy the fellowship of the Mighty One.
He loves you infinitely. Love Him too.

Discussion Questions
1. The Holy God, Creator of the universe, has called you and me into fellowship with His most precious Son Jesus. God expects us to participate faithfully as well. How are you doing in your time spent in fellowship with Him? Describe.


2. Believers are called to participate in a right relationship with God and others Followers of Christ Jesus. How do you or don’t you participate in fellowship with other believers? Explain.


3. When we enter into fellowship with Jesus, we will see Him faithful in all things. How have you experienced the evidence of God’s faithfulness? If you haven’t, why don’t you think this is so?



Monday, January 21, 2013

Give Thanks for Strength and Blamelessness



Let’s begin today’s lesson by reviewing 1 Corinthians 1:4-9.
                                 
1. Now fill in the following blanks from 1 Corinthians 1:8 (NIV):
“He will _______________ you ___________________ to the end, so that you will be __________________ on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

From this verse we see two benefits of the grace given to us as believers in Jesus the Holy One of God:
* Strength
* Blamelessness

Sometimes I forget that I am filled with the Holy Spirit of the Living God. That sounded so weird when I wrote it, but really it is very true at times. I depend on myself too often. Why don’t I remember that the Holy Spirit is the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead and gives us victory over sin and death? It’s like dying of thirst when there is a deep well full of cool, clean, refreshing water right before me.

2. Turn to Romans 8:11. What is the common denominator between Christ’s resurrection from death and our mortal bodies?

Do you see the power? This power resides within you and me. My human mind has a hard time getting a grasp of this concept. So, I want us to go further into these verses.

3. Read Romans 8:16. Write out this verse:

It is not with my mind, a mind limited by this mortal body, but with my spirit that the Holy Spirit testifies. And because my spirit is created in His image and is eternal in nature, my spirit receives the truth of the Holy Spirit. The truth is I am a child of the Almighty.

4. Read on in verse 17. Who does the Spirit say we are? What do we share with Jesus?

As co-heirs with Christ, we have the power of the Living God residing in us. Just as Christ suffered on this earth and was raised to glory, so will we be raised. Life is hard on this earth. Everyone ~ believers and nonbelievers ~ have pain. But, believers have an eternal inheritance with Christ Jesus that promises joy and strength in the midst of it all. We share in His glory.

5. Read James 1:12. Who does this verse say is blessed? What will this person receive?

We will receive and wear the crown of life when we reach heaven after our mortal bodies fail and die. God’s strength is given to us by the Holy Spirit while on this earth. God provides us with His strength. This gives us a great reason to express our thanks to Him in prayer and in the actions of our lives.

The Greek word used for “keep strong” is “bebaioo” and means “to make firm or reliable so as to warrant security and inspire confidence. It means to strengthen, make true, fulfill.” Wow! Firm and reliable ~ security and confidence ~ fulfillment. It seems to me that everyone is looking for all of the above. Believers in Jesus receive all of the promises of God to their fullest. Why don't we really believe it when the rubber hits the road?

The world of flesh turns our heads away from the true source of strength, security, confidence and fulfillment. The distractions that this world offers keep us from experiencing all that God has for us. Keeping our eyes on Him gives us security and confidence as we walk on this failing earth. We are kept strong through the power of the Holy Spirit residing in us so that we will be blameless before Christ when He comes to judge the world.

6. Read 1 Thessalonians 3:13. (NIV) Fill in the blanks: 

“May He _____________________ your ______________ so that you will be __________________________ and ____________ in the presence of our _________ and _________________ when our ____________ Jesus ______________ with all His holy ones.”

Notice the word “blameless”. It is used with the word “holy”. To go before the presence of the Holy God, we must be holy. The Greek word for “blameless” is “anenkletos” and means “unaccused, free from any legal charge at all.” It really means that the charges pending against us are dropped! When Christ comes and all people stand before His judgment seat, those who gave their lives to the mercy of Christ and were His on earth will be declared “not guilty.” Those who didn’t give their lives to Him will receive the torture of a living death without Him. We, however, receive the inheritance we will share with the King Himself ~ Jesus!

7. Read Colossians 1:21-23 Who were we alienated from? (Verse 21) Why?

How are we reconciled to God?  (Verse 22)

There is an “if” to our reconciliation. What is it? (Verse 23a)

Who has the gospel been proclaimed to? (Verse 23b)

In our sinful nature we are separated from God. The gap between us is an infinite chasm created by our sin. There is no way across it without help. Christ is the (only) blameless one to make a way. He is the only way. But, just because there is a way to God, the rest is up to us. He does not force us to go. The decision is ours. We move toward God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and this requires action on our part. It isn’t enough just to believe, but we must move forward by faith.

Prayer Time
When we choose Christ ~ our way to God ~ God only sees what Christ has done for us and not our sin. Go to your Prayer Journal and express your joy Godward for these gifts of strength and blamelessness.

Discussion Questions
1. What are the two benefits of the grace given to us as believers in Jesus the Holy One of God that we learned about in this lesson? What do they mean to a Follower of Christ?

2. It is not with your mind, a mind limited by this mortal body, but with your spirit the Holy Spirit testifies. And because your spirit is created in His image and is eternal in nature, it receives the truth of the Holy Spirit. The truth is you are a child of the Almighty. How can you apply this truth to your life?

3. As co-heirs with Christ, we have the power of the Living God residing in us. Just as Christ suffered on this earth and was raised to glory, and so will we be raised. Life is hard on this earth. Everyone ~ believers and nonbelievers ~ have pain. Describe the power given to the Follower of Christ.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Giving Thanks for Spiritual Gifts



Let’s learn more about “Expressing Our Joy Godward” Turn again to 1Corinthians 1:4-9.

1. Write out 1 Corinthians 1:7 in your own words.


Those who are followers of Jesus, the Holy One of God, do not lack any spiritual gift as we eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to come back. In other words, we are supplied with all we need to live out our lives on this earth as we anticipate the Lord’s return. He didn’t just leave us stranded, but supplies us with everything we need.

Each follower of Christ has been given spiritual gifts to lift up or edify other believers and to draw the unbeliever, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to Jesus. We must be willing and obedient to use these gifts. Do not let your gifts sit idle or be timid about using them. The Lord intends for us to use our gifts that He gave us.

2. Read Matthew 25:14-30. What do you think this parable means?

We are all given certain gifts and we must be obedient to God and use them. By using your spiritual gifts, you are expressing your joy Godward. You thank Him through your actions, not just in words.

3. Read 2 Timothy 1: 6-7. What are we to do with the gift(s) given to us?

What did God NOT give us? 

What DID He give us?

If you are timid, this timidity is not from God. It is not one of His gifts. It stands in direct contrast to what the Holy Spirit does give us which is power, love and self-discipline. We express our joy Godward by renouncing timidity as a lie of the evil one and by accepting the gifts that God gives us.

4. Read 1 Timothy 4:14. What are we not to neglect? Why?

Have you ever given a gift to someone and they received it with a lot less enthusiasm than you wanted them to have? It hurt you, didn’t it? I know that I feel a great deal of deflation when this happens. For me, I know how much thought I put into the gift and to see the gift pushed to the side with the recipient looking at me with a look of, “Is this all you have?” or “I wanted what you gave her!” This makes me sad. It hurts me. I am disappointed. The same is true with the Holy Spirit. We grieve Him when we push our gifts aside, the ones He tailor made for us.

5. Read the following passages and fill in the blanks: 
1 Thessalonians 5:19. (NIV) “Do not _________ _________ the Spirit’s ______________...”

Ephesians 4:30 (NIV) “And do not _________________ the Holy Spirit of God, with who you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

We grieve the Holy Spirit and put out His fire in our lives when we do not use our spiritual gifts and are not thankful for them. When we succumb to lies of the evil one like, “You’re not good enough.” or, “Do you really have that gift or do you just think you have that gift?” Or, “It will look like you think that you are better that everyone if you use your gift.” or, how about this one, “Don’t draw attention to myself.” When we say these things we grieve the Holy Spirit and His fire inside us is dimmed.

6. What does Jesus say about the light given to us in Matthew 5:14 –16

The light we shine when we use the gifts and talents from God draw others to Him. Maybe you aren’t sure what your gifts are. Let me assure you that your do have gifts. If you ask God He will reveal what gifts He has placed within you. In fact, He is excited to do it. Isn't it time you asked Him?

Prayer Time
Go to your Prayer Journal and express your joy Godward for the gifts that He has given you. Confess any unbelief, neglect or ungratefulness you have for your spiritual gift(s).

Discussion Questions
1. As believers in Jesus, the Holy One of God, we do not lack any spiritual gift. Do you believe that you have been given any spiritual gifts? Why or why not? Do you know what they are?

2. If you are timid, this timidity is not from God. It is not one of His gifts Are you timid? How is it affecting your life? 

3. The evil one wants for us to believe his lies about who we are and what we have been given by God. Have you or are you believing those lies? Explain.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

The Testimony of Giving Thanks



Day One set the stage for week five, “Thanksgiving in Prayer” We’ve learned that Thanksgiving is the expression of joy Godward. Our God is the Supplier of the joy that results in our thanksgiving.

1. Turn to 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 and refresh your memory of the grace given to us by God through Jesus. There are five benefits of grace that we find there. We will be studying these five benefits this week. Refresh your memory by looking back at the beginning of Day One and list the benefits listed there:

*
*
*
*
*

Our lesson for today will focus on 1 Corinthians 1:6 ~ our testimony for Christ. We give thanks to God for the testimony of our faith confirmed in our lives and the lives of other believers. For example, when my daughter sings, I thank God for the testimony of her faith in Christ that she exhibits to those who hear her.

The dictionary defines “testimony” as “a declaration or confirmation of action or truth, as it is given before a court. It is evidence in support of a fact or assertion; proof.”

When a Christian gives testimony about God or Christ, people will hear Truth. They may or may not believe it, but vital testimony is given each time a believers testifies for Jesus. Each time testimony is given about the Holy One, it is confirmed by previous testimony given. The testimony about the Lord is infinite. He never runs out of witnesses to His Truth. You and I, if we are believers, are included on this witness and evidence list.

There are 3 areas of testimony that we will study today:

1. God’s testimony confirmed.
2. Christ’s testimony confirmed.
3. The Holy Spirit’s testimony confirmed.

These 3 areas of testimony are reasons for our thanksgiving. Each one gives us joy because Christ’s name and purpose is glorified. It brings God’s grace into clear view for all to see.

God’s Testimony Confirmed
2. Read John 5:31-32. Who do you think testifies in Christ’s favor?

According to the legal system, of the Jews of that day, a person’s testimony of themselves was not sufficient nor accepted in court. There had to be another witness to validate the person’s testimony. Christ claimed the valid testimony of God. There is no better testimony than God the Father. God the Son relied on this rock solid testimony of Himself. His testimony is written throughout the Old Testament. This means that Jesus is who He says He is and we can depend on it. There is validity in the words and actions of our Lord Jesus through God the Father.

3. Read 1 John 5:6-12. Who are the three who testify? 

*
*

What do the water and blood symbolize?

How does the Holy Spirit testify?

When God testifies, He testifies by the power of the Triune God. The Spirit of the Living God testifies through the power of Himself, through water (baptism) and through blood (Christ’s death). We see His testimony exhibited in Christ, in His baptism and in His death. The results of His testimony are the resurrected life in Christ Jesus over the power of sin leading to death. It is because of this testimony that we give our thanks. We express our joy of Godward because of the truth in God’s own testimony. It is rock solid and we can stand firmly on it.

We give thanks for the testimony of God.

Christ’s Testimony Confirmed
Although Christ is God and their testimony is eternally linked, we need to learn about the testimony Christ gives.

4. Read Revelation 1:4-5. What 3 things does John call Jesus?
*
*
*

John calls Jesus “the faithful witness.” I love it! What a name! It describes Jesus’ testimony as one in which we can fully rely on. It is faithful, wholly true. Jesus, who is God and has been before time began, testifies that there is a way to a right relationship with God and an escape from the punishment of sin that is death.

Did you see that John also called Him “the firstborn from the dead”? This title of Jesus relates to His victory over death, making a way, the only way, to eternal life. John calls Him, “the ruler over the kings of this earth.” He is the King of Kings. There is no authority higher than His. Even though He is the highest authority, He still gave His testimony to us. He conquered death for us.

Christ’s testimony is simple. He testifies that He is the Way to the Father. Not only does He tell us the way, He shows us the way by His death and resurrection. Jesus is telling us to come and listen to Him because He has taken care of the separation between us and God. He’s made a way and He’s asking us to see what He has done, believe His words and seek Him. Call out to Him because He loves you so much. Turn away from the destruction and certain death this world offers. Turn around and run to His arms. He is the only way! There is joy and peace and all the things you will ever need.

We give thanks for the testimony of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit’s Testimony Confirmed
5. Read Roman’s 8:16. What is the testimony of the Holy Spirit? 

The Holy Spirit testifies to the world and to God that we are children of the King. We share in His wealth. In verse 17 we read, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs ~ heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” Our inheritance is based on our relationship with God the Father made right by our belief in Jesus. It cannot be taken from us. The Holy Spirit testifies to this.

The Holy Spirit testifies to our inheritance in Christ.  He resides in us as a reminder to this truth. Softly He whispers His testimony of God in our ears. He shows us the wonders of God’s creation that bears witness to His glory. The Spirit moves us to praise and thanksgiving. This thanksgiving is further testimony of the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord for the testimony of His Holy Spirit.

We give thanks for the testimony of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Time
What is your testimony? Can you testify to the Truth of Christ? Go to your Prayer Journal and take this opportunity to testify to God about what you believe about Him. Tell Him all that He has done for you. Express your joy Godward!

Discussion Questions
1. When God testifies, He testifies by the power of the Triune God. Describe the testimony of God.

2. John calls Jesus “the faithful witness.” I love it! What a name! It describes Jesus’ testimony as one in which we can rely on. Describe the testimony of Jesus.

3. The Holy Spirit testifies to the world and to God that we are children of the King. Describe the testimony of the Holy Spirit.

Friday, January 18, 2013

The Enrichment of Giving Thanks



Thanksgiving is the expression of joy Godward. Our joy is supplied by God when we place our faith in Him. We do not supply our own joy. The joy we receive by faith, we express in our thanks to God. We receive joy because of the love He has for His Son Jesus. The relationship of the Triune God is one of love and delight. God is happy and full of joy. He celebrates when anyone places their trust in Him through Jesus. It delights Him. We are included in this delight-filled, happy, joyous and perfect love relationship enjoyed by ~ God the Father ~ God the Son ~ God the Holy Spirit. We are included because of one five-lettered word, “grace.” In our prayers we offer thanksgiving, the expression of our joy Godward, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read 1 Corinthians 1:4-9. (NIV) Fill in the blanks.
“I always ____________ God for you because of His ______________ given to you in Christ Jesus. For in Him you have been ____________________ in every way-in all your _________________ and in all your _________________________ because of our _______________________ about Christ was _____________________ in you. Therefore you do not lack any ______________________ ________________ as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you _________________ to the end, so that you will be _____________________ on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into _________________________ with His Son Jesus Christ, is faithful.”

In these six verses we see God’s grace, love and faithfulness extended to those who love His Son Jesus. All six fall under the heading of “Grace.” Paul establishes the reason behind His thanksgiving ~ grace. Though Paul is writing to the Corinthian believers, the message transcends time to those who believe in Jesus now and through the generations to come. Every believer receives this grace through Jesus Christ. This is truly a reason for our thanksgiving.

Let’s look at the five benefits under the heading of “Grace Given” These benefits will in turn be the titles of the lessons for each day of this week:

“Grace Given”

Day One“Enrichment of Thanksgiving” (In all speech and knowledge)

Day Two – “Testimony of Thanksgiving” (Confirmation)

Day Three – “Thanksgiving for Spiritual Gifts” (Not lacking)

Day Four – “Thanksgiving for Strength & Blamelessness” (Given until Christ’s return)

Day Five – “The Fellowship of Thanksgiving”(God is Faithful)

Understanding that grace through Jesus Christ is not just a nice word that we hear at church, but is the catalyst that stirs the embers of our faith and gives us reason to thank God through His delight of Jesus. Let’s begin by looking further into God’s grace where we find a treasure given to us by God for our benefit. His grace enriches us as we thank Him in our prayers and daily life.

Enrichment of Thanksgiving
By grace through Jesus, we are enriched in our speech and knowledge. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t realize that when I choose to walk in the grace of Jesus, through faith, I allow Him to control my tongue and my brain. When I say things that are cruel or selfish, I know that I am not walking in grace through faith. God enriches my life through faith, speech and knowledge. On my own I am limited when hard things come my way.

Read 2 Corinthians 8:7. What do we excel in grace through Jesus Christ?

What do you think about giving as part of our thanksgiving before God?

Again, Paul writes about the benefits of grace but adds earnestness, love and giving to the list. In our enriched speech and knowledge, action is required with earnestness, coupled with love, that results in the grace of giving. So often we think of giving back to God separate from our thanksgiving and prayer. It’s a vital part. We want to give our best to the Master in all areas of our lives. 

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11. Summarize these verses and apply them to your life. Include how you are doing in your giving as part of your prayer life. How can you improve?


With the power that comes through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which we receive because of God’ grace, the believer is supplied with all they need for every good work that God asks us to do. The Bible tells us that God scatters His gifts to the poor.

Psalm 112:9 (NLT) They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. 

The Greek word for “poor” is “penes” which means “poor, though able to help oneself through their own labor.”

God supplies what we need to do things for ourselves and others. We don’t just sit back and say, “God will do this for me,” or “God will take care of the needy.” No, God knows we are lacking the means on our own. He supplies the ability and strength so we can do good works for ourselves and others that bring glory to His Name. Giving is an essential part of our communication with God. It is acknowledging that He is the giver of all good gifts.

Read Malachi 3:10. What does this verse say we are to bring to God? Why?

What does the Lord say is the result of this?

You may be asking what tithing (giving the first 10th of all we have) has to do with God supplying us or enriching us for good works. Well, it means everything. Not only do we tithe our money, we tithe ourselves. We offer Him tithes of thanksgiving for all He gives to us. We offer thanksgiving for the benefits of His grace. 

The world doesn’t work that way. It takes and takes, but doesn’t give back or supply any need. In the world we are on our own. The Bible says that His righteousness endures forever. (Psalm 112:3) His actions and His interaction are right with you and me. He gives us what we need to live on this earth and what we need for a right relationship with Him. God enriches all our speech and knowledge with the entirety of who He is. Our thanksgiving is a reflection of His enrichment. 

Prayer Time
Go to your Prayer Journal and take the time to offer up to Him your thanksgiving for the enrichment He gives to you. Ask Him to reveal where you can improve on your giving. If you haven’t been giving back to God tell Him so and ask for His help and direction.

Discussion Questions

1. Thanksgiving is the expression of joy Godward. Our joy is supplied by God when we place our faith in Him. We do not supply our own joy. How do you express your thanksgiving to God in your prayer time and throughout the day?

2. By the grace found in Jesus, we are enriched in all speaking and knowledge. When I say things that are cruel or selfish, I know that I am not walking in grace through faith. God enriches my life through faith, speech and knowledge. Do you allow God to control you speech? Explain.

3. Again, Paul writes about the benefits of grace but adds earnestness, love and giving to the list. We want to give our best to the Master in all areas of our lives. What are your thoughts on giving back to God?