QQ4: Old Testament Survey

The Old Testament is divided into five sections: the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy), the historical books (Joshua through Esther), the poetic books (Job through Song of Solomon), the Major Prophets (Isaiah through Daniel), and the Minor Prophets (Hosea through Malachi). The Old Testament was written from approximately 1400 B.C. to approximately 400 B.C. The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, with a few small sections written in Aramaic (essentially a variation of Hebrew).

The Old Testament deals primarily with the relationship between God and the nation of Israel. The Pentateuch deals with the creation of Israel and God establishing a covenant relationship with Israel. The historical books record Israel's history, its victories and successes along with its defeats and failures. The poetic books give us a more intimate look at God’s relationship with Israel and His passion for Israel to worship and obey Him. The prophetic books are God’s call to Israel to repent from its idolatry and unfaithfulness and to return to a relationship of obedience and spiritual fidelity.

Characters of the old testament
(other than God…of course)

Abraham

The patriarch of the Hebrew people. Abraham is traditionally called “Father Abraham” because the Israelite people and their religion descend from him. God establishes his covenant, or promise, with Abraham, and God develops an ongoing relationship with the Israelites through Abraham’s descendants. Abraham practices the monotheistic worship of God, and his resilient faith in God, despite many challenges, sets the pattern for the Israelite religion’s view of righteousness.

Moses

The reluctant savior of Israel in its exodus from Egyptian bondage to the promised land. Moses mediates between God and the people, transforming the Israelites from an oppressed ethnic group into a nation founded on religious laws. Moses’s legendary miracles before Pharaoh, along with his doubts and insecurities, make him the great mortal hero of the Old Testament. He is the only man ever to know God “face to face.” Four out of the five books of the Pentateuch are devoted to Moses and Israel’s activities under his leadership.

David

The king of Israel and the founder of Jerusalem, or “Zion.” David’s reign marks the high point of Israel in the biblical narrative. Although David’s claim to the throne is threatened by Saul and by David’s own son, Absalom, David maintains his power by blending shrewd political maneuvering with a magnanimous and forgiving treatment of his enemies. David’s decision to bring the Ark of the Covenant—Israel’s symbol of God—to the capital of Jerusalem signals the long-awaited unification of the religious and political life of Israel in the promised land.

Jacob

The grandson of Abraham, Jacob is the third patriarch of the Israelite people and the father of the twelve sons who form the tribes of Israel. Jacob experiences a life fraught with deception, bewilderment, and change. He steals his brother Esau’s inheritance right and wrestles with God on the banks of the Jabbok River. Appropriately, the nation that springs from Jacob’s children derives its name from Jacob’s God-given name, “Israel.” “Israel” means “struggles with God,” and Jacob’s struggles are emblematic of the tumultuous story of the nation of Israel.

Joseph

Jacob’s son and the head official for the Pharaoh of Egypt. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rises to power in Egypt and saves his family from famine. Joseph’s calm and gracious response to his brothers’ betrayal introduces the pattern of forgiveness and redemption that characterizes the survival of the Israelite people throughout the Old Testament.

Saul

Israel’s first king. After God chooses Saul to be king, Saul loses his divine right to rule Israel by committing two religious errors. Saul acts as a character foil to David, because his plot to murder David only highlights David’s mercy to Saul in return. Saul’s inner turmoil over the inscrutability of God’s exacting standards makes him a sympathetic but tragic figure.

Solomon

David’s son and the third king of Israel. Solomon builds the opulent Temple in Jerusalem and ushers in Israel’s greatest period of wealth and power. God grants Solomon immense powers of knowledge and discernment in response to Solomon’s humble request for wisdom. Solomon’s earthly success hinders his moral living, however, and his weakness for foreign women and their deities leads to Israel’s downfall.

Elijah & Elisha

The prophets who oppose the worship of the god Baal in Israel. After the division of Israel into two kingdoms, Elijah and his successor, Elisha, represent the last great spiritual heroes before Israel’s exile. Their campaign in northern Israel against King Ahab and Jezebel helps to lessen Israel’s growing evil but does not restore Israel’s greatness. Israel’s demise makes Elijah and Elisha frustrated doomsayers and miracle workers rather than national leaders or saviors.

Adam & Eve

The first man and woman created by God. Adam and Eve introduce human evil into the world when they eat the fruit of a tree God has forbidden them to touch.

Noah

The survivor of God’s great flood. Noah obediently builds the large ark, or boat, that saves the human race and the animal kingdom from destruction. Noah is the precursor to Abraham, because Noah represents the first instance of God’s attempt to form a covenant with humanity through one person.

Isaac

Abraham’s son and the second member in the triumvirate of Israel’s patriarchs. Isaac’s importance consists less in his actions than in the way he is acted upon by others. God tests Abraham by commanding him to kill his son Isaac, and Isaac’s blindness and senility allow his own son Jacob to steal Isaac’s blessing and the inheritance of God’s covenant.

Aaron

Moses’s brother, who assists Moses in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. God designates Aaron to be the first high priest in Israel. The quiet Aaron often stands between Moses and the people to soften Moses’s angry response to their sinful behavior.

Joshua

The successor of Moses as Israel’s leader. Joshua directs the people in their sweeping military campaign to conquer and settle the Promised Land. Joshua’s persistent exhortations to Israel to remain obedient to God imply that he doubts Israel will do so. His exhortations foreshadow Israel’s future religious struggles.

Samson

One of Israel’s judges and an epic hero who thwarts the neighboring Philistines with his superhuman strength. Samson is rash, belligerent, and driven by lust for foreign women—qualities that contradict Jewish religious ideals. Samson’s long hair is both the source of his strength and the symbol of his religious devotion to God as a Nazirite. Samson’s character demonstrates that in the bible, heroic potential is gauged not by human excellence but by faith in God.

Samuel

The last of Israel’s judges and the prophet who anoints both Saul and David as king. Samuel fulfills political and priestly duties for Israel, but he ushers in Israel’s monarchy mainly as a prophet—one who pronounces God’s words and decisions. Samuel’s stoic and aloof position in Israel allows Saul to struggle with God and his fate on his own.

Absalom

David’s son, who attempts to overthrow his father’s throne. Absalom’s violent rise to power suggests that the evil that corrupts Israel comes from within.

Joab

King David’s loyal military commander. Joab serves as a foil to David’s successful combination of religion and politics. Joab’s reasonable desire to see justice and retribution delivered to the kingdom’s traitors emphasizes the unusual quality of David’s kindness to his enemies.

Rehoboam & Jeroboam

The opposing kings who divide Israel into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam and Jeroboam introduce rampant worship of idols and false gods into their kingdoms. Each king acts both as a point of contrast and a double, or mirror, for the other, allowing the biblical reader to trace the rapid growth of evil in Israel’s two kingdoms.

Ahab & Jezebel

The most wicked rulers of Israel. Ahab and Jezebel spread cult worship of the pagan god Baal throughout the northern kingdom. Dogs gather to eat their blood at their deaths, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy.

Esther

A timid Jewish girl who becomes the queen of Persia. Esther boldly and cunningly persuades the king of Persia to remove his edict calling for the death of the exiled Jews.

Job

The subject of God and Satan’s cosmic experiment to measure human faithfulness to God in the midst of immense pain. Job scorns false contrition and the advice of his friends, preferring instead to question God’s role in human suffering. He retains an open and inquisitive mind, remaining faithful in his refusal to curse God.

1. Do a “SOAPQ” study every day

2. Ask someone else one of your questions!

3. Bring a question to B&B with you next week.

QQ3: Bible Study Tools

What’s in the Bible? video

Bible Study Tools:

1. Study Bibles: combine multiple study tools (such as a Bible dictionary and commentary) into one relatively compact volume. the notes within are usually much more concise and to-the-point than full commentaries. When sold in print, the text of the Bible is placed right alongside or above the notes and articles.

2. Commentaries: are meant to assist the reader in understanding a Biblical text by giving comments on the context and meaning of the text. The various contexts discussed may include the literary context, historical context, cultural context, and the language of the text.

3. Parallel Bibles: used for looking at different translations at once. The choices that translators make are not arbitrary. When two translations “disagree” on the translation of a particular verse or phrase, it’s not necessarily that one is right and the other is wrong (although that is possible).

4. Devotionals: A devotional writing is simply an expounding of a Bible verse, just as teaching or preaching does, in a short format for easy digestion. It can be a series of meditations. It can be a liturgical exercise. It can be a daily selection of verses, accompanied by a thoughtful essay.

Questions to get you started if you’re struggling:

• Read John 2:13-22 - Why would Jesus be so mad? What did He mean by “destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”?

• Read Luke 11:38-42 - What did Mary discover that was worth being concerned about?

• Read Luke 11:29-32 - What was the sign of Jonah?

• Luke 22:31-38 - Why did Jesus tell them to take swords? Why did he plead for Peter in prayer?

1. Do a “SOAPQ” study every day

2. Ask someone else one of your questions!

3. Bring a question to B&B with you next week.

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ONE WAY TO STUDY IT:

Do a SOAP study! (I added the “Q”) Pick a passage, and write these items in a notebook:

S-scripture
O-observation
A-application
P-prayer
Q-question

HOW TO GET STARTED:

• Start in John. Read about the life of Jesus first, and then keep going into Acts…the beginning of the church.

• Start slow. Don’t read to consume…or to check off a box. Read a small passage at a time, take it in, let it sink in, ask questions, fully understand it.

• Pray.

QQ2: Books of the Bible

Different types of literature in the Bible

1. Do a “SOAPQ” study every day

2. Ask someone else one of your questions!

3. Bring a question to B&B with you next week.

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One way to study it:

Do a SOAP study! (I added the “Q”) Pick a passage, and write these items in a notebook:

S-scripture
O-observation
A-application
P-prayer
Q-question

How to get started:

• Start in John. Read about the life of Jesus first, and then keep going into Acts…the beginning of the church.

• Start slow. Don’t read to consume…or to check off a box. Read a small passage at a time, take it in, let it sink in, ask questions, fully understand it.

• Pray.

Quarter of Questions

The Question Quarter

In my head, I've been calling the Fall 2023 Semester of B&B The "Question Quarter" 😆...and what I'd like is for us to come to B&B WITH questions about the Bible prepared, so we can talk about them, research them, and answer them together! So--if you plan to come to Bold & Brave this semester (and I hope you do!!), bring a question with you! We’re going to be like Bible Detectives, sniffing out the truth, and solving the mysteries!

Question Rules:

1. Cannot be general (i.e. What does the Bible say about ____?) Google this easily and find all the scriptures available beforehand...then come up with a more specific question!

2. Must have a Bible reference attached (i.e. Why does Jesus say "I did not come to abolish the law" in Matthew 5:17?) We will attempt to answer it together!
   
   

   Bring a Bible (study bible if you have it!) and notebook with you! I can't wait to see how this goes! Who's coming??

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Things you have to understand to understand the Bible:

1. There are 66 individual books. Each with their own...(so don't be embarrassed about having questions!)

2. The Bible interprets the Bible. (not your feelings and opinions)

3. It's true. (whether you like it or not. we adjust to IT, not the other way around)

4. Read it systematically AND prophetically

5. It's holy and precious. 

One way to study it:

Do a SOAP study! (I added the “Q”) Pick a passage, and write these items in a notebook:

S-scripture
O-observation
A-application
P-prayer
Q-question

How to get started:

• Start in John. Read about the life of Jesus first, and then keep going into Acts…the beginning of the church.

• Start slow. Don’t read to consume…or to check off a box. Read a small passage at a time, take it in, let it sink in, ask questions, fully understand it.

• Pray.

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Big picture teaching Element:

• God’s Will is a spectrum, not a specific path. We have FREE WILL, so our steps aren’t necessarily pre-determined, even though life is not fair and we’ve been handed down the sins of our fathers.

• Consider the following passages about God seeming to change his mind:

  • Jesus turning water into wine: “My time has not yet come.” John 2

  • Moses being called into obedience, or death. Exodus 4:24-26

  • Jonah and the Ninevites. Jonah 3

  • Pharaoh had 9 chances before GOD hardened his heart. Exodus 10

Questions we discussed tonight:

• Why does 1 Corinthians say women are to wear coverings? Should we today?

• How is it fair that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart? How is that free will?

• What’s going on with the book of Song of Solomon?

• What’s up with Deuteronomy 25:11?

1. Do a “SOAPQ” (see above) study every day

2. Ask someone else one of your questions!

3. Bring a question to B&B with you next week.

Why Have You Forsaken Me?

Psalm 22

article for reference

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Reasons why this may be my favorite thing Jesus ever said:

• It shows where His true motivations were. What He TRULY cared about, above all else.

• It is the Gospel message, in a nutshell. “a holy transaction” was taking place. our sin, on His head. God’s good and loving plan of redemption, fulfilled here.

• It shows surrender, the deepest, truest kind. (MY God, MY God…his confusion/anger wasn’t against men)

• It’s so, so humble. He’s not demanding anything, or throwing his accomplishments in God’s face. He’s asking a question.

• It’s REAL. Human. Shows that we can be real and human and ask questions of God.

• It shows what Jesus had been putting INTO his soul…because whatever you put in, determines what comes out in times of crisis.

Psalm 22:

• 3 levels to this passage. David, the sons of David, and the Son of David.

  • “O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear”: David cried out to God for YEARS…the people of Israel cried out to God for years…Jesus cried out to God on the cross, but He had turned His face from Him."

• Here’s what I love about the Psalms though…there’s almost always a remembrance of God’s nature and prior help, which is what I think we are missing a lot of times. WORSHIP as a discipline brings us back to that.

  • I can name times in my life that I doubted, and yet still had a baseline of faith through it. I generally think of myself as not that faith-filled. Until I look back through my life and compare a little bit. I look at my siblings or my friends I grew up with…I had faith where they didn’t. I went through CRAZY situations, but my faith was never in my church leaders, or my parents, or the church in general. It’s in GOD. It’s why I stuck around, I think, when others didn’t. And ultimately, I think, well, God’s got this. HE is my protector. HE is my provider. I don’t really have any choice but to trust Him.

• “Here is the triumph of faith – the Saviour stood like a rock in the wide ocean of temptation. High as the billows rose, so did his faith, like the coral rock, wax greater and stronger till it became an island of salvation to our shipwrecked souls. It is as if he had said, ‘It matters not what I endure. Storms may howl upon me; men despise; devils tempt; circumstances overpower; and God himself forsake me, still God is holy; there is no unrighteousness in him.’” (Stevenson, cited in Spurgeon)

• “We may not question the holiness of God, but we may argue from it, and use it as a plea in our petitions.” (Spurgeon)

• vs. 14, “I am poured out like water” I feel that deeply in my soul sometimes.

• vs. 17, “I have counted all my bones” the pattern of the passover lamb. No bones broken! John 19 carefully notes that Jesus had no broken bones. This fact fulfilled this prophecy, as well as Psalm 34:20 and the pattern of the Passover lamb as described in Exodus 12:46 and Numbers 9:12.

• Vs. 22-31….even in ALL OF THIS ^^, we worship. We praise. We give thanksgiving. We get our eyes back on the Provider, the Deliverer, the Healer!

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Notes about prophecy:

• Prophecy is best understood AFTER it comes true. My personal philosophy about it is that it’s main intent is to prove that God is God. Humans can’t know the future like that, but God can. Before it comes true then, our purpose with it is to watch and wait. Not to figure it out 100%.

• Prophets are a gift given to the church…one of the five-fold ministry gifts found in Ephesians 4:11-13, which exist to “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of fullness of Christ”! They have an important job of testifying God’s will, preparing us for the future, helping us to live happily, and guiding us according to God’s will, but—the bible also talks A LOT about false prophecy.

• It can come from anywhere. The spirit gives prophetic words and not JUST to the “office” of the prophet. Joel 2, “I will pour out my spirit on all people…your sons and daughters will prophesy..” (NT prophesy is different from OT) Acts 2 also quotes this passage word for word.

• Beware of false prophecy. Matthew 7:15-20. Judge by the fruit (takes time)!

• Prophecy should strengthen, encourage, and comfort. It’s for believers. Prophets should exercise self-control. 1 Corinthians 14. Love should always be the highest goal, as we see in 1 Corinthians 13. What good is prophecy without it? (In the New Testament, we recognize that even in small house churches, like those in Corinth, prophecies had to be evaluated each week (1 Cor 14:29). That suggests that those prophecies remained fallible and not all of them passed muster in all their details. Prophecy in Corinth, where the believers were just two or three years old in the Lord, had to get vetted through a process of peer review. In the OT, senior prophets often mentored junior prophets, probably supervising their prophesying (1 Sam 19:20; 2 Kgs 2:3-7; 4:38). That is, there was also a process of review as younger prophets were maturing. (It was considered noteworthy when a prophet arose like Samuel, none of whose words failed—1 Sam 3:19; or Moses, who talked with God face to face—Num 12:6-8.)

  • I think of it sort of like practicing medicine, or practicing law. You can have experts on the subject, but even the experts sometimes get it wrong. It’s the rebellious and proud ones that you have to look out for.

  • Always must measure up to the standard of the Word, of course.

• Did it come true? Deuteronomy 18:21-22. (radical difference between OT and NT prophecy)

• It should all come back to Jesus. Revelation 19:10. “For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.”

• (I also look for specific prophecy.)

• We should all desire the gift of prophecy.

• Pray for humility like Jesus.

• Pray for the gift of prophecy.

• Study Psalm 22.

Why do you want to know?

Read Genesis 32:22-32

• vs. 29, why do you want to know?

SO many interesting questions about this passage. Was the man Jesus? Why did he wrestle with Jacob? Why did they wrestle for so long? Why did Jacob’s new name (and this experience) change him so much? Why did he walk away with a limp from God (intentionally!)? But the above question is the one that gets me.

As a church, we have always valued authenticity very highly. We’re not a very “religious” atmosphere, in that we have to put on airs to fit in, or dress up to avoid looks, or be someone we’re not. We can come as we are, into the presence of God, and into the house of God.

I have this thing about asking WHY when I’m reading in the Word.

RADICAL HONESTY:

1. IS NOT…honesty for other people.

   • Not a license to gossip or tell other people’s secrets and indiscretions.

   • Ephesians 5:12, “It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.”

   • “speak the truth in love” Ephesians 4

2. IS…looking deeper at the reasons why you do things.

   • Don’t allow yourself excuses. Recognize the excuse when it comes out of your mouth.

   • Let The Word in deep.

3. IS NOT…telling everyone everything.

   • Tell the right people everything.

   • Others should get the honest thing, but not everything.

4. IS…learning who you are, from your Creator Himself.

   • YOU don’t have to define YOU. God has already done that.

   • The 40 I Am’s

Radical honesty is how I keep myself humble. Humility on purpose. Confidence, not arrogance.
Radical honesty changes me…in all the right ways.

Worldly confidence says, “I am enough.” Godly confidence says, “HE is enough.”

Read:

• Proverbs 22:4

  • How would you define “true humility”?

• Colossians 3:12-15

  • What do you think it means to “clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”? How would your life be different if you could do this all the time?

• James 4

  • What’s your biggest takeaway from this passage?

Jesus Wept

Jesus Wept  (John 11:35)

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Including mourning (grief)

Does God care about your pain?

God is the  “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4)

The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18)

God wants you to talk about your hurts with him “to pour our your heart to him” (Psalm 62:8)

God relates to our grief - He grieved his Son’s undeserving death on the cross.

Jesus felt grief when Lazarus died - He even knew that He would raise Lazarus from death, but in His humanity - He still felt the sadness and grief at His friend’s death.

YOUR GRIEF IS UNIQUE

Don’t suppress your feelings (Psalm 61:1-4, Matthew 5:4)

God will bless you and comfort you

Job stood up and tore his robe in grief, then he saved his head and fell to the ground to worship (Job 1:30)

Have you grieved someone?  Who?  How did you grieve?  

GRIEF by definition: deep sorrow: the anguish experienced after significant loss.  

Grief affects a person physically, not just emotionally, mentally, spiritually - increased inflammation & joint pain, headaches, digestive problems, lower immunity, cardiovascular problems, don’t sleep, sleep too much, unhealthy coping mechanisms, depression, etc

Grief can obstruct view of God

“My faith isn’t helping” Psalm 143:7-8. Philippians 4:19. Psalm 23:4

Analogy - you’re sitting in a basement with the curtains closed.  It’s dark, even though it’s the middle of the day.  Grief is like the curtain - keeps you in the dark - blocking your view from the SON - He’s still there - He will never leave you - you just have to let Him in.

Don’t numb your pain (Isaiah 55:2)

Loss is still there,  but now you’ve added new problems (addiction/bills/etc)

Let your friends help.  (Exodus 17:12). Moses let his friends help hold his hands. Don’t let pride, self-pity stop you.

What are some ways you can turn to Jesus for comfort?

Turning to God for help is an intentional act in times of anxiety.  

How can you make turning to God a habit when fears come?

Be honest with God - LAMENT (Job 3:20-21, 3:25-26, Psalm 22:1, 56:8) 

Lament by definition - a passionate expression of grief or sorrow

WHY?

No right to demand answers from God - Lamenting can lead to finding God on a different level of knowledge - of God and your relationship with Him.

The difference between demanding answers and asking questions is  demanding is “entitlement” and asking questions is just trying to understand.

We serve God - He does not serve us - KNOWING the “why” doesn’t change anything but knowing God is in control is comforting.

THE REASON WE SUFFER

All of us have disobeyed God - since Adam and Eve - we all sin, God can not tolerate sin since He is pure and holy. 

“The wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23 

The penalty for sin is suffering in this life and physical death and then eternal punishment in hell.

BUT WE HAVE HOPE

God is Love (I John 4:8)

The Lord is compassionate and gracious slow to anger abounding in love (Psalm 103:8)

God rescued us from the eternal punishment by sending his SON (John 3:16)

Hope in the BIBLE does not mean “wishful thinking” it is an absolute certainty that  something will come to pass. We can put our HOPE in God’s WORD.

Time heals - not true

Time with Jesus heals - TRUTH

Ownership vs Stewardship (Psalm 89:11)

Our loved one does not belong to us.  God gave us the gift of that person in our life but gave us stewardship of that person “take care of” “entrusted”

Boomerang Joy - pour out to others and it comes back to you

Always remember YOU ARE A CHILD of GOD and that All things GOD works for good. (Romans 8:28)

DO’S AND DON’T OF BEING A FRIEND TO A GRIEVING FRIEND:

1. PRAY -  for them and WITH them.

2. DO Remember grief does not end (pain of their loss with always be there - it will change them but they will learn to co-exist with it)

3. DON’T use Platitudes (He’s with God now; Everything happens for a reason; At least you’re young and can get re-married) Even though they come from a good place - they are like daggers to the heart or that they are justifying what happened.

4. DO Acknowledge how bad it sucks.  Don’t tip toe around your friend and wear kid-gloves.  Don’t fear their tears.  It’s ok to say “This sucks so bad, but we will get through this”. This lets your friend know that you understand and also let them know that they don’t have to go through this alone.

5. DON’T ask for help - just help.  (How can I help?  Call me if you need anything.) Your grieving friend is not in the right head space to think about what needs done in the next minute - instead, just LOOK for ways you can help or LISTEN to what they’re saying - which can give you clues how to help.  Ask yourself the questions (Does her laundry need done?  Does his yard need mowed? Make a grocery list, have them peruse it and then go shopping. Do prescriptions need picked up? Does she drink coffee - bring her Starbucks

6. DO Remember that holidays are hard, every year - not just the first.  Not just the big holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Mother’s/Father’s Day) But personal dates, Put those dates ( loved one’s birthday, the day they died, wedding anniversary, etc). On those days (big and personal) just shoot a text telling them you’re thinking about them and that you know the day is tough.

7. DO talk about their loved one. Many are afraid to bring up the name of the loved one that passed.  Ask questions about their loved one (what was he like? What’s your favorite memory? What were your favorite qualities of her?) Most will light up with their good memories.

8. DON’T ask “What happened?” If you don’t know.  That will make your friend rehash the painful details and remind them again that they’re no longer here.

9. DO just sit in silence if that is what your friend needs.

10. DO worship with them - your friend may not be ready to face people or go to church right away.  So watch the online worship/sermon with them an evening during the week. Offer to bring dinner.

HOMEWORK

1. Write down a Bible verse that you put your hope in - memorize it - recite it often

2. Read the handout and answer the two questions at the end (even if you’re not on a grief journey - imagine how God’s Healing Path would be vs the World’s ie alcohol/drugs/etc)

3. Reach out to someone who you know is grieving - send a note, call them, meet for coffee, etc

4. Invite them to Griefshare

On the Front Lines

As bold & brave women, we’ve been…

• Drafted

  • ain’t no choice! think of Biblical examples of people that were drafted.

  • By God

• Deployed

  • By Jesus

• Dropped

  • By the Holy Spirit, who empowers us!

Into a war that’s been going on long before we were here!

Changed your perspective…you’re not doing nothing. You’re called to it! It’s important work He calls us to. It’s not insignificant.

Other Biblical examples:

• Saul/Paul

• David

• Moses

• Samuel

• Abraham

You feel the feeling, and choose the behavior.

Pray about how you are making an impact. How has your perspective on this changed since Wednesday?

Fasting from Wrong Thinking and Feasting on the Word

When we feast on the Word, we have the ability to fast from wrong thinking, but when we fast from the Word, we WILL feast on wrong thinking!

Feasting

“When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.” Jeremiah 15:16 NLT

“How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” Psalms 119:103 NLT

“…I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” Job 23:12b NIV

“They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.” Psalms 19:10 NIV

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV

Fasting from wrong thinking

I can’t change/I can’t shake my past

All growth towards God is by His grace. The same grace that saved us changes us to be like Him. Romans 12:2

“Redefine yourself ONLY as what God says about you.” Romans 8:28

God will use even your past for His good. Bring ALL your past to Him, whether things you’ve done that you regret or things done or said to you. Lay them at His feet and pray this verse. Take Him at His Word.

Shake off your past like Paul shook off the snake in Acts 28:5.

I feel anxious

There is an epidemic of anxiety in our culture and it’s not from God. I believe it’s a direct attack from the enemy. This is NOT to place guilt on anyone who deals with anxiety. I want you to be FILLED WITH HOPE that you can and will walk in PERFECT PEACE.

Anxiety is a signal to pray.

Rather than condemning yourself, attack the enemy with the Word of God.

Remind yourself of your great value! The value of anything is set by the price paid for it. God paid for you with Jesus blood!

I can’t forgive myself

Self condemnation is not from God. Just like we believed for salvation, believe for continued forgiveness.

Self forgiveness doesn’t minimize what you did, it maximizes God’s grace.

“Give up the right to hold anything against yourself. God doesn’t hold anything against you!”

Philippians 3:13 says to FORGET what is past and press on. Stop rehearsing your past failures and stop punishing yourself.

Romans 8:31

Why isn’t God stopping this?

God has given us authority. He expects us to use that authority to bring good to a fallen world.

He has given us authority.

“Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” Luke 10:19 AMPC

Romans 10:17

“Start reigning and you’ll stop whining”

God gives only good gifts

He doesn’t send storms to teach us a lesson. He promises storms will come but He has overcome the world.

We are like Jesus. I John 4:17

1.Identity negative thoughts you have. Ask God to show you. It’s His grace that does this. Then search the scriptures for the antidote to these thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking negatively, answer OUT-LOUD with scripture.

2. Begin the group devotional “Fasting from Wrong Thinking” on Sunday.

The God of “Suddenly”

Suddenly: Quickly; Unexpectedly; Without warning; “A dramatic interruption of human affairs with immediate, instantaneous intervention, provision, release, blessing, healing, etc.”

Synonyms: immediately, instantaneously, all of a sudden, all at once

There are many gospel accounts of immediate, or sudden healing.

-The paralyzed man in Luke 5:17-25

• His friends carried the weight when he couldn’t.

• After his healing, he praised!

- The blind beggar in Luke 18:35-43

• He called out to Jesus in desperation

• After his healing not only did he praise God, but his healing caused others to praise too!

- The man with leprosy in Mark 1:40-42

• He couldn’t help but spread the word about his healing!

- The woman with the issue of blood and Jairus in Mark 5:21-42

• For the woman with the issue of blood, her healing was not only physical, but emotional. She went from isolation to “daughter”

• “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”

There are also plenty of moments if sudden provision, blessing, and release found in the word.

- Peter in prison in Acts 12:1-7

• The church prayed “earnestly” for Peter

- Paul and Silas in prison in Acts 16:16-26

• They worshipped through their trial

• Paul and Silas use their suddenly moment to preach the gospel

• God used Paul and Silas to provide a “suddenly” moment for the slave girl too!

- Jesus calms the storm in Mark 8:23-27

• Two suddenly moments in this passage; a sudden storm and the sudden calm

This is also how life goes sometimes. God is so good and brings the sudden calm, provision, healing, blessing, etc. But we live in a broken and fallen world and we know there are also plenty of sudden storms like described in Mark 8.

So what does this mean for us?

1. Be comforted in the knowledge that while some of life’s storms are sudden to us, NOTHING is sudden to God.

2. Allow those unexpected moments to remind you of your dependence on God. Let your desperation bring you to the feet of Jesus

3. Don’t let a moment pass before you praise God and thank Him for sudden provision, healing, breakthrough, etc.

4. Let your breakthroughs be a testimony! Point others to Jesus.

5. Worship if your in chains like Paul and Silas. Call out to Jesus like the blind beggar. Pray earnestly for your community and friends like the church did for Peter. Carry the weight for your friends like the paralyzed man’s friends did for him. Reach out to Jesus like the woman with the issue of blood. And “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith” like Jesus told Jairus.

Discussion:

Have you experienced a suddenly moment? Tell us about it.

1. Look at some other suddenly moments in the Bible. Write down your thoughts and and bring them to share.

2. Think about a suddenly moment you have experienced, whether it’s a sudden storm or sudden calm. Use it as a testimony and share it with someone to encourage them.

The Rested

Different kinds of rest:

• physical rest

• mental rest

• emotional rest

• spiritual rest: connection to God (the secular definition: the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred.” (Puchalski, as cited in The OTPF, 3rd edition). Put more simply, our spirituality is what gives us meaning in our everyday lives.)

Read 1 Kings 19

• Other times in Elijah’s campaign, God told him where to hide and find rest. This time, ELIJAH was the one fleeing. He was scared. He was tired. He was in a tailspin. But after a nap, and a God-given snack…he was ready to pursue some spiritual rest. What was the difference? Why did he have to travel 40 days and nights to get it?

• When he finally reaches the mountain of God, Mt Sinai, God asks him what he’s doing there and he says the same EXACT phrase twice. “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

  • He thinks he’s failed in his PURPOSE.

• I think God tires him out physically, emotionally, and mentally with the windstorm, the earthquake, and the fire. He was trying to get him to open his spiritual self enough to actually hear and receive the help God was trying to give.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED SPIRITUAL REST?

• You have lost your sense of hope and feel helpless, trapped, or defeated

• You lack motivation for life and feel like it is a waste of energy

• You feel far away from God

• You are experiencing depression and hopelessness

• You feel numb and apathetic

• You don’t feel any sense of accomplishment and lack satisfaction

Is it weakness to need rest?

Even God rested. And He let us KNOW that He rested. I think he may have included in the Bible as an example to us, but I think He rested because it was the PERFECT thing to do, after creating something PERFECT. It is complete, whole, and nothing can be added to it or taken from it, and therefore, you rest in it.

Which—is why we rest in Him. Understanding that we don’t have to work harder, be better, know all the future threats, etc...we just REST IN HIM.

But for me, sometimes, I am reading my Bible, I am leading others, I am worshipping, and sleeping, and taking days off, and I still have trouble with true soul-rest.

What helps you get that spiritual-rest?

What I need sometimes, like Elijah, to get back to that spiritual-rest, is an out-of-town-trip. And I don’t often know it until afterward, but that out-of-town trip can fulfill a few things in me that I can see afterward:

1. Anonymity. (shedding the weight of being known & watched)

2. Adventure & Fun. (learning new things, abandon, some could even call it “danger”, simple enjoyment of the life God has given you)

3. Freedom to be spontaneous. (no plan for the day, choices based on want, rather than need)

4. Change of scenery. (understanding that there is more in this world, than MY world)

Those things can fulfill, in me, a return to being able to rest. They can shave off the fear, the panic, the need to be in control, and allow me to see things a little more clearly from God’s perspective again.

What is God saying to you about rest?

How can you get better at it? What do you need right now?

The Purpose of Battles

Read Joshua 10, Joshua 11:1-20, 22, 23

The arrival in Egypt 215 years from Abraham to Jacob, the return of the Israelites the conquering of Canaan was prophesied 400+ years before the event happened. Actual captivity 430 years.

How do you see the conquering of Canaan?

1. Israel leaving the dessert after 40 years

2. The battle of Jericho, Veggie tales (slushies flying here and there)

3. The division of Land

4. Everyone lived happily ever after until Judges.

The actual conquering took almost 5 years, a total of 45 years after leaving Egypt before the land was completely conquered and the Canaanites were subdued and the Israelites were able to lay down their weapons to build a nation, to start planting in order to sow the fruit of the land.

2 Corinthians 4:8-18 AMPC, 7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9. persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—”

Joshua 6:18-19 And you, by all means abstain from the accursed things, lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. 19But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are consecrated to the Lord; they shall come into the treasury of the Lord.”

Why do we go through seasons of nonstop battles?

1. Battles teach us to follow God.

2. Battles bring redemptions.

3. Battles help us reach our goals.

4. Battles teach us technique, we are developed.

5. Battles give us scars.

Think of the last battle season you went through, what was your attitude, what did you learn? What did you lose?

Pick a verse from the Bible that encourages you in seasons of battle and share with the group as to how.

The Spirit of Fear

-Facing our fears through love

-Fighting our fear with the Sword/Word of God

-And Going Forward in the face of fear.

Persistent Prayer

Faith in prayer is not a formula.

Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their long rambling prayers.

Yet, God desires our persistence in prayer.

Luke 18:1-8
Parable of the persistent widow. Sometimes called the IMPORTUNE widow.
Importune definition- “to press or urge with troublesome persistence”
The bookends if this passage are so important.
Vs 1- “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”
Vs 8b “…But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?””
It appears that Jesus is looking for this kind of persistence to show our faith.

Luke 11:1-13
God often waits for our passionate persistence in prayer. It isn’t that God is reluctant and needs to be persuaded. Our persistence doesn’t change God; it changes us, developing in us a heart and passion for what God wants.

OT examples

Gen 32:22-28
Story of Jacob wrestling

I Sam 1:9-17
Hannah prayed for a son- Samuel was born

Job

David
“From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer. I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.”
Psalms 130:1-2, 5-6 NLT

“Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.
But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.”
Psalms 55:1-2, 16-17 NLT

NT example

Matt 15:21-28

What persistence in prayer isn’t:

• It’s not demanding God

• It’s not bargaining

• It’s not a way to force God’s hand

It IS trusting in God

It IS reminding Him of His promises

It Is saying “I will not let you go until You bless me.”

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Questions

Do you have an example where you persisted in prayer and God answered?

Is there an area in your life where you’re seeking God like the widow?

1) Study a character in the Bible who showed persistence. What can you learn from their story?

2) If you find yourself in this story, seek out Bible promises to stand on and be that “persistent widow.”

When God Speaks

Romans 8:12-17
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

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We are not to be led by:

• Our feelings/flesh (Saul’s tormenting spirit)

• Opportunity (David’s opportunity to kill Saul)

• Natural knowledge (didn’t make sense for Moses to move towards the Red Sea)

• Money (parable of the talents)

Some principles to remember:

1. God is not that hard to find.

   1. Jeremiah 29:13, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

   2. Romans 1:20, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”

   3. When you have this understanding, you listen differently.

2. Obedience plays a HUGE role.

   1. We are children of God, and must obey our Father, but we are not fearful slaves. (hand & forehead idea, Exodus 13:16, “a mark branded on your hand or forehead”)

   2. Exodus 4:24-26

3. You HAVE to be in the Word.

   1. You can’t know what He would say, until you know what He has said.

4. It’s not a formula, it’s a practice.

   1. It’s not usually head knowledge, but heart or spirit.

   2. God has MANY ways of speaking, don’t get too focused on one way or another.

5. God often gives wisdom, not just answers.

   1. He shows more often than He tells. (Abraham & Isaac, Moses at the Red Sea, Jesus & Peter on the beach)

   2. God usually lead me to the right questions to ask , not the answers.

   3. The parables of Jesus.

6. God places us in community, not isolation.

   1. Proverbs 11:14, “Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.”

   2. Samuel and Eli, 1 Samuel 3 (vs. 8 So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy.) Sometimes we need someone further along to give us a nudge.

7. It’s a skill.

   1. Skills can be learned with training and practice!

   2. Hebrews 5:14, “Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.”

The Spiritual Disciplines

1. How can we practice listening to His voice this week?

2. Which spiritual discipline are you going to try this week?

Despite Awkwardness

Have you ever felt super awkward or uncomfortable going into a place (even if you’ve been there before)? Like entering a room, where everyone else seems to already know each other and suddenly it feels like: ALL EYES ARE ON YOU

Luke 8:41-48

A couple of things to notice about this woman:

1. She was unclean.

2. Given her condition, she would have likely been tired and weak, physically.

3. The length of her suffering would have left her emotionally tired and lonely.

Imagine how she must have felt.

She was hoping to go unnoticed and still receive the healing that she knew only Jesus provides. The worst-case scenario for her happens. She doesn’t get to go unnoticed. All eyes were on her. She knows that she’s not supposed to be in close contact with people, so that she doesn’t make them unclean, can you imagine how uncomfortable she must have felt when she was called out. In her fear (and perhaps shame) she confessed her act: explaining why she had done it and reporting her healing – I read this and immediately it hit me: she had to give her testimony right then and there!

How many of us are afraid, ashamed, or embarrassed to tell our own story? To share our testimony? Because we are ashamed of who we use to be when we were unclean. Because we have to say, out loud, what we went through. So instead of sharing that story, we let our own feelings of awkwardness and shame stop us from talking about what we overcame.

He has already called us out of the crowd. He has called us daughter. Maybe you came in here feeling awkward, like you don’t know enough about the Bible, or everyone here seems to already have close bonds, or you’re physically struggling health wise, maybe you feel too young, or you feel too old, maybe you’re fighting relationship problems and you feel like everyone else has great relationship, or your deep in motherhood and you can’t remember how to have adult conversations, whatever you brought in with you, He has eyes on you.

Luke 7:36-50

So, what makes this awkward?

1. She hadn’t been invited.

2. She was openly weeping.

I almost want to call her story “it should have been awkward”, because awkward or not, she didn’t care. Here is the beautiful thing about her, she didn’t care that her weeping was loud or distracting for others. It wasn’t about them. It wasn’t even about her. She was focused on one thing: Worshipping Jesus.

What are you letting hold you back from worshipping Him? Are you worshipping Him with all you have? Are you uninhibited in your worship?

This woman’s worship was the loving evidence of forgiveness. She had been forgiven. And her response to that forgiveness was unashamed worship at His feet.

Mark 2:1-12

Seeing the friends’ faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven”. Here’s the thing, their faith couldn’t save him. Their faith couldn’t heal him. No one is saved by proxy; however, God honors the faith of those who assist in the salvation process.

So, what does that mean for us? It means, even if it’s awkward, we can assist in salvation by helping our friends. We can carry the corner of the mat for our friends. How?

1. Praying for them

2. Relating to them

3. Answering questions

4. Showing Christ’s love

That takes time, hard work, heavy work, awkwardly hauling your friends to higher locations. Are you doing that? Even if it feels uncomfortable.

Think about any time you’ve allowed awkwardness or social norms to keep you from getting to Jesus, worshipping Jesus, or bringing your friend to Jesus. Now, do one thing this week that makes you feel uncomfortable, but it will help stretch and grow your faith.

The Will Of God

The Word of God, The Power of God, The Will of God

Psalm 138:2, “for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name!”

Psalm 78:22, “Yes, his anger rose against Israel, for they did not believe God or trust him to care for them.”

Hebrews 11:1-2, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.”

Discussion:

• Rate yourself on 1-10: How much are you in the Word?

See yourself as soldiers and warriors! What are you gonna do to raise your number (above) to another 2 levels?

The Names of God

1. Elohim - God The Creator. Genesis 1:1. Over 200 times in OT.

2. Yahweh - I Am.  No beginning or ending. Self Existent One. Gen. 2:4, Ex. 3:14,15. 6519 times in OT

3. El Roi  - The God who sees.  Gen. 16:13  

   1. Do you ever feel unseen or like you don’t matter? Ever feel invisible? Only found once in Bible.

4. Adonai - “The name of Adonai is a strong tower; a righteous person runs to it and is raised high [above danger].” Mishlei (Pro) 18:10 CJB

5. El Shaddai - Gen 17:1

6. Yahweh Yireh - Gen 22:14

7. Yahweh Rapha - Ex 15:26

8. Jehovah Shalom - Judges 6:24

9. Quanna - jealous - Ex 20:5

• Choose a name of God that is especially meaningful to you right now. Meditate on this name, pray this name back to God. Come prepared to share your experience.

Holy Week

Palm Sunday - Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, clears out temple
Matthew 21:1-17, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19

• Why do you think Jesus went to the temple, instead of to Pilate’s house (Roman power), or to Caiaphus’s house (the high priest)?

Holy Monday - Curses a fig tree, teaches A LOT in the temple and afterward, Mary anoints Jesus with perfume, Judas reproaches her
Matthew 21:18-26:16, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, John 2:13-17

• Why did Jesus curse a fig tree, even when it was “too early in the season for fruit”?
  

Holy Tuesday - Jesus announces the betrayal of one of the 12 and the denial of Peter
Matthew 21:23-24:51, Mark 11:20-13:37, Luke 20:1-21:36, John 12:20-38

• Why do you think all the disciples deserted him?

Wednesday - Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus to the Sanhedrin

Thursday - The Last Supper and garden of gethsemane where Judas betrays Jesus.
Matthew 26:17-75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, John 13:1-38.

• "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death." Mark 14:34. Why did Jesus say GRIEF here? Not anxiety? Fear? Why grief?

Friday - Passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ
Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, John 18:28-19:37

• Why did Jesus say, “My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?”

Saturday - In the tomb
Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, John 19:40

Sunday - Jesus has triumphed over death. He is risen!
Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, John 20:1-23.

This week:

• What are you thinking about this week as you celebrate Easter?

• How can you build more Jesus-celebration into your family’s Easter gathering?

• Study the scripture above. What questions do you have about Jesus’ behavior before the resurrection?

Going further:

Encourage Yourself

Schedule Change!

Today’s meeting will be the only one for March, but in April, May, and June (our Spring Semester) we’ll be meeting EVERY WEEK at FV at 7pm!

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Romans 8:8 “That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.”

Proverbs 20:9, “Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart? I am pure and free from sin”?”

1. Be honest with God

   1. Psalms 33:15 says "He made each person and all their thoughts. He knows everything that they do."

      He already knows anyway, so you might as well let it all out, curse words and all.

      We see an example of this in Psalms 42 where David cries out his frustrations to God.

2. Remind yourself of what God has done in the past.

   1. Psalm 143:4 says "Remember what God has done for you. Let his Grace and mercy comfort you, and remind you of his unfailing love."

      God gave us grace that last time we messed up. He forgave us then. He helped me through that one time, but Will he do it again? Yes! He will! Because he is faithful and good and he loves us!

      Psalms 145:8 "How very kind the Lord is! He is very patient and his faithful love continues."

      1 Chronicles 16:34 " Thank the Lord, because he is good! His faithful love will ALWAYS be with us."

      1 Samuel 12:22 " The Lord was pleased to choose you to be his own people. He will show that he is faithful and he will not leave you alone."

      Exodus 34:6 " The Lord passed in front of Moses. He said in a loud voice, ' I am the Lord! The Lord! I am kind to people and I forgive them. I do not quickly become angry. My faithful love for my people continues for ever, and I am always faithful."

      God is slow to anger, but like any parent, if we don't straighten up and "act right" he may have to do something that sets us back on the right path. But, this redirection is ALWAYS rooted in God's love for us.

3. Capture negative thoughts!

   1. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says " We take every thought captive and make it obedient to God."

      God wants us to be filled with joy and peace! Not anxiety and depression. 

      Matthew 5:8 says " Happy are the people who have only good thoughts. They will come near to God and see him!" 

      Romans 12:2 " Do not become like the people who belong to this world. But let God completely change the way you think, so that you live differently. Then you will understand what God wants you to do. You will know what is good. You will know what pleases God. You will know what is completely right."

      If we capture our thoughts, and keep our thoughts good and on Jesus it will help us see the way He sees people, the world, our situations, etc. and we may even be able to hear what he is saying to us more often.

      The Holy Spirit also helps us focus on what is good. Changing our thoughts over time to what God wants.

4. Declare/Pray the 40 I am's over yourself!

   1. Isaiah 43:1-3 "Do not be afraid. I have rescued you to belong to me. I have called you by name, so now you are mine! When you go through deep water, I will be with you. When you cross dangerous rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire, it will not burn you. The flames will not destory you. I am the Lord, Your God, so I will rescue you.I am Israel's Holy God, your Saviour. I gave Egypt as the price to buy you back. I gave Ethiopia and Seba to their enemies, so that you could be free. You are very valuable to me. You are my special people, and I love you. So I will give other people to their enemies, to keep you safe. Other nations will pay the price, instread of you."

      We have been saved. Set free. We are Gods children. He loves us more than we love our own children. A love that we can never fully understand. 

      Doesn't a young child believe every word his father says? He relys on his father to guide him, love him, and push him to grow up to be good. 

      So God, our father, is surely to do the same. As his children we should believe and stand on every word he says. He knows us better than we know ourselves, so why shouldn't we trust him with our whole heart?

      Group Questions

      • What are some ways that you can incorperate the 40 I ams into your daily routine?

      • What is a scripture that you go back to, to encourage yourself?

      • Have you ever felt the presence of God? If so, can you explain it?

1. Identify one of the I Am’s that means the most to you, and research the idea in the Word this month!

2. IF YOU WANT TO GO FURTHER with our weekend studies into the book of Acts living, try a study of our FV Prayer Team Manual. Specifically, how to pray over someone for healing, for deliverance, and Baptism in the Holy Spirit on pages 5-7!