1. Do you find it easier to believe Satan's lies or God's truths? Explain why. I think this questions has an answer that varies every day of my life. I think for me, it depends on how much time I've been spending in God's word, with His people, and studying His truths. If I have been lacking in these areas, I seem to fall for Satan's lies every time.
2.a. What fears do you have today? Today, I am fearful about dying young, or not being able to achieve my weight loss goals. I'm afraid of losing others. Of car accidents. Fires. Cancer. Illness.
b. How can you determine if those fears are simply False Evidence Appearing Real or things you ought to be concerned about? Well, I know that the odds are sort of stacked against me when it comes to dying young, unless I get my act together, and keep it that way. The other things, they are things that "could" happen, but "probably will not."
3. What do the following verses say about Satan?
Genesis 3:1-5 He is crafty, he causes us to doubt.
John 8:44 He is the father of lies.
2 Corinthians 4:4 he blinds the minds of the unbelievers.
1 Peter 5:8 he prowls like a lion, looking for someone to destroy.
Revelation 12:9 he was hurled to earth. he is a great dragon.
4. In comparison, look up these verses and record what they say about Jesus:
Isaiah 9:6 He is Wonderful, Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
John 8:12 He is the light of the world
John 10:11 He is the Good Shepherd
John 14:6 He is the Way, the truth, and the Life
2 Peter 1:1 Our God and Our Savior
Revelation 17:14 King of kings and Lord of lords
5. In this chapter, I referred to James 4:7. What does it mean to flee? List some practical ways you can resist the Devil's lies that lead to fear. Flee means to run away from. I flee my best by first stopping and turning around, mentally. Then, I can remove myself from the situation, if possible, or I can fight with Scripture. This is the beauty of accountability too!
6.a. Look at Psalm 91:4-11. What does trusting God provide for you? He provides shelter, refuge, and protection
b. What will not frighten you anymore when you trust God? The terrors of night, arrows, pestilence, plagues, harm
c. Who does He send to stand over you? His angels.
d. How does this passage affect you? This passage has provided comfort for me since Lisa died. I love imagining God covering me with giant feathers and protecting me from all the bad stuff happening around me. I actually find so much peace and rest in that passage of Scripture.
7.a. Think of your past fears. What fears have you overcome as a result of trusting God? I have overcome fears to a lesser degrees of mice. I was nervous about sharing Christ the other day with Clair, but God helped me overcome that fear. I have even overcome the frozen-ness that the fear of failure had set into my heart.
b. How can this triumph encourage you to face your fears of today? I know the fears I am facing today, especially concerning my health, could freeze me, put me in a place of immobility. However, I'm clinging to God to help me leave those fears behind, so I can pursue wellness.
8. How has this chapter challenged you to get out of the safety of the boat and walk on water? Just like I said before, it's helping me no longer allow my fear to freeze me. Even if I still have the fears, the fact is, they are not controlling me...God is.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
An Untroubled Heart: When the Unthinkable Happens
1. Recall a time when you felt afraid and alone. When was it? I often feel alone at night, when I am feeling panicky. Sometimes I feel afraid and alone when I allow my mind to wander. I felt afraid and alone after Lisa died, even with David camped out on my floor. I felt alone and afraid when Lydia was in the hospital in Pittsburgh.
2. Read Psalm 46:1. In times of trouble, what kind of help does God offer? "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." He offers a strong, secure help that is always there.
3. How does knowing that God is your ever-present help comfort you and calm your fears? (Or if it doesn't comfort you, talk about why.) I've really been working on letting God's ever-present help comfort me and calm my fears. Even if I'm in the valley of the shadow of death, it's still only a shadow, and God is right there with me. It still may be scary, but I'm protected, and I need to remember that. As long as I let the depth of God's protection sink in, I'm ok. It's bigger than just a band aid. It's armor. His protection is real. And He has the big picture in mind...which also provides a lot of hope to me.
4. Write James 1:2-4 here: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kids, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
5. How do you view the trials in your life? Are you fearful? Joyful? Angry? Do you see them as disastrous? Explain. My view of trials is constantly changing. Sometimes, I actually am joyful deep down, because I feel like when I have trials, its the enemy fighting back, and now that I'm aware of the enemy's work, I know he is already defeated. We are fighting from victory, not for victory. However, sometimes I feel pity. Why do I have to fight this battle? Why can't I have an easy life? If I'm not rested, or if I'm over emotional, I definitely have a tendency to turn a small thing into something disastrous if I do not take time to process. For me, a slow, careful approach to my trials really helps. I am also consistently relying on Scripture to get me through trials lately.
6.a. According to James 1:3, what are our trials producing in our lives? Explain in your own words. Our trials are producing perseverance. Just like strength training, the harder you work out, the more you go through, the better and stronger you will come out.
b. Where do you see that process at work in your life, if at all? My anxiety. My weight loss. Learning how to overcome spiritual battles.
7. List the things found in verse 4 that develop from endurance or perseverance. 1. Maturity. 2. Completeness.
8. What Christlike qualities are you gaining or have you gained through the losses in your life? I have definitely learned to be more loving and appreciate people. I also have learned to give people grace when necessary.
9. Write a prayer thank God for the good work He is doing in you and for helping you to conquer your fears in the process. Thank Him for being an ever-present help.
"God, I want to thank you so much for all the work you are doing in me right now. I feel like you are spending an awful lot of time on me, and its humbling, and honoring and exciting. I do want to thank you for being a source of help that is always there. I have many trials, fears, temptations and times that I just need to cling to you, and I'm so thankful that you are there, waiting with open arms, and being a God that I can trust.
I'll admit, I'm still rather apprehensive about studying about these fears God. I'm not sure if I will ever be able to master letting them go. But, I know you will help me try. You will cheer me one. You will support me. Your word promises me that ever-present help. I really love you Lord, and I'm grateful for what you promise to be for me. Love, Sarah"
2. Read Psalm 46:1. In times of trouble, what kind of help does God offer? "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." He offers a strong, secure help that is always there.
3. How does knowing that God is your ever-present help comfort you and calm your fears? (Or if it doesn't comfort you, talk about why.) I've really been working on letting God's ever-present help comfort me and calm my fears. Even if I'm in the valley of the shadow of death, it's still only a shadow, and God is right there with me. It still may be scary, but I'm protected, and I need to remember that. As long as I let the depth of God's protection sink in, I'm ok. It's bigger than just a band aid. It's armor. His protection is real. And He has the big picture in mind...which also provides a lot of hope to me.
4. Write James 1:2-4 here: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kids, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
5. How do you view the trials in your life? Are you fearful? Joyful? Angry? Do you see them as disastrous? Explain. My view of trials is constantly changing. Sometimes, I actually am joyful deep down, because I feel like when I have trials, its the enemy fighting back, and now that I'm aware of the enemy's work, I know he is already defeated. We are fighting from victory, not for victory. However, sometimes I feel pity. Why do I have to fight this battle? Why can't I have an easy life? If I'm not rested, or if I'm over emotional, I definitely have a tendency to turn a small thing into something disastrous if I do not take time to process. For me, a slow, careful approach to my trials really helps. I am also consistently relying on Scripture to get me through trials lately.
6.a. According to James 1:3, what are our trials producing in our lives? Explain in your own words. Our trials are producing perseverance. Just like strength training, the harder you work out, the more you go through, the better and stronger you will come out.
b. Where do you see that process at work in your life, if at all? My anxiety. My weight loss. Learning how to overcome spiritual battles.
7. List the things found in verse 4 that develop from endurance or perseverance. 1. Maturity. 2. Completeness.
8. What Christlike qualities are you gaining or have you gained through the losses in your life? I have definitely learned to be more loving and appreciate people. I also have learned to give people grace when necessary.
9. Write a prayer thank God for the good work He is doing in you and for helping you to conquer your fears in the process. Thank Him for being an ever-present help.
"God, I want to thank you so much for all the work you are doing in me right now. I feel like you are spending an awful lot of time on me, and its humbling, and honoring and exciting. I do want to thank you for being a source of help that is always there. I have many trials, fears, temptations and times that I just need to cling to you, and I'm so thankful that you are there, waiting with open arms, and being a God that I can trust.
I'll admit, I'm still rather apprehensive about studying about these fears God. I'm not sure if I will ever be able to master letting them go. But, I know you will help me try. You will cheer me one. You will support me. Your word promises me that ever-present help. I really love you Lord, and I'm grateful for what you promise to be for me. Love, Sarah"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)