1. Think of a time when you have seen faith at work. What were the results of that faith?
It is interesting to see the results of faith, and the lack of faith. When I was asked to work in the children's ministry, I was not at all confident in my abilities, but through faith I accepted the challenge ahead, and it has been God who has made everything possible. On the other hand, when you aren't 100% faithful and try to control situations, difficulties tend to follow. Trusting in the Lord sounds so simple, but is the hardest thing to do.
Luke 5: 17-26
2. This group of men brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus. What do you think they thought Jesus would do for him?
I believe that they thought the son of man would heal their friend. Not only did they think this, they pursued this whole heartedly so that their friend could be before Jesus, using any means necessary.
3. What risks and obstacles did the men face because of the crowd around Jesus?
They could not get the attention of Jesus, nor could they work their way close enough to him. Not only this, but they had to get a paralyzed man up on the roof, AND make an opening in the roof large enough so that the friend could be lowered into the room with Jesus. Aside from these obstacles, I wonder what laws were violated in destroying property?
4. What were the pros and cons of their plan to let their friend down through the roof?
Pro - he would be healed and would walk out of the room; the friends demonstrated great faith in Jesus to accept what was happening, and to heal the sick; the might and power of Jesus was demonstrated to all; it demonstrated just how different Jesus was from the Pharisees.
Con - any number of accidents could have occurred in this plan; Jesus could have become angry with the interruption; the friend may not have been healed; laws of the day could have been broken.
5. What did the fact that these men would do anything to get their friend to Jesus reveal about their view of Jesus?
They revered him as a teacher and healer. They trusted him and had great faith for the miracles that he could perform.
6. Why was Jesus' first response to forgive rather than to heal?
In those days, "forgiveness" typically involved sacrifices and gifts; it was as if forgiveness had to be purchased. Jesus shook the foundation of sin by forgiving without sacrifice, and by demonstrating that he was God and had authority to forgive.
7. In what way did the four friends' faith in Jesus affect the life of the paralyzed man?
Not only did it physically heal the man, but it also renewed his spirit, and gave him hope in seemingly impossible things. He was also forgiven so that he could spend eternity with God.
8. In what ways does your faith affect others around you?
I would hope that my faith encourages others to see things differently than the flesh would have them see things. When the impossible lurks about, I try to point out the positives that are happening, or the growth that is occurring. It is hard to light when you are so far down in the pit of despair. I would hope that my faith also encourages others to do more soul searching and truly examine who they are and who they need to be; and take the steps to walk closer with Christ.
9. List some practical ways we can show our faith in Jesus Christ.
Attitude - if you trust in Jesus and God's plan for your life, your attitude should reflect that of peace and stewardship.
Generosity - Jesus was the most generous person - not only did he give of his time, his treasures, his wisdom, he gave his life for those who sin.
Constantly return to him - pray for good and bad; thank him for EVERYTHING; even the parking space near the front. Ask him for help, for comfort, for understanding, for peace. He will grant it. Ask him for protection; he is almighty.
10. What risks or obstacles have you faced in living out your beliefs?
I completely pushed away some of my family for a time. It is our job to share the good word, but it is the holy spirit's job to convict and help change. If someone is not ready, or is resisting, anger can occur.
11. In what way have those difficulties stretched and strengthened your faith?
When we began to talk again, we began a debate on beliefs. Not only did I have to consider her belief system, but I also had to re-examine my own and make sure I was not following blindly.
12. In what way have you seen God bless people who trust in him?
I have seen the seriously ill become healed. I have seen people on their death bed come back. People's finances work out despite what logically should happen. Support occurs where none was present before. Pain and hurt, physically and emotionally, are healed so that their testimony shines brightly for others.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Life Lessons with Max Lucado - the Book of Luke
Lesson 1:
Think of a time when God did an amazing work in a friend's life. What hope did that give you?
I began thinking of the road that Cassie Hillsman traveled, and the faith demonstrated, the faith that grew, and the awe that was given to God in his majesty for the plans he has for each and every one of us. This road was evidence to me that God still performs miracles today, and though things may not happen on our timeline, God's timeline is always purposeful and perfect. The flesh is interesting in that we tend to believe that we know what is best, and how things should happen. Even amongst friends, we are always giving advice and guidance. And we also do this with our God who has everything mapped out for us, even before we existed. We almost, at times, think that we are "better" than God, or know more than him, or would like to offer him advice. But I digress from the question. A child's faith is very different than an adult's faith, and even their spiritual experiences differ. Children seem to be more perceptive of spiritual intervention. Adults have had blinders put on, from societal and life influences that sway our minds from thinking that the spiritual realm is distinct from ours, and that we cannot co-exist or intermingle throughout life. Cassie claimed total and complete healing, after such a time that others would have lost hope. Before doctors could run tests to confirm or deny - Cassie claimed it and held onto her knowledge of God's healing power. Adults seem to be too quick to place restrictions on God's powers, and so when things don't occur in our time frames, or how we wanted them to, God suddenly isn't very powerful, and couldn't possibly perform miracles. How quickly Satan takes a hold of our doubts and fears and amplifies each and every one.
Luke 1:5-25
What kind of reputation did Zechariah and Elizabeth have in their community?
They were holy and blameless. As perfect a pair were, these two were it. They never broke any of God's laws.
How did Zechariah and Elizabeth Cope with the humiliation of childlessness?
They remained faithful despite difficult circumstances.
The angel promised a child. In what way did this offer hope to Zechariah in his situation?
It gave Zechariah a lineage to pass down his name to. It affirmed Zechariah's obedience to God.
Why did Zechariah doubt God's promise?
Because both he and his wife were too old to typically bear children.
In what way did Elizabeth react to the fulfillment of the angel's prophecy?
She declared that it was God who allowed her to bear a child, and that all the naysayers would need to "eat their words".
Why do we sometimes doubt God's desire to fulfill our deepest longings?
Our deepest longings can seem too extravagant. I am conditioned not to get my hopes up, and so "dreaming" of the impossible sets me up for a let-down. However, nothing is impossible to the God that created the heaven's and Earth. We also recognize that we are sinners, and as such believe that God would not grant favor on sinners. Examples in the bible include a good portion of people who followed God's laws perfectly - such as Zechariah and Elizabeth. We place too little worth on ourselves, and too little faith on God's powers.
What comfort or encouragement does this passage offer to us when we find ourselves in seemingless hopeless situations?
God can surprise you when you least expect it with a grand "solution". Our flesh may feel defeated, but God is more powerful than flesh. Only through much refinement will the silversmith have enough silver to make the most beautiful jewelry. Our trials make us appreciate God's beautiful gifts all the more so.
What steps can we take to deal with feelings of hopelessness?
We can pray for God to lose the ties that we have placed on ourselves and our dreams. We can pray for God to direct us to wise counsel or specific passages or specific readings that would uplift us and remind us of his promises. We may need to readjust what we think should happen, and be open and available to what God has in store for us. At times, we corner ourselves so that we can only feel hopeless. However, God will give us a door so that we may walk into the next room.
In what ways does this passage affect your attitude toward your frustrations and problems?
This passage gives light in a dark room; it provides hope for miracles to happen. It reminds us that everything is in God's timing, and when God's timing occurs, WONDERFUL things happen.
What is keeping you from expecting God to do spectacular things in your life?
Self doubt and a feeling of "Why me". There are so many other great people that deserve to have their hopes and dreams fulfilled. I am a lowly sinner who is trying to figure this out - which may be part of my problem. It is not for me to ask why - but to respond - "yes Lord, I will do your will".
In what way can you demonstrate your faith in God's promises?
Affirm His power to do anything. Review scripture where God makes promises to others, and absorb that he always keeps his promises.
Think of a time when God did an amazing work in a friend's life. What hope did that give you?
I began thinking of the road that Cassie Hillsman traveled, and the faith demonstrated, the faith that grew, and the awe that was given to God in his majesty for the plans he has for each and every one of us. This road was evidence to me that God still performs miracles today, and though things may not happen on our timeline, God's timeline is always purposeful and perfect. The flesh is interesting in that we tend to believe that we know what is best, and how things should happen. Even amongst friends, we are always giving advice and guidance. And we also do this with our God who has everything mapped out for us, even before we existed. We almost, at times, think that we are "better" than God, or know more than him, or would like to offer him advice. But I digress from the question. A child's faith is very different than an adult's faith, and even their spiritual experiences differ. Children seem to be more perceptive of spiritual intervention. Adults have had blinders put on, from societal and life influences that sway our minds from thinking that the spiritual realm is distinct from ours, and that we cannot co-exist or intermingle throughout life. Cassie claimed total and complete healing, after such a time that others would have lost hope. Before doctors could run tests to confirm or deny - Cassie claimed it and held onto her knowledge of God's healing power. Adults seem to be too quick to place restrictions on God's powers, and so when things don't occur in our time frames, or how we wanted them to, God suddenly isn't very powerful, and couldn't possibly perform miracles. How quickly Satan takes a hold of our doubts and fears and amplifies each and every one.
Luke 1:5-25
What kind of reputation did Zechariah and Elizabeth have in their community?
They were holy and blameless. As perfect a pair were, these two were it. They never broke any of God's laws.
How did Zechariah and Elizabeth Cope with the humiliation of childlessness?
They remained faithful despite difficult circumstances.
The angel promised a child. In what way did this offer hope to Zechariah in his situation?
It gave Zechariah a lineage to pass down his name to. It affirmed Zechariah's obedience to God.
Why did Zechariah doubt God's promise?
Because both he and his wife were too old to typically bear children.
In what way did Elizabeth react to the fulfillment of the angel's prophecy?
She declared that it was God who allowed her to bear a child, and that all the naysayers would need to "eat their words".
Why do we sometimes doubt God's desire to fulfill our deepest longings?
Our deepest longings can seem too extravagant. I am conditioned not to get my hopes up, and so "dreaming" of the impossible sets me up for a let-down. However, nothing is impossible to the God that created the heaven's and Earth. We also recognize that we are sinners, and as such believe that God would not grant favor on sinners. Examples in the bible include a good portion of people who followed God's laws perfectly - such as Zechariah and Elizabeth. We place too little worth on ourselves, and too little faith on God's powers.
What comfort or encouragement does this passage offer to us when we find ourselves in seemingless hopeless situations?
God can surprise you when you least expect it with a grand "solution". Our flesh may feel defeated, but God is more powerful than flesh. Only through much refinement will the silversmith have enough silver to make the most beautiful jewelry. Our trials make us appreciate God's beautiful gifts all the more so.
What steps can we take to deal with feelings of hopelessness?
We can pray for God to lose the ties that we have placed on ourselves and our dreams. We can pray for God to direct us to wise counsel or specific passages or specific readings that would uplift us and remind us of his promises. We may need to readjust what we think should happen, and be open and available to what God has in store for us. At times, we corner ourselves so that we can only feel hopeless. However, God will give us a door so that we may walk into the next room.
In what ways does this passage affect your attitude toward your frustrations and problems?
This passage gives light in a dark room; it provides hope for miracles to happen. It reminds us that everything is in God's timing, and when God's timing occurs, WONDERFUL things happen.
What is keeping you from expecting God to do spectacular things in your life?
Self doubt and a feeling of "Why me". There are so many other great people that deserve to have their hopes and dreams fulfilled. I am a lowly sinner who is trying to figure this out - which may be part of my problem. It is not for me to ask why - but to respond - "yes Lord, I will do your will".
In what way can you demonstrate your faith in God's promises?
Affirm His power to do anything. Review scripture where God makes promises to others, and absorb that he always keeps his promises.
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