In the blanks below write the two most significant statements in today’s reading assignment. Be prepared to discuss why the statements you chose were significant to you.“Failure to cooperate with God in the three responsibilities in the power of the spirit accounts for every failure in Christian living – why we’re here (doing this study,Continue reading “from Rachel: Understanding Biblical Change (part three)”
Tag Archives: bible
from Rachel: Understanding Biblical Change (part two)
In the blanks below write the two most significant statements in today’s reading assignment. Be prepared to discuss why the statements you chose were significant to you. “Our Lord did not… – but these are byproducts of godliness, not primary goals for the Christian life – This is an important distinction to keep a goodContinue reading “from Rachel: Understanding Biblical Change (part two)”
Letting Things Unfold As They Will
Dearest Rachel – We didn’t go out on the town last night since, as I mentioned, we really didn’t have any compelling reason to go out. As a result – as well as calling it a relatively early night – we actually woke up this morning before the alarm (which admittedly was set a bitContinue reading “Letting Things Unfold As They Will”
A Series of Ascents
Dearest Rachel – The last dozen or so of the Psalms are referred to as “songs of ascents,” as they’re meant to be sung while en route to the city of Jerusalem, which is, as you’ll recall, built on the top of a mountain (Mount Zion, or going even further back, Mount Moria, where AbrahamContinue reading “A Series of Ascents”
It All Goes South From Here
Dearest Rachel – One last morning in Ginosar, and an early one at that; we’re leaving at a quarter to eight (which doesn’t sound like much of a difference from the last couple of days, except that it doesn’t give us time to get back to the room after eating breakfast. Oh well) for theContinue reading “It All Goes South From Here”
Blame it On the Rain
Dearest Rachel – Friday morning in Ginosar – yes, somewhere along the way, I seem to have lost a day – and while I keep hoping to be able to wander about the hotel campus (and maybe find the duplex we stayed in back in 2018), I’m still short on time to do so. The hourContinue reading “Blame it On the Rain”
On the Way Out and Up
Dearest Rachel – Wednesday morning, and we’re up and out after an hour’s breakfast. Daniel and I try to eat as early as possible to finish putting ourselves together afterwards, but we barely make it to the bus by our scheduled departure time. You would have been, maybe not so much proud, as understanding of ourContinue reading “On the Way Out and Up”
If it’s Tuesday, We Must be Northbound
Dearest Rachel – It’s always a scramble for us to get out of our first hotel in Israel, as you remember. Not only is it our best accommodations of the trip (not to condemn the other locations, but how do you top a suite overlooking the Mediterranean? This is as close as we get toContinue reading “If it’s Tuesday, We Must be Northbound”
Leaving Just In Time
Dearest Rachel – Yesterday morning, I woke up to this sight as I headed outdoors on the way to church: I suppose it shouldn’t have come as so much of a surprise; the night before had me falling asleep to the sound of rain on the bedroom roof, and it had been getting chilly asContinue reading “Leaving Just In Time”
from Rachel: The Arrogant Enemy of God
What two kings will rise up against this figure ‘at the time of the end’ (v. 40)? “the king of the South and the king of the North” How do you specifically guard against self-exaltation? In other words, when you come under this exact temptation, what keeps you from falling for it? “I’m not sureContinue reading “from Rachel: The Arrogant Enemy of God”
from Rachel: Antiochus III the Great
Remember, [the] conflict is biblically significant because a very important piece of land was between Syria and Egypt. What was it? “Israel” Quick review: Whose dynasty is reflected by the kings of the:North – “Seleucus” South – “Ptolemy” Now let’s read Daniel 11:10-19. According to the chart, what two Seleucid kings (of the North) areContinue reading “from Rachel: Antiochus III the Great”
One Twelfth of My Life
Dearest Rachel – It starts with the incongruous admonition about eating with a dignitary, and the need to control ones appetite in front of one. Which probably meant more back in the day, when a ruler’s favor (or lack thereof) toward you could mean the difference between life and death. Granted, I’ve heard stories aboutContinue reading “One Twelfth of My Life”
from Rachel: Set Your Mind
Looking back on your life journey, which season or moment do you most hope God will show you ‘behind the scenes’? “Perhaps the answer to ‘Why me? Why this?’ on various health/accident issues, but I think I’d most like to know about many little moments – brief encounters with people – what became of peopleContinue reading “from Rachel: Set Your Mind”
from Rachel: Mourning an Anniversary
Our focus today is on Daniel 10:1-4. Please review these verses and document every reference they make to time. “‘3rd year of Cyrus’ (1); ‘At that time’ (2); ‘mourned for 3 weeks’ (2); ‘3 weeks were over’ (3); ‘the 24th day of the first month’ (4)” Daniel 10:1 tells us ‘a revelation was given toContinue reading “from Rachel: Mourning an Anniversary”
from Rachel: While I Was Still In Prayer
Read Daniel 9:20-23. How does the word ‘while’ emphasize timing?The angel Gabriel came to Daniel…verse 20: ‘while “I was speaking and praying”’verse 21: ‘while “I was still in prayer”’ Imagine you’re in the throes of desperate pleas to God, pouring out confessions and cries of intercession, when suddenly you’re interrupted by a celestial messenger whoContinue reading “from Rachel: While I Was Still In Prayer”
from Rachel: A ‘We’ Kind of Attitude
…tally the times you see the word ‘we’ in Daniel’s prayer and record the total here: “16” Put yourself in Daniel’s position. Why do you think he shared the blame for the sins of the masses even though he was innocent of many of their transgressions? “He was honored to be Jewish and part ofContinue reading “from Rachel: A ‘We’ Kind of Attitude”
from Rachel: Scripture Interaction
When was the last time you felt God telling you to get a grip and see what is really important? “Probably at least three times yesterday. The later I am the more compelled I feel to make sure everything is just right, and I left here or Dana’s in a hurry 5 – 10 minutesContinue reading “from Rachel: Scripture Interaction”
from Rachel: What on Earth is a ‘Rapture’?
…Glance at the segment on week 7, day 5, then write a brief synopsis of pre-millennialism in this space: “After a seven year tribulation, Christ will return, bind Satan, rule for 1,000 years with the martyred saints, loose Satan, have a final battle, conduct final judgment, and usher in eternity” Please read the following primaryContinue reading “from Rachel: What on Earth is a ‘Rapture’?”
from Rachel: A Master of Intrigue
Briefly describe the concept of a dual reference.“One prophecy can foretell both events in the distant future and foreshadowing events in the nearer future.” Before I tell you the meaning of the Greek word translated ‘parable,’ let’s recap yesterday‘s lesson. Based on our previous study, briefly explain why the Old Testament was translated into GreekContinue reading “from Rachel: A Master of Intrigue”
from Rachel: An Uncommon Conqueror, A Common Language
Please read Daniel 8:1-8. Compare Daniel 8:20-21 and identify the following representations in the vision: The two-horned ram: “the kings of Media and Persia”The shaggy goat: “the king of Greece”The large horn between his eyes: “the first (and most powerful) king”Recall session 8 and our previous discussions of the Grecian Empire. Who did history revealContinue reading “from Rachel: An Uncommon Conqueror, A Common Language”
Cruel Silence
Dearest Rachel – There are times when I imagine you, like my paternal grandfather before you (who you never met, although I think you met my grandmother), either filling in for Saint Peter or standing alongside him at his post, welcoming the new arrivals as they appear at the gates each constructed of individual pearls.Continue reading “Cruel Silence”
from Rachel: Oppression of the Saints
Let’s start with a recap of yesterday’s lesson. Please list the three additional names/titles for the ‘little horn.’ “Man of Lawlessness“Beast“Antichrist” Perhaps nothing is more dangerous than an evil genius. Why do you suppose evil and intelligence form such a deadly combination? “Dumb or even average evil will only get so far before it tripsContinue reading “from Rachel: Oppression of the Saints”
from Rachel: Other Names for the Little Horn
How does verse 24 explain the uprooting of the other three horns in verse 8? “The little horn is a new king who will arise and subdue three of the ten existing kings.” Sketch One: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10. Title: Man of “Lawlessness”Additional information: (Always document Scripture locations) “Before the Day of the Lord (Christ’s return)Continue reading “from Rachel: Other Names for the Little Horn”
from Rachel: Keep Singing
Reflect on all we’ve studied. What kind of things would Daniel and his friends have missed out on had they chosen instead to blend in? “Rather than miraculously avoiding being killed in chapters three and six respectively, they would have been killed in chapter 2. (If they had somehow dodged that, Daniel wouldn’t have beenContinue reading “from Rachel: Keep Singing”
from Rachel: Mystery Babylon
As we get started, let’s nail down our precise goal one more time. What is our solitary goal as we consider Revelation 17 and 18 over the next two days? “Gaining insight into the Babylon mentality.” Before we get started with our reading, pray! Then read revelation 17:1-5. What title was written on ‘her forehead’?Continue reading “from Rachel: Mystery Babylon”
from Rachel: Same Spot, Different Despot
Fill in the blank according to Luke 21:24: ‘Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until “the times of the Gentiles” are fulfilled.Now, fill in the blank, according to the final words of Daniel‘s fifth chapter: ‘That very night Belshazzar, King of the Babylonians, was slain, and “Darius the Mede” took over the kingdom,Continue reading “from Rachel: Same Spot, Different Despot”
from Rachel: Weighed and Found Wanting
Read Daniel 5:18-31. What was Belshazzar’s defining mistake (v. 22)? “He had not humbled himself (though he knew what had happened to his grandfather).” Can you think of any easier route to victory than learning from the mistakes of others? Oh, the pain we’d avoid! Really think about it: why do we tend to beContinue reading “from Rachel: Weighed and Found Wanting”
from Rachel: An Extraordinary Spirit
Read Daniel 5:10-17. Who told Belshazzar about Daniel? “the queen” List all the ways she described Daniel: “① ‘has the spirit of the holy gods in him’;“② has ‘insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods’;“③ was appointed ‘chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners’;“④ the king called him Belteshazzar;“⑤ has ‘aContinue reading “from Rachel: An Extraordinary Spirit”
Offering Assistance
Dearest Rachel – I honestly didn’t know whether I’d have time to get in touch with you today. Oh, I’ll have hours in which I’ll be doing nothing but sitting in the passenger seat of a U-Haul bound for your hometown, but I think that may serve a purpose in its own right, which deservesContinue reading “Offering Assistance”
from Rachel: Unholy Use of Holy Vessels
Please reread the portion of Scripture that held our primary attentions in session 5: Daniel 5:1-9. What part of it did God use to speak to you? “Satan revels in using holy vessels to toast unholy things.” Read 2 Timothy 2:20-21,26 and briefly describe the parallel. “We are holy vessels, but if we surrender toContinue reading “from Rachel: Unholy Use of Holy Vessels”
from Rachel: The Handwriting on the Wall
Belshazzar made the mistake of treating the “holy” as “unholy.”Compare Leviticus 8:10-11 and 2 Chronicles 7:16 (“masah – to anoint; masiyah – the anointed one”). The Hebrew transliteration for consecrate is qadas meaning to be clean, “pronounce” clean (ceremonially or morally); to consecrate to God, “declare” as holy, “treat” as holy, signifies an act orContinue reading “from Rachel: The Handwriting on the Wall”
from Rachel: Break Off
Which part of the interpretation recorded in verses 20-27 do you imagine was most disturbing to King Nebuchadnezzar? “I would imagine the living with wild animals, eating grass like cattle, and sleeping outside every night.” Glance back at Daniel 2:48-49. What had Nebuchadnezzar done for Daniel after he interpreted the first dream? “He had madeContinue reading “from Rachel: Break Off”
The Son in the Vineyard
Dearest Rachel – So last night was an assembly for what might be considered the leaders of the church to present their pledges for the upcoming… well, it’s not so much a capital campaign like we’ve held in the past for certain specific projects as it is a commitment for future giving going forward. There’sContinue reading “The Son in the Vineyard”
from Rachel: Stripped Leaves and Scattered Fruit
The image in King Nebuchadnezzar’s first prophetic dream was a statue. What was the image in the second dream (today’s segment)? “a flourishing, sheltering tree“ According to the definition, what is the word luxuriant used to describe? “luxuriant or flourishing trees” How did the first tree symbolize Nebuchadnezzar‘s reign in Babylon up to that time?Continue reading “from Rachel: Stripped Leaves and Scattered Fruit”
from Rachel: Stubborn Minds
What image was in Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream? “a very tall statue being destroyed by a very big rock.” What kinds of metals or materials comprised the image? “gold, silver, bronze, iron, and iron and baked clay” Recall to the best of your ability the parts of the statue’s ‘body’ made up of each of thoseContinue reading “from Rachel: Stubborn Minds”
from Rachel: The Lap of Luxury
What kind of goals did you have for life? In other words, what was your idea of personal success? “I couldn’t picture college or adult life, so my impossible goal would’ve been to be five again and stay a kid.” Have your life goals or ideas of success changed at all since that time? “yes”Continue reading “from Rachel: The Lap of Luxury”
from Rachel: My Pleasure to Tell
What title would you give to this episode? “God Humbles a King” God is called the “Most High”… five more times.… As you come to each one, record the verse and any contextual insight… v.2 – The Most High God – performs miraculous signs and wonders“v.17” – “The Most High” – “is sovereign over theContinue reading “from Rachel: My Pleasure to Tell”
from Rachel: The Heart of Loyalty
Read Daniel 3:13-23. Glance back at your notes from the session and record a new insight you received specifically pertaining to this segment of Scripture. “Beth’s three scenarios makes sense, but so does her point that these men probably never even considered the possibility of the middle one – the one that occurred.” Look atContinue reading “from Rachel: The Heart of Loyalty”
from Rachel: Another Side of Self-Absorption
Hopefully, the familiar Scripture segment [Daniel 3:1-7] sparked recollection of yesterday’s lesson. What point from the lesson spoke most personally to you and why? “I suppose the question at the bottom of… page 49. I do focus too much on people’s outfits, haircuts, etc.” [C]onstantly thinking little of ourselves is still constantly thinking about ourselves.Continue reading “from Rachel: Another Side of Self-Absorption”
from Rachel: Daniel’s Interpretation
Read Daniel 2:27-30. Review Daniel’s response to the king when asked if he (Daniel) could describe an interpret his (the king’s) dream. In what ways did Daniel carefully credit God with the revelation? “He basically said no person could do it, but God could do much greater things than any human.” What will happen toContinue reading “from Rachel: Daniel’s Interpretation”
from Rachel: From “He” to “You”
Which parts of Harper’s definition of ‘providence’ mean the most to you? “‘The will of the Creator who is actively involved…’” Now, return to Daniel’s proclamation of praise in 2:20-23. Note specific ways these verses express God’s sovereignty and providence. “‘He removes kings and establishes kings’” How does the sovereignty of God described in theseContinue reading “from Rachel: From “He” to “You””
Return on Investment
Dearest Rachel – When I was in junior high, I attended a Lutheran school, having been withdrawn from the local public school after a third-grade teacher got sick and tired of me being the precocious “well, ackshully…” kid in her class and told my parents I needed to have my head examined. They actually didContinue reading “Return on Investment”
from Rachel: Urgent Tact, Urgent Prayer
Pray for insight, then read Daniel 2:13-18. Who was Arioch? “He was the commander of the king’s guard.” How does verse 14 describe Daniel’s approach to Arioch? “He spoke with wisdom and tact.” How does Daniel’s approach to Arioch show tact? “Daniel somehow manages to get him to talk before acting, and they have aContinue reading “from Rachel: Urgent Tact, Urgent Prayer”
from Rachel: A Royally Troubled Mind
List evidences of the dream’s impact on Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:1-12) “His mind was troubled, he could not sleep, he was demanding and distrustful of his astrologers, and then he was murderously angry.” Reflect again on our text. What do you think caused Nebuchadnezzar to feel this wasn’t an ordinary nightmare? “Verse 1 says ‘dreams’; maybeContinue reading “from Rachel: A Royally Troubled Mind”
from Rachel: Renaming and Resisting
The days seem to pass slowly, but the years fly like the wind. ‘I choose joy. I may not feel it, but God has appropriated it and I choose it.’ Please read Daniel 1:6-7. Write each of the young men’s names below and… what they were renamed: “Daniel – God is my judge” renamed “BelteshazzarContinue reading “from Rachel: Renaming and Resisting”
The Rules of Recab
Dearest Rachel – There’s an obscure story in the middle of the book of Jeremiah, in chapter 35, where the prophet is instructed to invite members of a certain family, descendants of a man named Recab, to eat with him at the Temple. Now, it so happens that this family had a number of traditions,Continue reading “The Rules of Recab”
Growing the Stone
Dearest Rachel – It’s not the most well-known of Bible stories, but I’m sure that you remember Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great statue made of many materials in the second chapter of the book of Daniel; with the head of gold, chest of silver, midsection of bronze, legs of iron, and the original “feet ofContinue reading “Growing the Stone”
from Rachel: Not Just a Tale of Two Kings
…at the conclusion of the session, what commitment did you and I make? “to learn” In the space below, please write down the names of all nine books starting with the Psalms and ending with Daniel. “Psalms; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Solomon; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel; Daniel” Now, read Daniel 1:1-2. Name the two charactersContinue reading “from Rachel: Not Just a Tale of Two Kings”
from Rachel: The Lord Bless You
Reflect on your own experience of going face down [before God]. Did it have any impact on you? “yes” If so, describe how it affected you. “It helped me focus my entire attention on him rather than have my mind wandering as I tried to pray.” How have you grown as a worshiper and psalmistContinue reading “from Rachel: The Lord Bless You”
from Rachel: Bless the Lord
Glance back on the Word Biblical Commentary translation of Psalm 134 and write the basic message of the final Psalm of Ascent: “Come bless YAHWEH, worship Him, and be blessed by Him.” I chose the WBC translation because I knew we’d more likely notice the repetition of the less familiar Yahweh than the expected title,Continue reading “from Rachel: Bless the Lord”
from Rachel: A United Family of God
Please glance back at your previous lesson and re-read Psalm 133. What two metaphors did the psalmist employ as expressions of kindred living together in unity?First metaphor (v. 2): “fine oil on the head”Second metaphor (v. 3): “the dew from Mount Hermon” Read Exodus 29:1-9 and describe it briefly here:“God told Moses how to consecrateContinue reading “from Rachel: A United Family of God”
from Rachel: God Talks Back
On a scale of 1 to 10, how convinced are you that your prayer time is an honest-to-goodness two-way communication? “10 – how convinced I am“7 – how often it actually is… (or maybe 6?)” If we don’t ‘ask or imagine,’ what does God have to out-do? Glance at the first half of [Psalm 132]Continue reading “from Rachel: God Talks Back”
from Rachel: At His Footstool
In one sentence, what does Psalm 132:1-10 recall? “It recalls David[’s] vow to God to begin the construction of the Temple immediately” In a word, how would you describe King David’s tone in these verses? “urgent” Associated with the Shekinah glory of God, the ark was the central location of worship in the Old Testament.Continue reading “from Rachel: At His Footstool”
Street Cred
Dearest Rachel – Well, it’s happened again; I don’t know if you’ve found out about Josh, as I don’t know how time works up there, nor how new entrants are welcomed by those who have gone before. If it’s just a case of being ‘asleep’ until summoned by the trumpet at the end of days,Continue reading “Street Cred”
from Rachel: Like a Weaned Child
What do you think Peterson meant by ‘neurotic dependency’? “Maybe whiny insecurity, coming to God as our therapist (??)” Offer a scenario depicting a way this could happen: “An idea, plan, event, etc. that really feels like God’s will fizzles, gets canceled, causes controversy, etc.” God‘s goal is not children scared into silence, but thoseContinue reading “from Rachel: Like a Weaned Child”
The Womb and the World
Dearest Rachel – So the men’s Bible study is back on its regular Saturday schedule – at least for the moment, since next week will be taken off due to what they refer to as “Man Camp” next weekend (which I suspect you’d be pushing me to go to, but I still think there areContinue reading “The Womb and the World”
from Rachel: Olive Shoots Around Your Table
Write Hosea 14:9 from day 2 as a great reminder as we prepare to put both feet on Psalm 128. “Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them. For the ways of the Lord are right.” Read from day 2 Psalm 128: 1-4,6 in either version. How does it depictContinue reading “from Rachel: Olive Shoots Around Your Table”
from Rachel: Vain Labor
“[Verse 5 is] very different [between the NCV and HCSB translations]: warfare vs. vocal confrontation” Glance at the headings under both translations. To whom is this psalm attributed? “Solomon” In Hebrew, the words are actually the name of God gave Solomon according to 2 Samuel 12:25: Jedediah, meaning ‘Beloved of Jehovah.’ The tone of theContinue reading “from Rachel: Vain Labor”
from Rachel: To Laugh Again
Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves “‘We shall come rejoicing / bringing in the sheaves’” Psalm 126 falls conveniently into perfect halves. The Message makes the transition clearest. Write the verse that you think introduces the second half. “‘AndContinue reading “from Rachel: To Laugh Again”
from Rachel: A Love That Surrounds
How did the psalmist describe God’s position regarding His people (v. 2)? “He surrounds them/us, like the mountains surround Jerusalem.” What do these verses say about God’s help and sustaining presence? Psalm 34:7 “He encamps around and delivers those who fear Him.” Psalm 139:5 “He is in front and behind; His hand is on us.”Continue reading “from Rachel: A Love That Surrounds”
from Rachel: He Surrounds His People
Today you and I will steep ourselves entirely in the first verse and the picture it draws. How does verse 1 describe the people who trust in God? “like Mount Zion” ‘Those who [are “confident”] in the Lord are like Mount Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.’ How would you describe confidence inContinue reading “from Rachel: He Surrounds His People”
from Rachel: Praise the Lord
Has Satan effectively tempted you to oppose your own best interests? “yes” If so, did you did you get fed up with being your own worst earthly enemy and decide to let God bring you some healing? “yes and no – lots of times – never permanently” In our introductory session, we talked about threeContinue reading “from Rachel: Praise the Lord”
The Curse
Dearest Rachel – This may seem strange to bring up so many days later, but it’s not as if thoughts are necessarily time-sensitive – they occur to me when they occur to me – so I’m going to talk about this one now, if that’s okay with you. It’s not as if much happened lastContinue reading “The Curse”
from Rachel: If the Lord Had Not
Don’t think for a moment He is inattentive as you throw open your Bible and seek to hear His voice amid so many voices competing for your attention. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth /  God’s strong name is our help, the same God whoContinue reading “from Rachel: If the Lord Had Not”
from Rachel: The One Enthroned
I lift my eyes to You,the One enthroned in heaven In one phrase or sentence, what do you consider to be the theme of Psalm 123? “Pursuing favor from God while ignoring (or maybe ‘and deliverance from’) contempt from others.” Have you discovered a strong relationship in the concept of the statement ‘where I lookContinue reading “from Rachel: The One Enthroned”
from Rachel: Where Will My Help Come From?
“‘I’ve moved my mind up, so I’m okay’” Song originated with God and accompanied “creation” (Job 38:7) In scripture, singing is attributed to both “God” the “Father” and “Christ” the “Son” “Specifically, Psalms, ending with number 118, an especially messianic Psalm Jesus will one day sing to God in our presence” “Emotions” and “experience” canContinue reading “from Rachel: Where Will My Help Come From?”
from Rachel: The Peace of Jerusalem
What does Isaiah 55:10-11 say about God’s Word? “It does not return void, but does the work God intends for it.” OK, let’s get to our third Psalm of Ascent. Quick review: what three approaches are we going to take? “Say” it, “work” it, and at the conclusion of our next day of study, we’llContinue reading “from Rachel: The Peace of Jerusalem”
from Rachel: The Lord Your Keeper
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. “I depend on him so often for so much.” The Lord protects you/Yahweh is your keeper, the Lord is a shelter right by your side  The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life. The Lord will protectContinue reading “from Rachel: The Lord Your Keeper”
from Rachel: Woe to Me
Did you get the three approaches? “Say it –> Work it –> Pray it” In my distress, I called to the Lord and He answered me. “Too many times to count, and even in the mundane He answers me.” I’m in trouble. I cry to God, desperate for an answer. “Less hopeful version, whether orContinue reading “from Rachel: Woe to Me”
from Rachel: Worship on the Way
What does 1 Peter 5:6 say to you? “If I humble myself under God’s mighty hand, He will lift me up when the time is right.” What brings you to this study? “Convenience of schedule. I still have to rearrange a little, but mornings are still much better than evenings. I know I need aContinue reading “from Rachel: Worship on the Way”
from Rachel: The Display of His Presence
Please write benefit 5… from memory. “To enjoy God‘s presence” Read the familiar words of Isaiah 40:28-31 and savor every word. Write your favorite part of these verses. “31 ‘…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…’” I believe Isaiah 40:28-31 tells us exactly whatContinue reading “from Rachel: The Display of His Presence”
from Rachel: The Display of His Glory
Now let’s consider the portrait of our second benefit… write benefit 2 of our covenant relationship with God. “To glorify God” A wonderful example of persons living beyond their human responses appears in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. In one word, how would you characterize the kind of person these words describe? “strong” Read 2 Corinthians 4:7Continue reading “from Rachel: The Display of His Glory”
from Rachel: The Display of His Renown
Read Isaiah 43:1-12. What do verses 8, 10, and 12 suggest God purposes to do with your life? “(7? 9?) We are to be His witnesses, to testify of the great things He has done.” Please write the five benefits of your covenant relationship with God based on the book of Isaiah. – “To knowContinue reading “from Rachel: The Display of His Renown”
from Rachel: A Planting of the Lord
Read the familiar words of Mark 12:28-30. What is God‘s absolute priority commandment for you and me, and according to 1 John 3:18, what form should a genuine love for God take? “We should love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength with actions and in truth.” Write the last sentence ofContinue reading “from Rachel: A Planting of the Lord”
from Rachel: Taking Thoughts Captive
What is God’s goal for our thought life? “to think with the mind of Christ” In our previous lesson, we cited a possible reason why God usually does not simply remove temptation from us. What was it? “We would then still be just as vulnerable to all the similar attacks in the future.” Read PsalmContinue reading “from Rachel: Taking Thoughts Captive”
from Rachel: Tearing Down the High Places
What do you see as the differences between casual thoughts and captivating thoughts? “I see the difference as how often they keep recurring and whether or not they return unbidden when I’ve decided to stop thinking about them.” So we can begin to think in applications from the start, describe two situations that could easilyContinue reading “from Rachel: Tearing Down the High Places”
from Rachel: Failure to Believe God’s Unfailing Love
Why should not believing God personally and lavishly loves us be considered a sin? “Perhaps, again (see page 177) the extreme pridefulness of thinking one can out-sin God’s love, or maybe it’s belittling Him and the size of His love.” Think of someone (besides God) you are absolutely positive loves you. Who is this person? “Randy” ListContinue reading “from Rachel: Failure to Believe God’s Unfailing Love”
from Rachel: The Fullness of Unfailing Love
Read 1 John 4:13-15. What happens when someone acknowledges that Jesus in the Son of God? “God lives in him (and he in God).” Can you think of a time when you were suddenly awash with the magnitude of God’s love for you personally? Describe it. “Beth’s story reminds me of [singing] ‘How Great Thou Art’ inContinue reading “from Rachel: The Fullness of Unfailing Love”
from Rachel: The Freedom of Unfailing Love
Why do you think we readily accept God’s love for others but struggle with the belief that He loves us equally, radically, completely, and unfailingly? “Maybe low self-esteem, perhaps because we know first-hand how big our own sin (does that mean we at least have the plank in the eye lesson mastered, or is itContinue reading “from Rachel: The Freedom of Unfailing Love”
from Rachel: Finding Unfailing Love
Read Psalm 136. What is the obvious point of the chapter? “His love endures forever.” Write a phrase and reference from each of the 26 verses of Psalm 136. For example, verse 1, “He is good,” shows His compassion. 1. God the Creator“4 – does great wonders“5 – made the heavens“6 – [made] the earth“7 – madeContinue reading “from Rachel: Finding Unfailing Love”
Letters to Rachel 