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.“…we still possess a residual effect of that ‘old man’ even after salvation. We still have an indwelling principle of sin in us that corrupts every part of us.Continue reading “from Rachel: Recognizing the Evil Within (part one)”
Tag Archives: pride
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: A Vile King’s Succession
One of our chief goals in this study of Daniel is to become familiar with the basic themes of each chapter. Recall as many of our chapter rhymes as you can…Daniel One: Carried “off to Babylon”Daniel Two: “Neb’s Dream” StatueDaniel Three: From a “Fiery” Furnace “Freed”Daniel Four: I’ll “Humble Neb” Some MoreDaniel Five: Says theContinue reading “from Rachel: A Vile King’s Succession”
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”
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: 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: Taller When Others Bow
Share another example of how something true can be enhanced until it’s a lie. “Raising a hand or hands during song or prayer sometimes starts me focusing on others’ perspectives.” We are so thoroughly indoctrinated in image building that I’m not sure we easily recognize the difference between excelling and self–selling. Offer a few examplesContinue reading “from Rachel: Taller When Others Bow”
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: Things Too Great
At second and third glance, you’ll see that Psalm 131:1 bulges with potential discussion. But at first glance, what does Psalm 131:1 say to you? “Lord, I try to stay out of trouble. I try not to get a swelled head because I know there’s a lot of stuff I can’t do (e.g., unlike Tomo-chanContinue reading “from Rachel: Things Too Great”
from Rachel: A View from the New
When did you last try to break a stronghold in your own strength and end up feeling powerless and totally defeated? “I suppose it was in October 2008 when I tried to clean up because my parents were coming, or November when I tried to keep it looking nice.” Think about a stronghold you’ve experienced.Continue reading “from Rachel: A View from the New”
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: The Obstacle of Pride
In Isaiah 26:8, what do the people desire or value? “God’s name and renown” Place an X on the scale to indicate how you would estimate the visibility of God in your life. “(about 8 out of 10 on a scale from practically invisible to conspicuous)” How does Isaiah 4:8 say God responds to thisContinue reading “from Rachel: The Obstacle of Pride”
from Rachel: The Reign of Hezekiah
Why do you think Hezekiah turned out so differently from his father? “Maybe he recognized how wrong and wicked his father had been and wanted to be the exact opposite. Maybe Isaiah had the opportunity to influence him in his formative years. Or, perhaps his mother, Abijah, did; (her father was Zechariah – perhaps theContinue reading “from Rachel: The Reign of Hezekiah”
from Rachel: The Reign of Ahaz
Based on verses 1-4, identify Ahaz’s evil practices. Check all that apply.“– He made cast idols for worshiping the Baals.“– He burned his sons in the fire as sacrifices.“– He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places.“– He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel.” How did God show His disfavorContinue reading “from Rachel: The Reign of Ahaz”
from Rachel: The Reign of Uzziah
Isaiah 1:1 lists the four kings who reigned over Judah during Isaiah‘s life. Find their names in the list below and order their reigns 1, 2, 3, 4. “1. Uzziah“2. Jotham“3. Ahaz“4. Hezekiah” What did Isaiah call his wife? “the prophetess” The name Uzziah means “the Lord is my strength.” In what ways does thisContinue reading “from Rachel: The Reign of Uzziah”
from Rachel: I Think Too Much of Myself
Did you struggle with an intense focus on yourself in your teenage years? “Not like that, I was more of a Daria than a Quinn. But I was also rather a Hermione, so I definitely wanted all my work perfect to impress my teachers, and I relished in their praise and attention.” List some waysContinue reading “from Rachel: I Think Too Much of Myself”
from Rachel: Believing God Loves You
[starred] There are people in great need who decide to become great at being needy. It’s easier to stay needy than take hold of the power to change. [starred] There is no “enough” for us with God. Good enough. Kind enough. Generous enough. We do not earn His love because we have finally become enough.Continue reading “from Rachel: Believing God Loves You”
Letters to Rachel 