1 August 2012 Bible Study Notes

Week 3:  The Voice of the Holy Spirit

o  Day 1: PERSISTENT

§  Darlene

There are several meanings to the word, persistent.  It means not to give up; to keep on trying or continuing firmly or obstinately in a course in spite of difficulty or opposition.

As I studied this lesson on Persistent, read scriptures, and ponder on what the word persistent means, and what kept coming to mind was the word-prayer. I thought about it and we know that prayer is a way of communicating with God.  But, I was still trying to connect the two. I went to God in prayer. We pray to God persistently when things are not going right for us, someone is sick, need a financial breakthrough, making promise to God, just to name a few.  As it stated in our lesson, God call us in an attempt to turn our ears and actions in His directions. Even when we   don’t respond to Him, God still continues to pursue us.

A persistent prayer will allow your faith to become stronger.  Some will say that it is a coincidence when you are pointed in the right directions, but Christians know that it is God that continues to speak to us and lead us to in His ways.  As Christians, we see this as a way God’s will been confirmed.  No matter how you look at it God message is confirmed persistently through Scriptures, circumstances, and the Holy Spirit.

God called Eli and the Samaritan woman several times.  He was very persistent in getting their attention.  This is an example of no matter how young or old you are, what the situation maybe, when God get ready to speak to you, He will let the Holy Spirit work in you, others and the events in your life to point you in His directions. We must seek Him and acknowledge Him. He will direct our path, (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God encourages persistence in every area of our life including spiritual growth. You grow as you go through tough conditions. Jacob wrestled with the angel all night just to be blessed. (Gen. 32:22-32)

As believers, God will continue to stand at the door of our heart and knock (Matthew 7:7-8), even if you give up, but you must be persist in pursing God. It takes faith, prayers and staying focus to know God; so continues to ask God for knowledge, patience, wisdom, love and understanding. He will give it to you.

What it takes to be Persistent

·      Must be humble Luke 14:11-12

·      Pray with spirit and with understanding 1 Corn. 14:15

·      Believe God will hear your prayers

·      Obedience/Determine

Parables to read

·      Persistent Friend   Luke 11:5-13

·      Persistent Widow  Luke 18:1-18

o  Day 2: PERSONAL

§  Chamel

My Personal Key Verse::

::Romans 14:16 - Do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil.

Significant Points in the Study::

::When God requires certain things of us, it's easy for us to assume He must be requiring  it from everyone else as well.  

::The Holy Spirit knows your stage of spiritual development and will direct you accordingly.  His job is to instruct you in the way you should

go and give you specific details concerning the issues of your life.

::We should give others the freedom to enjoy the course they have prayerfully determined will be best for them.

My Personal Thoughts::

::Day 2 signifies that through the Holy Spirit we have a personal relationship with God and He uses the Holy Spirit to direct us individually.

::You are accountable to the Lord for what He personally requires of you.

::I love how God used Chantel's journey to Japan to help her have a closer walk with Him and return helped me to jump start my walk with Him.  I can remember our first bible study and how at that point in my life I was struggling with a lot and wanting to "throw in the towel" but through Chantel's growth I was able to keep moving forward.  However, this study has made me realize that she is on her personal walk with God and that my path may not be the same as hers.  I have to focus on what God has for me and accept that.  The study reveals that the Holy Spirit draws us individual maps to follow and my goal is to keep following.  We all have different past and have gone through our various circumstances, but at this point we are on a mission to be closer to God.  We have the same destination but may take a different direction.

I pray that each and everyone of my sisters and mother follow the direct path that God has for them and help keep one another motivated and accountable.

o  Day 3: PEACEFUL

§  Chantel

Let me start by saying when I came to Christ whole-heartedly the ONLY thing I pray for was PEACE in my life.  Guess what?  He gave me just that.  God knew what I needed and it was the peace that surpasses ALL understanding. 

Points from Day 3

·The Lord desire unity and edification within the body of Christ.  We are to keep ourselves united in the Holy Spirit (paraphrased) Ephesians 4:13

·How do we obtain this peace?  By God’s voice and His Word.  (You notice in Proverbs we learned that’s the ONLY we gain wisdom is through His Word). 

·KNOWING how to discern wisdom from God

o   ALL pure

o   Peace loving

o   Gentle at ALL times

o   Willing to yield to others

o   Full of mercy & good deeds

o   Shows NO partiality

o   ALWAYS sincere

*If you can’t put a check mark next to each item from James 3:17, you will definitely have to go back to the drawing board with the Holy Spirit.

GOD WILL GIVE YOU THE FREEDOM TO DO THINGS HE MAY NOT GIVE OTHERS FREEDOM TO DO (vice versa).

This above statement stood out to me more than anything.  And the Biblical examples she gave were right on point (page 54-Paul’s illustration concerning eating different types of foods in Romans 14). 

·Gentiles ate freely vs Jews observed the laws concerning foods

·Paul encouraged them to remain TRUE to his OWN conviction

·However Paul offered a warning to them and to us about being careful of our fellow brothers and sisters while enjoying our freedoms.  We DO NOT want to become a stumbling block in their lives. 

·As Christians we are responsible for those who are prone to stumble (we must be aware of our actions and how it will hinder/help others).

·We must also be careful because the enemy will use this very thing as an area of bondage for us (always worrying about how our freedoms will affect others).

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

·God LOVES unity and always encourages peace

·Two questions to ask yourself

1.     Is the message I am hearing going to hinder another believer’s spiritual growth?

2.     Is the message I am hearing going to cause unnecessary conflict between myself and another believer?

·God’s Word to you WILL NOT cause another believer to sin.  It’s up to YOU.

PERSONAL POINTS:

·I had to learn that everyone in church is NOT on the same worship level.  I would at times get discouraged when leading praise and worship because of the sad faces in the congregation.  At the time wasn’t being considerate of others.

(Page 56) I selected:

Psalm 34:14-Learn how to LOVE my enemies

Matthew 5:9-Peace=JOY in my life (even WITH problems)

Mark 16:15-my ministry is through SONG

o  Day 4: VERIFIABLE

§  Glenda

o   God’s voice can be verified through His word! 

o   Key Point: The primary channel through which the Lord will reveal His word to you is the Bible.

o   It’s important to know that whatever the Holy Spirit tells us, we can match it with what is written in the scripture.  It’s awesome to know that God will not contradict himself… God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all one…and all scripture was given by the Holy Spirit… so all things must align and match one in the same.

o   Despite what we want…no matter how good it makes us feel…or how bad we want it for ourselves, if it doesn’t align with God’s words we should not participate in it.

o   Take a second to think about something you did that contradicted God’s word…

o   How did it turn out….Likely, not so good….Thank God for His grace and mercy!

o   Despite if our particular situation can be found directly in scripture, God can use His word to speak to us…. Why? Because it is the LIVING Word… the Holy Spirit allows scripture to catch our attention in a moment that guides and directs our paths…no matter if we think it ‘matches’ our situation perfectly or not.…The passage just seems to make since in that moment.

o   Remember: It’s ok to ask God to reveal Himself before/while reading…Request His help/guidance.

o   The More Scripture You Have Hidden in your Heart, the More Opportunity He will have to Bring It to Your Mind and Direct You…..

o   We have to study and know His word…So that it can be brought to our remembrance!

o   How much time do you spend studying reading the word?! The ranking exercise showed me that I absolutely need to make more time!

o   The more time we spend with God the clearer the separation between our desires and the Holy Spirit’s directions will be…..We will be able to better distinguish between His voice and our conscience…

o   Action: Make a personal challenge to yourself to read/mediate on two scriptures a week….

o   Right them down…Put them in your mirror…Tape one on the back of your phone! Whatever it takes!

o  Day 5: AUTHORITATIVE

§  Jasmine

God
111 Kings Hwy
Heaven, Gates 1114U

To Whom I Call My Child:

I would like to give you the gift that is of Me.  The gift that will comfort you, guide you, and support you until we meet face to face.  This gift is of TRUTH.  When you whole-heartily receive this gift, it will guide you into all truths.  This gift will not speak of His own, but it will speak of what I, The Lord, tell Him.
The gift that I present to you today is The gift of the Holy Spirit. I have ordained the Holy Spirit with the authority to rule over you.  As you accept the Spirit, know that you are also receiving power, which is your ability to rule.  So you have given the right to rule and now the ability to rule.  You are equipped to witness across the earth of My goodness.  
I ask that you allow the calm and steady force of my Word to impact your mind, body, and soul.  Instead of following your human conscience that you constantly debate with, just follow that spirit lead conscience that is leading you in the right direction because it of Me, The One that wants the best for you.  
All I ask that you seek Me first in all that you do and I will reveal my will unto you.  I will not place more on you than you can bare, my beloved child.  Don’t be afraid of what the enemy is trying to do to eliminate you.  Remember, he has the power (the ability) to try to harm you, but I, your loving Father, has the authority (the right to allow power) to grant the enemy the right to use his power.  So, if you know that all things work together for your good, I know you believe that I will keep you protected.  
I would like to close with an agreement between you and I that you will follow my gift of the Holy Spirit that I am giving unto you.  Keep it hidden away in your heart that you may not lose focus of my promises to you. Turn the eyes of your heart to me and your ears open and willingly accepting to what the Holy Spirit has for you.  
Prayfully sign below and allow your signature to stand as a great acceptance of the commit that you will make unto Me. My Son has sealed the deal already so why wouldn’t you agree.  I love you!

Sincerely,

God

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