Discerning The Voice of God

They say if you spend 1,000 hours studying one thing you will become proficient in that one thing.  While I hesitate to believe that all I need to do is devote 1,000 hours to my jump shot and it would propel me on to the NBA, I can entertain the notion that if I dedicated that kind of time and focused attention to something, I very well could excel at that one thing. 

With my first child, changing a diaper took all my focused attention and several failed attempts before getting it right.  By the time number two baby arrived, I was changing a diaper while talking on the phone, while running the laundry and answering the 427th “why” question of the day from the older sibling.  Changing that many diapers was what made me proficient.  It didn’t come naturally and it wasn’t exactly the thing that I loved to do most.  But it was necessary. 

What if we approached our spiritual life with that kind of energy?  Not because we necessarily want to but because it was necessary.  What if we decided to spend a great deal of time focusing on one area so that we might become proficient in that one area, a necessary area?  Would you do it?  What would yours be?  For me, hands down it would be to learn how to hear from God.   It is the one area where I desperately need proficiency. 

Life can be so overwhelming at times, would you agree?  Obstacles, difficult decisions, and complicated choices seem to be the make-up of our environment today.  With so many solutions bombarding us from all the social media that is part of our culture, how do we discern what is God and what is not?  How do we discern the voice of our Maker from the ones that continually vie for our attention? 

If you feel the same way, why not join us for our next course of study.  Discerning the Voice of God  by Priscilla Shirer.  We will spend seven weeks of focused attention on this one topic.  There are six DVD sessions with six weeks of accompanying homework and there are several ways that you can participate in this study with us. 

1) You can join us for the DVD lessons or,

2) You can purchase and complete the workbook and join us for the DVD lessons or,

3) You can purchase and complete the workbook and participate in group discussion while also joining in viewing the DVD lessons. 

You get to pick whatever suits you in this season of your life but keep in mind the more time and energy you use to engage in a topic the more proficient you will be at it.  I always encourage people to do homework because it causes you to engage with the material and to really mull it over in your mind.  I also find that this is when God speaks to people the most.  He gets personal with you when you get personal with Him.  If you have never done homework, then I encourage you to give it a try.  It can become quite compelling. 

Ok, so here are the administrative details.  The study will begin on Tuesday, April 16th and will run until May 28th.  We will be meeting at 9:30 am where we will start promptly with group discussions.  At 10:15, we will join together in the chapel for worship and then the DVD lesson for that week.  If you are only participating in the DVD part of the program, you won’t need to arrive until 10:15.   If you wish to purchase a book ($11), contact Linda via the email on the side bar of this post and she will order it for you (money needs to be in before the order can be made).

How I hope that you will join us on April 16th.  To those of you who regularly attend Women’s Bible study, I am so excited to embark on another journey with you all in His word; you make it so much fun for me.   And to those of you who might be new to not only this Bible Study, but to any Bible study, we would be so blessed if you would join us.  You are so welcome here.

See you on the 16^th!   

“May the beauty of the Lord rest upon you and establish the work of your hands.” Psalm 90:17 (my paraphrase)

Shalom!

El Olam

This week in Bible Study we learned about El Olam, the Everlasting* God. We know from what we have studied this year that the first mention of anything in scripture is significant and sheds light on future occurrences. The LORD is first revealed as the Everlasting God in Genesis 21:33: “Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God”.  In September we learned that the name El or Elohim means strong or mighty Creator.  The Hebrew word olam means time or age and has roots in the Hebrew word that means hidden, underscoring the mysterious nature of God. 

What I Learned from the Homework

Before continuing, please read Genesis 21:22-34.  In the beginning of this passage Abraham and Abimelechek are arguing over a well at Beersheba.  The passage ends with the declaration by Abraham that the LORD is the Everlasting God.  These two things would seem to be unrelated but as we studied we learned of the connection.

In Genesis 17:1-8 God confirmed His covenant with Abraham. There are two specific promises that God had made to Abraham. The first promise: "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations.” Genesis 17:4.  The second promise: “The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.” Genesis 17:8.

1) God promised that Abraham would be the father of many nations.

2) God promised Abraham land.

In this passage is the following verse: “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you”  Genesis 17:7.

It is key to notice that the two things God had promised Abraham in Genesis 17 were part of His everlasting covenant.  We had learned in the homework that the first part of the covenant, which promised Abraham would be the father of many nations, had been fulfilled by the birth of Isaac.  Now let’s get back to the second part of the everlasting covenant.  This brings us to Abraham’s and Abimelech’s encounter at the well in Beersheba in Genesis 21.  As you read through these verses you will see that what had actually happened in this passage of scripture was that Abraham had bought the land that the well was on from Abimelech. That well was in Beersheba. Beersheba was in the Promised Land. And there you have it!  The second part of the everlasting covenant was fulfilled.  Abraham had the land!!  So why did Abraham plant the tree and call on the Everlasting God? Abraham had known that the LORD was an everlasting God but by his experience he now REALLY knew THE Everlasting God!!

The homework pointed out that Abraham had to go through certain circumstance to truly know the LORD, The Everlasting God, in a personal way. God will work in our lives in a similar fashion.   I will ask you what the homework asked us. Are you going through a confusing season that you sense God might be causing you to know something about Him in a deeper, more personal way?  Be encouraged! The joy of knowing Him more awaits you on the other side!

What I Learned in Class

Sandee began her lesson by helping us wrap our minds around the significance of God as our Everlasting God.  Some of the English translations of God’s Hebrew name El Olam  are: The God of Eternity, The Eternal God,  God of All Time, God of the Ages, The Unchangeable God,  and The God of Perpetuity. These names speak of the mysterious, infinite nature of our LORD.

As Sandee taught on Abraham’s time at the well at Beersheba found in Genesis 17, one of her focus points stemmed from the key verse as translated in the New Living Translation of the Bible: “Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God.” Genesis  21:33, NLT.

Abraham worshiped the LORD, the Everlasting God at Beersheba. The question she asked us…what exactly is worship?

When we think of worship, what might come to mind is singing hymns or modern songs of praise about the LORD during a Sunday morning church service. Sandee showed us that there is so much more to worship than that.

• Worship is a conversation between man and God.
• Worship is our heart’s expression of love, adoration, and praise to God. It is accompanied by an attitude and acknowledgement of His supremacy and Lordship in our lives.
• Worship is the ability to magnify God with our whole being – our bodies, souls, and spirits.
• Worship is extravagant love and extreme obedience.

Sandee gave us five points that helped to define what worshipping the LORD looks like in our own lives:

1) Worship is an intimate experience that brings us close to the heart of God. The basis of this experience is relationship. This relationship is a two way street.  It is about giving and receiving.

2) Worship is not a musical activity but a function of the heart. This is depicted so beautifully in Luke 7:“A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them” (Luke 7:37-38).  She poured out her heart in worship at the feet of Jesus.

3) The true worshiper will worship even under emotionally devastating circumstances. Job is an example of that.  We are all familiar with the catastrophic losses he suffered but this is what he declared: “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:20-21).  Despite his losses, Job affirmed God’s sovereignty.

4) We learn worship by doing it. “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD” Psalm 89:15.

5) Worship is no longer bound to a certain time or place but a function of the spirit of man reaching out to the Spirit of God through Jesus Christ. “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks" John 4:23.

Wrapping it All Up

We know that the world in which we live is temporary. It is passing away. The homework pointed to verse 3:11 of Ecclesiastes: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end”. The LORD is eternal and He has set that eternity in our hearts. While we are on the earth there will always be a longing for something more. That something more is eternity. The homework encourages us to take heart, and, when life is overwhelming, remember this is not all there is-- there is eternally more!!!

“Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the LORD.” Psalm 106:48

*The most commonly-used versions of the Bible we read from use the words ‘everlasting’ and ‘eternal’. For the sake of consistency, I am going to use ‘everlasting’.

Jehovah Tsuri

This week we have been studying Jehovah Tsuri, The LORD is My Rock.  Pastor Grace began our lesson by giving us several instances in Scripture where the LORD is called s our Rock.  Moses proclaims in Deuteronomy 32:4, “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.  A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."   What does it mean that the LORD is our rock? She reminded us that a rock is a place of safety and strength. It says in Psalm 144:1-2, “Of David. Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me."

Pastor Grace cautioned us about standing on man-made rocks. They will never be able to support us as Jehovah Tsuri can. She asked us to consider the effects of what happens when we choose to stand on a rock that is not the LORD. The result can be devastation, not only in our own lives, but the lives of those we love.  The words of Solomon attest to this fact: “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1).  Pastor Grace reminded us that we should tell the LORD that we want to trust Him as our rock.  He is worthy of our trust; "The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him” (Psalm 92:15).

We learned in the homework that the first time this name is used was to describe Joseph’s relationship with the LORD:  “Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall.  With bitterness archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility. But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed  limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel” (Genesis 49:22-24).  The homework gave us three elements of Joseph’s relationship with the LORD as his Rock.  The Rock was: the source of his stability, the source of his strength, and the source of his safety.  We learned how these same three elements were also reflected in the relationship between David and Jehovah Tsuri.

The Rock as the Source of Stability

“For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way”. (2 Sam. 22:32, 37)

David knew that it was the LORD that gave him the ability to stand firm in the face of adversity.

The concept that God is the source of our stability is also found in the New Testament in Matthew 7:24-27.  It says in verse 24-25, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ”  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”  This has such an important application to our own lives. We all want the LORD to be the source of our stability but it just doesn’t just happen. We need to actually walk in obedience to Jesus’ words.

The Rock as the Source of Strength

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (2 Sam. 22:33, 35). 

 Not only did the LORD give David strength, He also trained David for the battles he would face.  The homework suggests that the source of our strength is something we carry away from the spiritual battles we have fought.  As we go through trials with the LORD by our side we are strengthened for the battles that lie ahead.

The LORD was the Rock in the apostle Paul’s life. It says in 2 Tim. 4:16-17a “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.  But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength,” (2 Tim 4:16-17a).  Like Paul, there will be times that we feel we are left alone by those closest to us in the midst of hardship. We can stand on the promise that God will be at our side as well, giving us the strength we need.

The Rock is the Source of Safety

“He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me. "I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies.” (2 Sam. 22:2-4).

We learned that rocks and caves were often used as shelters or protective hiding places in the times which David lived.  David drew a strong symbolic parallel between the LORD his rock and what that relationship meant to him. We were reminded that although the LORD does call us to engage in the battle it is He who will bring us to safety.

Wrapping It Up

Before continuing, please take a few minutes to read Psalm 62. This psalm is a song of praise by David and reflects his relationship with Jehovah Tsuri.  We can see the same three concepts (stability, strength, and safety) reflected in Psalm 62 as we studied in 2 Samuel 22.

Stability: “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:2)

Strength: “One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: "Power belongs to you, God.” (Psalm 62:11)

Safety: “My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” (Psalm 62:7)

There is an awesome point to be made by comparing what we learned in 2 Samuel 22 to Psalm 62.  You’ll remember from 2 Samuel 22 :1, “David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.”  We learned that David praised the LORD as the source of his stability, strength and safety after he was delivered from the hand of Saul. But the context of Psalm 62 is much different. The homework tells us that it is believed that this psalm was written in the midst of adversity, around the time that David’s son Absalom rebelled against him.  What does this tell us? That David’s perspective of Jehovah Tsuri remained the same through times of both victory or adversity.

We can truly apply what we have learned about David’s relationship with Jehovah Tsuri to our own relationship with the LORD our Rock.  As the homework pointed out, we probably all would like our words in the times of trial to mirror our words in times of victory.  We have the same capacity to trust the LORD as David did.  David didn’t look at his circumstances to tell him who his God was. He knew who his God was and he saw his circumstances through the eyes of faith. As you might recall, God declared David a man after His own heart!

“My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.  Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:5-8, NKJV)

Jehovah Melek

Royalty. What image does that conjure up in your head? A throne? A crown? Perhaps Princess Di walking down the aisle of Westminster Cathedral? What about absolute power? Unquestioned authority? In the 21^st century royal titles are more about prestige than real power. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, the title “King” is very relevant to our lives. This week we studied Jehovah Melek, God My King.

In her lesson on Tuesday, Janet opened with the words from Psalm 68:24 (NASB), “They have seen Thy procession, O God, The procession of my God, my King into the sanctuary”. She explained that this psalm reviews the works of God on behalf of His people and an anticipation of the final victory of God over His enemies. Janet also pointed us to Psalm 5:1-3. It says in verse 2, “Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray”.  She taught that this psalm is a prayer for protection and guidance made to Jehovah Melek.

Janet asked us the question, ‘who is truly reigning on the throne of our hearts?’. It should be the King of Kings, she stressed, not ourselves. Our perception of God as King needs to go beyond an intellectual acknowledgement to the place where we are experiencing God as King in our lives. As we pray to our King, we bow in reverence. We approach Him with humility. Janet reminded us that we need to make a conscious and deliberate action to turn from the pain in our lives and look to the King.

In the homework this week we learned about three aspects of God’s position as King. We focused on His sovereignty, His statesmanship and His stewardship. (Please note that in the Bible verses you will read, although they may not call God ‘King’, in the context of the verses the LORD is being described as King.)

The King is Sovereign

“…he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion.” (1 Timothy 6:15-16,ESV).

Some of the words I found that describe sovereign are: a ruler having supreme rank, power, or authority: greatest in degree; utmost or extreme; being above all others in character, importance, or excellence. God is the ONLY Sovereign! Let’s look at some of the things over which the King is sovereign:

Creation & Nature: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Col. 1:16

Earthly Rule: “The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” (Proverbs 21:1)

There is nothing created in heaven or earth, nothing visible or invisible, nor any power, over which the King is not sovereign. I don’t think any of us struggle with unbelief in this area. But let’s make it a little more personal…

Circumstances in the life of a believer: “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” (Eph. 1:11-12)

There is so much in our lives that is uncertain. If we are not dealing with a situation now, chances are we will be very soon. Every time we face uncertainty it is an opportunity to trust our Sovereign King. As we trust Him, one step at a time and one circumstance at a time, we build a walk of faith. He is the One with the plan and He will work it out to the conformity of His will and in the end, He will be glorified.

The King is a Statesman

Not only is Jehovah Melek a sovereign king, but He is also a statesman. As it is in our government, in God’s kingdom laws are made, obedience to these rules are judged, and justice is carried out. It says in Isaiah 33:22. “For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us”. This verse tells us that the Lord is our King but it also tells us that He is our judge and our lawgiver.

The King as lawgiver: “You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right, and decrees and commands that are good.” (Nehemiah 9:13)

This year we have learned that obedience is very important to God. God’s laws are just, right and good. God has given us His laws because they are good for us, not to burden us. When the Israelites walked in disobedience they hurt themselves and others. When they obeyed, not only were they blessed but, more importantly, there was peace in their relationship with God. Many of us struggle with the idea of how we can really love God in our relationship with Him, not just with feeling, but in actions.

The King as judge: “The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity.” (Psalm 9:7-8)

The King is a Steward of His People

All kings have subjects over which they rule. It says in Psalm 100:3, “Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture”. Psalm 145 opens with David exalting his King. He praises our God, the King, for who He is, His splendor and majesty, and all His mighty works. Not only does David praise the King, but he tells us much about the King’s stewardship of His people.

Psalm 145:9 “The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.”

Psalm 145:14 “The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”

Psalm 145:16 “You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”

Psalm 145:20a “The LORD watches over all who love Him.”

Jehovak Melek is our Lord and our King. Earthly rulers will come and go. Kingdoms will rise and fall. Our God and His kingdom are everlasting. He is the King of Kings. No one comes close to comparing to Him, not in power, not in authority, and not in love. He is the King who rules in every sense of the word.

We learned about the King’s sovereignty and rule. These aspects of who He is inspire godly fear and reverence. But when we look at the stewardship of His people, we see the evidence of His tender care.

  

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11)