Introduction

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

What are you missing in life? Do you have true peace? Do you feel loved? Have you escaped the corruption of the world and recognized the presence of God in your everyday life?

In my late thirties, I spent a great deal of time begging God to change me, change my circumstances and take away my desire to be involved in the garbage I had brought into my life. During one of my exasperated moments of being a mom, I sat down in front of the computer with the intention of escaping to a chat room once again. That seemed to be the only way to control my anger at the moment. Yet I also knew that my escape was not beneficial to me, my family or a wise use of my time. In my cry for help, God simply said, “look at me.”

It was then I began a journey of discovering the truth of 2 Peter 1:3-4. I wanted to be released from much of what was going on in my life yet my focus was fully on those things. That day I looked at God instead of my circumstances and discovered a true peace in the midst of my circumstances. I felt His love despite my faults. And I discovered the easiest way to get away from my evil desires is to look straight into His face.

Over the years, God has given me the thrill of participating in His work. I am in love with God. I am continually growing into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God because of Christ. I have discovered that God is not just near by for me to call on when I need help. He has allowed me to participate in His divine nature. He is a part of everything I do. Yes, I am human. I get distracted once in a while. Then I hear those three words, “look at me” and I truly escape the corruption in the world and in my own life.

My prayer is that this study will assist you in getting to know God in such a way that your daily life becomes a divine experience. It simply involves getting our focus fully on God. He is the Creator. He is Peace. And He is jealously in love with you.

This is not a book of information. Our God is too great to find all of Him in one place or even in one lifetime. My intent is to guide you to take a closer look at the information God has already provided.

He has designed each of us to have a unique perspective of who He is. Our personality and life experiences allow us to view facts differently. Bringing these perspectives together broadens our understanding of the truth. Seeking this truth in community is the only way to fully satisfy our desire to get to know others and know God more intimately.

The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, aired on NBC from 1973 to 1984, is an example of our desire to know others. The roasts began as a segment on the Dean Martin show in the 60’s and was so popular it became its own network series. The show involved lighthearted ribbing and humor from a variety of celebrities that allowed the viewer to get to know this person from a different perspective. Documentaries and books also feed this hunger to know more about others.

The Bible is God’s autobiography, His story. We have the advantage of having the author in the form of the Holy Spirit with us to make His perspective clear. We may watch a television show or read a book to satisfy our longing to gain knowledge about someone. The Bible provides more than information. God speaks directly to us through His written Word to develop a relationship with us.

Are you seeking to know God more intimately? Please use this study only as a compass that points you toward God. Allow Him to speak directly to you beyond the structure of this written study. His Word is alive and relevant to your life today. The Bible consists of individuals’ experiences of God’s true character over a period of time. Your life experiences with God are additional stories that need to be shared. Understanding His true character will aid you in recognizing His presence in your life today.

As I type this introduction, I am praying for you. I do not know you by name but God does. He has called me to write. He is the vine. Like you, I am a branch. Apart from Him I can do nothing. (John 15:5) He is calling you to participate with Him in his divine nature. Get to know him intimately. Give Him your undivided attention. You will find him when you seek him with all your heart.

With all my heart
Lisa Biggs Crum

How to Use this Study

Segments of Each Week

The Compass
Like the needle of a compass which helps us know the direction we are traveling, this section is intended to show the way the study is heading for the week. You may find God leading you on a different route. That’s ok! Excursions can be enlightening. Take pictures then refocus on the destination.

Your Challenge for the Week
This section encourages the participant to make this study a part of his/her daily life. The challenge will suggest a way to enter into conversation with others, a particular twist to consider for the week’s reading and scripture to memorize.

A Note about Scripture Memory
The scripture I suggest for memorization during this study is 2 Peter 1:2-11. Rather than move from one scripture to the next each week, I have suggested that you add verses to the previous week so that by the end of the study you will have memorized all 10 verses.
Many of us want to skip this spiritual discipline because we say we cannot memorize yet we easily quote phone numbers, street and email addresses, social security numbers and several user IDs and passwords if you use the internet regularly. This information is relatively easy to remember when it is personal to us. The goal of this study is to assist you in making God a very personal part of your life. It is also my desire that this study will reveal to you how much control God can have in your life and how little control you truly have. Here are a few scriptures to encourage you in God’s desire for you to know His word personally.

• “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds” Deuteronomy 11:18
• “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26
• “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:7
• “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:1-6

Study Questions
Use a journal or loose leaf notebook to write out your responses.
The questions are designed to stir your thoughts but not intended to limit where God may want to take you in the study of His Word. The depth of these questions will be determined by the time you take to let God speak to you.
For everyone involved to get a truer picture of God, it is very beneficial to only share in the discussion if you have taken the time to study throughout the week. Share what God is teaching you in those moments of solitude.
You always have the freedom to pass if you are called on to share your thoughts. You will not be called on by name for questions marked “Personal”. Only those who feel led by God to share their Personal responses should do so.

Digging Deeper
This is for those who have more time and desire to go deeper into God’s word. Again, this is simply a guide offered to assist you in doing so. Be open to God’s leading if your Digging Deeper goes into a different direction.

Weekly Summary
This section provides a reminder to evaluate what you have learned throughout the week. Journaling this information will be a treasure for a lifetime. Over time you will be able to look back at this section of your journal to see exactly how God is transforming you. This will be a great source of encouragement as you grow in your ability to recognize God’s presence in your life.

Suggested Weekly Schedule
This, and any Bible study material, should be used only as a guide to encourage you in meeting with God daily. The intent is to deepen your intimacy with Christ. Please do not view this as “homework” to be completed before the next class session. The questions are only a tool for building the relationship. To attempt to complete a large portion of the study in one sitting and avoid daily contact with God will be counter productive. Establishing a routine of a few minutes a day will do much more for your relationship than longer periods once or twice a week.

The study has been written so that it may easily be used on a five or seven day schedule. The five day schedule is encouraged to allow you to spend two less structured days in your time alone with God.

Seven Day Schedule
First Day: Compass
Second – Sixth Days: Study Questions/Digging Deeper
Seventh Day: Weekly Summary

Five Day Schedule
First Day: Compass and Day 1 Study Questions/Digging Deeper
Second – Fourth Days: Days 2 – 4 Study Questions/Digging Deeper
Fifth Day: Day 5 Study Questions/Digging Deeper and Weekly Summary

Study ResourcesThis study is designed to put emphasis on your ability to have an intimate relationship with God. This personal relationship includes your ability hear God directly and interpret scripture for yourself with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For that reason, I want to encourage you to not use commentaries or additional resources for interpretation of scripture until after you have shared your responses with others in a group discussion. Use only the imagination and thought processing God has given you. This will provide more opportunity for you to be guided by the Holy Spirit rather than influenced by other people.

Digging Deeper suggests the use of a Bible concordance for further study on specific words. A Bible concordance is an alphabetical listing of words used in scripture. The listing includes a reference to the scriptures using that word. A partial concordance can be found in the back of many Bibles. Concordances such as the NIV Compact Concordance by John Kohlenberger are available at Christian book stores. Online concordances are also accessible at http://www.gospelcom.com/ and http://www.crosswalk.com/.


May this study assist you in finding your purpose in life to be that as stated by Paul in Philippians 3:10-12 (Amplified Bible):

[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]
That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].
Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.

Discussion Two - God is Peace

The Compass

Judges 6:1-24, Luke 7:36-50 and Philippians 4:6-7

In Judges 6 we find Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress in an attempt to hide the wheat from the enemy. The nation of Israel has been living in fear of the Midianites for seven years. An angel of the Lord appears to Gideon to encourage him to save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Full of doubts and fears, Gideon continues the conversation. Then Gideon realizes he is talking to an angel of the Lord. His attitude changes significantly. He builds an alter and calls it “The Lord is Peace.”

The Hebrew word for peace is “shalom.” Today, the term is a common greeting or farewell in Israel. The peace intended in “shalom” goes beyond peaceful circumstances. Ann Spangler in Praying the Names of God states that “shalom” expresses the hope that the person may be fulfilled, satisfied, prosperous, healthy and in harmony with themselves, others and God. In Judges 6:24, in the midst of his personal fears and the fears of his nation, Gideon proclaims that the Lord is Shalom.

This week we will discover the peace found in the very presence of God. A peace that flows from who God is, not what he does.

The human desire for peace has existed from the beginning of time. Adam and Eve sought peace by hiding from God. Cain sought peace with God after murdering his brother Able. Peace treaties have been established throughout time. The Nobel Peace Prize, established in 1901, recognizes contributions to improve peace throughout the world. The 1960’s are known as the decade of peace and love. That generation raised awareness of the human desire for peace with phrases such as “give peace a chance”. Peace talks followed in the 70’s. And we continue to strive for world peace today. But do we really know what we are seeking?

Peace found in “shalom” is not about an external circumstance. It is an internal state of being. Peace is not a decision to put into action. It is a description of who we are. Individuals in our culture often create a façade of peace when there is no resemblance of peace in the depths of their very being.

A family member recently offered an analogy for this thought. His neighbor’s house has great curb appeal. Someone passing by may be impressed with the well kept yard. But the next-door-neighbors see beyond the front yard. They see the towel that has covered a broken window for several years and a back yard full of weeds.

We are often tempted to be deceptive in a similar way with our spiritual life. We have a sense that what others see is more important than what they cannot see. We may even begin to deceive ourselves and judge those who do not create similar façades in their lives.

The analogy is closer to home for this thought. My husband is diligent about maintaining a yard without weeds. Not everyone shares this passion. Lawn care was apparently not a priority for one neighbor. A fallen tree, damaged in a recent ice storm, laid in his front yard for several weeks. The thought of offering to help was discussed but never acted on. We were just amazed at how long he waited to take care of the mess in his yard. That spring, our neighbor died from complications of a lifelong struggle with asthma.

Sadly, we knew very little about this neighbor except what we assumed, based on our perspective. We did nothing to develop a relationship. Yet we expected him to behave according to the standards we set for ourselves. Taking time to get to know him would have brought peace. Peace to our frustrations and possibly peace to him through neighborly assistance.

In our spiritual journey we often set up expectations of others based on our own experiences. We assume the peace we are searching for is created by all people behaving according to our desires. That may be peaceful but it is temporary.

We may even be so bold as to extend this assumption to God. Rather than taking the time to get to know God, we simply make our requests for how he can bring peace into our lives.

Shalom withstands external circumstances and expectations. This expression of hope is found or planted in others by taking the time to get to know them. A façade of love is displayed when we attempt to create external peace without the presence of peace inside. First Corinthians 13:3 refers to this façade in this way: “If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.”

First Samuel 16:7 reminds us that “man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart." The Lord of Peace offers more than temporary peaceful circumstances. He sees behind the façade and, like a good neighbor, offers to step into our brokenness with tools we do not possess. It is not the repairs but His presence that immediately brings peace in our lives.

As you search for peace, look beyond the visible. Our daily scripture reading and questions this week will help us see that shalom is discovered when we recognize the presence of God.

Your Challenge for the Week

à Memorize 2 Peter 1:2-7

à Enter into conversation with someone outside of this class about peace. What does that word mean to you and to them? What would it mean to have peace in our world today? How do they see this happening? What is the role of individuals and nations in accomplishing peace?

à As you read the scriptures regarding peace, consider how you define peace in your personal life and in the world. Notice life around you. How is peace acquired according to books, advertising and even in many churches? Look for those very specific references to shalom.

Study Questions

DAY 1

Judges 6 The Lord is Peace

1. What is the condition of Israel as described in verses 1 through 6?

2. What do verses 7 through 10 tell you about God?

3. What can you imagine about Gideon’s emotions and reactions that is not written? (Accuracy is not important for this question – let your imagination lead you according to the personality He has given you.)

4. Describe a current or recent circumstance in your life where your response would resemble Gideon’s response to the angel of the Lord.

5. How has your perspective of prayer changed in regard to “Gideon’s fleece” now that you read it in context of the entire chapter? If you were not familiar with any of these events, describe the interaction between God and Gideon before Gideon put out the fleece.

Digging Deeper

Read Numbers 25. What event occurred prior to the Lord establishing a covenant of peace? What did the Lord instruct to continue this peace? How does this concept of peace differ from the world’s view of peace and tolerance?

DAY 2

Luke 7:36-50 Go in Peace

1. Give a modern day example of the stereotypical characteristics of the individuals mentioned in the event described in verses 36 through 39. How do you most resemble one of these individuals?

2. Describe at least two possible ways the Pharisee may have felt about having Jesus at his house for dinner. When have you found yourself thinking this way about Christ in your life?

3. What situations in your life give you a clue to the emotional mindset and behavior of the woman?

4. What specifically does Jesus indicate as the reason she is able to “go in peace?”

5. What in your life today do you need to look away from so that you may focus on the presence of Christ and go in peace?

Digging Deeper

Read Matthew 10:24-39, John 14:27 and John 16:33. Journal your thoughts on peace according to these passages and in comparison to your view of peace. How do you live according to the world’s view of external peace? How do you live according to Christ’s view of internal peace? What circumstances in your life do you desire to find the peace of Christ?

DAY 3

Mark 4:35-41 …and it was completely calm

1. Describe this scene according to your imagination. At what point do you imagine the disciples went to Jesus? Where were they emotionally when they approached Christ?

2. Describe a recent example in your life that resembles the behavior of the disciples.

3. How would you explain the difference in their emotions in verse 38 and the emotion stated in verse 41?

4. At what time in your life have you been terrified of God?

Digging Deeper

Read Daniel 3. Describe the emotional mindset and behavior of Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego and the affect it had on the nation. What fiery furnaces are you facing today? What do you need in your life to calmly approach the fire? The three men in Daniel had the support of each other before the presence of God joined them in the furnace. What were they certain of? What were they unsure of?

DAY 4

John 8:2-11 Neither do I condemn you

1. Imagine yourself in the shoes of this woman. What is going through your mind? What do you expect to happen? How does the response of Jesus impact you?

2. Describe a circumstance in your life that has stirred similar thoughts and expectations (not necessarily as severe but a fear of what is anticipated). What was the response of the authority over you (parent, boss, police officer, judge etc)? How did this response impact your life? How would Christ’s response in that situation have impacted your life?

3. Look again at the parable in Luke 7:41-42. How do you view your debt to Christ? How has his response on the cross impacted your life?

4. At what point do you imagine the woman in John 8 experienced peace?

5. What instruction did Christ give for her to continue in peace?

6. What external peace are you seeking? What do you fear would be the response of Christ or others? How does your perspective of peace need to be adjusted so that you go in peace? What is God’s response to the circumstances you brought on yourself?

Digging Deeper

Read Matthew 5:17-20 and Romans 7:7-13; 8:1-6. What do you understand to be the purpose of the law? How is the “law” misused? In what areas have you used the law as a measuring stick rather than a thermometer? What areas of your life do you need to accept God’s healing touch rather than expecting his judgment?

DAY 5

John 4:4-42 Could this be the Christ?

1. According to what is written in scripture, describe how you imagine the woman would have felt about her life circumstances before meeting Jesus. What assumptions/traditions are you aware of that would have affected her self-worth?

2. What assumptions or church traditions affect the way you view yourself and others? What ideas do you feel you cannot pursue because of who you are?

3. What was the woman’s response to Jesus’ knowledge of who she really is?

4. What is the encouragement Jesus gives to the woman? How is this response encouraging to you?

5. What impact did knowing who Jesus is have on the woman’s life?

6. What impressions of Jesus are you looking for that you have not found?

7. What experiences have you had with the person of Christ that would impact others if you could get them to understand how you discovered who He is?

Digging Deeper

Read John 14:5-11, 27-31; John 17:25-26. What is God saying to you in these passages? Do you know Christ in such a way that He is in you just as God is in Him?

Weekly Summary

Philippians 4:4-9 gives an explanation of how to have the peace of God. Is it an “easier said than done” statement? Many times, in our hunger for peace, we begin with verse six of that passage which gives instructions on what we are to do. The key to peace is the expression and proclamation of verses four and five. The Lord is near! Do you sense His presence? His presence is peace. Rejoicing will be a natural response not a “to do” when you recognize His presence in your life. He can take control of all your circumstances – He has overcome the world! He is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Turn you eyes away from the things that take your focus off of the One who is Shalom.

Journal your thoughts from this week’s study. God is speaking to you. What is He saying? Are you unsure whether it is God? Write it down anyway. Clarity will come as you get to know him better.

Did you accept the challenges for this week? How did these experiences impact your relationship with Him and with others?

Discussion Three - God is Jealous

The Compass

Deuteronomy 4:1-40

God is jealously in love with you. Poet Joseph Addison says “jealousy is that pain which a man feels from the apprehension that he is not equally beloved by the person whom he entirely loves.”

This week we will look at God’s character through his protection of the faithful and letting go of the unfaithful. Both responses are motivated by his jealous love.

The jealousy aroused by true love is tender and freeing, not smothering. Who has not had a love that was not returned? Yet deeper than the desire to have the love, is the desire to let the other choose to love. God’s jealousy is aroused by his desire for intimacy with you.

Marriage is an earthly example of God’s love. Traditional wedding vows include a promise of faithfulness. Unfortunately, it seems more couples experience the pain of infidelity rather than the love God intended for this most intimate of relationships. The jealousy evoked by infidelity can be more emotionally devastating than the death of a spouse. This pain is greater because it stems from a choice of rejection and loss of devotion. It is a breaking of the vows spoken in love.

The vow is broken the moment one partner is unfaithful. This may be the reason God allows infidelity as the only rationalization for divorce. To force someone to remain in a relationship without a faithful commitment would be painful and meaningless.

Likewise, our unfaithfulness toward God is the only reason he will ever allow a separation of our union with him. His loving jealous response to our unfaithfulness is to let us choose whom we will love. He will never break his vow. Nor will he allow the pain of split devotion.

The love that lets the unfaithful go their way is the same love that will do what is necessary to protect the one who is faithfully committed to him. The protection of God’s jealous love is similar to that of a parent.

I have established boundaries for the safety of my kids. I can’t force them to abide by my guidelines. And I can’t protect them if they constantly choose to live outside of the boundaries. For example, if they play in a busy street they may get hit by a car. If I tell them not to touch a hot stove and they choose or accidentally touch the hot burner, they will get burned. God provides boundaries to protect and enhance our lives.

In a democracy, laws are established as a representation of the people in the specified locale. The intent of those laws is to enhance the quality of life for all people according to the character of the majority. God’s law represents his character. There is no debating and no compromising. He is the One True God and He is Jealous.

This week’s study may change your perspective of jealousy. This study has given me a better understanding of those acts of God that seem unloving to our human perspective. My prayer is that God’s jealousy will woo you, as it has me, into an intimacy that is breathtaking and irresistible. Your lover is pursuing you with a tender and freeing love. Will you respond with an equal love or will you give him reason to let you go?

Your Challenge for the Week

à Memorize: 2 Peter 1:2-9

à Enter into a conversation with someone outside the class about jealousy. Is jealousy always negative? What are the positives about jealousy? When is jealousy aroused?

à As you study the lesson this week, whether you are single or married, imagine the perfect marriage relationship. Compare that ideal situation to the relationship God desires to have with you.

Study Questions

Day 1

Deuteronomy 4:1-40 Jealous so that…

1. The NIV uses the phrase “so that” six times in these 40 verses. List the reasons God gave instructions to the Israelites. What do these reasons tell you about the character of God and his love for you?
2. What questions or emotions do verses 3 and 4 create in you? Describe a time in your life when you or an authority figure over you removed negative influences? What was the intent? How was it carried out? What was the result?
3. Read Numbers 20:7-13. Look deeper than the external actions. What was the sin that kept Moses from entering the Promised Land? Describe a situation in your life with or as an authority figure that resembles this account. Were the motives freeing or smothering? How do the positive aspects of jealousy apply to this passage and your personal circumstances?
4. What new insights is God revealing to you about his character in today’s reading?

Digging Deeper

Use a Bible concordance to find other scripture references to jealousy. How do these scriptures impact your understanding of God’s jealousy? Many of these scriptures will indicate God’s anger. Who is the anger aimed at and why?

DAY 2

Isaiah 54:5 Your maker is your husband

1. What does it mean to you to consider God your husband?

In this passage, “your” refers to the nation of Israel. Because of Christ, all believers are now included in reference to God’s family. Note that “wife” is in the singular earlier in this chapter. Never is God referred to as the husband of more than one wife.

2. How does this plural sense of the word “your” impact your understanding of God as the husband and the church (united) as the wife?

Genesis 2:23-24 and 1 Corinthians 6:15-17 speak of becoming one through sexual intimacy. God desires to have the same sense of intimacy with us. Read how Jesus prays for this intimacy in John 17:20-23.

3. According to your understanding of God’s character and his desire for intimacy with His wife, what do you see as your role in this relationship?
4. (Personal) How is your perspective of sexual intimacy impacted as you consider it to be established by God as an example of the relationship He desires to have with His people? What needs to change in your sexual activity – including your thought life – to make this part of your life an act of faithfulness to God?
5. Ephesians 5:25-33 gives instruction for earthly husbands based on Christ’s love for the church. What does this passage tell you about God (in Christ) as your husband?

Digging Deeper

Use a Bible concordance to find additional scriptures regarding marriage, bride, groom, husband, and wife to discover how the marriage relationship is to be a parallel to our relationship with Christ. Journal your changing perspectives on marriage and/or your relationship to Christ.

DAY 3

Matthew 19:3-9 Except for marital unfaithfulness

1. The marriage relationship is a union of two people, husband and wife, becoming one flesh. Jesus states in this Matthew passage that unfaithfulness is the only circumstance which allows for divorce. How does God’s character of being jealous play a part in this truth?

2. Read Leviticus 6:1-2. According to this passage, how does your relationship with others impact your relationship with God?

When reading commandments of the Law it is important to remember that Christ is now our sacrifice. Prior to Christ’s death, there was a curtain that hung in the temple which separated the “Holy of Holies” from the rest of the temple. Only the high priests were allowed in that area. When Christ died, that curtain literally tore in two indicating that all believers have been given admittance into the Holy of Holies. A priest is no longer required.

3. (Personal) In what specific ways have you been unfaithful to God by your actions or attitudes toward others? Spend time asking and listening to God. Write down any ways you perceive God instructing you to respond. Continue to pray about this response for 48 hours. If you have doubt about God’s instructions, share the concern with a trusted spiritual companion who can seek God’s will with you without injecting their own personal opinion.

4. Although God is jealous, he remains faithful. Read Jeremiah 3:11-13. What blessings have you scattered? Take a few minutes to visualize your daily routine for today. Journal the blessings you have scattered without thought of God’s favor on you and this nation. What do you need to acknowledge as your unfaithfulness?

Digging Deeper

Use a Bible concordance to find additional passages on God’s mercy. What have you discovered about God in response to unfaithfulness?

DAY 4

Exodus 15 Burning anger

Exodus 15 is in response to God delivering the Israelites after 430 years of captivity in Egypt. This included parting the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross the river on dry land. Followed by God’s anger being unleashed as the waters were let go destroying the Egyptian army.

1. What stands out to you about God’s character in this chapter toward the Israelites and toward the Egyptians?

2. Imagine being a man in love with a woman who had fled to a foreign place for her physical well-being then horribly abused for many years. She calls you for help and you are able to get her away but the enemy pursues her. What is your response? How do you protect her? What is the deep cause for your anger? How would your response differ if you knew of this woman but were not intimately in love with her?

3. Read Exodus 22:22-24. How is God’s anger aroused in this passage? Describe a circumstance in your life when your anger was aroused because of the treatment inflicted on someone you loved. How, if at all, has your perspective on that situation changed after learning more about God’s anger?

4. How is the anger mentioned in Matthew 5:21-22, Ephesians 4:22-28, and James 2:20 differ from God’s anger? There is no set answer for this. Let God’s word speak to you. Journal whatever comes to mind. Clarity may come later.

Digging Deeper

Use a Bible concordance to find additional scriptures on anger and wrath. What do you learn about God’s character?

DAY 5

Isaiah 45 There is no other

1. Read Isaiah 45 at least three times throughout the day. What questions or new understandings come to mind as you read this chapter?

2. Read Exodus 20:3 and Matthew 6:19-24. Consider the separation of light and darkness from Discussion One. With that in mind, put in your own words the relationship of verses 22 and 23 with the rest of the Matthew passage.

3. John 14:6 and Isaiah 43:10-13 tell us that there is but one way to have an everlasting relationship with God. What other “saviors” have you sought as the way to the life you desire?

Digging Deeper

Dig for scripture to discover the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son of God and Husband of the Church. I am listing a few. There are many more.

Compare Acts 4:8-12 with Isaiah 43:11

Compare John 17:1-5 with Isaiah 42:8

Compare 1 Peter 2:8 with Isaiah 8:13-14

Read John 3:31-36

Weekly Summary

Journal about conversations you have had this week. In what way has your perspective of God’s anger and jealousy changed? What new insights have you discovered about jealousy and anger in your daily life? What impact has this new insight had on your personal relationships? How have you become more intimate with God this week?

Discussion Four - God is Life

The Compass

Genesis 2:7 and John 3:16

The Message translation of John 3:16 says "this is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.”

When I read that translation, I imagine an artist who has created many great pieces. Someone who does not appreciate the artist’s efforts breaks into his gallery and vandalizes nearly everything. His work is no longer useful for its intended purpose. The artist himself, sadly, will destroy what cannot be restored.

In Genesis 2:7 God breathed his own life into the nostrils of man. Six hundred years later in Genesis 6, God’s heart was broken as he observed the extent of the people's wickedness. His creation had been vandalized. He was sorry he had made man and so destroyed all men, women and children except for Noah and his family.

Why were the people so messed up? Why did God need to destroy them? Was that not a bit harsh for a loving God? Why did God give “his Son, his one and only Son?” Could the God of all creation not have come up with a nicer way to set things right?

We know that all the trouble began when Eve disobeyed God and ate from the forbidden tree. Was this a control issue for God? What was so significant about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Why is it that the consequences of our actions seldom seem fair?

Being a mom is the toughest job I have. My kids are quick to let me know when I’m not being fair according to their perspective. Their choice to disobey is usually not a control issue as much as it is their lack of ability to comprehend the purpose for the rules. The discipline may appear to my children as a control issue on my part – the popular phrase “because I said so” may foster that perception. Sometimes, I am able sit down and explain the reasons for the guidelines to their satisfaction. Other times, a few years of maturing may be necessary before they comprehend. There are also situations that simply require being a parent to grasp the need for the guiding principles.

It can be very frustrating and even discouraging to attempt to comprehend God’s guidelines from our human level of understanding. Life to us is living and breathing. What is life from God’s perspective?

I am very excited about this section of the study. This week you will find the life God offers to be much more than living forever. You will see how he protects that life. You will find a God who wants his creation to experience true life. A life that is whole and lasting. And if you look close enough you will find a God who longs to be in a perfect relationship with you now so much so that he gave the life of his one and only son.

As you search to understand who God is in this life, consider him not simply as the giver of life but the gift of life.

Your Challenge for the Week

à Memorize: 2 Peter 1:2-11

à Enter into a conversation with someone outside the class about life. What is life? Define it. What is the “perfect” life or your “dream” life? What would make it so great? What would life be like if we never died?

à As you study the lesson this week, evaluate your definition of life.

Study Questions - God is Life

Day 1

Genesis 2:7 Source of Life

1. When and how did human life begin according to Genesis 2:7?

Interesting Fact

The footnote in the Amplified Bible for Genesis 2:7 says “the same essential chemical elements are found in man and animal life that are in the soil. This scientific fact was not known to man until recent times, but God was displaying it here.”

2. Blood is essential to the human body. Without it, the body would stop working. Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to the body tissue thus giving life to the entire body. We find this scientific fact confirmed by scripture. What does Leviticus 17:11 tell us about blood?
3. Read Genesis 3:22-24. What thoughts or questions come to mind when you read this scripture? What does this passage say to you about God? Why was man not allowed to eat from the tree of life? What do you think would happen if he did?
4. Read Genesis 6:5-8. What do you learn about God from this passage? What human emotions would you use to describe how you think God felt at this time? How do you think he feels about the world today? How do you see him responding emotionally to your daily inclinations?

Digging Deeper

What have you given life to? A baby, a plant, a pet, a room, art in any form? How does that which you have put your efforts into represent your character? How does it differ from your character? Did the life flourish or deteriorate? Have you ever had to put a pet to sleep? Have you watched someone’s life deteriorate to the point that death is a blessing? How do any of these concepts relate to what God is revealing to you about himself?

DAY 2

Genesis 9:3-6 Value of Life

1. Compare Genesis 9:3-6 with Genesis 4:8-16. How is the character of God consistent in these two passages? What was valued by God in both passages? How do both circumstances show this value?
2. Life for life Exodus 21:23, Leviticus 24:17-22 and Matthew 5:38-48. How do these passages give explanation to God’s unchangeable character? What is God teaching us about himself through this progression of scripture? Why would Jesus, specifically, be able to offer this new twist in how to treat others?
3. Read the account of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. Abraham is most often the subject of this passage. Try to ignore everything you have previously learned studying this scripture. Focus on God. Why would this not have been a totally outrageous request according to God’s character?

Digging Deeper

Find scripture regarding the word sacrifice. Journal what God reveals to you about the purpose and his desires regarding sacrifices. List sacrifices you make in your daily life for friends, family members or work. Why do you consider those things a “sacrifice?” Why do you make such sacrifices? There is no greater sacrifice than that of Jesus Christ. Express your appreciation to Jesus for offering himself in exchange for anything you could have offered.

DAY 3

Deuteronomy 12:20-28 The Blood

The life of a creature is in the blood. Life was of such value to God that a life was to be given in exchange for a life taken. Romans 6:23 confirms that the penalty for sin is death. Adam and Eve gave up the life available to them through the Tree of Life. God gave the blood of animals to be a substitute for the blood of the person.

1. Read Deuteronomy 12:20-28. Considering what you have learned about the significance of the blood, why do you think the blood was to be poured out? Ponder this thought all day if necessary. I found this to be significant in regard to the next scripture.
2. Read John 19:34. What thoughts are stirred in you from these scriptures in light of the previous passage in Deuteronomy?
3. Read Hebrews 10:1-4. What is the difference in the sacrifice of Jesus and the sacrifice of animals? Go beyond what you have learned in Sunday School. Consider the source of life and the separation of light and darkness. What happened to the lifeblood of Jesus?

Digging Deeper

Read Hebrews 5 through 10. Ask God to reveal himself to you in new ways through these six chapters.

DAY 4

Romans 6:23 The Gift

1. John 1:1-14, John 14:6-21 and Colossians 2:9 Meditate on these passages for some time. What new insights is God revealing to you about his son?
2. John 3:17-21 and John 10:10. Why did Jesus come?
3. (Personal) Write down in as much detail as you can what part of your life is lived in darkness. Use initials or words that only you will understand and be specific. In what way are these things in contrast to the light of God?
4. Read John 15:5 and 1 John 1:5–2:2. To begin to comprehend the greatness of God, we must acknowledge that we can do nothing apart from Christ. This understanding will also enable us to accept others as equal to us regardless of their lifestyle and choices. What does this reveal to you about God’s love and character in relation to his creation of mankind?

Digging Deeper

Read John 10 and Psalm 23. Raising sheep is most likely not something you are greatly familiar with in your daily life. Write the concepts of these passages in terms that relate better to your daily life.

DAY 5

2 Corinthians 3 New Life

1. What does 2 Corinthians 3 reveal to you about a different way of life because of Christ?
2. Read John 6:30-63. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the bread of life?
3. Read John 7:37-39. Considering what God has revealed to you about the blood as the source of life, what do you understand about the concept of drinking Christ’s blood and eating his flesh? What or who is the life in Christ?

Digging Deeper

Read Philippians 2:5-8. Are you striving for equality with God by trying to eat from the Tree of Life through your knowledge of good and evil? Express to God any struggles of accepting the new life that comes only from eating and drinking the flesh and blood of Jesus.

Weekly Summary

What have you learned about God this week? How has your definition of “life” changed? How are you responding differently to God because of your new understandings? In what way are you sharing your new perspectives to encourage others? Did you talk about life with someone outside of class? Did you consider talking to someone but did not follow through? What held you back?

Discussion Five - God in You

I’ve taken a break from writing this study. This final chapter has been the most difficult to write but I expect it to be the most exciting chapter of the study.

Leave your email address in the comments if you would like me to email you when it is posted.

To Live is Christ! Wow – What a Life!

Lisa

Spiritual Companions

This hand-out was distributed Sunday June 26 to assist in the Spiritual Companion relationship established through this study group. Please have some form of contact with your Companion at least once a week and face-to-face contact at least once a month through December.

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Spiritual Companions

“The hunger for connection is one of the most fundamental desires of the human heart.… Our souls ache for a place of deep encounter with others. We want companions for the journey, companions with whom we can share our souls and our journey.”

Sacred Companions, David G Benner

Do you have a desire for more than superficial relationships? Do you long to be genuinely known by someone? Do you want to live along side someone who truly cares about your deepest fears, your greatest dreams, and your most intimate search for who you are? Can that relationship really exist?

Although I have yet to fully experience that type of relationship for any length of time, I believe it can exist and it is God’s desire for those chosen and adopted into his family to be united in such a relationship. How do we aim for such a lofty goal as complete unity among all followers of Christ? We begin one at a time.

Spiritual Companions is a term I became familiar with through the book Sacred Companions. The words of David Benner captured my attention even before chapter one. The quote above is from the Preface. It was as if I was reading what my soul had been trying to tell me for many years. I need someone to know me fully and allow me to know them. Someone to help me discover who I really am under all the stuff I have put on in an attempt to be who I thought I was supposed to be.

What about a spouse? There is no doubt my husband is my best friend and he knows me more than anyone. Yet there is a longing that is different than the intimacy of marriage. My husband is my refuge. I want someone who is there to battle with me in a different way.

A Spiritual Companion is one whose primary purpose is to help me hear God. They may console me as a friend but their greatest desire is to help me find the peace that comes only from knowing God’s heart.

What does time with a Spiritual Companion look like?

à Set aside a specified time preferably each week but no less than once a month.

à Set a date at which you will evaluate whether to continue meeting on this schedule. I suggest six months

When you meet…

1. Begin with acknowledging God’s presence verbally in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to lead your conversation.

2. Take turns listening

§ Begin with one person sharing what is on their mind this week. For what specifically is she seeking God’s guidance? In what areas does she need clarification or confirmation? What deep spiritual longings is she seeking to satisfy or understand?

§ The listener should not offer any advice or feedback on the circumstances. She should ask questions to clarify the speaker’s statements both for her sake and for the sake of the speaker.

§ The listener should ask questions to help the speaker seek God. Such as:

· What would it look like to have your prayer answered as you desire?

· What do you think God’s will is in this situation?

· What goals/boundaries are you setting to progress toward what you believe to be God’s will?

· How will your goals/boundaries affect other people?

· Is this impact on others in line with what you understand from the Bible?

3. After one person has shared, spend time together praying over the areas addressed in her time of conversation.

§ Fifteen minutes should be sufficient time for one person to share.

§ The speaker should avoid talking about anyone except herself and God. We have no control over anyone but ourselves. God will speak to others but He allows each person to make their own choices. If you have a difficult situation with another person, seek God’s guidance for you personally rather than for the circumstance in general.

§ Include scripture in your prayer time if either of you feels led to look something up. This is not a time to act “spiritual.” Use scripture respectfully and only as led by God. The listener should not search scripture with an attitude that she must offer scripture to the speaker to “fix the problem.”

§ Include silent time to hear God speak. Don’t be afraid to sit silently for long periods of time. This may be uncomfortable at first but the thrill of hearing God in these silent times far outweighs our human desire for noise.

§ The prayer for that person should end when the “speaker” senses some sort of peace from God. It may be a specific answer found in scripture; an idea for a specific action or next step; or simply the assurance that God is in control.

4. After you have prayed through for the first speaker, change roles.

5. If a specific action has come to mind either during conversation or prayer, write out a plan of action including dates to accomplish specific tasks. This idea and plan should be initiated on the part of the speaker not the listener. Pray for the timing of opportunities and commit to trust God even if the idea does not seem logical. Trust that God will be in control even if you mess up. However, do not use that as an excuse to try anything. Remember the questions: Are your intended actions in line with scripture? If in doubt, seek confirmation through prayer with your spiritual companion. God will give you a sense of agreement if the actions are His will. Wait and listen for Him.

6. When your companion is seeking confirmation from you, be sure to spend time in prayer before you respond. Your confirmation must be from God, not from your opinion and perspective. And it must be in line with scripture.

7. If necessary, be willing to seek out a Christ follower who is more familiar with scripture and whom you understand to have a long-term deep relationship with God. This is an extremely delicate and confidential relationship. Do not break the confidential trust of the companion who has bared her soul. In most circumstances you should seek assistance together or with the agreement of the companion. The only exception would be in the case of one companion being in a mentoring relationship with another more mature Christ follower whose trust of confidentially is assured.

8. Keep a journal of your conversations and the actions that result from your spiritual companion relationship. This is your growth chart.

Are you willing to dive into deep relationship to discover who you really are? This is a commitment of time and an opportunity to expose yourself like never before. The risks are evident. The reward is a deeper relationship with God and a step closer to the body of Christ being united in faith. Make the connection and enjoy the journey.

May the peace of Christ be with you.

Lisa Crum

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13