Saturday, July 28, 2007

I Am Bible Study-Lesson 11


Burning Questions
1. When is the last time you encountered a Fist Shaker? This may be a stranger to you or as close as a loved one in your own home. Does anything in our description help you to understand their animosity towards God? Are you able to have more compassion towards them? My two brothers, and my dad are fist shakers. Whenever I have ever tried to talk to them about God, they say I am a religious fanatic. They do not want to hear anything about God, I think they are running scared. They do not want to turn loose of the world. I keep them covered in prayer.
2. Does anything about Rahab's redemption strike a nerve? This may be a question you would like to ponder privately. Sexual sin and/or victimization can be an area where Satan has an enormous stronghold because it can hold so many painful and shameful memories. If Rahab teaches us anything, please know God can redeem any life and any situation, no matter how heinous it seems, and plant you unashamedly 'in the midst of Israel'. Rahab deserved death according to Mosaic Law, however she was shown nothing but lovingkindness by the God and nation of Israel. Being sexually abused by my stepfather brought much shame into my life that had to be dealt with. But, Gods precious grace showed me that I am no longer a victim, but I am a victor through Gods unchanging love and forgiveness.
3. Is there an area of your life in which you feel you have come full circle? Where you've come to a place where everything and nothing are the same? (I'm thinking Lord of the Rings when Frodo goes back to the Shire after his long adventure. You have no clue what I just said if you are not an LOTR nerd so just ignore this if it doesn't make sense! :) Yes, at this time last year, my grief was so severe. I was lost without my momma. But, now, I truly understand. There is a reason for everything, God has taught me so very much through this part of my life's journey, and I thank Him for the lesson.
4. When you were born again, did you gain a new appreciation for your surroundings as Rahab did when she received the Promise along with the Promised Land? Has some old place, object, or relationship been redeemed by now serving a 'high and holy purpose'?Yes, everything became new,refreshing, and crystal clear.
5. Believers can still be Fist Shakers. Do you have circumstances in your life in which you find yourself shaking your fist at God? Something He has asked you to endure, asked you to do, seemingly taken away from you? Can you see how shaking your fist is keeping you from your Promise? (I'm not talking eternal security here - Only abundant living.)When my momma died last year, I found myself wanting to shake my fist, because she was gone. But, I praise God for taking my fist, placing it gently in His hand, and leading me into peace, and understanding.

8 comments:

Hanley Family said...

You know what is dumb? I find myself shaking my fist at little, inconsequential things. But I do tend to remain calm in a crisis.

Talk..to..Grams said...

I don't really shake my fist but shake my head sometimes when carring for my special needs daughter who is 45 years old!
She is like between 7-12 or so !! She also has mental problens, too!! So there are times that are hard to take care of her!

She tells me the same things many times a day!!!
Somedays I do so good and others I think I can't stand to hear the same thing one more time!!

But Praise God,He has given me Grace to get through each day! I couldn't make it if He didn't!

I would love it if you added me to your prayer list, for grace for Nancy. Thanks so much.
Again a lovely devo. You do so good! Love to you!

Etta said...

"I praise God for taking my fist, placing it gently in His hand,and leading me into peace, and understanding."

I'm so glad He does this!

Thanks for sharing!

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

I ditto Etta! That answer was just beautiful...

bless you Denise!

Lisa

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

I ditto Etta! That answer was just beautiful...

bless you Denise!

Lisa

p.s. I love 'Long Black Train'!!

Nise' said...

Thanks be to God that we are victors through His unchanging love and forgiveness. You are such an example of how faithful God is with us when we just give it ALL to Him!

Miriam Pauline said...

Denise,
I can see your life coming full circle as you described in 3. Although I know you still miss your mother greatly, it is an honor to be a part of watching God use that grief to grow you. Your answers and your honesty are always so touching. Praying that your brothers and dad will turn from fist shaking to faith taking. Bless you!

Susanne said...

"When my momma died last year, I found myself wanting to shake my fist, because she was gone. But, I praise God for taking my fist, placing it gently in His hand, and leading me into peace, and understanding."
What a beautiful picture of a heart captivated by Jesus!! Bless you dear one, and thanks so much for sharing!!
Love and prayers...