Burning Questions:
1. I think we can all agree most of us find ourselves closer to God in the struggle than without it. How does it affect you knowing that trial is what draws you more intimately in relationship to Your God? I relate to that more than you know. It is during those times in life that we have no choice but to depend on Him and His providence, that He proves to us time and time again that we can't do it without Him. It makes me long for him even more.
2. Have you ever made a huge mistake but then found yourself in the position for a 'do-over'? Did you make a better decision the second or third or fourth time around? :) I think that making those better decisions is what indicates our growth in the Spirit and the power of the Word in our lives. Hopefully we are all in a constant state of improvement, and are making better choices for ourselves. But even when we don't, I thank God that He is the God of second (and third, and fourth) chances!! Amen?
3. Is there a 'generational sin' in your family you have overcome? This can be anything from a lineage of unbelief to issues of many kinds. This may be a private matter. Share if you feel liberty or quietly thank God for His deliverance. If you have not yet been delivered, I pray with all my heart God's Word is giving you courage to ask for help in that area. I don't know about generational "sins", but there are definitely areas of bondage that I have noticed several of my family members share. I pray each day, that God will help me to BREAK FREE of these chains so that I can know that true, abundant life through my Savior Jesus, that He came to give me.
4. Have you ever been misunderstood? Do you feel unforgiven for past mistakes even though you know God has forgiven you? Have I ever been misunderstood?? Do birds fly? Do fish swim? Does the rooster say "cock-a-doodle-doo"??? Yes Ma'am, that is definitely an understatement. I used to struggle greatly with forgiving myself of my mistakes, even after I had asked God to forgive me. Then I realized, wait...who am I not to forgive myself when God has gone to such lavish and extravagant lengths to forgive me??? It's like saying that Jesus' death was not enough. I don't do that anymore. I remind myself that all my mistakes...past, present,and future, are covered by His precious blood. Thank you Jesus for your willingness to pour out your very life's essence to forgive me of my sins! You are MORE THAN ENOUGH for me!
5. Is there a sister you need to extend grace towards in order to be able to 'bless God together'? Do you comprehend how your unforgiveness is hindering her from inhabiting her own Promise? If no, do you recognize a situation within your church body where this may be happening? If so, ask God to raise up a 'Phinehas' (mediator) in this situation. He may just reveal the Phinehas is you. :) I really do try, to the best of my ability (which many times I feel is very inadequate), to live at peace with everyone. (I am a people-pleaser at heart.;-)) When situations of conflict arise, I try to put myself in the other persons' shoes. But there are times when the temper flares and the gorilla gets out of the cage. When that happens, I try not to let things fester, and I apologize as soon as I can. I was once told that the difference between grace and mercy is this. GRACE is giving someone something they don't deserve. MERCY is withholding punishment or consequence that is deserved. God freely gave me both. Who am I not to extend them to others??? (No matter how hard it may be.)
Thanks Lisa for these wonderfully thought provoking questions, and another great lesson! I can't believe we only have one more week!! Boy am I going to miss you!!
