"I AM" Lesson 16 The Final One!

This is an On-Line Bible Study that was inspired by God and brought to us by:
Lisa a.k.a The Preachers Wife

This whole study deals a lot with Moses and the Promise land, but as the button above states, the study is about God the "I AM" so you don't have to be.

Our last Question is: What is one thing God has taught you through this study?

Wow, that is hard, I would have to say - I've learned I'm special.

That's always been a problem for me. In all my insecurities and failures, people pleasing, and being walked on and taken advantage of that is what has been the root of evil. The little voice in me that says "I just want to be special". I've grown so much in this area already, but this study nailed it. It doesn't matter what i am, because the Almighty "I AM" lives in me.

To anyone that has come across my Blog if you haven't done this study - Please do. We have never overcome so much that we can't use more of God and His word. For me I felt secure in God, however this reinforces it even more.

Hats off to Lisa, the Bible study may be over but I will stay in touch through your blog. Your Love for God shows strong, and I love your down to earth just being you style. The light of God shines bright in you.

Thank you again for a great study.

Lynn

"I AM" Lesson 15

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?

Torn. I like others desired a more intimate relationship with God during a trial. And because of his mercy, forgiveness and grace, I want to keep seeking Him with out anymore trials :) but seriously so I am well prepared for battles and trials with Gods word. I've had life without God and with God, trust me it is soooooo much better with God. Just hand you life over, you will not regret it.


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? :)

Yes!!!! And you wonder why I am so thankful. :)


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.

Have you been reading my journal again? Yes there were several issues in a lot of areas that have been pasted down that I have broken, and ones I didn't break until I was older I am praying and working with my Daughter to break before she passes them on. Insecurities and people pleasing things that I didn't overcome until she was already grown, unfortunately I passed some of that on to her.

4. Have you ever been misunderstood? Do you feel unforgiven for past mistakes even though you know God has forgiven you?

At times I wonder if there are attitudes and offenses that I thought were over that may still be there.

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. :)

Not that I know of but it makes me want to do a check up to make sure I am not holding anything that I need to deal with. I pray God will reveal it to me if I do need to.

Wow Lisa One more lesson Thanks!

Lynn

"I AM" Lesson 14

Burning Questions:



1. We talked of the importance of encouragement when God has called us to task. Has a lack of encouragement or even ridicule ever taken you back to a place of insufficiency you thought you had conquered?

Oh yes because I dealt with fear insecurity and people pleasing it didn't take much to set me off and make me think little of myself. Unfortunately it used to take way more encouragement than criticism to affect how I felt about myself and my abilities.

2. Is there someone you know right now who is attempting a new ministry that could use a world of encouragement from you? Why do you think this thing may be scary for her? Will you commit to write a note, make a call, or send an email with a dose of courage inside?

Yes actually I do. A friend of mine started a Bible study and I am going to it just for that purpose, to help her and encourage her, because she is doing this and it is totally out of her comfort zone. Yes I will do something even more as an extra encouragement to her.

3. Read Moses' song in Exodus 15:3-18. What line speaks to you most? Why does it touch you?
13 "In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling.

Because God is Love and this says that.

4. Based on the applications of living either inside or outside the Promise, where would you now say you currently reside? (As I read your answers, if this one point seems to have been confusing, I'll elaborate in a separate post. Again remember I am asking this question in terms of abundant living and not in determining salvation.;))
I'm living in the promise. I feel I am living in the abundant. There will always be battles and things to overcome and things to learn. Every time I read a scripture God can give me new Revelation, because the more we learn the more He can share with us.

5. If you are 'Somewhere in the Middle' between the girl you were and the one you want to be, how do you plan on changing that? Is there a barrier you feel you can't climb? Knowing God is for you and this study group is for you, is there a way we can help?

Yes I'm in the middle but way on the other side from the girl I used to be. How can you help, I'll always accept a Godly prayer, and I enjoy the comments. And as this study pointed out it is good and important to give encouragement so I'll take that too.

Lisa, I only have a couple more lessons, and this has been so good I wish there was more, so I guess you better get busy and write another for us. :)
Thanks,
Lynn

Cover to Cover

I did pick a hard time to start but if I am going to be a warrior for God guess this is a good time pull up my boot straps and dig in.

I don't have a lot to say - YET- but just wait. :)

What lingers with me is, the greed, the lack of trust they had in God, and the disobedience. They would call out to God, and when God didn't answer in their time, they would ask someone else.

I'll get more detailed as we go I'm just catching up with ya'll for now.

Thanks for the encouragement and your great insight Bev, that's awesome. I connected with a lot that you had to say.

Have a great week.
Lynn

"I AM" Lesson 13

BURNING QUESTIONS


1. Do you struggle with a sense of self-worth? How do you perceive this has affected the way you are able to 'keep your head upright'? If not, do you know someone who suffers in this area?

Yes, that has been my biggest struggle all my life. I am at a place now that I believe God loves me and made me for a special purpose, but I am always working to make sure I do fall back into those insecure, people pleasing mindsets and habits. I constantly prayerful ask God am I doing these things for you for am I trying to win favor for myself. I did have a hard time holding my head up, I didn't want to be noticed then I couldn't be ridiculed or made fun of. I look back now that I have more Godly wisdom and it was so stupid to let the devil and other people have such control over me, but when I was in it that's all I knew how to do.

2. What are you most afraid of? Does this fear affect the way you move through life? (Ex. Are you overprotective with children? Afraid to take risks?)

Well I used to be afraid of acceptance, and yes it affected everything I did. I did mostly whatever because I wanted to or liked it I did everything based on whether I felt the person I was around at the time approved.

3. What is one of the most marvelous ways God has provided a need? I can't wait to hear your stories on this one!

God has done so many wonderful things in my life, but as far as a NEED, as you talked about, this was the first thing that came to mind.
When I was in high school (just a couple years ago ha ha I mean decades) my Mom and I had some real lean times. I'm not sure exactly was going on but we didn't have hardly anything to eat for about two weeks. Groceries were minimal in the cupboards. We would tell each other we ate earlier in the day. One day we got home and there was a bag of groceries at our front door. And I think what it said was for Pat and Lynn God provides. It had a canned ham, dozen eggs, bread, 10# potatoes, and I don't know what all else, but we had the biggest breakfast that night. Well my Mom recognized the handwriting and it was from a friend that we knew didn't have much of anything either, I'm not sure where he got the food for us, but I know ultimately it was from God. Yes God is good ALL the time. I have no NEEDS now and I know why, God provides them all. :)


4. Steve Brown, a Moody Broadcasting Bible Teacher, is one of the first people I ever heard teach the concept that God was not mad at me. I grew up in a denomination that led me to believe He was in a continuous state of disappointment over my failures. How about you? Though in your heart you know God says He loves you, does Satan in your mind ever try to convince you otherwise?

Oh yes, that because I have sinned I was bad and that God would never be able to use me in a mighty way because I am stained, and not pure. It is a lie from the pit and I have to remind myself of that so I don't believe the lie.

5. How close are you to your own Promised Land? Not at all, 1/2 way, almost there? By this I mean the place of abundant living and effectiveness here on earth, not the ultimate fulfillment in Glory! Though I hope you are going to heaven, I don't want it to be today! :)

Well I would have to say 7/8 my life is so wonderful now. It is prosperous and abundant, we are very blessed. We will always have more to learn, grow in and conquer, but we are at a wonderful point.


Again, can't say it enough, thanks Lisa for this study.
Lynn

"I AM" Lesson 12

Burning Questions


1. We discussed how we are God's fame and He is ours. Have you ever been in a situation where you are applauded for your ministry and had to fight back the idol of pride? Ever been tempted to believe your own press? It's okay to admit it! Your testimony will help others in their resolve!

Yes and this is a good reminder that I can do nothing in my own strength. That I need to believe in myself, but know that it is because of God that I can do what I can do.

2. Did it ever occur to you in the 3-way drama of God, Job, and Satan that Satan was the only one outside the loop as far as Job's reactions would be? Does this encourage you in resolving to make a fool of him when he attempts to use you to defame the Name?

Yes It does incourage me and give me strength. Why is it so easy to limit what God and will do through and for us?

3. Are you in a situation now where you feel you are being overcome? Better yet, are you in a situation where you should have been overcome but are not?

I have gone through a couple of Big situations where Satan tried to come and over take me and God pulled me victoriously through it.

4. Have you failed in a Satan-designed trial? Can you recognize God intends for this failure to refine and resolve you for next time? God is not out for your destruction but your perfection!

Yes!
Oh yeah now that I have overcome fear and insecurity, I see so many setups that I failed and got sucked into that God wanted me to face and be a refined stronger person. It is also easier for me to see when they're comming at me, and even though it is still sometimes hard to stand up to those situations and trials, I now do know God is right there helping me through. Today you see a strong, bold woman of God that takes charge and gets it done, if you only knew what a beat down scared little girl I was for too many years. To God Be all the glory.

5. Can you describe yourself as a Wonders Junkie? Found yourself in spiritual highs and lows depending on whether you perceived God was doing wondrous things or not?

Yes when I was going through the trials, I would have those ups and downs. Glory to God things are good and then the next day why God why. It's that trap of thinking that something from God has to be a Billboard with fireworks, or it must not have been Him. I also have done that when I wanted an answer or when I thought He was asking me to do something. "God if that's really you, light up the sky in 30 seconds" :) You know what I mean?

6. Have you ever been like Philip and had God right in your face and not recognized Him?

Oh yeah! I think we all have (See answer 5) God is that you?

7. Journal a brief prayer asking God for His Glory. Let it be the thing we all desire above all else.....

Father God
Thank you for what you have done in my life and the boldness I now have because of you. As I continue in whatever you have for me each day, help me to always give you the glory for what you have and are doing in my life. Let me be light that draws people to you, let them see your glory in me so that they want what I have. Help me to always stay focused on you. In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen

Thanks Lisa,

Be Blessed
Lynn

"I AM" Lesson Eleven

This is a Bible study by Lisa aka: The Preachers Wife

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?

Yes I encounter them way more than I would like to. How timely it has been within a week. I do understand them and their pride and anger and bitterness that causes them to shake their fists. However because I have tasted the good of the Lord I want them to submit. This is where I need to be the "Faith Taker" and let God handle it. :)


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 loving kindness by the God and nation of Israel.

Yes. I am so thankful for Gods loving kindness. Until a few years ago life had dealt some wicked twists and turns.

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! :)

Ya I don't know LOTR :) But I think I have come full circle within myself. I am the same, and some if not a lot of the changes that the Lord has done in me may not be noticeable to others(so I am the same) but yet I know what I have had to overcome (so nothings the same).


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 when I rededicated myself, because that is when I really started serving the Lord not just in tongue. A lot of relationships became better, and I definitely was so much more appreciative of what I had in life.


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.)

I don't shake my fist I whine... oops did I admit that? :) And yes I know it keeps me from the blessings that God is trying to get me to, so I do usually quit quickly.


Wow Lisa do you give us a huge spiritual mirror or what? It's for our good though.
Thank you again and again.
Be Blessed all who read,
Lynn

"I AM" Lesson Ten

Discussion Questions:

Another chapter in our study from Lisa aka: The Preachers Wife

"Why should the Egyptians speak, saying, 'With evil intent He brought them out to kill them in the mountains and to destroy them from the face of the earth? Turn from your burning anger and change Your mind about doing harm to Your people." Exodus 32:12

1. Have you ever experienced trials that were best dealt with "in the family" for either your reputation's sake or God's? You may still choose to leave them there, but you are welcome to share if you are comfortable.

Yes!

2. Have you ever found yourself in a bizarre circumstance and later were able to walk someone through the same/similar situation? Did you recognize the hand of God in it?

Yes and then there are the ones you are working to lead someone through and they won't let you or God in.

3. I was in my late twenties before I ever let myself believe God was for me instead of waiting to smack me upside the head every time I made a mistake. Do you truly believe God is on your side?

Yeah, I understand and believe.

4. If God has ever had you in the Holy Spirit Choke hold (and who hasn't He?), how have you reacted to God's chastisement? Were you bitter? Brokenhearted? Grateful?

At the time fearful and then grateful.

5. Write a brief prayer of Thanksgiving for God's long suffering.

Father God I do truly thank you for all you have done to reconcile me to you. Thank you for the refining fire that did not feel good at the time, however has brought purity back into my life. I thank you for the blood of Jesus that has cleansed me and made me right before you. In Jesus' precious name - Amen

Thanks Lisa

Be Blessed

Lynn

"I AM" Lesson Nine

This is an online Bible study hosted by Lisa aka: The Preacher's Wife Thanks Lisa!

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, rate yourself on how often your conversation is seasoned with the works of the Lord on your behalf? If you speak very little of Him, is there a reason you know of? If you speak often, how do people respond?

Scale of 1-10 ? 7 is that too bold of me?

The times I don't share are for different reasons. I will be selective according to my audience. If they are believers, or believers that don't practice, great open arena, give me a podium. If they believe and actively practice I may sit back and listen to see if I can learn anything. If they knew me before Jesus was in my daily life... I'm more selective on what I share and work on building my new credibility with them.

This was very thought and prayer provoking and the post on my other blog shares some of my thought patterns, and revelations.

2. Have you experienced a Set Up for a Show Up when you were uncertain whether the situation was the chastisement of the Lord or a temptation of Satan?

Yes and probably a lot of them that I didn't recognize. I do try to remember these are the ones that are the sandpaper that refines me. But yes I do forget at times and make the battle much harder than I need to.

3. Have you ever or are you now experiencing any Job trials where you can still not identify any wrong-doing on your part?

Oh yeah more than once. There was a time when I wouldn't lie for my supervisor, who was also my friend. She blew up and screamed profanities at me and no one at the company would reprimand her for what she did. I was the one that got in trouble. This is before I knew as much as I do now and she put me through Hell on earth until I ended up quitting. She did eventually get fired a couple of years later but I wish I could have stood longer and better.


4. Apply this principle: How can my response make my God famous? Will obedience result in my sanctification and God's Glory?

My response and obedience has a lot to do with God's fame. People watch people to see what they are really like. They don't just want you to tell them about your God, they want to know that he is real to you. If you live for Him they will know that He is. If I am loving, merciful, and joyous during a trial people are going to know this God I have must be really something.

5. Does the origin of our affliction matter in view of the fame God can gain from it?

I don't think so -God is an opportunist. He will use what He can to draw people to Himself. Beauty for our Ashes, and His Glory.

Thanks Lisa I love learning more of the word and you are helping draw things out for me to look at myself. Spiritual tune ups are always a good thing. That's how we grow.

Blessings,

Lynn

"I AM" Lesson 8

1. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to 'go back' to a place of shame or ridicule? How did that make you feel?
Yes!
I felt insecure and fearful, at least for a while. But as I grow in my relationship with God it empowered me and makes me strong.


2. Is there any circumstance in your life that still has you running for cover? Share if you feel comfortable.

Yes and No! Old fearful feelings try to creep in, But I know "If I face my fears, I become fearless" (Lisa Bevere). When Satan was tempting Jesus and Jesus resisted Satan said he would leave for now and come back at a more opportune time.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
I have to take the 1st step of standing even if I have little alien babies inside me.

3. When is the last time you felt like an over comer?

Well actually every day! Each time I choose to do the right thing, every time I stand up.
There are bigger battles that I have overcome, but those come from all the little confrontations I do. I was a people pleaser that could be controlled & manipulated w/ fear. Each time I confronted people that were trying to use or manipulate me I was and am overcoming. Satan will forever try to use the tools that worked before, he knows your weakness better than you do. Fears still try to come against me but the love of God and pleasing Him out weights them.


4. If you have not yet taken the serpent by the tail, are you willing to stop running, take hold and trust God to transform it into a tool for wonders?

I think I have grabbed the serpent but if I haven't I want God to show me and Yes I am ready to transform into a tool of wonder.


5. I would like for you to write down this statement based on 1 John 2:14 somewhere you will see it often this week: "I am strong, the Word of God abides in me, and I have overcome the evil one." Memorize it. Say it over and over until you believe it. Will you do this?? Most of the time, there are no right or wrong answers, but on this one, I'm expecting a 'yes'!

YES!!

Be Blessed,
Lynn

"I AM" Lesson 7

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you answer the questions, "Who Am I?"

I am Peace, I am sweetness, I am Mercy and I am Kindness, and I am beautiful.
God knew my name while I was in my Mothers womb, and He did not name me Lynn, but He named me these things.


2. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt inadequate because of your lack of a 'tagline'?

Does 40 years of my life count? That is something I am really working on now is feeling adequate to do what ever God wants. Not that I feel He has asked yet but I have this urgent desire to be prepared, because I want to make sure I do know enough for what may come up.

3. Do you have skills or position that you believe God could use mightily if only He would?

Well this was a bit hard for me to answer. I originally thought about my talents and natural gifts (cooking, hospitality, and crafts) and thought well I'm sure they could come in handy but how would God use those. Then I thought of how my Mom used to cook for the homeless, and then on the hospitality I thought of how my Husband and I have dinners for people in our church. I wasn't sure how to answer, so I asked my Husband what he thought, boy he spoke right up and said yes God could use you, as a teacher. He said you're so detailed and you know a lot, he said preachers deliver the word but teachers break it down. Wow was that encouraging and enlightening. It's nice to see what others see in you that you don't always see in yourself. I got a happy face going on here. :)

4. Have you ever lost a position or station in life you believe could have 'helped God out' with something He has asked you to do? If you haven't lost out, do you perhaps feel you have to gain this in order to be useful to the Kingdom?

Haven't lost a position (I don't think) and I don't think you have to have any certain position or station to be of use. God can use you right where you are at, if you let him.


5. How are you with your dialogue vs. doubt conversations with God? Which does God hear most from you?

Getting better all the time. I don't know if I actually verbalize it to God but those thoughts of not feeling equipped to do the job really want to come in. I can think of two times a few years ago that I did verbalize my doubt but my fear of being out of Gods will out weighed my fears of inadequacies so then I obeyed.

(A Friend of our daughters was going to Iraq and he was at my place of business, he was walking out to his pickup to leave and God told me to make sure he was born again, I had never lead someone to the Lord all by myself, and told God so. oops! He asked how I would feel if our friend didn't come home and I had to wonder the rest of my life where he ended up. ouch! I still tried to plea bargain, Okay Lord if he is still there when I get outside I'll talk to him. He was thank God! I talked to him made sure he was saved, End of story He's home and happy!) And so was I after I obeyed.


6. Do you believe God's Wonders become more wonderful if they originate in the ordinary? Any Scripture references come to mind?

Well I think when they come from the extra ordinary there is no doubt that it had to be the hand of God, not just some coincidence or freak thing.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. (NLT)