Job's Endurance

Patiently Awaiting

Job offers us a fascinating example of endurance in the face of terrible suffering. Read Job 1-2 and answer the following:

Who brought up the subject to Job?

What was the nature of Satan's accusation against Job?

What does Job lose and why?

Turn to Job 38-42.
Briefly summarize God's response to Job.

How does Job finally end up?

Had Job been patient? ( See Job 3; 12:1-3; 16:1-3; 21:4.)

Did Job lose his faith? (See Job 19:23-27.)

O Almighty God, our heavenly Father, I humbly ask You to renew within me the gifts of Your Holy Spirit; increase my faith, strengthen my hope, enlighten my understanding, broaden my love, and make me always ready to serve You both in body and soul; though Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen

(Henry Bernard Hemmeter, 1869-1948)

Read Psalm 40

David's Trust

Patiently Awaiting

 

David offers us another example of an Old Testament believer who endured a great deal of trouble and hardship while still trusting God. His father-in-law, King Saul, tried to kill him on several different occasions, yet he refused to take vengeance (see 1 Samuel 19 and 23; compare 1 Samuel 24 and 26). Later, even one of his own sons plotted against him and nearly succeeded in murdering him (2 Samuel 15). Throughout his reign, David faced enemies within his own family and country and many from outside as well. In several psalms David turns to the Lord for mercy. In Psalm 86, the center verse (v.9) sets forth the theme of God's salvation for all people. This is the purpose of God's patience with sinners. God delays His wrath so that His plan of salvation in Christ Jesus might be accomplished and people from all nations, not just Israel, will come and worship Him.

Does David depend on his own good works as a basis for seeking God's help in this psalm?

David seems to think that an attack on him is an attack on God. Why would he think this (v.14)?

How does God show His compassion, mercy, love, and faithfulness in being longsuffering (slow to anger)?

The Children of Israel

Patiently Awaiting

Parents might talk about how a strong-willed or mischievous child "tests" their patience. In that context, the child rebels against the parent, who then must figure out the appropriate response. Imagine you have told your child to stay away from the cookies jar until after dinner. Behind your back, she disobeys you. When you find her, how do you respond? If you do nothing, she will lose her respect for you. If you react in anger, you might punish her too harshly. Keep this scenario in mind as you read Exodus 32 and discuss the following questions.

* In Exodus 34:1, God refers to a previous set of stone tablets on which He had written the Ten Commandments. What happened to them (See Exodus 32:1-19).

* What did God propose to do to His people in response to the great sin in Exodus 32? Why didn't God do it?

* How did God discipline them? (See Exodus 32:19-29;35.)

* What does Moses do that gives us an early picture of the cross of Christ? (See Exodus 32:30-34)

Now read Exodus 34:1-7. The Lord "unpacks" His name for Moses in verses 6 and 7.
* What do we learn about the Lord in these verses?

* Compare several translations of verse 6 with one another. How do they differ?

* Discuss the justice (righteousness) of God and the mercy (grace) of God in light of Exodus 34:7 and Exodus 20:3-6.

Patently Awaiting

Lord, please give me patience . . . and give it to me right now! (Anonymous)

Paul lists patience as one of the precious gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life. Like the other fruit of faith, patience grows from our relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. We will turn to the Old Testament to learn something about the patience of God and then, in the New Testament, examine patience in the lives of God's people. Our study will conclude by exploring what the Bible teaches about the patience God gives through His Son.

Patience for one person may be considered impatience by another. What might Paul have in mind
when he includes patience among the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

PEACE

The God of Peace and the Peace of God

This section introduces the "ministry of reconciliation" entrusted to the church by Jesus (Paul's terminology in 2 Corinthians 5:18). As Christians spread the Gospel, they bring peace to people mired in a spiritual war. Jesus calls believers "peacemakers" in Mathew 5:9 and refers to them as "sons of God," a Semitic way of saying that they share the qualities or characteristics of the God of peace.

Genesis 3:15 records the first Gospel promise of a Savior. New Testament authors never cite this passage, but it is easy for Christians to see a strong reference to the coming cross--- apparent defeat followed by joyful victory over sin, Satan, and death. God reconciled the world to Himself at the cross, and Jesus commissions His church to spread that word of reconciliation and peace.

A woman (the people of God), a red dragon (Satan), a male child (Jesus), God, the archangel Michael and his angels.
They overcome Satan by the blood of Christ (the Lamb) and by the Word. Note that they still faced death. Their victory is spiritual security but not necessarily physical security.

We enjoy peace with God through the Gospel. However, Satan will not make peace. In fact, he rages all the more against the people of God.

Real peace comes from God alone, who reconciled us to Himself through Jesus and has made us "the righteousness of God." Through us God makes His appeal to the world, calling all people to reconciliation and peace.

The Beginning of Peace

PEACE WITHOUT END

Peace is such a great, yet elusive blessing. People will try anything from medication to meditation in order to experience peace. But peace is much more than something we experience. It is a gift from  God, a gift the church can enjoy now and for all eternity.

Can you name some things people turn to in their quest for peace? Who is behind man-made promises of peace?

Luke records a powerful story about sin, forgiveness, and peace in his Gospel.

Read John 1:24-25 and Luke 7:36-39.

• Why do you think Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to dinner?
• What unusual things did the unnamed woman do?

Read Luke 7:40-50.

• What does Jesus mean by the last words He speaks in this story (v.50)?
• How has He fulfilled the promise of these words?

 

Joy in Service (Ecclesiastes 11-12)

JOY EVERLASTING

Because Christ will return to grant you the fullness of His salvation, you can face each new day in joy. Like a child who joyfully counts down the days to Christmas, we joyfully count each day as one step closer to the fullness of our salvation in Christ. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

We do not live in a vacuum, nor do we experience joy as a purely abstract concept, God created us to work, serving Him throughout our lives, (see Geneses 2:15). God warns His people about failing to serve Him gladly and willingly (Deuteronomy 28:47), yet the experiences of our lives often make it difficult to serve the Lord joyfully. How often we struggle to find the joy in our service when the responsibilities pile up and complaints come in! Read Ecclesiastes 11-12 and answer the following:

·         How does the author describe life in Ecclesiastes 11:1-6?

·         Read Ecclesiastes 11:7-10. What are the advantages and the dangers of youth?

·         Read Ecclesiastes 12:1-8. What are the burdens and disadvantages of age?

·         According to Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, what is the key to meaning in life?

As we will see more clearly in the New Testament, joy looks forward with great expectation and eagerness to the glorious arrival of the Messiah, while remaining firmly anchored in the Lord’s gracious work and clear promises in the past.

Future Joy (Isaiah 12)

JOY EVERLASTING

Joy also looks forward. That is to say, the people of God experience joy in their lives regardless of the present circumstance because they look forward to the time when they will be directly in the presence of the Lord (Psalm 16; Isaiah 61; 65:17-25). Read Isaiah 12 and discuss the following:

·         To what “day” does Isaiah refer in 12:1?

·         Why does Isaiah rejoice when he considers that day? What has God done that inspires Isaiah so much?

·         When does that “day” dawn?

The Joy of Salvation (Psalm 51)

JOY EVERLASTING

David had been the “apple of God’s eye” (see Psalm 17:8; 1 Samuel 13:14). By trusting in the Lord he defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17, v. 45). He refused to fight Saul, his father-in-law and king, even though Saul tried to kill David several times. He faithfully served the Lord for many years, and God promised that he would be the ancestor of the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:13-14).

Yet David also committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband and several other faithful servants of the LORD (2 Samuel 11). When the prophet Nathan confronted David, he repented of his sin and wrote psalms expressing his repentance and faith (Psalms 32-51). Read Psalm 51.

·         To what quality or characteristic of God does David appeal for forgiveness (vv. 1-2)?

·         How can David say that he has sinned only against God when he has done so much harm to so many others (vv. 3-4)?

·         How deep does sin run in the human race (v. 5)?

·         What is the “joy of Your salvation,” and how does one receive it (vv.7-12)?

·         What model for the joyful life of the child of God does David offer us (vv. 15-19)?

Joy in Esther (Esther)

Joy Everlasting

The story of Esther describes how God delivers his people and their joy that follows. The setting for Esther is the mid-fifth century B.C. in the kingdom of Persia (modern Iran). God operates behind the scenes to save His people from an evil plot against them. Although the Book of Esther never specifically mentions God, the reader can plainly see Him at work through what appear to be coincidences and chance events.

·         Read Esther 3:1-6. Why does Haman hate Mordecai and the Jewish people so much?

·         What point does Mordecai make in 4:12-14 as he appeals to Esther for help?

·         What turning point occurs in the middle of the book (6:1-3)?

·         Why did the Jewish people celebrate Purim? How did they celebrate (8:15-17; 9:20-22)?

·         Would the Persian Jews have celebrated so joyfully if they had not learned about the earlier edict against them?

The Joy of Rescue (Psalm 21)

Joy Everlasting

According to the writers of the Old Testament, happiness may come and go but joy, anchored in God’s love for us, endures forever.  David writes about God’s unfailing love as the basis for his joy in Psalm 21. As in other psalms, David places the key thought in the very center of the psalm (21:7) and echoes this theme in the first and last verses (21:1, 13). (He uses the same structure in Psalm 23.)

·         Read Psalm 21. What quality of God appears in both the first and the last verses as a reason for rejoicing?

 

 

·         What keynote does David sound in this psalm (v.7)?

LOVE

Love for God

(lesson 3 of 3 week 2)

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4).  “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).

Because we are His people, we are also His friends, as were Moses  and Abraham; “friend” translated as “my loved one”.

Here are some distinctive elements of love for God from :

·         Genesis 3:1-7

·         Deuteronomy 6:1-3

·         Jeremiah 2:2

·         Genesis 22:1-12

It is, to put it bluntly, impossible to live up to this standard of love. We cannot do it. Human love looks and behaves mush more like the dysfunctional family of Isaac than the ideal love God demands in the Law.

·         In Galatians 5:22, Paul put love first in his listing of “the fruit of the Spirit.” What might we conclude from its place in the list?  Read Galatians 5:6b, 14.

·         Read Deuteronomy 7:7-9. This abiding, redeeming love of God for Israel pointed forward to the new covenant that He would provide through the perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

·         How have the examples and teachings of Scripture helped you grow in your understanding of love?

Friendship LOVE

(lesson 2 of 3 week 2)

In family love, the bond of blood or commitment unites people in a lasting relationship. With erotic love, passion unites with commitment to form a bond that God designed to last a lifetime. Friendship, on the other hand, can be more difficult to nail down. For example, we might form a close bond of friendship while we are away at school or in military service. Perhaps we think that we will always stay in touch with others when our education or military obligation ends. Most often we do not stay in touch. Years pass without anything more than a Christmas card (if that). Yet if we come together again those years melt away and it is as if we were transported back to the days when the friendship was a vital and living part of our daily lives.

 

·         In the Old Testament, one friendship stands above all the others---the friendship of David and Jonathan. Most people know who David was, but who was Jonathan? Read 1 Samuel 13:2,16

·         Since Saul was Jonathan’s father, David and Jonathan should have been bitter enemies. But they formed a deep and abiding friendship. David, not Jonathan, would sit on Saul’s throne after the king died. Read 1 Samuel 18-20, 1 Sam. 18:3-4, 20:12-17 to find out what covenant Jonathan established with David.

·         Read 1 Samuel 18:28-29 and 20:30-31. Are there times when a loving friendship is more important than a family relationship?

·         How do you handle a situation where two loves, such as family love and friendship, conflict with each other?

Erotic LOVE

(lesson 1 of 3 week 2)

Sexuality is a very important part of God’s design for us. It is the means to “be fruitful and increase in number (multiply)” (Genesis 1:28). It is the “one flesh” union mentioned in Genesis 2:24.

Between husband and wife, especially over a period of time, all varieties of love appear: sexual attraction, family bonding, deep friendship, and sacrificial self-giving.

The relationship between husband and wife is rich, complex, challenging, and fruitful—not to mention confusing, humorous, and (at times) painful. We see this in Song of Solomon, a biblical poem that celebrates love, as bride and bridegroom rejoice in their new relationship, bonded by love in all its rich complexity. You can read Song of Solomon if you’d like to.

Read Isaiah 54:4-8 and consider the passions the Lord describes. List the kind words the “husband” speaks to His wife.  How does this passage help you understand the depth of God’s love for you in Christ?

FAMILY LOVE (recap)

Here is a recap on 'family love' and what we have (or should have) read this past week.

There are many wonderful examples of family love in the Scriptures that we can learn from. This past week we were encouraged to not only read but experience what 'family love' can look like through the lives of Isaac and Rebekah and Naomi along with Ruth and Boaz. Ok, let me back up and state the obvious; If God had nothing to do with either of these families' I would have nothing to gain from their way of 'family love'. Wouldn't you agree that you would want to learn how to love your family from a well mannered, 'God fearing' family? Me too!

I once refereed to the people in the Bible as characters. Not realizing that I was placing them as fictional people acting out the story of God's message. My husband lovingly corrected me on how these people are not character's in the Bible but rather the people God has chosen to carry out His message. He has given us His message through these real life people so that we might learn of His Love and how He shinned His light through His people so we might hear His message. After all, Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

If you haven't already read the real life events of Rebekah and Naomi please do so. I would like to encourage you to walk along side these women as you read or reread their story. You are also invited to comment on the post's as you will see I shared some of my thought's.

FAMILY LOVE!?

What is it to me?

Please leave your thoughts below and remember that God is still at work in us and we are all in different walks of life then the next lady. So please share openly knowing that God has placed you in the position you are in for His glory. And if it is His glory, we to will shine for Him. (Matthew 5:16)

Family LOVE

Boaz and Ruth

(lesson 2 of 2 week 1)

read the Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth contains another “case study” of family love. In contrast to the dysfunctional family dynamics of Isaac and Rebekah, Naomi’s relationship with her daughter-in-law Ruth reveals a depth of affection and degree of sacrifice seldom seen between blood relatives, much less between  in-laws.

To what blessings did Boaz and Ruth love lead? How has this affected you and your family? (read Ruth 4:17-22 and Matthew 1:5)

 

 

This week we are focusing on family love. Next week we will study more about the way of love; erotic love, friendship love and love for God.

 

 

 

 

 

Family LOVE

The way of Love

(lesson 1 of 2 for week 1)

 

             Read John 15 and also read about Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 25- 27 and notice in Jacob’s story and in Malachi’s words the passionate heart of God’s love for you fulfilled in Christ Jesus.

 

1         Do “love” and “hate” mean something more than simple emotions? Can “love” be a decision, an act of the will, as well as a feeling or an emotion?

2         Read Malachi 1:2-3. How does this passage describe God’s love?

3         If God loves what is good, how would He respond to what is evil and destroy His dear creation (Ps. 5:4-5)?

4         Though your sin offends His holiness and righteousness, His fatherly love constrains His heart. In Holy Baptism He washes away your sins. He lovingly embraces you as His dear child through Christ. Though you lie and deceive like Jacob and Rebekah, though you despise His blessings like Esau, He extends His gracious hand in mercy as if to say, “Come here, My child, and kiss Me” (Gen. 27:26). He makes you the heir of all the blessings that belong to His firstborn, Jesus. 

Fruit of the Spirit

Thank you for joining this online Bible study. I look forward to learning more about the Fruit of the Spirit and hearing from you.

Please submit your email address (if you have not already) to 'Follow by Email'. Each lesson will then be emailed to you with the link to this site.

New Bible Study Starting September 1

Jesus said, "I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit -- fruit that will last" (John 15:16) 

Christ called you and every other believer to bear fruit.

But what fruit?

How will you bear fruit as a believer?

By studying one word every 2 weeks from the 'fruit of the Spirit' found in Galatians 5:22-23 you will understand the Holy Spirit's work of sanctification, recognize your personal strengths and weaknesses in view of God's calling and identify ways you can bear fruit in the Lord's service.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness,

Gentleness, Self-Control

 

 Please read Galatians 5 before we start our study and prayfully consider how you can add this Bible study to your busy life this fall.

 

Confidence (Day 4) The God of Confidence

·         Psalm 91

Read aloud the following:

12H555E229A7110V8844E667N12

Does it make any sense? Now cross the numbers off and focus on the letters. What does it say?

What is God’s focus and number one goal for us?

Our spiritual lives are more important to God than anything else. His number one goal is to bring us home to heaven to be with Him eternally. Let’s study the spiritual promises of God in Psalm 91 so we can grow in confidence that God will accomplish His heavenly goal for our lives.

·         In what ways does your church give you spiritual shelter and protection? How does your church help grow your trust in God?

·         What spiritual enemies attack our faith and/or the faith of believers around the world. What “snares” do these enemies use to lure or pressure us or others away from Jesus and into the trap of unbelief or wrong beliefs?

·         God’s protections and refuge become all-important in reaching the heavenly goal. Reread Psalm 91:4. How could God’s wings of Law (showing us our sin) and Gospel (showing us our Savior) or Word and Sacrament provide refuge from the enemy snares?

As we dwell under the Almighty’s wings (v.4), we become spiritually confident and secure. Read Psalm 91:5-6, 13. Luther explains the terror, arrow, pestilence, and plague as dangers to the soul. The enemies listed in verse 13 may also describe the same dangers to faith.

·         Give examples of arrows, pestilence, and plague inflicted on Jesus by the Pharisees (John 11:47-53) Then list examples of those in your own life and in today’s world.

 

·         Remember that it is God who protects our faith and preserves us from these attacks. He is determined to bring us home to heaven one day.  What spiritual truth and confident hope are also detailed in Psalm 91:7-8?

 

·         Finally, read Psalm 91:14-16. What comfort and confidence do these words offer in your life of spiritual struggle?

What confidence we can have that God is at work---protecting, strengthening, and shielding our faith! All that He does in our lives works toward bringing us closer to Him and fulfilling His goal of bringing us home to heaven. As we study His Word, our faith grows, and we, too, more easily focus on our spiritual well-being and turn our eyes more frequently to our heavenly home. Focus on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and confidently pray.

Confidence (Day 3) Shunammite Woman of Faith

Pretend you are standing at the edge of a busy highway. You desperately need to get to the other side. What would you do?

Now pretend you are a duck. Would you waddle across as fast as your little webbed feet cloud carry you? Or would you fly?

·         Let’s take a look at the wings of faith of a woman from Shunem. Read 2 Kings 4:8-14, write a description of the woman from Shunem and her life situation. Also describe her. Faith. What does the fact that she did not want to accept any payment from Elisha say about her?

·         Even though the Shunammite woman was well-to-do, the fact that she had no son and her husband was a old men she might spend many years as a widow with no one to care for her. Read 2 Kings 4::15-17 to see how God provided for this woman of faith. Why do you think she at first objected to Elisha’s promise of a son?

·         How has God surprised you lately with His care and blessings? How did you react? What boost did it give your faith?

·         The same God who had blessed her, however, also allowed tragedy to enter her life. Read 2 Kings 4:18-20. Imagine the feelings of this mother. Why do you believe God would allow such a thing to happen?

·         Now Read 2 Kings 4:21-30 and describe the woman’s confident response.

The Shunammite woman had definitely experienced “the plague that destroys at midday” (Psalm 91:6). Her son lay dead, but her wings of faith took flight. What was she looking for and hoping for by seeking Elisha? Whose help did she really need?

·         Read the rest of the story in 2 Kings 4:31-37. Did the Shunammite receive what she sought? What phrases in the account clearly reveal that it was God who brought the by back to life?

God’s purpose in allowing the tragedy is revealed as a great test of faith. Even Elisha’s faith was put to the test.  How did the Shunammite woman’s confidence in God and in God’s servant Elisha help her to soar above the situation instead of being crushed by the tragedy?

Several verses of the psalm seem to describe life under God’s wings as a life free from all suffering, harm, and struggle. As Christian people, we have seen over and over that our lives here on earth are not free from pain and trouble. These verses do not promise “the easy life”, but express the absolute confidence that God helps and protects us in times of danger and suffering.

Confidence (Day 2) Mary, Woman of Confidence

Put the corresponding number on the lines below to indicate how you spend your “pondering’ time. Discuss your answers as you feel comfortable. Time I spend

Little________________________________ Much ___________________________________

1.       Pondering things going wrong in my life.

2.       Pondering the many good things God has done for me

3.       Fighting God’s plan for my life.

4.       Calmly and confidently submitting to God’s plans for my life.

In the Bible, Jesus’ mother, Mary, is portrayed as a woman of confidence. Let’s search the Scriptures to understand better Mary’s confident, calm way of handling a very eventful life. We are first introduced to Mary when the angel Gabriel tells her that she is to be the mother of the long-promised Savior. Read Mary’s response in Luke 1:34-38. Then write a short description of her response and attitude toward God.

Mary very clearly portrayed a willingness to submit to God’s plan for her life. What does this indicate about her confidence in God? Why was her confidence in God and not in herself? What did submission to God do for Mary?

 

Confidence (Day 1) Moses, Man of God

Remember Moses, God’s great prophet and leader of one of God’s most spectacular acts of deliverance? Surely we read portions of the life of Moses and his conversations with God, perhaps we will see a person more like ourselves—capable of great confidence, but at times full of fear and doubt.

Read what happened afterwards in Exodus 2:14-15 and rate Moses’ level of confidence from 0 (least) to 10 (most) in each of the following:

Himself ___________ God ____________ His own safety ____________

·         God had much work to do in, with, and for Moses. Read Exodus 3:3-11 and record Moses’ response to God’s call.

·         God was not put off by Moses’s doubts and fears. Read Exodus 3:12-14 and 4:1-17.

·         What did God want Moses to know about Him?

·         What does God want you to know about Him? How does He accomplish this?

The rest of Moses’ story reveals how his confidence grew with every act of God on behalf of His people and came to a peak after the parting of the Red Sea. Read Moses’ song of confidence in Exodus 15:1-18. Jot down a few phrases that seem to express best Moses’ confidence. Why could Moses not have composed this song in his early days? How and why did his confidence grow?

·         Share, as you feel comfortable, a time in your life when your confidence in God soared. How can you take advantage of the memory of what God did for you at that time?

·         As you read Psalm 91 discuss any verses fulfilled literally for God’s people during the times of the plagues and the deliverance from Egypt.

What verses of Psalm 91 have been fulfilled literally in your life? Share a time when you rested “in the shadow of the Almighty” (v.1); felt His angel guarding you (v. 11); and/or called to God and know His answer (v. 15). Discuss especially how God has shown you His salvation (v. 16).

Fear (day 4) Our God: All Faithful, All Powerful

·         Read Psalm 56:1-6 and jot down the characteristics of the enemy.

·         How is the enemy described in verse 4? What does this important characteristic tell you about the power of the enemy?

·         Now make a note of the evidences of God’s power as recorded in verses 7-9.

·         How does knowing that God never lies (Titus 1:2) and that he has all power to back up His Word strengthen you in times of fear?

The concept of death in the psalms encompasses all that diminishes life. Sickness, anxiety, weakness, evil threats, and conflicts are all experiences with death. What aspects of death are diminishing your life right now?

·         How does walking “in the light of life” ---going through life hand in hand with God---help you rise above these experiences and deliver you from every form of death’s power?

What a difference God makes in this earthly life of struggle and death! Describe the joy and peace that are ours even in fearful times as we walk in our God-given “light of life.”

Fear (day 3) God works through Esther

To realize God’s grip on Esther’s life and on the lives of those around her, read the following Scripture. How did God direct, control, and use the events recorded here?

·         Esther 2:2-17

·         Esther 2:21-23

When has God arranged for you to be in the right place at the right time?

·         Esther 3:1-11

·         Esther 4:1-16

·         Esther 5:1-3; 7:3-7

·         Esther 6:1-2

How does realizing that God sets His plan into motion long before crises even start, comfort and strengthen you in your own times of crises?

How can a renewed trust in God’s timing, control, and directing of your life affect your fears?

Read Psalm 56. Which verses particularly apply to Esther and God’s people in this account?

Fear (day 2) God Keeps Hagar Safe

Abram and Sarai were childless, yet God had promised that Abram’s seed would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5). Sarai became discouraged with waiting, and in Genesis 16:1-6 we read how she takes it into her own hands to provide an heir for her husband. Sarai gives Hagar, her Egyptian maidservant, to Abram so that he can father a child by her.  Read Genesis 16 to find out what Hagar was afraid of and why she was running?

·         What makes you run from situations? What makes you afraid in those situations? What have you run from recently, what provides you with comfort, courage, and security from what you are afraid of?

·         Read Genesis 16:7-16. What words of discipline did the angel of the LORD speak to Hagar? Why do you think God waited until Hagar was in the wilderness before confronting her?

·         Why does the Lord not seem to rescue us immediately from our perils and fears? What lessons might He want to teach us?

·         What words of comfort did the angel tell Hagar?

·         How had God helped you walk back into fearful situations?

When David was in danger and full of fear, the Holy Spirit brought to his mind words of Scripture. These words of the Lord brought great comfort and strength to David, as evidenced by his words of praise in Psalm 56.

How might Hagar have used verses 4 and 10-11 of Psalm 56 as words of praise?