earth / wind / fire  / water
A Field Guide for Praise
copyright Clark H Smith

This document was orginally published in January 1999 as a daily devotional / small group
curriculum to augment a sermon series on the same subject.
All material is orginal and copyrighted unless attributed otherwise.
All scriptures quoted herein are from the NASB unless otherwise noted. All emphasis is added.

 A quick and easy way to say this verse is: "The earth is the LORD's and all things in it!"  I think you are going to have that verse on the tip of your tongue before this is all over!

I hope you enjoy this "Field Guide." Rock hounds, bird watchers, almost everyone who enjoys nature uses a field guide to help them explore, discover, and appreciate their subject. We Christians have a great big FIELD - it is the WORLD God made. And we have a terrific "manual" to that world called the Bible. This little Field Guide will help you take notes, record observations, and look in some special places over the next seventy days - we might have some fun, too. Keep it close at hand, check it every day, and let God do something wonderful in your life through it.

The earth / wind / fire / water Field Guide is composed of weekly cycles of seven themes. And actually... the it takes two weeks to fully cover one of our elements of praise.

Here is how the days are laid out:

Small Group Study (Sunday)
Go and Tell (Monday)
Word Study (Tuesday)
God is Love (Wednesday)
Listening To God (Thursday)
Prayer (Friday)
Be Still And Know! (Saturday)

January 17, 1999 / Sunday

Small Group Study

"The earth is the LORD’s and all things in it!"  What a glorious thought! Let’s begin this Small Group time by finding out some unique things about one another. (A US or world map would be very handy to mark locations.)

Where was each person in the group born?

Which two were born the farthest apart? Which two were born the closest together?

What is the farthest distance from the birthplace each person has traveled? Who has traveled the farthest? Who has stayed closest to home?

Let each person describe the most beautiful place they have ever been. (Is there any chance that the place or something there is mentioned in the Bible??) What is the strangest place in creation each person has been to?

Our key verse tells us that God owns all the places we have been born, all the places we have traveled to, everything in between and beyond, and everything in, on, and under all those places - God owns it ALL!

What one place on earth would you take a non-believer in hopes of convincing them that God created and sustains and owns it all? Why do you think that place would be convincing? How does knowing that God owns it all give you joy and make you want to praise Him?

As Christians, what is our "duty" to God’s creation? Does good stewardship limit or increase our use of the earth and all its resources? Who can add some scriptural support to this idea?

Develop a "Top Ten List" of the very best things we can do to live out the truth that "The earth is the LORD’s and all things in it!" (Your list should include at least three things that would show non-believers that God owns it all.)

Close the group with prayer. Let each person in the group participate in the prayer by naming something in this world for which they are especially thankful.

Monday / January 18, 1999

Go and Tell

Most people find diversion from the cares of daily life through a hobby or craft of some sort. What are your favorite past-time activities?

Circle these activities which involve creating or crafting something that did not exist before you made it.

List some adjectives that describe your thoughts and feelings upon completion of a project:

Would it be fair to say that you have pride in your work? Have you ever entered any of your work in a competition or show? Did you receive compliments or win other recognition?

Now imagine this scenario. Let’s say you work several months to create a project to enter in the state fair. You enter the work and - not surprisingly - it wins a blue ribbon! But there has been a small mix up; the wrong name is written on the ribbon. The ribbon is given to someone else and all the fair-goers rave and praise the wrong person!

Would the thought that your project won be satisfaction enough for you? Probably not! Even if you did not receive all the praise, you would at least like people to know that it was you who gave all the time and effort to make such a commendable project. And let’s be honest, for all that work, a bit of praise is in order.

A friend once gave me a little rock with this thought painted on it: "Joy is seeing a sunset and knowing Who to thank." That pretty well sums up what we want to do over the next eight weeks. If God made this world, then we should never stop praising Him for the beauty of it. No one else should get credit; no one else should get the praise.

The best thing you can do to "Go and Tell" everyone who marvels at a beautiful sunset, a baby’s face, a tree in autumn is to remind them that "The earth is the Lord’s and all things in it." Memorize that verse and repeat it often!

 January 19, 1999 / Tuesday

Word Study

Each Tuesday in this study, we are going to have some fun learning about some words and language forms that hold important ideas for Christians. This is not going to be anything like reading the dictionary. Let’s do a brief study and you’ll see what it’s all about.

Can you define the word "WORD": (If do you peek in the dictionary, that’s okay.)

Now read & John 1.1-14. What do you think the "word" means there?

Since we are studying God’s creation, let’s go back to Genesis 1 &. In verse 3, light is created. How?

Pretty powerful voice, yes? God’s "words" are the creative force behind all creation! (Take note & of Isaiah 55.11 to get a sense of how powerful God’s "word" is.)

In Greek the word for "word" (as in John 1) is logos. But there is another word for "word" found in Ephesians 6:17. This time it is the word rhema (". . . and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.") Read verses 19 and 20 to see what Paul desired to do with this rhema - he wanted to _______ boldly!

In Ephesians 6.10-20 Paul talks about "spiritual warfare." That is the real battle we are engaged in - it is the struggle between God’s will for us and Satan’s attempt to turn us from that will. It seems that we all have a terrific sword to fight this battle. That sword becomes effective when we pick it up and use it. How? It seems that the best way is to have many scriptures memorized. Then we are ready to do battle anytime, anywhere. What to memorize? Start with this:

Wednesday / January 20, 1999

God is Love

 God is Love! We don’t say God is loving, we say God is Love! (By the way, that verse is found in I John 4.8.) What a joy it is to know that our Creator has Love at the core of His being. Every Wednesday throughout our e/w/f/w study we are going to dive into how God’s Love is made known through his creation. Now, that’s not too weird a thought is it? - that God’s emotion of Love is found in the elements of earth, wind, fire, and water that make up the earth. Here’s where that idea comes from:

We want to be people who quickly look for and find the Nature of God in the nature He created! We’ll have specific studies on this, but first, write down some places or ways in creation that you see evidence of God’s Love.

January 21, 1999 / Thursday

Listening To God

Many people in our world today believe they have heard the voice of God. In this amazing passage in John, we are told that God spoke audibly (at least many believed it and Jesus assures us they did hear a voice.)

Whether folks do hear an audible voice from God, we can’t know. The best test of what they say they hear is whether it is consistent with the teachings of the recorded voice of God - the Bible. Reread what people thought they heard. What did God say:

Is that consistent with everything we know about the Word of God? Look up the word "glorify" in your Bible’s concordance (that’s the list of words at the back) and see what the Bible actually says about God’s desire to be glorified. Write down the reference to some of your favorite verses on this subject:

On Thursdays, as the week grinds on, we want to be sure and listen to God. Whether He speaks to you audibly or to your spirit, hearing from God is a very important thing. Read& these verses in your Bible: Psalm 81.13, Isaiah 55.3, John 5.25, John 10.27. Get the point? God wants to speak to you - will you listen?

The best way to listen is to engage God in a conversation. This may be what you would call prayer, but it may be more than that, too. Basically, we want to go to God with questions or concerns and let Him speak in those areas and whatever else He has in mind. It will be quite and adventure - and all you have to do is listen!

Friday / January 22, 1999

Prayer

By Friday of each week, we should have plenty to pray about! For the successes we have enjoyed we can give praise. For the defeats and disappointments, we should ask God to intervene in a powerful way. Nothing is off limits with God. As the old hymn goes: "What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer." Do you believe that?

We are studying the dynamic forces of nature in the earth / wind / fire / water series, but we know that nature is only a shadow of the dynamic power of our God. When I pray, I like to remember that God is riveted with attention to my prayers and that He brings the full weight of His Awesome Godness to answering the cries of my heart. Are you aware of what goes on in prayer?

First, God invites us to pray. "Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

Second, Jesus tells God that we are His and that our prayers matter to Jesus and so they should matter to God. That is why we "pray in Jesus name": "And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." (John 14:13-14) (That’s a good verse to add to the list you made yesterday!)

Third, the Holy Spirit helps in the process of taking our human needs to God. When we don’t ask for the best thing or even know what to ask for, the Spirit is our interpreter: "And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." (Romans 8:26)

Isn’t that wonderful? The entire Trinity is involved each and every time we pray! Now there should be nothing that we can’t bring to God knowing that all the power of Heaven is available to us.

January 23, 1999 / Saturday

Be Still And Know!

 What a sweet command God has given us! God’s wants us to "chill out." It seems mankind has always been too busy to really pay attention to God. We think that our lives today are busy. Electricity makes activity possible non-stop around the clock. We have more opportunities for work, avocation, recreation, and leisure than at anytime since the creation of man. But God gave this command back when we thought "things were slower." In truth, man has always packed life full of stuff that doesn’t really matter in the long run; "stuff" that certainly doesn’t matter to God.

On Saturdays in our study, we’ll try to slow down a bit after a long week. We want to prepare our hearts for a great celebration on the Lord’s Day. In all, we want to recognize His greatness - His Godness! and exalt Him above everything else in the world we live in. Are you ready for your first try at it? (To do this right, you need to set apart a period of time and find a place where you are least distracted by the business of your home and the world. Find this time and place and then continue.)

The best place to start is to proclaim who God is to you. Write down a few things here:

Now write down a few of your most common or important activities of the week just gone by:

God wants you to believe in your heart that He is more important than anything you did this week. You may want to tell Him that in a prayer. Finally, just be quiet. If you have memorized a verse this week quote it, and then let God speak to you. He wants to. He promises to. The only thing we have to do is be quiet. Be still and know that He is God.

Sunday / January 24, 1999

Small Group Study

No less than twenty times in Psalms, David refers to God as the "Rock." Here’s a delightful one: "O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation." (Psalm 95.1) Why do you think David made such frequent reference to the Rock? How many of these verses can the group find? (The best way is to use your Bible’s cross-references or concordance.) How many popular hymns and praise songs do you find in these verses?

David uses "Rock" to refer to several different attributes of God, such as "everlasting." How many can your group name?

There are some other names of God referenced in these verses (as in Ps 89.26). What names do you see?

David probably did not just throw in all these names together just for effect. Look at the names you found. What similarities do they have to "Rock?" How does this give you a bigger, broader understanding of God?

As a group, how would you sum up this idea of God as a the "Rock?" In one sentence, write a praise to God for his "rocky" character - the more personal, the better.

Let’s finish where we started - with David thinking about God as the "Rock." Again, why do you think David refers to God that way? What experiences did David have with rocks that might have led him to think about God this way? (See & I Samuel 17)

Do you think that experience made David praise God because of rocks - and praise Him as The Rock? How has God acted in your life that you might give Him a "nickname" which fits His blessings toward you. Share these thoughts and use them to form the group’s closing prayer.

January 25, 1999 / Monday

Go and Tell!

 We learned last night in our small groups that God likes to be thought of as "The Rock" or as a mountain. This adds meaning to the mental picture of the verse above, doesn’t? When we share the Good News of Salvation through Jesus, we are not only standing on the Solid Rock of God, but God is pleased with us - He evens thinks we have lovely feet when we are engaged in spreading the Gospel! (We are also reminded here how Jesus washed the feet of the ones He asked to take the new Gospel out to the world.)

It’s quite apparent that God wants us to stand on His strength as we announce that "Our God Reigns"! In what area of your life would you say that God truly reigns?

If God will give you the opportunity this week, will you tell someone about this area of your life? Yes No

Look up Isaiah 40:9 in your Bible, and personalize here:

Tuesday / January 26, 1999

Word Study

 The song says, "Diamonds are a girls best friend." (. . . hardly seems fair if dogs are a man’s best friend!) Nonetheless, we are all bedazzled with the radiant beauty of a diamond - and the larger the better! There is something very special about the makeup of a diamond that it can take ordinary light and catch it in an explosion of color. If you have ever seen extremely large diamonds, such as found in the crown jewels of England, the light can be absolutely breathtaking.

The key to a diamond’s brilliance is the number and the way the facets are cut. When a diamond becomes "multi-faceted" it is able to refract the available light in what seems to be impossible ways. There is a Bible word, poikilos, that means "multi-faceted" found in I Peter 4.10 (Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. [NIV])

Isn’t that wonderful that such a dynamic word is used to describe God’s Grace? Here, Peter suggests that the Grace of God is as sparkling and brilliant as the light from a great diamond. Thanks Peter. That seems to do justice to what we know about the Grace of God. It is dazzling, attractive, mesmerizing at times. Certainly His Grace is a thing of Beauty!

And let’s not neglect the rest of the verse - when we serve with the gifts God has given us - we are the ones who are good stewards of this incredible grace of God. What a privilege to bring this brilliant Light of God to others through service! This is consistent with what we have already learned about God, that He does things so that we may know there is no god like Him. Even serving one another in humility and love causes the glory of God to be known in our world.

Every time I see a diamond, I am overwhelmed at the thought that God’s brilliance is like that, but so much, much more! Let us serve Him and make Him known!

January 27, 1999 / Wednesday

God is Love

Every once in a while merchants have to find out exactly how much merchandise they have in their stores. Homeowners have to keep track of their possessions to make sure they have enough insurance. Have you ever done a "God Inventory?" This verse in the Psalms seems to be inviting us to do just that! If the claim is true, then everywhere we look we should see some aspect of the righteousness, justice, or lovingkindness of the Lord. Let’s try it!

What is the most beautiful place in nature you have ever seen?

Can you find evidence of God’s righteousness, justice, or lovingkindness in that place? Explain:

What is one of the most unpleasant places you have ever been?

Can you find evidence of God’s righteousness, justice, or lovingkindness in that place? Explain:

Was it man or God who made that place unpleasant? ________

If man was responsible, what could Godly people do to improve upon the place? Would God’s righteousness, justice, or lovingkindness help in the improvement? Describe how:

Prayer: Thank God for the evidence of Him in creation.

Share: Keep in mind a couple places where you would take someone if you wanted to impress them with God’s attributes in His creation.

Thursday / January 28, 1999

Listening To God

 Humans have a tendency to think we understand a great deal. The late 20^th century has even been dubbed "The Information Age." Certainly we know far more about our world than ever before - in the history of mankind, but our theme this year is A History of God. Perhaps we are very smart about very little compared to God. God challenged Job with this thought when He said: "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding." (Job 38:4) God is not saying that humans are totally ignorant, rather that our facts and solutions sometimes fall short of "the big picture."

It may take more than today, but let’s work on some of the mysteries of life. What are a couple of things that you have a hard time understanding?

Will you set aside thirty minutes today to just be quiet and invite God to speak to you about these mysteries? Will you ask Him to remind you of Scripture that might explain these concerns? Will you ask God to use His Spirit to give you peace about what you don’t understand?

Here are a couple of verses that will launch your quiet tim

A Promise:The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments His praise endures forever.(Psalm 111:10)

A Prayer: I am Thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies.(Ps 119:125)

January 29, 1999 / Friday

Prayer

Although King David said this in a speech to his nation, it also sounds like a great prayer. David was not bragging about creating gold, silver, precious stones, iron, and wood; he was happily telling God that he had been a good steward of what God had created. That is a great prayer. As we wrap up this first week of study about how God has used Earth to cause Himself to be praised, can you pray a prayer like this to God?

Is there something in His creation that you have taken special care of?

How?

In doing this, how have you used creation to bring glory to God?

Take time now in prayer to recognize God as the Creator and Sustainer of all life. And don’t be shy in telling God that you have tried to use His creation in a way that glorifies Him.

Here’s a great verse to end your prayer:

Saturday / January 30, 1999

Be Still And Know!

 God certainly wants us to know that He is God. We humans have a great curiosity about what God is like. In Exodus 33 Moses meets with God on Mount Sinai and cries: "I pray Thee, show me Thy glory."

Moses is like us, he wants a sense of Who it is that created and sustains this universe. But there is a problem. God answered and said, "You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!" But God offered an alternative: "Then the LORD said, ÎBehold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by.’"

This is like the scene in the Jack Nicholson movie when he screamed, "You can’t handle the truth!" at a man who said he wanted to hear the truth. We want to see God, but He knows we couldn’t handle it. But the rocks can?

There’s something to think about as we conclude this first week thinking about "earth." Why can dirt and stone handle the Glory of the Living God, but humans - His most precious creation - can’t?

There may be several ways to answer that question, do you have a scripture to support how you answered?

Does this story about Moses make you wonder about the Glory of God? Many books and movies over the years have tried to depict God. You have as much right as Cecil B. DeMille to try to describe the presence of God. In words or pictures below, express your thoughts about God in His Glory. (You might review our Word Study from Tuesday.) Then wrap up this week with a prayer to God about His presence, His glory, His love.

January 31, 1999 / Sunday

Small Group Study

Begin the group by reading & Matthew 7.24-27 aloud. Can you remember (and sing!) the children’s song based on this parable? Can you think of other Christian hymns or choruses that are based on this passage?

One of the curses of home ownership is the ongoing concern that the structure is secure. What is the worst foundation problem anyone in the group has experienced with a house? Make up a list of the variety of problems that derive from having a poor foundation.

Describe some of the solutions for curing a poor foundation?

Think of your life as a house. Besides your faith, what are the foundations that give you strength and stability? Where did you gather or learn these "foundation stones"?

On the whole, have the supports to your life-house served you well? Have they held up in the storms of life?

In the story that Jesus told, what did He say was the foundation?

This statement comes at the end of the "Sermon on the Mount." What are some notable things He said in Matt 5-7? The firm foundation is contrasted with a house built on _____. What do you think Jesus was referring to with that comment?

All of us have a mix of "sand" and "rock" for our foundation. What is the best way to shore up a sandy foundation based on verse 24? __________ (see Psalm 119.11). Encourage each other by jointly selecting a verse from the Sermon that all members of the group will memorize by next group session.

Monday / February 1, 1999

Go and Tell

Let’s start the week with some real brainwork! We want to think about our world in such a way that we can tell others about Our Great God. Let’s approach it this way, if you had a week to spend, just getting away from it all, where would you go? (Be very specific about the place, your shelter, the land forms, the scenery, etc.)

Now we have to think. Why is that place beautiful to you? What does it take for that place to be so beautiful? Can you describe some of the "systems" or life cycles and resources that are necessary for that place to succeed so beautifully?

Some folks who don’t believe in God would suggest this rich complexity of life self-generated by accident. In faith, we believe our Creator God put everything in it’s place - so that we would discover it and praise Him! Here’s the final thing to do. Pretend you were in that perfect "get away" place. Write a postcard to a friend who may not know the glory of God personally. Describe that place in such a way that they are drawn into God’s creative wisdom and power:

February 2, 1999 / Tuesday

Word Study

hyperbole \hi-Îper-bu^--le^-\ n. figure of speech: extravagant, exaggerated

Did you know the Bible is full of hyperboles?

"But I thought the Bible was supposed to be literal and true."

Well. . . it is. It is all true. It has to be - it is inspired by God! (see & II Tim 3.16) But it was written by inspired humans writing to and for humans. And we humans certainly like variety in our language to help us deal with the complexity of human thought. For example, Psalms is mostly poetry and Song of Solomon is allegory. (Allegory happens when you talk about gardens of spices and beautiful deer on hills instead of actually talking about . . . well, you know what.)

One of the most interesting hyperboles in the Bible is found in Job 29:6:

How’s that for exaggerated and extravagant speech? Read all of Job 29 &. What is Job trying to say here?

Job didn’t actually walk on a butter sidewalk, did he? But you get the point, everything was going good for Job and he knew that God was blessing him. (You caught that reference to "the rock" didn’t you?)

Have you had a time in your life - perhaps now - when God was greatly blessing you? Let’s take time to give God praise for His blessing and let’s use some colorful, hyperbolic language - I think God likes it when we do that! Write out a sentence or two about how you feel and how God is blessing you. Perhaps you can work in something about God being a rock or firm foundation. (This would be something excellent to share with someone who needs the blessings of God.)

Wednesday / February 3, 1999

God is Love

With all of our thinking about mountains and rocks and such, we don’t want to forget about a very useful form of earth - clay. Virtually every child o student has worked with clay. What is the most memorable thing you have made with clay? ________ Does it still exist? Do you have it or know who does? From what you remember, describe the process of working in clay:

On the whole, would you describe the process as easy or difficult? ________ Have you done other crafts in wood or metal? How would you compare the work in those substances to clay?

Now here is the point of all this, would you say that things made out of clay tend to be more or less fragile than things made out of wood or metal? ______ So. . . while it may be easier to work in clay, the final product is often not quite as substantial as that of other materials.

With that in mind, let’s go back to the start of the story. Read & Genesis 2.7. What is man made out of? ________ Pretty humbling thought, especially given what you know about things made out of clay. But our key verse today sounds fairly positive - talking about "treasure" and "power." Read it again and see what you think. We as humans are the earthly vessels, what is the treasure? _______________

God made us out of easily manipulated material. Rather than being spectacular, beautiful objects; we are humble clay jars - no Tiffany Lamps here! Does this mean we are to live lowly, insignificant lives? Absolutely NOT! Our key verse assures us that because of God’s love for us, we have available the surpassing greatness of the power. . . of God! ! !

The world seeks to flatter by telling us that we are something that we are not. God wants to encourage us by letting us know exactly who we are - - - and who He is and what He wants to do in us and through us.

February 4, 1999 / Thursday

Listening To God

 Wow, what a powerful God! He pinches up mountains, stirs the wind, spins the earth and hangs the sun. . . . . . . What was that other thing? He "declares to man what are His thoughts"! What in the world does that mean? Why are man’s thoughts included here with the mountains and wind and sun? It is what God does with those things. God is in control of those things and He has a plan for them.

Sometimes we get too much separation between the natural world and the mental world. This verse teaches that God is sovereign over all.

Put it this way, "What’s on your mind?" Were you aware that God knows? Are you aware that God wants to do something just as great and beautiful with your thoughts as He does with nature? It’s true. And here is how you can get in agreement with God on what He wants to do. Pray this prayer of David’s and get ready for God to get busy! Take notes as God speaks.

February 5, 1999 / Friday

Prayer

The physical world, the earth, is often used as a metaphor for the human condition. Here David refers to his life as a "mountain." He brings the ends of the emotional spectrum before God. First, King David rejoices that God has given him strength - and what poetic language at that! But then, David hints at times when he did not find the favor or face of God. Note that the whole verse is offered in prayer to God. This is a good format for our prayer to God. Let’s follow David’s lead.

In what ways has God recently given you strength. Be specific and talk directly to God.

Dear Lord, you gave it to David, now I need be strengthened in:

Does David give us hope to pray for such strength?

February 6, 1999 / Saturday

Be Still And Know!

 What human emotion is named three times in the verse above? _____

What four things in creation are supposed to "shout" and "break forth" with this emotion?

 What’s all the commotion about? Why is all of nature expressing such great joy?

Does that include you? Yes No

The reason for using this verse for Be Still And Know! is because nothing is required of you other than to observe God’s creation and reflect on the Glory of it. Be still and know that

When you see a glorious sunset dropping behind a mountain range, be still and know that "The Lord Has Done It!"

When you see a forest bursting with new spring growth or ablaze with autumn color know that "The Lord Has Done It!"

When volcanoes or fountains burst upward upon the earth, be still and know that "The Lord Has Done It!"

When you go to sleep at night, resting confident in the knowledge that you are redeemed for an eternity in heaven, be still and know that "The Lord Has Done It!"

February 14, 1999 / Sunday

Small Group Study

Solomon uses the phrase "striving after the wind" nine times in the book of Ecclesiastes. (Spend a few minutes to find them all and read them aloud in the group. &Follow your Bible’s cross-references starting with Ecclesiastes 1.14)

As a group, define what Solomon means by that phrase:

Let every group member write on a piece of paper what he or she does that seems like "striving after the wind." Mix the responses together and have each member draw out and read a response. Can you connect the "striving" with the person?

Discussion Questions: What activities in your life do not fit the category of "striving after the wind" - in other words, what do you do that brings fulfillment or reward? Are those tasks easier or harder than the ones that "toil for the wind? How do you feel when you look back on your "striving." Which category of activities do you have more control over?

On the whole, Solomon’s view of "striving" is not really negative, it seems like he is trying to help us keep a certain perspective. Be Solomon’s students. Let’s say he has come to you and asked you to help him come up with a phrase that defines the healthy opposite of "striving after the wind." As a group, suggest a phrase to Solomon that describes working toward positive, fruitful, fulfilling outcomes:

Read Ecclesiastes 4.6. What is better than striving: _______

Now &take a peak back at Leviticus 23.28-21. On the Day of Atonement, one should do no ______ ("no striving after the wind." Now &read Matthew 11.28. What does Jesus offer us? _______ . It seems like the blessings of God are found in ______ and not ___________.

Let each member of the group suggest how they could reduce their "striving." A great bond of fellowship in the group would be to pray and encourage one another in the pursuit of rest.

February 15, 1999 / Monday

Go and Tell

Here’s an interesting passage. God is making an analogy between a false peace and a faulty wall. A wall or foundation that is not well made will not stand up in the time of testing. It may be plastered and painted beautifully, but it will crumble just the same. A false peace is the same way. We have watched as one president after another stood with formerly warring nations and announced "peace" has come to those people. It seems that almost within hours, there is more and even fiercer fighting. No Peace. Why? Because their peace was not built on firm truth and hope.

We have been given a job. As Christians, we have the obligation to tell the world that their shoddy, but pretty walls are weak; that their celebrated peace won’t last. How can we do that and be pleasant at the same time? By telling them how to build real walls - real peace. & Look up these verses and complete the sentence:

Can there be a wall without a builder? Can there be peace with out the _______ of ________? (see Isaiah 9.6)

 Jesus said: "Peace I _______ with _____." (see John 14.27)

The mark of the living Christian is not only to Know Peace, but also to Go and Show Peace.
 

February 16, 1999 / Tuesday

Word Study

You have heard it said that opposites attract. . . Well, that certainly seems to be the case in these verses. God causes the wind to blow and also to be calm. In Job, it is recorded that by His breath God both makes ice and fire! Very impressive, don’t you think?

The thought that God stirs the wind is great in itself, but that He also calms it, makes God seem even more awesome. Contrast is powerful way to make a point. Let’s do a little exercise to see if "opposites attract." Fill in the blank with the opposite of the word shown:

Wednesday / February 17, 1999

God is Love

 The book of Psalms begins:

The book of Psalms ends:

What do you think? Is that quite a contrast in ideas or very similar? Good, these two verses seem to be talking about how we ought to live. They fit under the subject of wind because both verses talk about the choices we humans have about what we do with the air that passes over our vocal chords.

The first verse of Psalms is a blessing, an encouragement not to hang around with people who "scoff." Almost sounds like "cough." Think of scoff as a "scornful cough." Sounds unpleasant, doesn’t it? Certainly it does not glorify God at all.

On the other hand, King David wraps up all the beauty and passion and glory of the Psalms by simply encouraging us to use our breath to Praise God.

How does this relate to "God is Love"? Simple really. God has given us everything we need to give Him praise - He gave us our breath. Our intellect, accomplishments, and strength are not necessary to give God praise. All we have to do is let that air inside of us to come out in a word of Praise! Try it now. Just say, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." You did it! You used that force of wind that God gave you to be a praise back to Him.

Now keep it up! Have you memorized this verse yet:

Listening To God

Tomorrow we’ll look more in depth at how we humans get blown around and "tossed by waves," but first we need to learn to distinguish between winds of doctrine and the wisdom of God. First, let’s turn to another natural phenomenon - light.

Pretty good image, don’t you think? God shines on us like a spotlight, not like a flickering flashlight passing through the leaves of a tree. There is power and permanence to what we receive from God.

What is the nature of the wisdom of man? Just think in your own lifetime: How has child discipline changed? How have the "basic food groups" been redefined? Remember those "cool" clothes you wore in decades past and now you wouldn’t be caught dead in them? All the wisdom of man is but a passing fad. This verse in Ephesians even suggests there may be some ulterior motive behind these changing fads. Trickery, craftiness, and deceit may be used to draw us into things that are not beneficial to us.

To listen to God is to tune into an eternal, unchanging message. It is important that the church and the Christian stick to the Word of God to ensure that His message is pure and consistent. Compare verses & (and key words) below that come from the first and last parts of the Bible.

Genesis 22.12-13 Rev 14.6-7 (fear and worship)

Deuteronomy 7.8 John 3.16 (love)

Deuteronomy 5:29 Luke 11.28 (commandments)

Leviticus 23.40 Philippians 4.4 (rejoice)

A consistent message is the sound of the voice of our Eternal God. Hear Him and listen for consistency.

February 19, 1999 / Friday

Prayer

The seaside is a spectacular scene. Especially on rocky coastlines, the crashing of waves is tremendous. The height of waves is driven purely by the power of the wind. We have seen many daring rescues at sea of people and boats trapped by crushing waves - but the waves are just a symptom of the wind.

In the verse above, James cautions us to not be tossed about like a toy boat on a raging sea. He diagnoses the problem as doubt. Doubt is the wind that assails our confidence that God hears and answers prayer. Have you ever felt doubtful at a time you needed to pray? What were your doubts:

When we pray, we are to have confidence and even boldness! . . .Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. (Ephesians 3:11-12, see also Hebrews 4.16) Did you know that?

What are some of your most pressing prayer concerns? Do you have doubts that God can or will answer your prayer needs? Given what we have just learned, do you believe God or Satan is behind doubts? Wouldn’t now be a good time to pray - and to pray without doubt.

Some random clues to your work Field Guide entry for Feb 16:

II Peter 3.9 + Revelation 22.20 Ephesians 2.13-14

Isaiah 28.13, 33.13, 46.13, 57.19 Revelation 3.14-16

Acts 26.29 Judges 6.36-40

Jeremiah 12.2, 23.23 Exodus 14.22

Revelation 22.13 II Peter 3.8

Psalm 22.11 Proverbs 27.10

Isaiah 43.21 Exodus 4.8

February 20, 1999 / Saturday

Be Still And Know!

We have seen men climb Mt Everest. We have seen men bicycle around the world on land and row around the world in boats. We have watched men walk on the moon. We have seen men accomplish some amazing feats. God has watched all this also. Don’t you think He must be amused at the current fad of things like "ironman" triathlons? God has given us the ability to accomplish some wonderful things, but He does not want us to become too confident in ourselves - certainly not so confident that we neglect being amazed at Him.

Quite a list of accomplishments, don’t you think? God wants us to keep perspective of our works by keeping alert to what He has done. Let’s follow His lead here. List some of the most amazing human accomplishments that have happened in your lifetime:

Now look at the natural world around you. List some of the great(er) things that God has done?

Oh, by the way, here is the rest of the verse from above:

It seems that not only does God want to impress us with His greatness, He also wants to draw our attention to the greatness of His Son.

February 21, 1999 / Sunday

Small Group Study

(Have you prepared for this Group by doing the assignment found at the bottom of the page for Feb 17?) Take turns reading the verses of Psalm 8. This morning, we learned in the message that the name of God is important to us because The Name of God is the B______ of L_____. No wonder His name is to be praised! This group is going to focus on personal praise, plus sharing in what is intimate and important to others.

Has each person picked out one or two names of God that are meaningful to them? In the left column below list the names of the people in your group.

__________ ___________________________________

__________ ___________________________________

__________ ___________________________________

__________ ___________________________________

__________ ___________________________________
 
 

__________ ___________________________________

__________ ___________________________________

__________ ___________________________________

__________ ___________________________________

__________ ___________________________________

__________ ___________________________________

Now the rest is simple (and obvious!). Let each group member state the name of God that is meaningful to them. (By the way, this is an excellent form of "testimony.") Write the special name of God chosen by each person next to their own name above. Remember that the Name of God is the Breath of Life. How does the name that each person shares give them Life? Close by reading Psalm 8.1-8 again and let each person share in a closing prayer focused on praising the Name of God.

February 22, 1999 / Monday

Go and Tell

Yesterday, the message emphasized our belief that from God we have the Breath of Life. This passage in Isaiah picks up on that idea and tells us about our life in God. Let’s break this down and see what we can "Go and Tell" others.

"I have called you in righteousness" - Righteousness is obviously the opposite of sin. How else could you define the word?

What are the benefits of righteousness?

"I will hold you by the hand and watch over you" - What does this suggest about our relationship with God?

"I will appoint you as a covenant to the people" - A covenant is a promise. God says that Israel was His promise to the world. Do you recall what that promise was? (& see Acts 3.25, Galatians 3.29)

"as a light to the nations" - Look up & Matthew 5.14-16 in your Bible. If you are a Christian, you are _______________.

Jesus seems to think that your light should shine out. Do you agree? Look back at the second phrase: "I will hold you by the hand and watch over you." Who do you know that needs God to lead them through some difficulties (perhaps some un-righteousness)?

Okay, you are the Light, Jesus is the Promise, you have the Breath of Life within you. Doesn’t it seem right to Go and Tell people about God’s desire to lead them into the blessings of righteousness? Go and Tell!

Tuesday / February 23, 1999

Word Study

When you look up words in a dictionary, the pronunciation guide frequently shows one a symbol that looks like an upside down "e". That symbol represents the "shwa" sound. Look up the word "schwa" in a dictionary. In your own words describe the "schwa" sound:

Would you describe that sound as bright and noticeable or dull and rather unimportant?

Does your dictionary indicate the language origin of words? What native language gave us "schwa"? __________ (Hint: It rhymes with "tea brew.")

So, this sound that pops up in a great number of the words we use everyday has its home in one of the main languages of the Bible! Pretty neat, but wait, there’s more! Can you find how this word was used in the Bible. Here’s a big hint, you’ll find it in the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. Read & verses 1 through 17 and write down the word in your Bible that you think is the Hebrew word "schwa": __________

Let’s see how you did. First review how you defined the "schwa" sound above. You might say that the sound is dull, virtually unimportant other than it keeps consonants from bumping into one another. It is almost empty of a distinctive sound. "Unimportant." "Empty." Isn’t there a word in one of the commandments that is similar to this worthlessness of "schwa"? Okay, look in verse 7. Do not take the Lord’s name in ______. That’s right. That warning you have gotten from your parents all your life is directly connected with the emptiness of the letter sound "schwa." It is not so much that God does not want us to swear or use bad language - it is a bigger issue to Him that we honor and revere His name. To take His name lightly is to take Him lightly. I think you’d agree that people who "take the Lord’s name in vain" usually do not have a close personal relationship with Him.

February 24, 1999 / Wednesday

God is Love

We could almost put this verse under Word Study. The first and last phrases suggest that the "storm" and "heat" are analogies for troubles in life which often extend beyond the physical. Do you agree? List some times in your life when it seemed like fierce storms were beating down on you?

Heat is a different thing, it is a longer, slower, but perhaps more intense problem. Have you suffered a period of blazing heat?

We know that God is love, so we should expect God to behave in clearly loving ways. Our verse today describes such action. The question is, have you experienced God’s love during one of your times of storm or heat? How?

If you have a response to the last question, you are done for today. Perhaps you should take this extra time and just thank God for acting in love toward you. But let’s also deal in reality here. For many of you those last two lines may be blank. The thought that "God is Love" may not be connected with His loving action in your life. Or maybe God has only acted in "small ways" toward you. Ever wonder why? Have you ever wondered how all these great testimonies of God never seem to happen to you (or not much)?

God knows your needs, you just wrote them down. What do you think God wants - what are His needs? Read Isaiah 25.1-4. There seems to be a direct link between God acting in our lives and our willingness to praise Him. Perhaps you need to begin now to praise God for wanting be your refuge from storm and heat - and then continue in praise as He acts in Love toward you - to anyone who is willing to Praise Him.

February 25, 1999 / Thursday

Listening To God

Do a quick review the devotional for Feb 19. There we learned to pray and not doubt, to not be blown about like waves of the sea. Today we’ll look at wind a little differently and learn not only to pray without doubt, but also to listen the same way.

What has God told you lately, perhaps through this study:

How has He spoken to you? Was it the sound of breath rushing through vocal chords? Did you hear the sound of God’s words in your ears? If you answered "no" then how do you know you really "heard" from God? (It’s a serious question, think about the answer.)

Let’s shift gears just a little bit. Did you hear the wind today? What did it sound like? Did you know which way it was blowing? Do you know where that puff of air came from or wound up? So, you heard something, but you can’t describe it or define anything physical about it? But you did hear it? For sure? Maybe so. Consider what Jesus said:

"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."(John 3:8)

Jesus used the mysterious nature of wind to teach us about the Holy Spirit. Throughout each day the Spirit is speaking to us, but since we don’t recognize the physical source of the "voice" we often pay no attention to it. We miss out!

What does the Spirit have to say? Certainly, it will be a different message for every person, but there are some things you can be certain will be mentioned. Read & John 16.8,13. List the four things the Spirit will convict us of or guide us in.

Did you hear anything like that whispered to you today? Maybe now would be a good time to listen again. Ask and expect the Spirit to speak.

February 26, 1999 / Friday

Prayer

Take a look back at your group study on Feb 14. How are you doing? Did you identify some areas in which you were striving after the wind? Are you making progress towards resting a little bit more? Today we need to create a prayer that advances our progress - are you willing? After all, praying beats striving against the wind!

So how are you doing? Where have you made real progress in finding rest from unfruitful labor?

Are others seeing a difference in you because of this?

In what specific area are you still struggling? Are you carrying a burden you shouldn’t? Are you trying to fix people or situations that are unfixable? Are you caught up in too much busy-ness and too little effectiveness? What specific things have you not brought to Jesus for rest?

Let’s think about this positively. What would be the biggest benefit to finding some rest?

What areas of your life would improve if you found some rest?

Do those things glorify God? Do you desire them?

This would be a good time to read and understand Romans 12.1. & Turn there in your Bible. Read, and think about that verse. The point for our study today is that God wants us to have Him as the highest priority - even to the extent that we see ourselves as a sacrifice to Him. To cease striving after the wind would definitely allow God to do some more positive things with our lives, don’t you think?

You should know that a prayer accompanied all sacrifices in the Bible. If you wish to cease striving after the wind, if you wish to be a desirable sacrifice to God, then the best thing to do is to commit it to prayer. And in that prayer (which you are ready to say just now) you are welcome to ask God for help in being more acceptable to Him.

Saturday / February 27, 1999

Be Still And Know!

Here is a famous passage from I Kings 19.11-12:

What a dynamic display of the force of nature! Just imagine watching that scene unfold. How terrifying and amazing that must have been. But the emphasis here is that although God has power over nature, He is not in it! There is no "mother (or father) nature." The King James puts the last phrase a little differently than other Bibles, it says "and after the fire a still small voice." A gentle blowing or voice - sounds like a whisper!

God has such force and power and yet, it seems like He would rather speak to us as a parent comforts a child at bedtime. The point of this devotion is to consider all the great and dramatic forces we see in nature, and then to allow God to be beyond all of that.

Many times we observe calamities of nature and wonder "why God did that."  God has put His mark on History so that we know there is no one like Him. Let's seek knowledge of Him.

List two or three disasters which you or someone close to you has experienced:

Certainly there were a lot of bad things that happened because of these disasters, but were there any good? What was the attitude of the people who survived? Were there any "miracles"? Did you, your family, or friends wind up with a more trusting relationship with God because of these events? For what can you praise God through these disasters?  (also see www.clarkhsmith.com/view/actsofgod.htm)

February 28, 1999 / Sunday

Small Group Study

Have members of the groups read & the following verses:

Exodus 9.23 Psalm 68.2 Isaiah 30.27 Isaiah 66.15

Hebrews 10.27 II Peter 3.7 Revelation 21.8

Are there any "positive" uses of fire described in these verses?

Why is fire such a common image of judgement? (Before you continue: assemble the group’s thoughts into a one-sentence answer.

As we’ll see this coming week, fire isn’t all bad. What are some positive uses of fire?

Read Matthew 3.12 aloud. Let’s understand what ideas are represented in this verse.

What is "wheat" (Matthew 9.35-38): ___________________

What is the "barn" (Malachi 3.10): _____________________

What is "chaff" (Psalm 1.4, Malachi 4.1): _________________

Also look at Job 13.25. What is similar to chaff? __________

What do you do in the fall with the leaves in your yard? Doesn’t show much "respect" to those leaves does it? Leaves are referred to as "yard waste" - not very essential to life. Does God see chaff that way? ? ?

Let’s close with a look at I Corinthians 3.13-15. What is the purpose of fire here? It seems that we will all be subject to a fire judgement, but depending on . . . something. . . , we will survive that fire. Works are tested in the fire, but what brings us safely through? (& See I Peter 1.7, also note Isaiah 43.1-2!)

Let each member of the group humbly name a few things that they have done that will survive the fire. Close the session with a prayer of thanks for the hope of entering "the Lord’s storehouse."

Monday / March 1, 1999

Go and Tell

"For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." (Mark 9:49)

Now there is a strange statement -"salted with fire." And it is going to happen to all of us! What’s going on? Consider this:

Now, did you read Romans 12.1 last Friday? Read & it again now. Do you get it? You are a real sacrifice to God - spiritual sacrifice. So rather than real salt on your head and shoulders, you’ll need some "spiritual salt." What on earth is spiritual salt? Paul helps us out in Colossians 4.5-6:

The Colossians verse emphasizes our speech. Instead of sodium chloride, Grace needs to be on the tip of our tongue. Are you always looking to give a true blessing or encouragement? The best way to have a "salty mouth" is to make a conscious effort to deliver words of Grace. You know how habit forming salty language can be. Give it a try!

March 2, 1999 / Tuesday

Word Study

(This Field Guide entry takes us into a very horrible chapter in human history. Be forewarned, this is not for the faint of heart.)

". . .pass through fire. . ." It seems that about once a decade, firewalking becomes a "hot" topic in the media. Today, firewalking is seen as a way to summon inner strength to face adversity. But this verse from Deuteronomy really refers to a far more horrid practice, the worship of Moloch:

This is Word Study day, so look at the context of the words "pass through fire." The phrase is just one in a list of things not to be done. Consider the verses just before and after our key verse: "When you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations. . . . or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before you." (Deut 18:9,11-12)

Are you repulsed? Do you see these things going on in your culture? Do you participate? Do you read the horoscope? Do you dial the Spiritual Help Hotline? Do you lightly dismiss those who do? Perhaps this Word Study could lead to a Prayer Time - begging God to cleanse our land.

Wednesday / March 3, 1999

God is Love

(Yesterday’s work was tough but hopefully it stimulated a desire for God’s righteousness. Today, we move deeper into understanding how different our God is than the imaginary gods of this world.)

Ahhh, What a wonderful God! Not only does He not want us to be sacrificed by fire - He promises to saves us from it! ! ! (If you have not recently read & Daniel 3, read it now before you continue.)

Fire and water are opposite forces. Able not only to destroy the other, but also us! Being drowned or being burned are two of the most common fears. Flood and forest fires do more harm each year than any other natural disaster. Here in Isaiah, God knowingly brings these two dynamic forces into view. God wants us to take the things that could harm us and demonstrate that He will keep us from any eternal harm they could bring. Let’s take this a step further:

Do you ever feel that you are being drowned by the concerns of this world? What specific things are "swallowing you up?"

Have you "been burned" by someone? Have you been hurt deeply by people - perhaps even being left with emotional scars? How?

Do you think God knows about your fears and wounds?

Could this verse be God’s loving promise to you to guard your soul from the pain and bondage of these fears? How do you receive a promise:

. . . with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God (Romans 4:20)

End the day by personalizing this study:

March 4, 1999 / Thursday

Listening To God

How about you writing one of these devotionals? One of the best reasons to hear from God is to need to - to desire understanding so that you and others may grow in His Word and Wisdom. Read & James 3.1-12, the passage you’ll use in writing this devotional.

The main object of discussion in this passage is: _____ _________ This subject relates to growing in a healthy Christian life because?

In your world, do you see people who have a trouble with the problem James is trying to solve? Specifically, what kinds of problems are occurring?

James uses the imagery of fire in verses 5 and 6 because:

Give some other images that colorfully explain this problem:

There are a lot of cross-references to this passage. Read several of them and explain why at least one of them helps understand this main passage:

Summarize the subject and purpose James had for writing this passage.

One of the hardest parts of dealing with Scripture is that we need to apply it to our own lives. Write out a clear and simple thing to do to apply the principles taught in this passage:

(Reviewing this would be a good fellowship activity in Small Group this Sunday!)

Friday / March 5, 1999

Prayer

 We have had quite a week already talking about fire and then we get to this verse for Prayer! The longer passage (Luke 12.35-59) from which our verse is taken deals generally with the issue of faithfulness. Jesus came to bring salvation for those who would accept Him in faith and escape judgement. But that also means that Jesus’ coming would result in the unsaved being judged - by fire, as we have learned earlier.

Today though, we need to focus on Jesus’ statement, "I wish." When Jesus said that do you think He was looking forward to the judgement of fire falling on the earth? Probably not, remember John 3.16? Tough Question: So how could He wish that?

Maybe you can relate to Jesus. Have you ever had to do something unpleasant? Maybe you face something like that now. We can learn from Jesus how to handle difficulties, but it is difficult to learn - and it will take faith. First, what are the "fire" issues of your life:

Now if you really want to find peace, read & Luke 22.42. Here, our Jesus, our Savior, our Lord, laid it all aside. He demanded nothing from life and nothing for Himself. The only thing that concerned Him even in His worst moment was the Will of God - and God’s will is that God be Glorified! Take one of the issues you listed above and pray about it now. Don’t pray to escape it, don’t pray to fix it. Simply pray like Jesus. Pray that God will be glorified through what He does in your life with this issue.

March 6, 1999 / Saturday

Be Still And Know!

 It is wholly unnecessary to elaborate on this verse! Go out today and find a peaceful place to watch the sunrise or sunset. Repeat Psalm 65.8 a time or two in joyous praise to God.

Sunday / March 7, 1999

Small Group Study

Let each person in the group write down the worst thing they ever did or caused to happen with fire. Mix these "incidents" up and the read them at random. Can you "Name the Pyro"? (Who in the group is absolutely not to be trusted with matches?) On the other hand, fire has some wonderful uses. What would a day without fire be like? How many different uses fire can you think of? (Which was the most surprising use of fire?)

Biblically, fire has many varied uses. Although it is frequently used for judgement, it also has a positive reputation in the Bible. Let’s do some more brainstorming. Where was fire used as a good thing (even a blessing) in the Bible? (As always, you get extra points for citing chapter and verse.)

Which would you say was God’s most creative use of fire?

Did anyone note Zechariah 2.4-5? What is the use of fire there? _______________________ Can you imagine it? This certainly seems like being surrounded by the Glory of God! Is this the sense that God wants us to have? Read & aloud Isaiah 60:18-21 and Revelation 21.22-26. Are you beginning to get a sense of how positive fire can be?

These last two passages have set up an interesting picture for our mind’s eye. Describe some of the consequences of being in a city so favored by the presence of the Living God.

Earlier you discussed some of the good uses of fire in the Bible. Which of those uses might apply to this great fire-walled city?

From your earliest discussion in this session, what benefits of fire in daily life might be part of this grand city?

This group session would end well, by thanking God for fire, thanks for escaping the judgment of fire, and by praying that God’s Great City soon be brought to us.

March 8, 1999 Monday

Go and Tell

One of the most mysterious (and misunderstood) occurrences of fire happened on the Day of Pentecost. Why is the day of Pentecost significant in church history.

Read & Acts 2.1-11. From what you understand, was the fire figurative or real? If it was figurative, why do you think the idea of fire was used, rather than water, for example?

What was the result of this "baptism by fire"? (see v.8)

What was the ultimate result that day? (see v.41)

Whatever happened in that fire experience lead directly to the first great evangelism crusade of the Christian era. That sounds like something we should know more about!

Every Christian has the gift and the burden to share the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Only Satan could mess this up! He plants fear and doubt and confusion in Christian minds so that they are reluctant to share the Gospel. True? Have you had an opportunity to tell someone that Jesus loves them in the last week, month, year? Did you tell them?

If not, it was because you did not allow the Holy Spirit to comfort you while moving out of your comfort zone. Go back and read & all of Acts 2. Verse 36 seems especially harsh, doesn’t it? But since these men were led to speak by the Spirit, the people heard what they needed to hear - and they responded. That can be the mark of your life, if you want it.

Consider making this prayer your own: "Loving Lord, I do not always have the right words or thoughts to speak, but I do want people to know about my Jesus. Will you do in me what you wish to do, and give me what I need to confidently tell someone how to be saved?"

Tuesday / March 9, 1999

Word Study

Jealousy! That ugly word has destroyed families and fortunes. It has launched wars and toppled kingdoms. On the whole, the word jealous appears somewhere to the left of center on the niceness scale. And yet, God applies it to Himself, not once but thirteen out of thirty-two times the word is used in the Bible. But wait, the problem gets larger. What does & I Corinthians 13.4 say about jealousy?: ______ is not jealous. But what & does I John 4.8 say about love?: ______ is love. Shouldn’t we assume then that God is not jealous?

Let’s go slow. What does jealousy look like that it is so ugly? "Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered" (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). Imagine a person who was the opposite of all those things. Not the kind of person to share a coffee break or a car trip with, is it? People who behave this way are annoying because they focus all the energy of life on themselves. They really have no right to use life that way, but they do any way.

Isn’t God guilty of demanding that all the energy of life be used to praise Him? Isn’t that the point of this whole study? Isn’t that stated clearly:

Yes, God definitely qualifies as a jealous God. He spends His days telling us to spend our days paying attention to Him. But then, He asks us to keep perspective on the relationship:

You see, God has an undeniable right to be jealous of our time and attention. The point is our life is not our own. God made it and is letting us use it to give Him praise. Human jealous is very wrong because it demands attention to created humans. Godly jealousy is good - it demands attention to the Creator God.

March 10, 1999 / Wednesday

God is Love

 Review your Small Group notes from Sunday, February 28. That session was about separating what is valuable from what is worthless. Wheat is edible and nourishing, chaff is inedible and a pretty fair nuisance. Today, we need to hear God’s promise to bless the "wheat" of our lives, and to help us blow away the chaff. Approximate the hours over the last week you have spent on the following activities. (This exercise would be far more powerful if you kept a time chart of all your activities for a week, but for now let’s work from memory.) [And ask a spouse or friend to look over it, too. It’s an accountability thing.]

Family ______ Church ______ Sleep ______

Recreation ______ Idle Time ___ Social Activity _____

Any other significant use of time: _____________________

Other than work, on what one area did you spend the most time? Was it "wheat" or "chaff" time? What did you (or someone else) get out of activity in that area:

Do you think it will stand the refining test of fire?

If your investment of time over the last week has not been very fruitful, then this was an especially important exercise. Perhaps you could re-evaluate your activities and devote more time to things that bear more fruit. Here’s the point: God loves you and wants to bless you! He wants your time on earth to be meaningful to you and others. And in His love, He leaves you the right to choose how you will spend that time in a meaningful way.

Thursday / March 11, 1999

Listening To God

 There He goes again. . . God is mad and causing havoc on earth - so much hellfire and brimstone. Many people are repelled at such a view of God. They either deny this side of God and suggest that He is only love, or they deny His existence altogether. Either way, they miss out on some wonderful things God has for them. If you read the whole passage, you’ll discover that the scene is not altogether grim.

Sounds like an outright party, a "festival." Why is the nation Israel so festive? Does that nation delight in the destruction of other nations? If you know even a tiny bit of Bible history, you know how many problems God had with Israel itself. So, we shouldn’t think that Israel is celebrating the judgment of God on others.

The key here is the first phrase of verse 30 above, "the LORD will cause His voice of authority to be heard." God is serious about getting His will accomplished! (See & Isaiah 55.11) When people resist hearing from Him, perhaps not all, but a tiny bit of Hell does break out. In Israel’s case, the nation listened occasionally. The nations that surrounded God were deaf to him (Isaiah 42.17-18) and suffered His wrath.

There are too many excuses for not hearing God, and none are acceptable. God would rather speak to you with the voice of authority (and to have you celebrate) than to rain fire upon you. God wants to speak to you now. Will you listen, now?

March 12, 1999 / Friday

Prayer

 This two-week series on fire has really been challenging hasn’t it? The word "fire" occurs well over 500 times throughout the Bible. It has unique characteristics and unique consequences. One of the positive aspects of fire (as we saw with chaff) is that it gets rid of junk! Something has to be pretty significant to survive a fire.

As I write this Field Guide, just before Christmas of 1998, death is falling like leaves all around. The impermanence of life is so evident - and it is mixed in with what otherwise is supposed to be a joyous time of year. The most tragic part of death is that it leaves the living behind. The survivors can only grieve and hope for a blessed reunion in the future - at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The trials of life are the fire that refines our faith. No one should invite perils or calamity into their lives, but we should expect them. This key verse from Peter invites us to prayer.

Since we know that trials will come, we should pray now that our faith is proven through them, not broken by them.

Since we have imperishable faith, we should look to God for our comfort, even when the heart is literally broken.

Since we have imperishable faith, we also have spiritual vision; the ability to see what God alone can do in the midst of tragedy.

Since we have imperishable faith, we see something else - something besides pain, beside death, beside grief. We see Jesus! We see him returning in Praise and Glory and Honor to claim and receive those who love Him. We see Jesus. You may not be experiencing "trial by fire" right now. If not, then you should pray all the more fervently that God will comfort and protect you when it comes. And it will.

Saturday / March 13, 1999

Be Still And Know!

(You really have to read II Chronicles 6 to get a sense of what is happening here in our key verse. Take the time to do that right now.)

What a spectacular moment in the History of God on Planet Earth! Especially because of what happens in chapter 6. The people consecrated themselves and the Temple to God. They invited Him to be honored there and in them. They sought God to be revealed in that place. This truly was a rare moment. Certainly once in a life time, possibly once in all time.

But for all these "crashing cymbal" moments with God there are a million quiet ones. Almost in a whisper God promises: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4.8) The point is, God is eager to be with us ("Emmanuel" remember?) We just have to want it as much as He does. This is what happened at the Temple that day. The same can happen in your life today.

Maybe you would like to study Chronicles 6-7 in more depth and make your own outline of what happened. Here’s the brief version:

The people devoted themselves to a great work for God.

They completed their work and asked for God’s blessing.

March 14, 1999 / Sunday

Small Group Study

Several verses in the Bible tell us that the sound of God’s voice may be compared to the "sound of many waters." You’ll read some of those verses in just a moment. While this majestic imagery may be just to inspire us about the greatness of God, there may be something else there.  Why is the "voice" of God connected to the sound of "water"? The answer will be some way in which voice and water are not just logically connected, but perfectly connected. . . well, let’s get busy and you’ll see.

Look up the following verses which mention the VOICE of God as sounding like water:
        Jeremiah 10.13
        Jeremiah 51.16
        Ezekiel 43.2
        Revelation 1.15
        Revelation 14.2

Look up the following verses which connect the idea of WATER with God:
        Psalm 36.9
        Jeremiah 2.13
        Jeremiah 17.13

Now finally, let us read all of the following verses:
        John 4.14
        John 7.37-38
        Revelation 7.17
        Revelation 21.6
        Revelation 22.16-17

In each of the last five passages, who is speaking or who is the subject of the passage?
 

And what is He talking about?
 

Summary:
A voice like "the sound of many waters" is certainly a beautiful way to think of God, but there is more to Him than that.  We believe that Jesus Christ is God.  So we should expect Jesus to also be telling us about His connection with WATER.  Indeed, in the last set of verses, it was the sound of Christ's voice which told us about the Living Water.

When we hear the references to God speaking with the "sound of many waters" He is saying words - in fact, He is saying THE WORD - the Word that "became flesh and dwelt among us."  God speaks Jesus Christ.  (And somehow this is also connected with the Breath of Life we discovered on Sunday, February 21.)  When we hear from God, when we read His word, it will always point us to Jesus Christ!

Just a couple more verses here to wrap this up.  Note our connection with the Water in Psalm 68.26, 81.10, and in Revelation 22.17.  Not only is Water on the mind and in the mouth of God, but we Christians should also have the "sound of many waters" in our mouth - inviting all who thirst to "Come. . . and take the water of life without cost."

(Ready for a further e/w/f/w connection?  Read Luke 19.40.  If we don't invite people to drink from "the fountain of Living Waters", what will happen?  Pretty Cool!)

Monday / March 15, 1999

Go and Tell

Looking for a memorable way to let the Good News flow? Here is the Gospel outlined using scriptures about water. Do a little work. Do a little memorization, and you’ll have an effective tool for letting the Love of God rain on someone’s parade! Look up the verses and write a paraphrase or summary of the thought. This outline will take them from where they are to where they need to be - bathing in the Fountain of Living Water!

 Psalm 42.1-2

Jeremiah 2.13

Isaiah 41:17

John 4:13-14

Revelation 22.17

Isaiah 12.3

March 16, 1999 / Tuesday

Word Study

 Here we have another figure of speech - a simile. A simile happens any time one thing is said to be like another thing. We use similes a lot because they help us understand difficult concepts by comparing them to simple ones - they point out simil-arity. The Bible is full of these figures of speech. Read & Psalm 131 (all three verses). Such a beautiful thought, an effective simile. Here is a random sampling of other similes: Genesis 27.27, Psalm 144.4, Proverbs 4.18-19, Proverbs 28.3, Isaiah 40.6-7, Luke 6.48-49, James 1.6. Jesus used similes extensively in reference to the Kingdom of Heaven. Solomon (in the Songs) used similes extensively in reference to. . . well, you know.

As we begin our study of water, let’s create some similes using water as the familiar thing. For inspiration note Isaiah 25.4: ". . .the breath of the ruthless is like a rain storm against a wall."

The love of a friend is like _________________________.

The blessings of God are like _______________________.

A sudden disappointment is like _____________________.

Sin is like _____________________________________.

The loyalty of a betrayer is like _____________________.

Doing a good deed is like __________________________.

The uncertain person is like ________________________.

Fear in a child is like _____________________________.

To what would you compare:

Sleet Frost Steam A Glacier An Icicle

Wednesday / March 17, 1999

God is Love

Yesterday’s Word Study dealt with similes. (Be sure to take your completed work / Field Guide to New Community tonight.) This famous Psalm from David is a metaphor, sort of a simile without "like" in it. David is saying "the peace God gives me is like resting beside a slow flowing river." In fact, the entire 23^rd Psalm is a metaphor of David’s sense of God’s blessing in his life. Let’s fold your life into this Psalm. Can you rejoice with David in what God has done? In your own words, describe your sense of God acting in your life in these key areas

"The LORD is my shepherd" How and where does God lead you?

"He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters" Where in your life do you have a feeling of peacefulness?

"He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" Has God led you away from unrighteousness? Is He making you more pleasing to Him? How?

"I fear no evil; for Thou art with me" Have you been set free from fear? Does the knowledge that God desires your presence encourage you?

"My cup overflows" ("runneth over" in KJV) What aspect of your life has God blessed with abundance?

"I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." David says this with assurance! Do you have the assurance of living with God forever? What scripture gives you that certainty?

God is love. How great it is to be able to respond to Him with a song of thanks and devotion such as David’s 23^rd Psalm. Review this page and your responses frequently - and add to them.

March 18, 1999 / Thursday

Listening To God

God declares that our contentment in life will come as a direct result of listening to Him. (Think back on the Listening to God entries so far. Have you heard Him. Have you heeded Him?)

Let’s think for a moment about these two similes used here. What is the similarity between well being and a river?

The next one may be tougher. How is righteousness like waves of the sea?

Both of these good things are supposed to be a result of listening to God’s commandments - a cause and effect (i.e. commandment keeping results in "good things.") You may understand this, but how would you explain this cause and effect to a friend?

Could you add a personal experience of "commandment keeping" that led you to well being?

Okay, that is a great testimony - and an easy one to share. But the wonderful thing about the Christian life is that we can always grow more. Are you willing to listen to God and let Him reveal still more of His will to you? Right now, spend some time listening to God. Expect Him to show you an area in your life where His righteousness needs to prevail so that He can shower you with blessings. It would be a good idea to write this down!

Friday / March 19, 1999

Prayer

March 20, 1999 / Saturday

Be Still And Know!

 In just a few weeks, right after Easter, we will begin a series of messages on Miracles. Those messages will take our earth / wind / fire / water study to new heights. Two of the most legendary miracles God has done involve water. Let’s gather some information about these miracles.

Read & Exodus 14.21-22. Would you describe this body of water as ___ still or ___ flowing? What happened:

Read & Joshua 3.14-16. Would you describe this body of water as ___ still or ___ flowing? What happened:

Here are two spectacular miracles with water, yet they are completely different in terms of what God did to water. In Exodus, God made _______ flow, and in Joshua, God made the _____ flow. (By the way, these two water miracles mark the beginning and ending of the great "exodus" of the Nation Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land. Do you see some further analogies in what God did with the water marking the start and finish of this great journey?)

Now let’s pick up one more thought about God and water. Jeremiah 17.13 describes God as "the hope of Israel" and as the "f___________ of l_______ water." That makes God something special don’t you think. As in our key verse from Proverbs, God’s identity is directly linked with His action. We might well honor God by putting it this way:

 And did you note why God did these miracles? Read & Exodus 14.18 and Joshua 4.23-24. Now, you have the privilege to see what God has done and Be Still and Know!

Sunday / March 21, 1999

Small Group Study

Which "great moments in Bible history" involved water in a significant way? (As a group, name as many events as you can.) Write these events down and indicate if they were judgements or blessings, or some other category. Let the group help by finding the story and share the book, chapter, and verse reference.

Switching gears. . . What is your personal baptism story? When and why did you get baptized. How is your baptism meaningful in your life today?

Which group member was the youngest at baptism? Who was the oldest? Here’s an odd question, but very relevant: Who has been baptized the most? What was the cause for the "re-baptism(s)"? Is there a Bible verse about baptism that is meaningful to you and your experience?

Now let’s bring these separate subjects together. Although baptism is something that is supposed to happen in every Christian’s life (see & Matthew 28.19), it is always a very personal and unique experience. Review the Biblical water events list you put together first. Let each group member suggest an event that might be similar to their own baptism experience.

Children are often more comfortable with baptism because they don’t have a lot of preconceived notions or hang-ups with it. Adults, especially who grew up in certain denominations, sometimes have difficulty putting the right emphasis on baptism. We believe that "grace saves through faith and that faith wants to be baptized." How would you use your baptism experience to encourage a believing, but unbaptized person to receive baptism. (Write your encouragement privately and then each group member will share.)

Close the group with prayer for the opportunity to share these thoughts with someone who needs to be encouraged toward baptism.

March 22, 1999 / Monday

Go and Tell

This verse is part of the "Gospel According to Water" presentation that we put together last week. (Have you been able to use any of these thoughts yet with someone who is thirsty?) Today, we are going back to what may be the key verse in the presentation. From a Christian perspective, we believe that through sin, people move away from God - that is referred to in the first half of our verse. The second half of the verse refers to the result of sin. Let’s think about that today.

How big is biggest whole you ever dug by hand? ___________ What was that hole for? ________________

Have you ever dug a hole just to hold water? What do you have to do to get water to stay in a hole in the ground and not seep out.

In ancient days, before the advent of plastics and other "impermeable" liners, cement or tar was used to create a container for precious drops of water. But inevitably, cracks would render the cistern virtually useless - leaving the people to again cast their eyes to skies, hoping for rain in an arid place. (Makes me thirsty just thinking about it!)

And so they were very thirsty, because their hope for water was human and hopeless! This is another analogy - a reference to man’s efforts to create blessings in life by his own labor. Do you see thirsty people around you today? People who need the Water of Life? List some of the ways that people are trying to fill up their lives with something that only God can provide. (This would be a good subject to discuss with friends also going through this study.)

Tuesday / March 23, 1999

Word Study

 In our word studies so far we have spent as much time looking at figures of speech as much as we have studied individual words - maybe Tuesdays should be Language 101! Today, we turn to another phrase that is used as an analogy, actually an analogy within an analogy. Here’s our key verse:

 We are discovering the power and usefulness of water. Certainly, one of the most common uses of water is for cleansing. That is what Paul has in mind in this passage, but oh my, what a large thought he wraps around this washwater!

Most importantly, this passage does not imply that all men are clean and all women are dirty - either physically or spiritually. We know that the genders share equally in human frailty and needs. But this passage is so important because it suggests that a healthy marriage will be one where the husband is as attentive to the needs of His wife as Christ is to the Church. The analogy is complicated by the addition of "with the word."

To be sanctified (made special in the eyes of Christ) He let us know that we were indeed clean in His eyes. He told us so (Luke 5.20). Don’t you think those were beautiful words to hear personally? Truly, we should think of being covered with the worst filth and being washed clean by the water of the word.

Many, but not all, readers of this Field Guide are married. But as long as marriage is the key to civilized life, we must seek the things that sustain and invigorate marriage. AND WE MUST DO THEM. The words of Christ teach every husband how He ought to bathe His wife in loving language. For the home that would have health - seek and speak the words that bless, encourage, strengthen, forgive. Seek them now and speak them forever. And God bless you.

March 24, 1999 / Wednesday

God is Love

God is Love. We know this because He acts in loving ways toward us. This passage is a celebration of the blessing of food and water we receive from God. At the end of this passage, God invites us to enjoy the bounty of this earth and then be sure to praise or "bless" Him for His loving action.

This passage basically gives us an inventory of "a good land" - a land which God made, prepared and blessed for His people. Note how water is the most important thing in this inventory. There’s no better way to recognize God’s love than to celebrate it. Spend a few minutes and inventory the "good land" in which you live:

And by the way, did you notice that little verse at the beginning of the passage? It seems that God wants to establish a logical connection in our minds between commandment keeping and living in "a good land" blessed with water and the essentials of life. Do you believe that God’s commandments also flow from His love? (See & Exodus 25.22) Now that you have recognized His bounteous, loving blessings, are you willing to return to Him and ask for courage and strength and desire to walk in His ways?

Thursday / March 25, 1999

Listening To God

 Buddha almost listened to God! Buddha observed the powerless, manmade gods of the Hindu religion and remarked, "Water flows downhill and all the gods of the Hindus are powerless to change that." He was right, but he didn’t listen to the whole truth. God, the fountain of living waters, is the One who makes flowing waters still and still waters flow!

Isaiah records God’s words about His Word. Just as natural as water running downhill, God’s Word will go forth and be heard. This is one of the greatest promises in the Bible. This promise, though, is only for those who want to hear from God. Sometimes, the noise of this world is so loud, we don’t think we hear God speaking. But He says, He promises, that He will speak, that we will hear, and His will shall be accomplished.

Throughout this great adventure through earth / wind / fire / water we have tried to learn the habit of Listening to God. Now that you know how committed He is to speaking to you, will you be committed to listening? When you do, all the promises and blessings will fall upon you, and your will bear fruit, and you will be pleasing in the eyes of God.

March 26, 1999 / Friday

Prayer

 Of all the pictures of a blessed life, "a watered garden" certainly seems fitting. All of Jeremiah 31 is a pleasure to read because it speaks of the will of God to save His people. Here in verse 12, we get a sense of what salvation means - abundance; an abundance of joy and blessedness.

There is nothing that pleases God more than for us to be available for Him to do what He wants to do. (Think that claim over and see if you agree.) Through our field trip into earth / wind / fire / water we have offered eight prayers to God. The one prayer that God always wants to hear is the one Jesus prayed in. . . a well watered Garden.

Perhaps along with, "in Jesus name I pray, Amen" we should add "not My will, but Thine be done" to all of our prayers. Wouldn’t that please God the most?

Saturday / March 27, 1999

Be Still And Know!

King David was a sinner saved by Grace. Saved from serving a lesser god, saved to serve the Only True God. If you desire the kind of relationship David had with God, then just follow his simple instructions:

 I will meditate on all Thy work, and muse on Thy deeds.

Thy way, O God, is holy; what god is great like our God?

AMEN

You have just had a rich and intense experience with the Word of God. In this Field Guide, well over 250 verses are quoted or referenced. If you have faithfully participated in this experience you have read and studied more scripture than most Christians deal with in a year - more than some people encounter in their entire lifetimes! SO WHAT?

Has this experience been a blessing to you? You might want to make a list on the inside back cover of the things that God has done in your life through this study. Has this study changed you? Have you developed a new habit of daily Bible reading, study, or memorization? That is certainly one of the goals of the experience. Do you see God’s World differently? It would be a shame not to see Creation and exclaim, "The earth is the LORD’s and all things in it!" Have you been able to tell someone else about the Greatness of God and the grandeur of Creation? Certainly you have; certainly you will continue to tell others Who made the world they marvel at.

But where do you go from here? What do you do next? In the Bible, there is a famous story about some folks who had a rich experience with the WORD of God. After their experience, here’s what they did:

You have been told, you have seen and you have heard. Now, may the rest of your life on this earth be forever changed. May your life be marked with Glorifying and Praising God, forever, Amen.