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Lesson OneNumbers: Life in a Parenthesis5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson TwoThe Bible and Two Crucial Disciplines for Studying It5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson ThreeDeuteronomy and Joshua: The Benefits of Obedience5 Activities1 Assessment
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Course Wrap-UpCourse Completion1 Activity1 Assessment
Participants 88
Discussion Questions
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In this lesson we learned that the Israelites complained a lot during their time in the wilderness—they weren’t satisfied with God’s provision. What can you learn from this that could help you process life’s difficulties more effectively?
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27 Replies
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The idea that struck me the most strongly was in the lecture with the thought of a people who had everything they needed, but still complained. We most often have absolutely everything we NEED, but become disgruntled over the things that we want (and think we might need). God was sustaining them in a difficult time for something better; He cared for their needs. This life is just temporary for a born-again believer in Jesus Christ; He will sustain us here, but the best, where we really thrive, is coming. I also became very convicted at the thought of complaining is the root of rebellion. When I tend to be in a season on complaining and discontentment, I’m at danger for living in rebellion to God and His plans for me. It’s important for me to remember that I need to be thankful for having my needs met by the true God who loves me and has a better plan for me!
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It’s human nature to complain. We always focus on current difficulties or limitations and only consider the past’s better things. We lack the humility to be thankful that God still looks after us regardless of our spiritual conditions. Our hope is in God’s faithfulness which will guide us through even though we lack the courage or abilities.
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I am deeply convicted of the need to be intentional in cultivating an attitude of gratitude. It is so easy to become complacent, forgetting that there is not one good thing that we have that God has not given. For, all goodness is derived from Him. I pray for an increased awareness of the presence of God and His action in the ordinary moments of life. I want to be one who is obsessed with Light–who cannot help but track it, even in the darkest day.
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That it is foolish to think that God is going to satisfy all our wants and needs but the promise is that he will sustain us , may be not according to our expectations but definitely according to his will and plans
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Most of all not to complain and in humbleness receive God’s provisions, care, mercy, grace, and love. As well as, thank Him for all those things because God always goes exceedingly, abundantly above all we think or ask. Especially be more thankful and grateful.
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Israel failed to enter the Promised Land as planned because of their mistakes. How do you respond when life doesn’t go as you planned?
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22 Replies
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We tend to focus on immediate obstacles in life and the fear of difficulties. We should account for God’s grace in our life experiences and build trust and faith in God, knowing that He has the best intentions for us.
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Ask God were I erred and correct and move forward
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Understanding that what God has already planned will supersede plans that we may have had. And for me I surrender to that because I’ve come to understand that it’s God’s will because I recognize in those moments it was beyond me and when I may have planned to go in one direction God will redirect me. So I’m learning in those moments to pivot.
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This question is much like the previous one. But to state it differently, when life doesn’t go as I planned, I must affirm in faith that God does all things for good (Rom 8:28); I must ask God for wisdom to know what to do about this frustration of my plans (James 1:5); I must continue to give thanks, for this is God’s will for me (1 Thess 5:18). If deemed necessary, I might even fast and pray to discern whether God is putting away my former plans to make way for something new and better (Isa 43:18-19). Perhaps God might give me a nudge in the heart and a promise I can hold fast to in this direction.
#Numbers
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As a human, I have sinned, have tried to run things on my own power instead of trusting in God’s mercy and provision. I have gotten to the point of calling upon Him as a ‘last resort’ instead of leaning on Him from the start. Over time, I have been making a concerted effort to let Him have it all and to follow His plans for me, and I am here to testify that He has been faithful.
