The purpose of trials and obstacles

Ice breaker: What is the greatest obstacle that you have had to overcome?

Quotes:

• The same sun that melts ice, hardens clay.
• God will take care of what you go through, you take care of how you go through it.
• The things that Satan throws in our path to defeat us can be stepping stones to victory (Romans 8:28)

Obstacles can make a trip a lot more difficult. Strong winds and currents can make a journey by sea a lot more difficult. Smooth sailing is easy, a gentle breeze is a pleasure. When the weather changes, your skill as a captain are tested.

James 1:2-4 ”Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” ESV

Psalm 91 - Pat van Wyk

Introduction:

Scriptures are powerful when and if you use them. We don't seem to grasp just how powerful they are. Our Bibles lay on the table next our beds and when you eventually pick it up it is full of dust. Why do we only turn to God when we can't carry on any more, because we have to do it ourselves.

To let God, means to let go. Yet we still have a back up plan. I have been testing my day without Bible reading, worship and prayer and found a very emptiness in my inner being. When I talk to God all the time, I feel His very presence and peace in my inner being and came to a decision that it is my choice (my will) to stay in God's presence all the time. That simply means in the good and bad times.

You might be asking, how? By praising God in bad times because He gives me the strength to get through as I can't do it, but with the Holy Spirits' strength I can (Philippians 4:13).

Psalm 18:2 - Pat van Wyk

Written in 2005

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank my son Tienie for editing this book and for all the help that he gave me in putting this book together.

Many thanks to my Cell group, my Husband and also my Mother who worked on Psalm 18:2 with me; Odette and Mark who helped proof read it.

Introduction

Psalm 18 verse 2, has always intrigued me. We read the Bible but do we understand the words - even the simple and easy to understand words. Does it really sink in? Does it mean anything to you? Yes, Psalm 18:2 is a lovely verse.

When I found out the meaning of the words in the Psalm, I found real meaning in praying this verse over and over again. I have found since then, that it has become a real anchor to me and I pray the Holy Spirit will break it open to you in a very real way.

All things begin and end with Jesus - Pat van Wyk

Index:

Lesson 1 We can approach the Lord with confidence
Lesson 2 We need to believe
Lesson 3 Trust
Lesson 4 Faithful
Lesson 5 We are heirs of Jesus
Lesson 6 Jesus our salvation
Lesson 7 The Holy One of God / son of man
Lesson 8 God’s children
Lesson 9 The Holy Spirit is a gift
Lesson 10 Victory
Lesson 11 Forgiveness by the blood
Lesson 12 Jesus the source
Lesson 13 Holy Spirit
Lesson 14 A new Spirit
Lesson 15 Why do we need the Holy Spirit?
Lesson 16 What does the Spirit do for us?
Lesson 17 Receive the Holy Spirit, with evidence of tongues
Conclusion
Summary

God is incredible - Pat van Wyk

Cell and Bible Study Guide

Pat van Wyk

CONTENTS

Introduction                                              
Chapter One - God is amazing          
Chapter Two - God is our Protector
Chapter Three - Good News  
Chapter Four - God’ Love   
Chapter Five -  Preparing the Disciples 
Chapter Six - The Death of Jesus
Chapter Seven - The Risen Christ