What is the worst injustice you have ever experienced? Do you feel some of the anger expressed in the cursing psalms? Where you able to forgive?

Happy is the one who seizes your infants
and dashes them against the rocks.

~Psalm 137:9

 

The worst injustice that I have experienced was when I had professors tell me that they didn't believe I should be allowed to pass through college.  This was a very frustrating matter.  But now that I have overcome their tauntings and showed them that I could succeed, it has made it easier to forgive.

How should Jesus' second coming affect us and how can we prepare for it? What extremes does Paul Warn against?

There is no need to write you, friends, about the times and occasions when these things will happen.

~I Thessalonians 5:1

 

I think we will see two sides to this.  One, those who do consider Jesus as their savior will be happy to see the second coming, and second, those that have not come to such a conclusion will be fearful.  But one thing is for sure: Christian or not, we will all be judge justly in the end.

Do you ever feel with the psalmist that life has become frighteningly out of control? How can God's law help you regain confidence?

I respect and love your commandments;
I will meditate on your instructions.

~Psalm 119:48

 

Not just my own, but life in general, for everybody, has become frighteningly out of control.  We are so quick to make judgements of others or things these days.  But through God's assurance, the truth will be revealed to use someday soon.

What are the "proper channels" you expect to see spiritual leadership come from? Has God ever led you through someone outside those channels?

The Lord made a solemn promise and will not take it back:
“You will be a priest forever
in the priestly order of Melchizedek.”

~Psalm 110:4

 

A tough question to answer, but I would expect to see spiritual leadership come from my pastor.

How does nature affect you? How do you affect it?

Lord, you have made so many things!
How wisely you made them all!
The earth is filled with your creatures.

~Psalm 104:24

 

It puts me in awe of it's beauty.  I affect it by praying and giving thanks to God for his magnificent creation.

If you were to refer to a single past event for encouragement, what would it be?

I will remember your great deeds, Lord;
I will recall the wonders you did in the past.

~Psalm 77:11

 

There are so many to choose from!  A current event I have experienced recently may not bring as much encouragement as I have hoped, but for one thing, now that I have the ability to see better, that has given me encouragement that I will do better at my profession.

 



When you fail, what is your response - to cover up your failure, or to publicize your confession?

Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.

~Psalm 51:4

 

I am more likely to publicize my confession and take responsibility for it.