1. How current is your God? Is he up to date on all your issues or do you have old hurts you still hold behind your back?

I believe for the most part G-D and I are absolutely up to date and there aren't any old issues (hurts) between us. I know this because of the JOY he has placed within my heart that has been such a strength, even when I think about people who have hurt and wounded me in the past, for the most part I think good thoughts toward them.  I know this is mostly because of a willingness to walk in forgiveness instead of devastation and bitterness.  I have even come to a place of forgiving myself as well.  Sure the pain likes to creep up every now and then, but for the most part I choose Joy and forgiveness. Any other way would be devastating.

2. Has the enemy ever told you there are situations that are 'old news' that are better left stuffed down? Or perhaps because they were so long ago they can't possibly be affecting you now?

I used to be a stuffer, and would numb myself and not think about the hurt and the pain, however through some trials I learned was how to be as transparent as possible and not hide anything. The more raw and open we allow ourselves to be with G-D and others (vulnerable), the more He draws near to us.  I am reminded of Psalm 34:18 where it says, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit."  Having a "heart of flesh" requires vulnerability and transparency, even if it makes others uncomfy.  I have found the people who have the most trouble with being transparent and being around others who are transparent are the people who are "stuffers," and don't want to face their own issues or hurts. Those who are afriad to be "found out" are the ones hiding.  But God is sure to bring to the light that which is in darkness ( 1 Corinthians 4:5), and if we are truly followers of Christ, then we better expect He is going to unveil all those areas that have hardened our hearts.

3. In the matter of established authority, does God truly reign in your life? Where are you when He calls your name?

I can wholeheartedly say G-D rules and reigns this heart.  When He calls I answer quickly because I have learned that lesson well. In fact I was up at 2 a.m. this morning heeding His call, as He pulled me right out of bed. It isn't always convenient to heed the call that is for sure, but watchman must remain ready.

4. Do you ever feel God has forgotten you in your 'west side of the wilderness'?

I remember in 1997 I was going through a really hard depression that just wouldn't end (or felt like it wouldn't).  I even contemplated suicide at one point because it was so debilitating (again, me being transparent here). I felt so alone and like G-D just was silent and not speaking anymore to me. My hubby had a business trip in Arizona, so instead of flying he chose to drive and take our family with him.  As we drove through the desert I was numb.  Here was this beauty all around me and all I could feel was numb (ya know how everything looks black and white and without color). As I was staring out the window, I heard very clearly in my spirit, "Do you see this desert?  This is where you have been spiritually.  I have brought you here to show you visually where you have been spiritually.  As you leave this place physically you will be leaving your spiritual desert."  I looked over at my husband with the biggest eyes you have ever seen, in shock and explained to him what I just heard. He grinned, and then remained silent waiting for the Lord to share more.  It was then . . . whew I get chill bumps just sharing this . . .that I began to see in color again, and was the start of my journey back to joy.  That one word, just one, fitly spoken deep within my spirit breathed life back into me.  I knew then God had not forgotten me. 

5. Have you ever experienced a time of cleansing where God has illuminated and rejuvenated you? If not, do you find you are in need of this now?

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To see other "I Am" Bible study participant's answers to these discussion questions, click HERE , and if you want to join us in this study just click on the "I Am" graphic at the head of this post.  God Bless :-)