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Be Still My Soul - Time Outdoors

Do you realize that nearly all of the people we read about in the Bible spent most of their time outside?

  • Star-studded evening would tell how many descendants Abraham would have - Genesis 15:5
  • Looking at God's creation - humbled Job's pride - Job 38:4-7

FInd park, trails, and open spaces.
Open your eyes, listen, breath the realivily clear air

When is the last time you:

  • Took in a sunrise or sunset
  • Watched the changing cloud formations
  • Listen to the songs of the birds
  • Strolled through the leaves of fall
  • Listen to the snow fall as they gently fell to earth
  • Took a good look at the flowers of spring
  • Stopped to watch the a powerful thunderstorm
  • Stood in awe of the sparkling  stars

Psalms 19:1-4; Psalms 65:8-13

Time outside with God is just what many of us need and nothing else will suffice



Be Still My Soul - Time Outdoors

Do you realize that nearly all of the people we read about in the Bible spent most of their time outside?

  • Star-studded evening would tell how many descendants Abraham would have - Genesis 15:5
  • Looking at God's creation - humbled Job's pride - Job 38:4-7

FInd park, trails, and open spaces.
Open your eyes, listen, breath the realivily clear air

When is the last time you:

  • Took in a sunrise or sunset
  • Watched the changing cloud formations
  • Listen to the songs of the birds
  • Strolled through the leaves of fall
  • Listen to the snow fall as they gently fell to earth
  • Took a good look at the flowers of spring
  • Stopped to watch the a powerful thunderstorm
  • Stood in awe of the sparkling  stars

Psalms 19:1-4; Psalms 65:8-13

Time outside with God is just what many of us need and nothing else will suffice



Be Still My Soul - Time Outdoors

Do you realize that nearly all of the people we read about in the Bible spent most of their time outside?

  • Star-studded evening would tell how many descendants Abraham would have - Genesis 15:5
  • Looking at God's creation - humbled Job's pride - Job 38:4-7

FInd park, trails, and open spaces.
Open your eyes, listen, breath the realivily clear air

When is the last time you:

  • Took in a sunrise or sunset
  • Watched the changing cloud formations
  • Listen to the songs of the birds
  • Strolled through the leaves of fall
  • Listen to the snow fall as they gently fell to earth
  • Took a good look at the flowers of spring
  • Stopped to watch the a powerful thunderstorm
  • Stood in awe of the sparkling  stars

Psalms 19:1-4; Psalms 65:8-13

Time outside with God is just what many of us need and nothing else will suffice



Be Still My Soul - Time Outdoors

Do you realize that nearly all of the people we read about in the Bible spent most of their time outside?

  • Star-studded evening would tell how many descendants Abraham would have - Genesis 15:5
  • Looking at God's creation - humbled Job's pride - Job 38:4-7

FInd park, trails, and open spaces.
Open your eyes, listen, breath the realivily clear air

When is the last time you:

  • Took in a sunrise or sunset
  • Watched the changing cloud formations
  • Listen to the songs of the birds
  • Strolled through the leaves of fall
  • Listen to the snow fall as they gently fell to earth
  • Took a good look at the flowers of spring
  • Stopped to watch the a powerful thunderstorm
  • Stood in awe of the sparkling  stars

Psalms 19:1-4; Psalms 65:8-13

Time outside with God is just what many of us need and nothing else will suffice



Be Still My Soul - Time Outdoors

Do you realize that nearly all of the people we read about in the Bible spent most of their time outside?

  • Star-studded evening would tell how many descendants Abraham would have - Genesis 15:5
  • Looking at God's creation - humbled Job's pride - Job 38:4-7

FInd park, trails, and open spaces.
Open your eyes, listen, breath the realivily clear air

When is the last time you:

  • Took in a sunrise or sunset
  • Watched the changing cloud formations
  • Listen to the songs of the birds
  • Strolled through the leaves of fall
  • Listen to the snow fall as they gently fell to earth
  • Took a good look at the flowers of spring
  • Stopped to watch the a powerful thunderstorm
  • Stood in awe of the sparkling  stars

Psalms 19:1-4; Psalms 65:8-13

Time outside with God is just what many of us need and nothing else will suffice



Be Still My Soul - Time Outdoors

Do you realize that nearly all of the people we read about in the Bible spent most of their time outside?

  • Star-studded evening would tell how many descendants Abraham would have - Genesis 15:5
  • Looking at God's creation - humbled Job's pride - Job 38:4-7

FInd park, trails, and open spaces.
Open your eyes, listen, breath the realivily clear air

When is the last time you:

  • Took in a sunrise or sunset
  • Watched the changing cloud formations
  • Listen to the songs of the birds
  • Strolled through the leaves of fall
  • Listen to the snow fall as they gently fell to earth
  • Took a good look at the flowers of spring
  • Stopped to watch the a powerful thunderstorm
  • Stood in awe of the sparkling  stars

Psalms 19:1-4; Psalms 65:8-13

Time outside with God is just what many of us need and nothing else will suffice



Be Still My Soul - How to Study
God intends for every disciple of His to delight in His Word - Psalms 119:18

Ways to study:
  • Study one book of the Bible - Make a simple outline; sometimes we lose patience in our understanding - keep working at it
  • Study a section of a book - ie Sermon of the Mount; Jesus and the disciples in the upper room
  • Study one chapter of the Bible - Hebrews 11, 1 Corinthians 13, and others
  • Study one verse - This is really deep! compare it, cross reference words, look up meanings
  • Study one topic - understand and master; use topical, chain-reference, and concordance
Take notes and review each day

Be Still My Soul - Pour Out Your Heart
We can to one of a few things in challenging times:

  • Handle it ourselves
  • Turn to God superficially; mentioning thing to God
  • Turn to God - pouring out our hearts

Pour out your hearts - Psalms 62:8
I pour out my complaint before him  - Psalms 142:2

How can we be close to someone if we have not poured out our hearts

God is all-knowing but unless we tell him our feelings we will never draw close
Everyone has feelings; it may be difficult at first

Jesus: offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears - Hebrews 5:7

Suggestions:
  • Get in the habit of telling God how you feel
  • Be in a private place
  • Take a period of time away
  • Allow yourself to cry - frustration, sorrow, or joy


Be Still My Soul - Pour Out Your Heart
We can to one of a few things in challenging times:

  • Handle it ourselves
  • Turn to God superficially; mentioning thing to God
  • Turn to God - pouring out our hearts

Pour out your hearts - Psalms 62:8
I pour out my complaint before him  - Psalms 142:2

How can we be close to someone if we have not poured out our hearts

God is all-knowing but unless we tell him our feelings we will never draw close
Everyone has feelings; it may be difficult at first

Jesus: offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears - Hebrews 5:7

Suggestions:
  • Get in the habit of telling God how you feel
  • Be in a private place
  • Take a period of time away
  • Allow yourself to cry - frustration, sorrow, or joy


Be Still My Soul - Psalms You Sing
Nothing is quite as effective as music in improving our moods and softening our hearts
  • I will sing and make music - Psalms 57:7
  • I will sing and make music to the Lord - Psalms 27:6
  • Make music to your name - Psalms 92:1
  • Extol him with music and song - Psalms 95:2
  • I will sing and make music with all my soul - Psalms 108:1
  • The Lord is my strength and my song - Psalms 118:14
Use of music in our personal devotions is of utmost importance and is possessed of immense power
Frees us from a mere intellectual approach
Humbles us, especially those of us who are vocally challenged
Get a songbook and start singing during your quiet times

If your relationship with God seems dry and lifeless, music may be the missing element

Be Still My Soul - Psalms You Sing
Nothing is quite as effective as music in improving our moods and softening our hearts
  • I will sing and make music - Psalms 57:7
  • I will sing and make music to the Lord - Psalms 27:6
  • Make music to your name - Psalms 92:1
  • Extol him with music and song - Psalms 95:2
  • I will sing and make music with all my soul - Psalms 108:1
  • The Lord is my strength and my song - Psalms 118:14
Use of music in our personal devotions is of utmost importance and is possessed of immense power
Frees us from a mere intellectual approach
Humbles us, especially those of us who are vocally challenged
Get a songbook and start singing during your quiet times

If your relationship with God seems dry and lifeless, music may be the missing element

Be Still My Soul - Psalms You Sing
Nothing is quite as effective as music in improving our moods and softening our hearts
  • I will sing and make music - Psalms 57:7
  • I will sing and make music to the Lord - Psalms 27:6
  • Make music to your name - Psalms 92:1
  • Extol him with music and song - Psalms 95:2
  • I will sing and make music with all my soul - Psalms 108:1
  • The Lord is my strength and my song - Psalms 118:14
Use of music in our personal devotions is of utmost importance and is possessed of immense power
Frees us from a mere intellectual approach
Humbles us, especially those of us who are vocally challenged
Get a songbook and start singing during your quiet times

If your relationship with God seems dry and lifeless, music may be the missing element

Be Still My Soul - Psalms You Sing
Nothing is quite as effective as music in improving our moods and softening our hearts
  • I will sing and make music - Psalms 57:7
  • I will sing and make music to the Lord - Psalms 27:6
  • Make music to your name - Psalms 92:1
  • Extol him with music and song - Psalms 95:2
  • I will sing and make music with all my soul - Psalms 108:1
  • The Lord is my strength and my song - Psalms 118:14
Use of music in our personal devotions is of utmost importance and is possessed of immense power
Frees us from a mere intellectual approach
Humbles us, especially those of us who are vocally challenged
Get a songbook and start singing during your quiet times

If your relationship with God seems dry and lifeless, music may be the missing element

Be Still My Soul - Psalms You Sing
Nothing is quite as effective as music in improving our moods and softening our hearts
  • I will sing and make music - Psalms 57:7
  • I will sing and make music to the Lord - Psalms 27:6
  • Make music to your name - Psalms 92:1
  • Extol him with music and song - Psalms 95:2
  • I will sing and make music with all my soul - Psalms 108:1
  • The Lord is my strength and my song - Psalms 118:14
Use of music in our personal devotions is of utmost importance and is possessed of immense power
Frees us from a mere intellectual approach
Humbles us, especially those of us who are vocally challenged
Get a songbook and start singing during your quiet times

If your relationship with God seems dry and lifeless, music may be the missing element

Be Still My Soul - Psalms You Sing
Nothing is quite as effective as music in improving our moods and softening our hearts
  • I will sing and make music - Psalms 57:7
  • I will sing and make music to the Lord - Psalms 27:6
  • Make music to your name - Psalms 92:1
  • Extol him with music and song - Psalms 95:2
  • I will sing and make music with all my soul - Psalms 108:1
  • The Lord is my strength and my song - Psalms 118:14
Use of music in our personal devotions is of utmost importance and is possessed of immense power
Frees us from a mere intellectual approach
Humbles us, especially those of us who are vocally challenged
Get a songbook and start singing during your quiet times

If your relationship with God seems dry and lifeless, music may be the missing element

Falling in Love with God - How Bad It Can Get

A mission of Satan is undermine my relationship with our Father

Must ask all the time: How are God and I doing?

Typical doing questions:

  • Am I productive?
  • Have a recently had a victory?
  • How do people around me feel about me?
  • How long has it been since I committed a particular sin?

Relationship questions:

  • Do they feel loved?
  • Are we connected?
  • Have I been sensitive?
  • Am I listening?
  • Will this activity help our relationship?

 When we drift

1. Combative - Psalms 55:20-21
2. Uncaring / Apathy (Harding of our hearts) - Psalms 36:1-4; Esphesians

Presedes sin / sensual gratification

  • "I deserve this"
  • "I am tired"
  • "I am missing out"
  • "I know what I need"

3. Hopeless - Job 3:11-13

Hopelessness is godlessness
If deeply in love with God, whispering to me promise after promise
If walking with him closely, he is meeting my needs for strength and faith



Falling in Love with God - How Bad It Can Get

A mission of Satan is undermine my relationship with our Father

Must ask all the time: How are God and I doing?

Typical doing questions:

  • Am I productive?
  • Have a recently had a victory?
  • How do people around me feel about me?
  • How long has it been since I committed a particular sin?

Relationship questions:

  • Do they feel loved?
  • Are we connected?
  • Have I been sensitive?
  • Am I listening?
  • Will this activity help our relationship?

 When we drift

1. Combative - Psalms 55:20-21
2. Uncaring / Apathy (Harding of our hearts) - Psalms 36:1-4; Esphesians

Presedes sin / sensual gratification

  • "I deserve this"
  • "I am tired"
  • "I am missing out"
  • "I know what I need"

3. Hopeless - Job 3:11-13

Hopelessness is godlessness
If deeply in love with God, whispering to me promise after promise
If walking with him closely, he is meeting my needs for strength and faith



Falling in Love with God - Holy Spirit in our lives
Jesus was intimately connected to the Holy Spirit

If we are to fall in love with God, it is only be through the Holy Spirit

Examples of God's spirit involved with restoration of David:
  • David knew he could go nowhere to escape God Spirit - Psalms 139:7
  • Spirit lead David to "level ground" - Psalms 143:10
  • David pleaded for God's Spirit to remain with him - Psalms 51:11
With the Spirit the road becomes impossible to navigate

Falling in Love with God - Holy Spirit in our lives
Jesus was intimately connected to the Holy Spirit

If we are to fall in love with God, it is only be through the Holy Spirit

Examples of God's spirit involved with restoration of David:
  • David knew he could go nowhere to escape God Spirit - Psalms 139:7
  • Spirit lead David to "level ground" - Psalms 143:10
  • David pleaded for God's Spirit to remain with him - Psalms 51:11
With the Spirit the road becomes impossible to navigate

Falling in Love with God - Holy Spirit in our lives
Jesus was intimately connected to the Holy Spirit

If we are to fall in love with God, it is only be through the Holy Spirit

Examples of God's spirit involved with restoration of David:
  • David knew he could go nowhere to escape God Spirit - Psalms 139:7
  • Spirit lead David to "level ground" - Psalms 143:10
  • David pleaded for God's Spirit to remain with him - Psalms 51:11
With the Spirit the road becomes impossible to navigate

Falling in Love with God - Discerning God's voice
Thought  Worst that
could happen
Truth
Scripture
I'll never change
I could try and fail
God can do anything
Ephesians 3:20
I'm and idiot
I could look foolish
We all look stupid; It won't kill me
Psalms 139:14
How can I help anybody?
Help but nothing changes
God will work one way or another
2 Corinthians 5:20
I don't feel God is with me
Go through a time feeling disconnected
God promised he would never leave
Matthew 28:20
Why would allow this to happen?
I have to experience pain from time to time
God has a great plan for my life
Romans 8:28
You'll never amount to anything
Your expectations don't become a reality
God has a dream for you
Jeremiah 29:11

God's word contains God's voice

Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Falling in Love with God - Seeking Only Him

If God's people will humble themselves pray and seek his face, he will hear from heaven and forgive us - 2 Chronicles 7:11-16

Even after the temple was built, God was concerned whether his people will still seek him

God himself was often "felt" but not "found" - He has the same concern today

Difference: being members / having a deep personal and individual relationship with God

In his pride the wicked does not seek him - Psalms 10:1-4

One thing I ask: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, gaze upon the beauty - Psalms 27:1-9

Nothing will satisfy like seeking his face



Power of Spiritual Thinking - Heaven Can Wait
2 Corinthians 12:2-7 - Paul longed for heaven but was willing to wait in order to fulfill his purpose
Death held no fear for him because heaven was so real

Life goes by so quickly - Psalms 90:10
All are destined to become distance memories for those we leave behind

2 Corinthians 4:16 - we are wasting away outwardly but being renewed day by day

It is far too easy to become attached to this life - hardship changes this.

As beautiful as all of God's creation is, God made it as throwaway
It is destined to be burned up and to pass away - 2 Peter 3:10


Purpose Driven Life - What Makes God Smile? (Part 2)
Noah was an example of making God smile (continued):
  1. When we obey him wholeheartedly
    • Noah was given detailed instructions on: size, shape, number of animals, and materials
    • Completely, wholeheartedly, without delay, without explanation, joyfully, with enthusiasm
    • Wholeheartedly = completely and exactly
    • Partial obedience is disobedience
  2. When we praise and thank him continually
    • Noah built an altar to the Lord - Genesis 18:20
    • We are to offer a sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving - Hebrew 13:15; Psalms 116:17
  3. When we use our abilities
    • God enjoys every detail, not just "spiritual" activities - Psalms 37:23
    • Reject yourself, you reject God's wisdom in creating you
    • There are no nonspiritual abilities just misused ones
    • Children do not have to anything special to make their parents happy


Purpose Driven Life - What Makes God Smile? (Part 2)
Noah was an example of making God smile (continued):
  1. When we obey him wholeheartedly
    • Noah was given detailed instructions on: size, shape, number of animals, and materials
    • Completely, wholeheartedly, without delay, without explanation, joyfully, with enthusiasm
    • Wholeheartedly = completely and exactly
    • Partial obedience is disobedience
  2. When we praise and thank him continually
    • Noah built an altar to the Lord - Genesis 18:20
    • We are to offer a sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving - Hebrew 13:15; Psalms 116:17
  3. When we use our abilities
    • God enjoys every detail, not just "spiritual" activities - Psalms 37:23
    • Reject yourself, you reject God's wisdom in creating you
    • There are no nonspiritual abilities just misused ones
    • Children do not have to anything special to make their parents happy


Purpose Driven Life - Transformed by Trouble

God has a purpose behind every problem

God uses problems to draw you closer to himself
Lord is close to the brokenhearted - Psalms 34:18

God had the ability to kept:

  • Joesph out of jail
  • Daniel out the lion's den
  • Paul from being shipwrecked 3 times
  • Young Hebrew from being thrown in a furance

... but he didn't

Problem force us to look to God and depend on him
None of your problem could happen without God's permission

Romans 8:28-29 (NLT)

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters.

  • "God causes everything" - God is behind everything
  • "to work together" - work together as part of God's plan
  • "for the good" - the end result is for our hearts to be more like Jesus
  • "of those who love God" - those who are obedient
  • "according to his purpose"  - the purpose is "become like his Son"


Purpose Driven Life - Overcoming Temptation
Refuse to be intimidated

You will never outgrow temptation
Temptation is a sign that Satan hates you
Paul says, "WHEN you are tempted..." - 1 Corinthians 10:13
Jesus was tempted, but never sinned - Hebrews 4:15
The closer you grown to God, the more Satan will try to tempt you

Recognize your pattern of temptation

Know what exactly what trips you up - Stay alert, Satan waits til you are napping - Matthew 26:41
  • When am I most tempted?
  • Where am I most tempted?
  • Who is with me went I am tempted?
Don't give the Devil a chance - Ephesians 4:27
Plan carefully what you do... - Proverbs 4:26-27

Request God's Help

Call on God in times of trouble - Psalms 50:15
Jesus is sympathetic; he understands our weakness - Hebrews 4:15
We can be embarrassed to ask God for help after failing over and over again, but let us have confidence when approaching - Hebrews 4:16

Purpose Driven Life - Thinking Like a Servant (part 2)

Servants think about their work, not what others are doing

They do not compare, criticize, or compete with other servants; same goal and same team
When you are busy serving, you don't have time to be critical
Our job is not to evaluate - Lord will determine the sucessfulness  of his servant - Romans 14:4

If you serve like Jesus, expect to be criticized
The service of the sinful (pouring perfume on Jesus) was though to be a waste but just though of it as significant - Matthew 26:10

Servants base their identity in Christ

They are loved and accepted by grace, servants don't have to prove their worth
Jesus washing feet - Jesus understood his worth and the task did not threathen his self-image - John 13:3-4

Insecure people are always worrying about how they appear; want others to serve them instead
Only God's approval counts - 2 Corinthians 10:18

Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation

Serve the Lord with gladness - Psalms 100:2
The Father rewards anyone who serves him - John 12:26
He will not forget how hard you have worked - Hebrews 6:10

The only really happy people are those who have learned to serve



Purpose Driven Life - Sharing Your Message (Lessons)

David - "God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course" - Psalms 119:33
Solomon - gave us books of Proverbs filled with practical lessons

Here are some questions to help you remember the lesson God has taught us:

  1. Taught us through failure
  2. Taught us through a lack of money
  3. Taught us through pain and sorrow
  4. Taught us through waiting
  5. Taught us through illness
  6. Taught us through disappointment
  7. Taught us through people (family, friends, church, critics)

 



Purpose Driven Life - Sharing Your Message (Godly Passions)
God passionately loves some things and passionately hates things other thing
The closer you are to God - you will share these view

Jesus - Man's heart determines his speech - Matthew 12:34
David - Zeal for God's work burn within him - Psalms 69:9
Jeremiah - Cannot keep silent - Jeremiah 20:9

Are defend the defenseless, those who can not speak for themselves
Should not expect everyone to have the exact same passion as you

It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good - Galatians 4:18

Purpose Driven Life - Becoming a World-Class Christian (part 2)
Shift from self-centered thinking to other-centered thinking

Stop thinking like children (thinking like only of self), and like like mature people (grown ups) - 1 Corinthians 14:20
Most advertising encourages selfish thinking

To make the paradigm switch to mature thinking - need to dependence of God
God has given us his Spirit so we don't think like the world thinks - 1 Corinthians 2:12


Shift from local thinking to global thinking

God so loved the world... - John 3:16
God made all the nations and where they would be, so we would look for him - Acts 17:26-27

The world already thinks globally: business, competition, and news
If you ask me, I will give you the nations - Psalms 2:8

What should we pray for?
  1. Opportunities to witness - Colossians 4:3
  2. Courage to speak up - Ephesians 6:19
  3. Rapid spread of the gospel - John 17:20
  4. More workers - 2 Thessalonians 3:1


Purpose Driven Life - Balancing Your Life (part 2)
Write down your progress in a journal

We remember what we record
Writing helps clarify what God is doing in your life

Moses kept a written record of their progress - Numbers 33:2 (NLT)
Moses recorded the stages in their journey - Numbers 33:2 (NIV)

Don't just record the good things
David recorded his fears, doubts, and struggles with God

Write down for the coming generations what the Lord has done - Psalms 56:8


Pass on what you know to others


He who blesses others is abundantly blessed - Proverbs 11:25
Paul told us spiritual things so we tell others - 2 Timothy 2:2
Knowledge increases responsibility - James 4:17
Teaching other followers = a good servant of Christ - 1 Timothy 4:6

We learn for God's glory and the growth of the kingdom

Teach Us To Pray - Savior and Redeemer

The Cross is enough, then, now, and always

Hebrews 7:25-27

  • He is able to completely save
    • Never too short
    • Never too weak
    • Never worn out
  • He always lives - Prepared to recuse me until the day I die
  • Once for all - One death sufficient for all my sins, for all time

God wants his children to be abolutely confident that we can draw near to him with freedom and assurance

Without seeing the cross, David understood his Savior and Redeemer - Psalms 69:13

 



Teach Us To Pray - Hungry and Thirsty (part 1)

True prayer is a yearning for God
Most people in the developed world have never been really hungry and do not know what it is like

In the Bible a hunger for God always ends in prayer
My soul yearns for the courts of the Lord - Psalms 84:1-2
My soul thrists for you like a parched land - Psalms 143:6

God invites us to find satisfaction in Him
Come all you are thristy, come to the waters - Isaiah 55:1
He will satisfy your needs - Isaiah 58:11
Are you trying to find satisfaction some other place?

 



Teach Us To Pray - Hungry and Thirsty (part 1)

True prayer is a yearning for God
Most people in the developed world have never been really hungry and do not know what it is like

In the Bible a hunger for God always ends in prayer
My soul yearns for the courts of the Lord - Psalms 84:1-2
My soul thrists for you like a parched land - Psalms 143:6

God invites us to find satisfaction in Him
Come all you are thristy, come to the waters - Isaiah 55:1
He will satisfy your needs - Isaiah 58:11
Are you trying to find satisfaction some other place?

 



Teach Us To Pray - Hungry and Thirsty (part 1)

True prayer is a yearning for God
Most people in the developed world have never been really hungry and do not know what it is like

In the Bible a hunger for God always ends in prayer
My soul yearns for the courts of the Lord - Psalms 84:1-2
My soul thrists for you like a parched land - Psalms 143:6

God invites us to find satisfaction in Him
Come all you are thristy, come to the waters - Isaiah 55:1
He will satisfy your needs - Isaiah 58:11
Are you trying to find satisfaction some other place?

 



Teach Us To Pray - Praise and Thanksgiving
God's plan is a blessing and not a burden - 1 John 5:3
Once we lose our gratitude, we have lost everything

Growing in Gratitude
  1. Realize God has chosen you - Choose you for the purpose of telling the world about him - 1 Peter 2:9
  2. See God in everything - Train your mind to look at God and not self - Colossians 1:11-12
  3. Express and verbalize your gratitude - Psalms 39:4-5
Challenge: Pray for 30 minutes just thanking God for specific details in our your life

Teach Us To Pray - Praise and Thanksgiving
God's plan is a blessing and not a burden - 1 John 5:3
Once we lose our gratitude, we have lost everything

Growing in Gratitude
  1. Realize God has chosen you - Choose you for the purpose of telling the world about him - 1 Peter 2:9
  2. See God in everything - Train your mind to look at God and not self - Colossians 1:11-12
  3. Express and verbalize your gratitude - Psalms 39:4-5
Challenge: Pray for 30 minutes just thanking God for specific details in our your life

Teach Us To Pray - Honesty and Openness
Honest communication is crucial element to any great relationship: God, spouse, children.

Consider how ludicrous it is to not be real with God:
  • He knows what is in our hearts
  • He knows what we are really seeking
  • He knows what we need
Only honesty with God makes sense!

Moses:
  • He questioned the wisdom of God's choice
  • Argued his lack of eloquence
  • Says he does not want the responsibility
  • He is honest - he gives God something to work with - Exodus 4:13
David - example of his Psalms:
  • Why do you hide yourself in trouble? - Psalms 10:1-2 - logically does not make sense but this is where David was
  • Later, he works it out in prayer (v17) - LORD, you have heard the request of the oppressed; you make them feel secure because you listen to their prayer.

It is in our openness that we hear our faithlessness and can turn away from it.

God wants a relationship with you
He wants to know our longings, aspirations, problems, anxieties, doubts, and even our sin

Teach Us To Pray - Honesty and Openness
Honest communication is crucial element to any great relationship: God, spouse, children.

Consider how ludicrous it is to not be real with God:
  • He knows what is in our hearts
  • He knows what we are really seeking
  • He knows what we need
Only honesty with God makes sense!

Moses:
  • He questioned the wisdom of God's choice
  • Argued his lack of eloquence
  • Says he does not want the responsibility
  • He is honest - he gives God something to work with - Exodus 4:13
David - example of his Psalms:
  • Why do you hide yourself in trouble? - Psalms 10:1-2 - logically does not make sense but this is where David was
  • Later, he works it out in prayer (v17) - LORD, you have heard the request of the oppressed; you make them feel secure because you listen to their prayer.

It is in our openness that we hear our faithlessness and can turn away from it.

God wants a relationship with you
He wants to know our longings, aspirations, problems, anxieties, doubts, and even our sin

Teach Us To Pray - Alone and in Private

Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:13, and Luke 4:42 - shows us that Jesus often went to solitary places to pray

Solitude is essential in developing a deep relation ship with God
Be still and know I that I am from God - Psalms 46:10
Do you have a special place where you meet with God?

Psalms 5, 38, and 42 are examples of how open and expressive David was with God
He shared everything from joy and delight to anguish and dispair
How open are you with God?
God wants our hearts
As a result, we are much more open and real with others

We get fired up by sermons, fellowship, and music - Jesus went to be alone
There is nothing in your life that God cannot change

Prayer times make special memories
Israelites setup stones to remind them of what God had done - Joshua 4:7

Ideas for times with God:

  • Write a love letter
  • Sing a song you composed
  • Write on a ballon, let it go
  • Hang a poster and write the things God has done

 



Teach Us To Pray - In Marriage and Family

Unless the Lord builds, its builder labor in vain - Psalms 127:1-2
Solomon probably knew the truth of this passage as much as anyone
He saw incrediable tragedy in his own family from the result of his father's unspiritual leadership
His family stands as a warning to all married disciples of how Satan can destroy the most precious of all human relationships

Powerful benefits of daily prayer with one another:

  1. Prayer keeps your relationship spiritual focused
  2. Prayer keeps us going to bed united - Ephesians 4:26-27
  3. Prayer makes us more grateful
  4. Prayer gives us focus and direction

Prayer in family life:

  1. Nightly prayer with children from infancy
  2. Daily devotionals with younger school children - 15min in the morning
  3. Taking pray walks with teenage children
  4. Quiet Times with one another
  5. Praying as a family about major decisions and challenges
  6. Praying with children after they are disciplined adds powerfullly to the impact of such training


Teach Us To Pray - In Marriage and Family

Unless the Lord builds, its builder labor in vain - Psalms 127:1-2
Solomon probably knew the truth of this passage as much as anyone
He saw incrediable tragedy in his own family from the result of his father's unspiritual leadership
His family stands as a warning to all married disciples of how Satan can destroy the most precious of all human relationships

Powerful benefits of daily prayer with one another:

  1. Prayer keeps your relationship spiritual focused
  2. Prayer keeps us going to bed united - Ephesians 4:26-27
  3. Prayer makes us more grateful
  4. Prayer gives us focus and direction

Prayer in family life:

  1. Nightly prayer with children from infancy
  2. Daily devotionals with younger school children - 15min in the morning
  3. Taking pray walks with teenage children
  4. Quiet Times with one another
  5. Praying as a family about major decisions and challenges
  6. Praying with children after they are disciplined adds powerfullly to the impact of such training


Teach Us To Pray - Changes in Character
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place - Psalms 51:6
Character can grow if we take a sober gut-level check look at who we are

Too often we pray:
  • Help me be a better person
  • Help me to change
  • Help me to love you more
We don;t know specifically what we need to change
When we aim at nothing, that is what we hit

The word of God discerns the thoughts and intentions of our heart - Hebrews 4:12-13
Like a mirror reflecting how we look spiritually - James 1:23-25
We also learn the truth about ourselves from other people in our lives - Proverbs 20:5

Ask God to help you see what you need to change
Ask others what things they see in your sinful nature

How badly do you want to change?
It will show by the way you pray
My power is made perfect in weakness - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Teach Us To Pray - Courage and Boldness
Prayer reminds us God is in control
It is his battle, I belong to God, and God will make me successful
God will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13

To pray for boldness and courage:
  1. Trust - We are exactly the way God wants us to be; he will make up what we are not - 2 Timothy 1:7
  2. Righteousness - Righteous are as bold as a lion; god can not hear us if we cherish sin - Psalms 66:18
  3. Action - do what the word says; Keep praying until you act
Does our faith come from our results or our results come from our faith

God's work cannot be done in this world without courage

Man of Prayer - YHWH-rohi
YHWH-rohi is translated as "The Lord is my Shepherd" - Psalms 23:1

A shepherd:
  • guides his flock
  • provides for his flock
  • protects his flock
Jesus is the Good Shepherd - John 10:10

Pause and give thanks for each of these characteristics of a shepherd

Man of Prayer - Into His Court

Focusing on God - source of incredible joy in our lives
This is worship - fundational to the prayer experience

Psalms 100:4 - his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise
Presence is fullness of joy - Psalms 16:11

Focus is a vital part of an effective prayer life
Having moved into His presence - sharpens your spiritual focus - His Kingdom

 



Man of Prayer - Into His Court

Focusing on God - source of incredible joy in our lives
This is worship - fundational to the prayer experience

Psalms 100:4 - his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise
Presence is fullness of joy - Psalms 16:11

Focus is a vital part of an effective prayer life
Having moved into His presence - sharpens your spiritual focus - His Kingdom

 



Man of Prayer - Praying for our personal lives
Jesus has given us permissions to seek divine intervention
He delights in our desire to experience His intervention

Part our our prayer time should be devoted to our needs:
What do you want?
Sometimes we do not have because we do not ask - James 4:2
OR because our motivation is not proper

Asking for God's favor can not be self-centered because God is infinite:
David asked to be the apple of God's eye - Psalms 17:8
He was a man after his own heart - Acts 13:22

Spiritual needs may include:
  • To submit to the will of God
  • To please the Father
  • To affirm my powerlessness
  • To experience His presence
  • To know his will
  • To be transform (character)
  • To become spiritually mature
  • To be humble
  • To be fruitful
  • To walk in the Spirit
  • To obey willingly and joyfully
  • To receive blessing
  • To be protected
  • To be useful


Man of Prayer - Daily Bread
Praying for our needs:

1. Needs of our life

2. Desires of our life

3. Area of anxieties - we should not worry about our lives - Matthew 6:25-34
The Biblical antidote for anxiety is prayer

Make a list of all the sources of desire and anxiety in our life
If I wanted it or worried about it - decide to pray about it

Also keep in mind to ask God to not give me anything that would not be a blessing
Israel asked for meat and received it from God while in the dessert - but also sent leanness into their souls - Psalms 106:15


Man of Prayer - Getting Honest
On a daily basis we need to allow the Holy Spirit to show us areas of our life to be brought to confession

Psalms 139:23-24
  • Search me
  • Know my heart
  • Test me
  • Know my anxious thoughts
  • See if there is any offensive way
  • Lead me to the way of everlasting
Psalms 19:12-13
  • God can discern our errors
  • Forgive our faults


Man of Prayer - Getting Honest
On a daily basis we need to allow the Holy Spirit to show us areas of our life to be brought to confession

Psalms 139:23-24
  • Search me
  • Know my heart
  • Test me
  • Know my anxious thoughts
  • See if there is any offensive way
  • Lead me to the way of everlasting
Psalms 19:12-13
  • God can discern our errors
  • Forgive our faults


Man of Prayer - Getting Honest
On a daily basis we need to allow the Holy Spirit to show us areas of our life to be brought to confession

Psalms 139:23-24
  • Search me
  • Know my heart
  • Test me
  • Know my anxious thoughts
  • See if there is any offensive way
  • Lead me to the way of everlasting
Psalms 19:12-13
  • God can discern our errors
  • Forgive our faults


Man of Prayer - Getting Honest
On a daily basis we need to allow the Holy Spirit to show us areas of our life to be brought to confession

Psalms 139:23-24
  • Search me
  • Know my heart
  • Test me
  • Know my anxious thoughts
  • See if there is any offensive way
  • Lead me to the way of everlasting
Psalms 19:12-13
  • God can discern our errors
  • Forgive our faults


Man of Prayer - The Flesh (part 2)

Sinning is easy; it comes naturally
When we turn our lives to Christ, the Holy Spirit creates a new nature - the two battle within us

Fruits of that new nature - Galatians 5:22-23

Jesus fought the battle with scripture - He said "It is written" many times while responding to others
David hid the God's word in his heart so he would not sin - Psalms 119:11

God promises that we will not be tempted more than we can bear - 1 Corinthains 10:13

 



Man of Prayer - The Flesh (part 3)

Three other ways to fight the battle aginst our flesh (nature)

Resist temptation - 1 Peter 5:9
Turn and flee from temptation - 2 Timothy 2:22

Most effective - avoidance - Lead us not into temptation
He guides me in paths of righteousness for hos name's sake - Psalms 23:3

Prayer becomes our spiritual "dressing room" for the battle of the day - Ephesians 6:13-17

 



Man of Prayer - Spiritual Protection (part 1)
When we move out from God's umbrella, through sin or negligence, the evil one can gain easy access to you

We pray the "umbrella" into place
When we pray , "deliver us" = "preserve from" = "protect from"

He is our refuge and fortress for those who come to him - Psalmx 27:1-6, 46:1, 91:1-2
As mother bird protects her children - Psalms 91:4


Man of Prayer - Beyond the Basics

Nothing we experience in the physical world will ever give us the the joy of our experience in the presence if God

David - "In your presence is the fulness of joy" - Psalms 16:11

Fullness of joy is what all men long for
There is one preeminent way to be with God - prayer

Some men have been created with personalities that are very logical and others are oriented to feeling and intuition
These inherent distinctions will shape our relationship with God

As our prayer lives develop, we each need to discover what dimensions of prayer are most effective for us
Lord's prayer provides a framework



Man of Prayer - Meditation

One may ask, where is the quiet listening part of prayer in this book

God encourages us to be still and know that he is God - Psalms 46:10

Mature prayer is not intended to be a monologue, but a dialogue

Christian meditation and Eastern meditation has to do with is in our minds as meditate
Eastern = empty our minds - dangerous activity
New Age = visualization of pleasant and peaceful landscapes as spiritual guides - opens a door to tremendous spiritual deception

Biblically based contemplation and meditation seeks not to empty the mind but fill it
God will speak through impression and intuition - should always be checked against the Bible and mature Christians



Raising Awesome Kids - First Things First (part 1)
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builder labor in vain - Psalms 127:1

We have someone or something we love most in this world

Jesus must be our first love
He must be our life, not just a part of it

Been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me - Galatians 2:20
To live is Christ - Philippians 1:21

This is the key to everything

Your kids must see that Jesus is a real person to you
You walk with him and love him as a brother

You can not fake it - kids can spot a fake

Promises of God - Practical and Powerful Promises

Since the promises of God can relied on, it can have powerful affect on how we view life and how we live it

Psalms 119 - Shows us the relationship of God to spiritual life

Psalms 119:50 - God's promises enable him to press on and not give into dispair
Pain may be great - but the promise of God looms larger.

Psalms 119:140 - Again and again he has relied on God's promises and has come to value them

Psalms 119:148 - Deep conviction about focusing on the promises, keep him up
Will do whatever it takes to fill his mind with the promises

Psalms 119:154 - When he is threatened and in danger, remind the Lord of his promises

Psalms 119:162 - Promises of God is a treasure to him



Promises of God - Practical and Powerful Promises

Since the promises of God can relied on, it can have powerful affect on how we view life and how we live it

Psalms 119 - Shows us the relationship of God to spiritual life

Psalms 119:50 - God's promises enable him to press on and not give into dispair
Pain may be great - but the promise of God looms larger.

Psalms 119:140 - Again and again he has relied on God's promises and has come to value them

Psalms 119:148 - Deep conviction about focusing on the promises, keep him up
Will do whatever it takes to fill his mind with the promises

Psalms 119:154 - When he is threatened and in danger, remind the Lord of his promises

Psalms 119:162 - Promises of God is a treasure to him



Promises of God - Practical and Powerful Promises

Since the promises of God can relied on, it can have powerful affect on how we view life and how we live it

Psalms 119 - Shows us the relationship of God to spiritual life

Psalms 119:50 - God's promises enable him to press on and not give into dispair
Pain may be great - but the promise of God looms larger.

Psalms 119:140 - Again and again he has relied on God's promises and has come to value them

Psalms 119:148 - Deep conviction about focusing on the promises, keep him up
Will do whatever it takes to fill his mind with the promises

Psalms 119:154 - When he is threatened and in danger, remind the Lord of his promises

Psalms 119:162 - Promises of God is a treasure to him



Promises of God - Practical and Powerful Promises

Since the promises of God can relied on, it can have powerful affect on how we view life and how we live it

Psalms 119 - Shows us the relationship of God to spiritual life

Psalms 119:50 - God's promises enable him to press on and not give into dispair
Pain may be great - but the promise of God looms larger.

Psalms 119:140 - Again and again he has relied on God's promises and has come to value them

Psalms 119:148 - Deep conviction about focusing on the promises, keep him up
Will do whatever it takes to fill his mind with the promises

Psalms 119:154 - When he is threatened and in danger, remind the Lord of his promises

Psalms 119:162 - Promises of God is a treasure to him



Promises of God - Practical and Powerful Promises

Since the promises of God can relied on, it can have powerful affect on how we view life and how we live it

Psalms 119 - Shows us the relationship of God to spiritual life

Psalms 119:50 - God's promises enable him to press on and not give into dispair
Pain may be great - but the promise of God looms larger.

Psalms 119:140 - Again and again he has relied on God's promises and has come to value them

Psalms 119:148 - Deep conviction about focusing on the promises, keep him up
Will do whatever it takes to fill his mind with the promises

Psalms 119:154 - When he is threatened and in danger, remind the Lord of his promises

Psalms 119:162 - Promises of God is a treasure to him



Promises of God - Remember Your Sins No More

Remember Your Sins No More - Hebrews 8:12

God wants to forgive
God has spent all of his time since man's fall working out our forgiveness - it cost him dearly

God's nature is to forgive
If God kept a record of sins, who could stand? - Psalms 130:3-4

Psalms 103:

  • v3 - He forgives all
  • v13-14 - He is compassionate and gracious
  • v8 - He is slow to anger
  • v9 - He doesn't hang on to his anger forever
  • v10 - He does not treat us as our sins deserve

God doesn't need forgiveness
He commited no sin - 1 Peter 2:22
We are the ones who sinned - Romans 3:23
The most foolish thing in the world is to have this attitude toward God

 



Promises of God - Remember Your Sins No More

Remember Your Sins No More - Hebrews 8:12

God wants to forgive
God has spent all of his time since man's fall working out our forgiveness - it cost him dearly

God's nature is to forgive
If God kept a record of sins, who could stand? - Psalms 130:3-4

Psalms 103:

  • v3 - He forgives all
  • v13-14 - He is compassionate and gracious
  • v8 - He is slow to anger
  • v9 - He doesn't hang on to his anger forever
  • v10 - He does not treat us as our sins deserve

God doesn't need forgiveness
He commited no sin - 1 Peter 2:22
We are the ones who sinned - Romans 3:23
The most foolish thing in the world is to have this attitude toward God

 



Promises of God - You Call, He Answers

Call me and I'll answer - Psalms 91:14-16

I can help others when I am confident that God is listening to and responding to my prayers

When we lose faith that our prayers will be answered, we lose heart and our relationship with God withers

We may not always give us the answer we want; he always responds for our good

We must see the answers he gives and never doubt that he loves us



Promises of God - You Call, He Answers

Call me and I'll answer - Psalms 91:14-16

I can help others when I am confident that God is listening to and responding to my prayers

When we lose faith that our prayers will be answered, we lose heart and our relationship with God withers

We may not always give us the answer we want; he always responds for our good

We must see the answers he gives and never doubt that he loves us



Promises of God - You Call, He Answers

Call me and I'll answer - Psalms 91:14-16

I can help others when I am confident that God is listening to and responding to my prayers

When we lose faith that our prayers will be answered, we lose heart and our relationship with God withers

We may not always give us the answer we want; he always responds for our good

We must see the answers he gives and never doubt that he loves us



Promises of God - Lord of Physical Challenges
Psalms 91:9-11 - God will protect us and guard you in all your ways

We do not see the refuge that God is or the trouble from which he has saved us - we can become bitter

He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us

In what areas of your life are you most thankful for this promise?

Promises of God - Lord of Physical Challenges
Psalms 91:9-11 - God will protect us and guard you in all your ways

We do not see the refuge that God is or the trouble from which he has saved us - we can become bitter

He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us

In what areas of your life are you most thankful for this promise?

Promises of God - Lord of Physical Challenges
Psalms 91:9-11 - God will protect us and guard you in all your ways

We do not see the refuge that God is or the trouble from which he has saved us - we can become bitter

He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us

In what areas of your life are you most thankful for this promise?

Promises of God - Lord Delivers
May have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all - Psalms 34:19

Three types of trouble:

  1. Caused by our own bad behavior - the wicked have their fill - Proverbs 12:21
  2. Comes from doing what is right - Persecution because of the Word - Matthew 13:21
  3. Trouble that we all face because we live in this world
    • Each day will be trouble - Matthew 6:34
    • In this world you will have trouble - John 16:33
It is not about taking trouble away but overcoming trouble

Our job is to trust God - John 14:1, 27
He may deliver us from trouble or he may deliver us by using the trouble to teach us important lessons

Our eternal glory far out weights our momentary troubles - 2 Corinthians 4:17


Promises of God - Run to God's Word
Like sin, the very nature of weariness is hostile to radical change

Running is the last thing I feel like doing with I lethargic and tired - but it is exactly what I need to do

Our spirits often resist the Word when we need it the most.

There is power in the Word and it can revive us over and over again
I lie prone in the dust; revive me according to your - Psalms 119:25


Promises of God - Heal Your Broken Heart
Servants of God will face various types of injustice:
  • Rejection
  • Persecution from someone we have helped to know God
  • Loss of a relationship to follow God
  • Injustice of living in an imperfect world
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted - Psalms 34:18

His is "the God of all comfort" - 2 Corinthians 1:3


Promises of God - God is All-Powerful
Listen  to my cry, for I am in desperate - Psalms 142:6
Emotional needs of the brokenhearted can be met completely by our all-powerful God

You are my refuge - Psalms 142:3-5
Describes how God provides protection, security, strength, and unfailing kindness

Promises of God - God is All-Powerful
Listen  to my cry, for I am in desperate - Psalms 142:6
Emotional needs of the brokenhearted can be met completely by our all-powerful God

You are my refuge - Psalms 142:3-5
Describes how God provides protection, security, strength, and unfailing kindness

Promises of God - God is All-Powerful
Listen  to my cry, for I am in desperate - Psalms 142:6
Emotional needs of the brokenhearted can be met completely by our all-powerful God

You are my refuge - Psalms 142:3-5
Describes how God provides protection, security, strength, and unfailing kindness

Promises of God - God is All-Powerful
Listen  to my cry, for I am in desperate - Psalms 142:6
Emotional needs of the brokenhearted can be met completely by our all-powerful God

You are my refuge - Psalms 142:3-5
Describes how God provides protection, security, strength, and unfailing kindness

Promises of God - God Passes the Test
God Passes the Test:
  1. Does he have a proven record? Yes, Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:13-20
  2. Does he have a genuine concern for my life? Yes, Exodus 2:25; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22
  3. Does he understand me and my current crisis? Yes, Job 31:4; Psalms 139:1-18; Matthew 6:7-8; Hebrews 4:13
  4. Do he have the power to bring change in my life? Yes, Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Ephesians 1:18-22; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4


Why We Need God - He is The Creator
GOD IS THE CREATOR...
  1. Of the heavens and the earth - Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Hebrews 11:3
  2. Of mankind, both male and female - Genesis 1:27; 5:2
  3. Even in the womb, God has a role in giving us life - Psalms 139:13-16;  Jeremiah 1:5
  4. He made us, not we ourselves - Psalms 100:3


Why We Need God - He is The Redeemer
GOD IS THE REDEEMER...
  1. All have made a mess of their lives - Romans 3:23
  2. Some more than others, but all are in need the same major correction - Romans 3:9
  3. God offers Himself as our Redeemer - Psalms 34:22


Why We Need God - He is Our Redeemer
GOD AS OUR REDEEMER...

  1. Makes it possible for us to start anew - Psalms 103:1-5
  2. This He did by sending His Son, Jesus - Galatians 4:4-5; Titus 2:11-14
  3. He offered His Son's blood to redeem from our sins - 1 Peter 1:17-19


Why We Need God - He is Our Redeemer
GOD AS OUR REDEEMER...

  1. Makes it possible for us to start anew - Psalms 103:1-5
  2. This He did by sending His Son, Jesus - Galatians 4:4-5; Titus 2:11-14
  3. He offered His Son's blood to redeem from our sins - 1 Peter 1:17-19


Why We Need God - He is Our Redeemer
GOD AS OUR REDEEMER...

  1. Makes it possible for us to start anew - Psalms 103:1-5
  2. This He did by sending His Son, Jesus - Galatians 4:4-5; Titus 2:11-14
  3. He offered His Son's blood to redeem from our sins - 1 Peter 1:17-19


Why We Need God - He is Our Redeemer
GOD AS OUR REDEEMER...

  1. Makes it possible for us to start anew - Psalms 103:1-5
  2. This He did by sending His Son, Jesus - Galatians 4:4-5; Titus 2:11-14
  3. He offered His Son's blood to redeem from our sins - 1 Peter 1:17-19


Why We Need God - He is Our Redeemer
GOD AS OUR REDEEMER...

  1. Makes it possible for us to start anew - Psalms 103:1-5
  2. This He did by sending His Son, Jesus - Galatians 4:4-5; Titus 2:11-14
  3. He offered His Son's blood to redeem from our sins - 1 Peter 1:17-19


Why We Need God - He is The Provider
GOD IS THE PROVIDER...
  1. Of physical life itself - Acts 17:28; Psalms 66:8-9
  2. Of that which sustains our physical life - Acts 14:17; Matthew 5:45
  3. Of spiritual strength that we need - Ephesians 3:16,20; 6:10


Why We Need God - He is The Provider
GOD IS THE PROVIDER...
  1. Of physical life itself - Acts 17:28; Psalms 66:8-9
  2. Of that which sustains our physical life - Acts 14:17; Matthew 5:45
  3. Of spiritual strength that we need - Ephesians 3:16,20; 6:10


Why We Need The Bible - Help Keep One Saved
Paul emphasized this value of the Scriptures
  • To the Corinthians - 1 Corinthians 10:11-12
  • To Timothy - 2 Timothy 3:14-17

The saving value of the Word of God is for both young and old
  • The young can keep their ways pure by it - Psalms 119:9
  • Elders were commended to the Word for their salvation - Acts 20:32


No one like him - Jesus believed scripture settled issues
Parable of the Tenants - Mark 12:10
Haven't you read the scriptures? - quoting Psalms 118:22-23

In error because they did know the scriptures; badly mistaken - to religious leaders - Mark 12:24;27

Thinking:
  • Jesus - error for not knowing
  • Some modern religious leaders - scriptures are in error


No one like him - Jesus believed scripture settled issues
Parable of the Tenants - Mark 12:10
Haven't you read the scriptures? - quoting Psalms 118:22-23

In error because they did know the scriptures; badly mistaken - to religious leaders - Mark 12:24;27

Thinking:
  • Jesus - error for not knowing
  • Some modern religious leaders - scriptures are in error


No one like him - Kingdom Attitudes (part 4)
The Pure in Heart

About genuineness and sincerity

The grace can not from us alone
Create in me a pure heart O God - Psalms 51:10

After being forgiving and giving we start seeing ourselves as good - must have pure motives

The Peacemakers

True peace only comes from God - Isaiah 11:1-9
No without the other attitudes

The Persecuted

If you live like this, people will not like you
Ironically being a peace-maker will get you hated
Jesus was the Prince of Peace
Attitudes not natural; not to do but to be

Wild at Heart - The fathers voice (part 2)
When we see Jesus, Joseph is out of the picture – true father God – he had to learn who he really was and made of.
Initiation involves a journey and a series of tests.
We try to make our lives easier.

What are you trying to teach me here?
What issues in my heart are you trying to rise through this?
What is it you want me to see?
What are you asking me to let go of?

Men are taught that a wound that stops you from playing is a girlish wound.
No wonder we walk with our guts hanging out
Most men minimize their wound
David did not act like this at all - openly - “my heart is wounded within me” - Psalms 109:22
Suck it up, as the saying goes

God is fiercely committed to you
Wound that goes unacknowledged and unwept is a wound that cannot heal
You’ve embraced and deserve is a would that cannot heal
Whatever is denied cannot heal
Certainly denial that it’s shaping the way they live today.

Wild at Heart - Healing the wound (part 2)
David, THE WARRIOR, writes
  • My strength – Psalms 18:1
  • Come quickly to help me – Psalms 22:19
  • I watch you, my loving God – Psalms 59:9
Like there is a boy inside
The father treats like his son
  • There is not shame that you need healing
  • No shame to another for strength
  • No shame to feel young and afraid inside
  • It’s not your fault
We bury our wounds deep within our hearts
False self is an elaborate defense against entering our wounded heart – chosen blindness

Wild at Heart - Healing the wound (part 2)
David, THE WARRIOR, writes
  • My strength – Psalms 18:1
  • Come quickly to help me – Psalms 22:19
  • I watch you, my loving God – Psalms 59:9
Like there is a boy inside
The father treats like his son
  • There is not shame that you need healing
  • No shame to another for strength
  • No shame to feel young and afraid inside
  • It’s not your fault
We bury our wounds deep within our hearts
False self is an elaborate defense against entering our wounded heart – chosen blindness

Wild at Heart - Healing the wound (part 2)
David, THE WARRIOR, writes
  • My strength – Psalms 18:1
  • Come quickly to help me – Psalms 22:19
  • I watch you, my loving God – Psalms 59:9
Like there is a boy inside
The father treats like his son
  • There is not shame that you need healing
  • No shame to another for strength
  • No shame to feel young and afraid inside
  • It’s not your fault
We bury our wounds deep within our hearts
False self is an elaborate defense against entering our wounded heart – chosen blindness

Kingdom First - Words are Big
Jesus wanted people to get to heaven; it is the little things (our words) that will make us or break us - Matthew 5:37
If anyone considers himself religious and does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, is deceived and religion is worthless - James 1:26

Paul: most important ingredient?
Reliability - unreliable men will not only break God's chain but also discourages others - 2 Timothy 2:2

Most obvious way we can be unreliable is with our tongue
David about adversaries - Not a word from their mouth can be trusted - Psalms 5:9

Get character that speaks and lives the truth
Our "no" is okay if we say "no"
But in mostly it should be "yes" - 2 Corinthians 1:19

Jesus is our best example
Perhaps his favorite phrase was "I tell you the truth"
He did and he does

Kingdom First - Hungry and Humility (part 1)
Not "If you fast" but "When you fast" - Matthew 6:16-18

Quickest way to a man's heart is  through his stomach

Greek word for fasting is nesteno
ne = a negative prefix
esthio = to eat

When was the last time you fasted?

Why don't we fast more?

1. Fasting humbles us because it reminds us how frail we are

I have humbled myself with fasting - Psalms 35:15
It is associated with confession and repentance of sin

2. Fasting tests our earnestness to move God to action
Forcing us to admit that sometimes prayer alone may not suffice - Mark 9:29

Jesus talks about motivation for fasting
We must surpass the righteous of the Pharisees and fast for God and not men - Matthew 5:20
God asks the people "was it really for me that you fasted?" - Zechariah 7:5

First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 1)
Everyone who walks with God must come as a beggar

Examples:

David - conquered his enemies and ushered in a golden age
  • Described himself as someone who could do nothing without God
  • This poor man called and the Lord saved him from his troubles - Psalms 34:6
  • God is his help and deliver - Psalms 40:17
  • I am poor and needy - Psalms 109:22
  • Modern thinkers might say he needed some self-esteem 
  • God said he was after his own heart
Isaiah
  • Woe to me, I am ruined for I am unclean - Isaiah 6:5
  • Today we can go to church wanting to be told how good we are
  • God forgave his sins and sent him on a life mission full of purpose


First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 1)
Everyone who walks with God must come as a beggar

Examples:

David - conquered his enemies and ushered in a golden age
  • Described himself as someone who could do nothing without God
  • This poor man called and the Lord saved him from his troubles - Psalms 34:6
  • God is his help and deliver - Psalms 40:17
  • I am poor and needy - Psalms 109:22
  • Modern thinkers might say he needed some self-esteem 
  • God said he was after his own heart
Isaiah
  • Woe to me, I am ruined for I am unclean - Isaiah 6:5
  • Today we can go to church wanting to be told how good we are
  • God forgave his sins and sent him on a life mission full of purpose


First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 1)
Everyone who walks with God must come as a beggar

Examples:

David - conquered his enemies and ushered in a golden age
  • Described himself as someone who could do nothing without God
  • This poor man called and the Lord saved him from his troubles - Psalms 34:6
  • God is his help and deliver - Psalms 40:17
  • I am poor and needy - Psalms 109:22
  • Modern thinkers might say he needed some self-esteem 
  • God said he was after his own heart
Isaiah
  • Woe to me, I am ruined for I am unclean - Isaiah 6:5
  • Today we can go to church wanting to be told how good we are
  • God forgave his sins and sent him on a life mission full of purpose


First the Kingdom - Mourning Misunderstandings
Two extremes to mourning:

1. Mournful mourning
  • Self-centered - woe-is-me
  • We shield ourselves from God's grace
  • Focused on our own unworthiness
2. Matter-of-fact mourning
  • Qualifies as mourning because the mourner defines it as such
  • Brokenness is missing
  • God is looking for a broken and contrite heart - Psalms 51:17
The cross is the center point within the extremes

We will have to face the mourning someday - it is be now and God's way or it will be later and God's way

Are you postponing?

Are you ignoring?

First the Kingdom - At Ease
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth - Matthew 5:5
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace - Psalms 37:11

Meekness is strength under the control of God
Being meek is being at ease before God and man
One looks outside himself for the power of life
Totally open with God, God will work in all things for his good

To be meek is not to be afraid...

1. Is at ease with God

Someone who worries and has anxiety reduces them to practical atheists

A child is at ease with their father/mother (in most cases)
I have stilled and quieted my soul; child with mother is my soul within me - Psalms 131:2

2. Is at ease with himself
Jesus knew exactly what authority he had been he had been given by God - John 13:3

3. Is at ease with others
Neither inferior nor superior
No longer deceived by pride, he is free to learn from anyone
At ease with God and himself - has nothing to prove and nothing to fear



First the Kingdom - At Ease
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth - Matthew 5:5
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace - Psalms 37:11

Meekness is strength under the control of God
Being meek is being at ease before God and man
One looks outside himself for the power of life
Totally open with God, God will work in all things for his good

To be meek is not to be afraid...

1. Is at ease with God

Someone who worries and has anxiety reduces them to practical atheists

A child is at ease with their father/mother (in most cases)
I have stilled and quieted my soul; child with mother is my soul within me - Psalms 131:2

2. Is at ease with himself
Jesus knew exactly what authority he had been he had been given by God - John 13:3

3. Is at ease with others
Neither inferior nor superior
No longer deceived by pride, he is free to learn from anyone
At ease with God and himself - has nothing to prove and nothing to fear



First the Kingdom - Starving without Him
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled - Matthew 5:6

Jesus himself was the bread of Life - John 6:35
Gave Living water - John 4:10

He describes a relationship with him to be all-consuming
Just like going without food or water fir a prolonged period - there is little else we think about

As deer pants for water, my soul pants for you - Psalms 42:1-2
How excited are you about getting time to be with God every day?

For deep conviction about loving the Word - Psalms 119
Without the sense of duty, he was overjoyed at the privilege of being able to commune with heart of the Creator

Hunger for the Word develops obedience which helps with understanding of God heart to help and server others

First the Kingdom - Starving without Him
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled - Matthew 5:6

Jesus himself was the bread of Life - John 6:35
Gave Living water - John 4:10

He describes a relationship with him to be all-consuming
Just like going without food or water fir a prolonged period - there is little else we think about

As deer pants for water, my soul pants for you - Psalms 42:1-2
How excited are you about getting time to be with God every day?

For deep conviction about loving the Word - Psalms 119
Without the sense of duty, he was overjoyed at the privilege of being able to commune with heart of the Creator

Hunger for the Word develops obedience which helps with understanding of God heart to help and server others

First the Kingdom - Healthy Heart
What is your spiritual diet?

The Word is what purifies us
It discerns the thoughts and attitudes of the heart
It will diagnose and sanctify us

Keep our hearts pure by living according to God's word - Psalms 119:9
David had a steady diet of the Word

To keep a healthy heart:

1. Maintain a healthy diet - David "set before his eyes no vile thing" - Psalms 101:3
  What do we need to cut out of our lives?

2. Need exercise to make our heart strong
  • Be honest; Be vulnerable when it is not easy
  • Server when it is not convenient
  • Forgive when treated unfarily
A strong heart is a heart that is always being put to the test for God

First the Kingdom - Healthy Heart
What is your spiritual diet?

The Word is what purifies us
It discerns the thoughts and attitudes of the heart
It will diagnose and sanctify us

Keep our hearts pure by living according to God's word - Psalms 119:9
David had a steady diet of the Word

To keep a healthy heart:

1. Maintain a healthy diet - David "set before his eyes no vile thing" - Psalms 101:3
  What do we need to cut out of our lives?

2. Need exercise to make our heart strong
  • Be honest; Be vulnerable when it is not easy
  • Server when it is not convenient
  • Forgive when treated unfarily
A strong heart is a heart that is always being put to the test for God

Kingdom First - Personal Responsibility (part 2)
When talking about removing the plank from our eye so we can remove the speck from someone else, there are two extremes:
  1. Becoming inwardly focused, see only our problems
  2. Trying to help other straighten out their lives without being open to the same help ourselves
How do I get a sober estimate of myself?

A. Look daily into the mirror of God's word
Foolish to just look at the word of God and not let it transform you - James 1:22-25

B. Pray fervently for God to open your eyes and give you insight into your heart and life
An incredible prayer about searching our heart - Psalms 139:23-24

C. Be open with those in your life
Be quick to confess sin - James 5:16

D. Have a humble attitude toward challenge in your life
Let this be our goal - Psalms 141:5

Kingdom First - Personal Responsibility (part 2)
When talking about removing the plank from our eye so we can remove the speck from someone else, there are two extremes:
  1. Becoming inwardly focused, see only our problems
  2. Trying to help other straighten out their lives without being open to the same help ourselves
How do I get a sober estimate of myself?

A. Look daily into the mirror of God's word
Foolish to just look at the word of God and not let it transform you - James 1:22-25

B. Pray fervently for God to open your eyes and give you insight into your heart and life
An incredible prayer about searching our heart - Psalms 139:23-24

C. Be open with those in your life
Be quick to confess sin - James 5:16

D. Have a humble attitude toward challenge in your life
Let this be our goal - Psalms 141:5

To Live is Christ - Rejoice Always

It would be one thing to hear "rejoice always" from someone living with plenty but quite another from someone in a challenging situation - Philippians 4:4-5

There is something about being "in the Lord"
If someone is "in the Lord", there is always something bigger than our trials

Paul also had a deep conviction that whatever is one: The Lord Is Near
This is how men and women of God can be joyful and gentle in the most stressful times

God is monitoring their pain not allow more than we can bear and giving his strength
The Lord is near to all who call on him - Psalms 145:18
He is near in every situation we encounter

He is calling on them and us to rejoice always and to have a great attitude

 



7 Habits of Highly Effective Children

Preached by Dan Rice (2005-06-26)

Mark 10:13 - We must have a child like heart to make it to heaven

Children Love Life
John 10:9 - Jesus says we can live life to the full

Children Want to Grow
2 Peter 3:18 - They were eager to learn

Children Change Fast - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Children Take Risk - Care less about what people think about them. John 12:42-43

Children are quick to trust
John 14:1-4 - Jesus has our best interest at heart
Numbers 20:12 - Moses and Aaron did not trust
Deuteronomy 1:29-35 - Israel did not trust
Psalms 20:7-8 Psalms 22:4-5 Psalms 44:16-17 Psalms 49:13-14 Proverbs 3:5

Children are Idealist - they dream; it is better than synical

Children are faithful - John 3:16 - They did not many reasons like we do.



7 Habits of Highly Effective Children

Preached by Dan Rice (2005-06-26)

Mark 10:13 - We must have a child like heart to make it to heaven

Children Love Life
John 10:9 - Jesus says we can live life to the full

Children Want to Grow
2 Peter 3:18 - They were eager to learn

Children Change Fast - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Children Take Risk - Care less about what people think about them. John 12:42-43

Children are quick to trust
John 14:1-4 - Jesus has our best interest at heart
Numbers 20:12 - Moses and Aaron did not trust
Deuteronomy 1:29-35 - Israel did not trust
Psalms 20:7-8 Psalms 22:4-5 Psalms 44:16-17 Psalms 49:13-14 Proverbs 3:5

Children are Idealist - they dream; it is better than synical

Children are faithful - John 3:16 - They did not many reasons like we do.



7 Habits of Highly Effective Children

Preached by Dan Rice (2005-06-26)

Mark 10:13 - We must have a child like heart to make it to heaven

Children Love Life
John 10:9 - Jesus says we can live life to the full

Children Want to Grow
2 Peter 3:18 - They were eager to learn

Children Change Fast - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Children Take Risk - Care less about what people think about them. John 12:42-43

Children are quick to trust
John 14:1-4 - Jesus has our best interest at heart
Numbers 20:12 - Moses and Aaron did not trust
Deuteronomy 1:29-35 - Israel did not trust
Psalms 20:7-8 Psalms 22:4-5 Psalms 44:16-17 Psalms 49:13-14 Proverbs 3:5

Children are Idealist - they dream; it is better than synical

Children are faithful - John 3:16 - They did not many reasons like we do.



7 Habits of Highly Effective Children

Preached by Dan Rice (2005-06-26)

Mark 10:13 - We must have a child like heart to make it to heaven

Children Love Life
John 10:9 - Jesus says we can live life to the full

Children Want to Grow
2 Peter 3:18 - They were eager to learn

Children Change Fast - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Children Take Risk - Care less about what people think about them. John 12:42-43

Children are quick to trust
John 14:1-4 - Jesus has our best interest at heart
Numbers 20:12 - Moses and Aaron did not trust
Deuteronomy 1:29-35 - Israel did not trust
Psalms 20:7-8 Psalms 22:4-5 Psalms 44:16-17 Psalms 49:13-14 Proverbs 3:5

Children are Idealist - they dream; it is better than synical

Children are faithful - John 3:16 - They did not many reasons like we do.



7 Habits of Highly Effective Children

Preached by Dan Rice (2005-06-26)

Mark 10:13 - We must have a child like heart to make it to heaven

Children Love Life
John 10:9 - Jesus says we can live life to the full

Children Want to Grow
2 Peter 3:18 - They were eager to learn

Children Change Fast - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Children Take Risk - Care less about what people think about them. John 12:42-43

Children are quick to trust
John 14:1-4 - Jesus has our best interest at heart
Numbers 20:12 - Moses and Aaron did not trust
Deuteronomy 1:29-35 - Israel did not trust
Psalms 20:7-8 Psalms 22:4-5 Psalms 44:16-17 Psalms 49:13-14 Proverbs 3:5

Children are Idealist - they dream; it is better than synical

Children are faithful - John 3:16 - They did not many reasons like we do.



7 Habits of Highly Effective Children

Preached by Dan Rice (2005-06-26)

Mark 10:13 - We must have a child like heart to make it to heaven

Children Love Life
John 10:9 - Jesus says we can live life to the full

Children Want to Grow
2 Peter 3:18 - They were eager to learn

Children Change Fast - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Children Take Risk - Care less about what people think about them. John 12:42-43

Children are quick to trust
John 14:1-4 - Jesus has our best interest at heart
Numbers 20:12 - Moses and Aaron did not trust
Deuteronomy 1:29-35 - Israel did not trust
Psalms 20:7-8 Psalms 22:4-5 Psalms 44:16-17 Psalms 49:13-14 Proverbs 3:5

Children are Idealist - they dream; it is better than synical

Children are faithful - John 3:16 - They did not many reasons like we do.



7 Habits of Highly Effective Children

Preached by Dan Rice (2005-06-26)

Mark 10:13 - We must have a child like heart to make it to heaven

Children Love Life
John 10:9 - Jesus says we can live life to the full

Children Want to Grow
2 Peter 3:18 - They were eager to learn

Children Change Fast - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Children Take Risk - Care less about what people think about them. John 12:42-43

Children are quick to trust
John 14:1-4 - Jesus has our best interest at heart
Numbers 20:12 - Moses and Aaron did not trust
Deuteronomy 1:29-35 - Israel did not trust
Psalms 20:7-8 Psalms 22:4-5 Psalms 44:16-17 Psalms 49:13-14 Proverbs 3:5

Children are Idealist - they dream; it is better than synical

Children are faithful - John 3:16 - They did not many reasons like we do.



7 Habits of Highly Effective Children

Preached by Dan Rice (2005-06-26)

Mark 10:13 - We must have a child like heart to make it to heaven

Children Love Life
John 10:9 - Jesus says we can live life to the full

Children Want to Grow
2 Peter 3:18 - They were eager to learn

Children Change Fast - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Children Take Risk - Care less about what people think about them. John 12:42-43

Children are quick to trust
John 14:1-4 - Jesus has our best interest at heart
Numbers 20:12 - Moses and Aaron did not trust
Deuteronomy 1:29-35 - Israel did not trust
Psalms 20:7-8 Psalms 22:4-5 Psalms 44:16-17 Psalms 49:13-14 Proverbs 3:5

Children are Idealist - they dream; it is better than synical

Children are faithful - John 3:16 - They did not many reasons like we do.



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixson (1997-05-18)

1 Samuel 16:7

  • Worldly things look more appealing
  • The people saw the others with better things
    • Most important thing:
      • Everyone spends time to get ready
      • Do you spend more time getting ready for the outside appearance than your inward?
      • The heart is most important

Psalms 51:4-9

  • Being true to one's self
  • When our conscience violated things are not fun
  • Renew the steadfast spirit


Special Place for a special for a special friend

Psalms 63:2-4 - Remember God's Power

Psalms 63:6-7 - The night bed and protection from God

Psalms 91:4 - We are being attacked all the time

Psalms 63:8 - Confidence - God holds us up



Desire's Journey - Good News?
The promise of life has been lost in the focus of knowledge and performance

Pharisee knew more about the Bible than we ever will - and it hardened their hearts

There were two trees in the garden of Eden:
  • Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
  • Tree of Life
We go the wrong tree

Each church has its unspoken list of what you should and should not do
We are told this is the good news

We don't need more facts
We don't need more things to do
We need life

You have made know to me the path of life - Psalms 16:11
My soul pants for you - Psalms 42:1-2
My soul thirsts for you - Psalms 63:1

Why did Jesus appeal to desire?
Because it was essential for life
He who has the Son has life - 1 John 5:12



Desire's Journey - Good News?
The promise of life has been lost in the focus of knowledge and performance

Pharisee knew more about the Bible than we ever will - and it hardened their hearts

There were two trees in the garden of Eden:
  • Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
  • Tree of Life
We go the wrong tree

Each church has its unspoken list of what you should and should not do
We are told this is the good news

We don't need more facts
We don't need more things to do
We need life

You have made know to me the path of life - Psalms 16:11
My soul pants for you - Psalms 42:1-2
My soul thirsts for you - Psalms 63:1

Why did Jesus appeal to desire?
Because it was essential for life
He who has the Son has life - 1 John 5:12



Desire's Journey - Good News?
The promise of life has been lost in the focus of knowledge and performance

Pharisee knew more about the Bible than we ever will - and it hardened their hearts

There were two trees in the garden of Eden:
  • Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
  • Tree of Life
We go the wrong tree

Each church has its unspoken list of what you should and should not do
We are told this is the good news

We don't need more facts
We don't need more things to do
We need life

You have made know to me the path of life - Psalms 16:11
My soul pants for you - Psalms 42:1-2
My soul thirsts for you - Psalms 63:1

Why did Jesus appeal to desire?
Because it was essential for life
He who has the Son has life - 1 John 5:12



Desire's Journey - Good News?
The promise of life has been lost in the focus of knowledge and performance

Pharisee knew more about the Bible than we ever will - and it hardened their hearts

There were two trees in the garden of Eden:
  • Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
  • Tree of Life
We go the wrong tree

Each church has its unspoken list of what you should and should not do
We are told this is the good news

We don't need more facts
We don't need more things to do
We need life

You have made know to me the path of life - Psalms 16:11
My soul pants for you - Psalms 42:1-2
My soul thirsts for you - Psalms 63:1

Why did Jesus appeal to desire?
Because it was essential for life
He who has the Son has life - 1 John 5:12



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Desire's Journey - Orchestra like worship
You may have heard an orchestra tuning up before a concert
Then the violins plays a long C and all the instruments join in

The the players become focused, centered, and ready to preform
This is what happens with chaos of our desires when we turn our souls to God in worship
All the other desires find their place as we give God his place

Delight yourself int he Lord and he he will give you the desires of our hearts - Psalms 37:4

Our delighting in God, he heals our false desires as our souls come true in the light of the Maker
Worship becomes the means by which we most deeply heal our desire

Desire's Journey - Letting Go (part 3)
Pleasure is often more about drugging ourselves that it is about enjoying ourselves
Avoiding the ache is always worse in the end than the ache itself
We want to predict what the Lord is going to do so that it does not hurt so bad when it happens

Whole creation has been groaning right up til the present time yet if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently - Romans 8:22-25

We live in hope and he says hoping is waiting and groaning

Ask yourself: What am I waiting for? Is there anything I desire that I am doing nothing to secure?

To wait is to learn the spiritual grace of detachment - the freedom of desire
Not the absence of desire but desire at rest

I have still and quieted my soul - Psalms 131:2


Desire's Journey - Letting Go (part 5)

Grief is the antidote to the incessant possessive demand within

Sow in tear = song of joy - Psalms 126:5

Two spiritual discipline we need

  1. Worship - must adore God deliberately and regularly
  2. Grief - must allow a time for sorrow to do own personal sowing

Making time to grieve may sound strange
Just because we do not feel it does not mean it is not there
There are thousands of distractions these days
Sometimes it comes out in a song or movie
Sometimes small disappointments can be a door into the room of grief

Beauty and affliction are the only two things that can pierce our hearts
We must have a measure of beauty in our lives proportionate to our afflication

 



Waking Dead - Arm Yourselves (part 1)
What are God's intentions toward me? What is it I've come to believe?

Heard that God cares and has some glowing promises given to us in Scripture

The glory of God is man fully alive

Jesus says he came to give life
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full - John 10:10

Whoever believes in me - streams of living water will flow from within him - John 7:38

Life is all over the scriptures:
You have made known to me the path of life - Psalms 16:11
In him was life and that life was the light of men - John 1:4
Come to me to have life - John 5:40
Tell the people the full message of this new life - Acts 5:20


Waking Dead - At War (part 1)
The thief comes to only steal, kill, and destroy our life - John 10:10

God intends for you to have life but right now that life is opposed
The offer from God is life, but you are going to have to fight for it
The enemy in your life has a different agenda

We are a war
The sooner we come to terms with it, the better hope we have of making it through
We live in a combat zone - a violent clash between kingdoms
Where did you think all this opposition was coming from?

We are in the image of God - Genesis 1:27
God crowd us with glory and honor - Psalms 8:3-5

We were once more than we are now
Glory has been the object of a long and brutal was

Lurking in the Garden is the enemy
Unable to overthrow the Mighty One, he turned his sights on those who bore his image
David: You turn my glory into shame - Psalms 4:2

War is a central theme in the Old Testament
The Lord is a warrior - Exodus 15:2

OT Battle examples:
  • God goes to war to set his people free in Exodus
  • War to get to the promise land - Exodus 17:16
  • War to get into the promise land - battle of Jericho
  • Wars to keep the promise land - battles with Canannites, Philistines, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Midianites
  • Deborah, Gideon, David, Elijah goes to war


Waking Dead - At War (part 1)
The thief comes to only steal, kill, and destroy our life - John 10:10

God intends for you to have life but right now that life is opposed
The offer from God is life, but you are going to have to fight for it
The enemy in your life has a different agenda

We are a war
The sooner we come to terms with it, the better hope we have of making it through
We live in a combat zone - a violent clash between kingdoms
Where did you think all this opposition was coming from?

We are in the image of God - Genesis 1:27
God crowd us with glory and honor - Psalms 8:3-5

We were once more than we are now
Glory has been the object of a long and brutal was

Lurking in the Garden is the enemy
Unable to overthrow the Mighty One, he turned his sights on those who bore his image
David: You turn my glory into shame - Psalms 4:2

War is a central theme in the Old Testament
The Lord is a warrior - Exodus 15:2

OT Battle examples:
  • God goes to war to set his people free in Exodus
  • War to get to the promise land - Exodus 17:16
  • War to get into the promise land - battle of Jericho
  • Wars to keep the promise land - battles with Canannites, Philistines, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Midianites
  • Deborah, Gideon, David, Elijah goes to war


Waking Dead - At War (part 1)
The thief comes to only steal, kill, and destroy our life - John 10:10

God intends for you to have life but right now that life is opposed
The offer from God is life, but you are going to have to fight for it
The enemy in your life has a different agenda

We are a war
The sooner we come to terms with it, the better hope we have of making it through
We live in a combat zone - a violent clash between kingdoms
Where did you think all this opposition was coming from?

We are in the image of God - Genesis 1:27
God crowd us with glory and honor - Psalms 8:3-5

We were once more than we are now
Glory has been the object of a long and brutal was

Lurking in the Garden is the enemy
Unable to overthrow the Mighty One, he turned his sights on those who bore his image
David: You turn my glory into shame - Psalms 4:2

War is a central theme in the Old Testament
The Lord is a warrior - Exodus 15:2

OT Battle examples:
  • God goes to war to set his people free in Exodus
  • War to get to the promise land - Exodus 17:16
  • War to get into the promise land - battle of Jericho
  • Wars to keep the promise land - battles with Canannites, Philistines, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Midianites
  • Deborah, Gideon, David, Elijah goes to war


Waking Dead - At War (part 1)
The thief comes to only steal, kill, and destroy our life - John 10:10

God intends for you to have life but right now that life is opposed
The offer from God is life, but you are going to have to fight for it
The enemy in your life has a different agenda

We are a war
The sooner we come to terms with it, the better hope we have of making it through
We live in a combat zone - a violent clash between kingdoms
Where did you think all this opposition was coming from?

We are in the image of God - Genesis 1:27
God crowd us with glory and honor - Psalms 8:3-5

We were once more than we are now
Glory has been the object of a long and brutal was

Lurking in the Garden is the enemy
Unable to overthrow the Mighty One, he turned his sights on those who bore his image
David: You turn my glory into shame - Psalms 4:2

War is a central theme in the Old Testament
The Lord is a warrior - Exodus 15:2

OT Battle examples:
  • God goes to war to set his people free in Exodus
  • War to get to the promise land - Exodus 17:16
  • War to get into the promise land - battle of Jericho
  • Wars to keep the promise land - battles with Canannites, Philistines, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Midianites
  • Deborah, Gideon, David, Elijah goes to war


Waking Dead - Arm Yourselves (part 2)
God intends for you to have eternal life

When someone gets married, it isn't just a marriage to help them in retirement but their whole lives

I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living - Psalms 27:13

No one who has left everything will fail to receive many times as much in this age, in the age to come, eternal life - Luke 18:29-30

Jesus talks about a life available to us in this age
Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come - 1 Timothy 4:8

When we hear eternal life, most think a life that waits for in eternity
But eternal means "unending" not "later"
Eternal life can start now

Jesus was raised from the dead, now we also may live new lives - Romans 6:4
Coming fully alive is what he was committed to

What a different it would make if we really knew that our lives and God's glory were bound together
Things would start looking up


Waking Dead - Glory (part 2)
Your story does not begin with sin but with glory
Bible does not start in Genesis 3 but Genesis 1

God is glorious
You are his offspring, his child
You bear his image

When he made all His creation before man he said "it was good"
Only after did he make humans did he say "it is very good" - Genesis 1:31
Your glory is greater than everything else made - oceans, mountains, stars, the universe

Saints in the land are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight - Psalms 16:3
Those he justified, he also glorified - Romans 8:30

The fact that you don't see your good heart and glory is proof has effective the assault has been

Lion King example
It is time for the true king to come back and take over
But Simba does not believe who he is
His father was murdered and the enemy blamed it on him
After years of loosing heart, Simba's father appears to him in a vision: you are more than what you have become

The one who is in you is greater than the one in the world - 1 John 4:4



Waking Dead - Guided
Narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few will find it - Matthew 7:14

Each day: do you wake to tackle a to do list or wake in the midst of a dangerous story?
If you are not pursuing a dangerous quest, then you do not need a guide
If you want the life Jesus offers, then you are going to need more than a handful of principles
Can not possibly prepare yourself for ever situation
We need God intimately and we need him desperately

You have made know the path of life - Psalms 16:11
There is a narrow path to life and we need help finding it

Example path from a church:
  • Become a member
  • Take a course on doctrine
  • Faithfully attend the Sunday morning service and small group fellowship
  • Complete a course on Christian growth
  • Live a life of Christian growth
  • Complete a course on evangelism
  • Consistently look for opportunities to evangelize
  • Complete a course on finances, marriage, and parenting
  • Complete a course on leadership
  • Complete a course on hermeneutics
  • Complete a course on spiritual gifts
  • Complete a course on missions
  • Complete a course on biblical counseling
  • Carry a significant local church ministry load
Program teaches you principles and how to apply them but not how to walk with God

All religions has principles to follow but only Christianity can teach you to walk with God
The most important thing of all is intimacy with God

Those who only do good things - Jesus will say I never knew you - Matthew 7:23

Teach a man to fish?
Teach a man to walk with God and you help him solve the rest of his life

Waking Dead - Our Story (part 2)
The enemy is after us from the beginning

Joseph stands out from his brothers
Instead of celebrating his glory, his brothers want to destroy it
The worst blows typically come from family

David full of faith and courage when he sees that on one will take on Goliath
His older cowardly brother is exposed by David's bravery
Older brother - "I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is" - 1 Samuel 17:28
The worst blows come from those who know us well

Even Jesus' brothers did not believe in him - John 7:5
His family came to bring him home because they think he has lost it - Luke 8:20

Sometimes the very thing that someone loves to do is the thing God has given them as a source of celebration
We should check to see this is true before we turn it into shame
How long will you turn my glory into shame - Psalms 4:2

What have you believed about your heart over the years?

Waking Dead - Deep Restoration (part 1)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds - Psalms 147:3

Part of you is pulled one direction, part of you the other
Don't you sometimes feel a house divided?

Take your phobias:
Why are you afraid of heights,  intimacy, or public speaking?
All the discipline in the world will not get you to do these things - Romans 7-8
Part of me knows to pray is essential but other part wants to watch TV

We are not wholehearted
"Well, part of me does and part of me does not"
Anytime we find ourselves doing something we wish we could stop but can not/ "unable" - ought to raise concerns

Hebrew for brokenhearted is "leb shabar"
  • leb = heart
  • shabar = broken
shabar used in parts of Isaiah
  • Describes a bush whose twigs are broken off - Isaiah 27:11
  • Describes idols of Babylon shattered on the ground - Isaiah 21:9
  • Describing a broken bone - Isaiah 38:13
Your heart is now in pieces and I want to heal it - God

Waking Dead - Deep Restoration (part 2)
Everything Jesus did was to illustrate what he was trying to say

He offered healing for the body but more importantly for the soul

The Lord is my shepherd, he restores my soul - Psalms 23:1-3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds - Psalms 147:3

Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed - Jeremiah 17:14

Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings - Malachi 4:2

He welcomes them and healed those who needed healing - Luke 9:11

Waking Dead - Deep Restoration (part 2)
Everything Jesus did was to illustrate what he was trying to say

He offered healing for the body but more importantly for the soul

The Lord is my shepherd, he restores my soul - Psalms 23:1-3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds - Psalms 147:3

Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed - Jeremiah 17:14

Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings - Malachi 4:2

He welcomes them and healed those who needed healing - Luke 9:11

Waking Dead - Deep Restoration (part 2)
Everything Jesus did was to illustrate what he was trying to say

He offered healing for the body but more importantly for the soul

The Lord is my shepherd, he restores my soul - Psalms 23:1-3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds - Psalms 147:3

Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed - Jeremiah 17:14

Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings - Malachi 4:2

He welcomes them and healed those who needed healing - Luke 9:11

Waking Dead - Deep Restoration (part 2)
Everything Jesus did was to illustrate what he was trying to say

He offered healing for the body but more importantly for the soul

The Lord is my shepherd, he restores my soul - Psalms 23:1-3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds - Psalms 147:3

Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed - Jeremiah 17:14

Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings - Malachi 4:2

He welcomes them and healed those who needed healing - Luke 9:11

Waking Dead - Deep Restoration (part 4)
We need time in the presence of the Lord - Pslam 86:11-12
  • Teach me your way
  • I will walk in your truth
  • Give me an undivided heart
  • I will fear your name
  • I will praise you
  • With all of my heart
  • I will glory you
Remove yourself from distractions - will be able to hear more clearly

We declare the authority of Jesus over our hearts - he made our hearts - Psalms 33:15
He has redeemed our hearts - Romans 2:29

Sometimes he will take us back to a memory, a time and place where a shattering blow was given
Anytime someone says, "I feel like there's this part of me..." we need to listen - somewhere in the heart
Hidden many times because of a false comfort

God is love

Preached by Richard Dixion on 1999-05-04

Psalms 25:10

  • Gratefulness: no arguments, no frustration, no complaining
Unconditional Love

Psalms 145:13

  • All he made - Did God make you?
  • We live in an unloving world
    • God is not like use
  • We make limits to our love
    • God does not stop
  • We all need unconditional love
Tough Love

Hebrews 12:4-10

  • God love is tough
  • Two kinds of discipline
    • Action - stops for the short-term
    • Heart - God way, deals with sin
  • Discipline - creates - discipline and gratefulness
  • Running away or running toward discipline?
  • He wants us to be holy, righteousness
  • Wrong thinking: I won't because I might get disciplined
  • Right thinking: I will, and I will be molded


His love is Transforming

Romans 12:1-2

  • What transforms you?
  • How are different than a year ago?
  • Living sacrifices?

2 Corinthians 5:3

  • How would you look if God transformed your life?
  • Do you know who are?
  • What would Jesus do different in your life?
  • God loves us the way we are
    • He refuses to leave us that way


God is love

Preached by Richard Dixion on 1999-05-04

Psalms 25:10

  • Gratefulness: no arguments, no frustration, no complaining
Unconditional Love

Psalms 145:13

  • All he made - Did God make you?
  • We live in an unloving world
    • God is not like use
  • We make limits to our love
    • God does not stop
  • We all need unconditional love
Tough Love

Hebrews 12:4-10

  • God love is tough
  • Two kinds of discipline
    • Action - stops for the short-term
    • Heart - God way, deals with sin
  • Discipline - creates - discipline and gratefulness
  • Running away or running toward discipline?
  • He wants us to be holy, righteousness
  • Wrong thinking: I won't because I might get disciplined
  • Right thinking: I will, and I will be molded


His love is Transforming

Romans 12:1-2

  • What transforms you?
  • How are different than a year ago?
  • Living sacrifices?

2 Corinthians 5:3

  • How would you look if God transformed your life?
  • Do you know who are?
  • What would Jesus do different in your life?
  • God loves us the way we are
    • He refuses to leave us that way


Contagious Christian - Attractiveness of Authenticity (part 1)
Jesus knew the importance of perceptions
Are you either drawing people toward a relationship with God or pushing them further away? - Matthew 5:16
How we conduct our daily lives has implications that reach all the way into eternity

As part of the high potency - there are three qualities of being a Christian
Authenticity, compassion, and sacrifice

Authentic Identity

When people are asked what qualities of person brother you the most - dishonesty usually is near the top of the list
People are drawn to sincerity
Avoid acting like more than you are or pretending you're less that what you are

When following Christ - We renounce the sin in our lives but not the authentic identity we have
One of the greatest mistakes a believer can make is to renounce or repress his uniqueness in a vain attempt to appear more spiritual
Years of identity repression - you can totally lose your understanding of who you really are
There are some who will never see Him for who He really is until they watch Him living uniquely in our lives
The family of God is kaleidoscope of people with different gifts and temperaments

We were fearfully and wonderfully made - Psalms 139:14
There is someone out there one step away from faith, they just need someone like you - your passion, personality, and interests

Contagious Christian - Breaking Barriers to Belief (part II)
2. Bad Teaching

Some carry inaccurate portrayals of God because they have been taught wrong ideas

As long as they picture God as someone who he is not, they will not want to follow him
  • A helpless old man
  • Cosmic killjoy
  • Disinterested deity
  • Harsh ogre
Misguided mental images effectively blunt  people's motivation to move toward God
Identify with your friends concerns and share your own misconceptions
Beast way of replacing misguided ideas with accurate ones is to teach the Bible

3. Natural Fears

Some have distorted images of Christianity
They are going to lose more than they'll ever gain - misunderstanding God's character

Taste the Lord, his is good - Psalms 34:8

In John 10, Jesus sensed that people were worried about God's plan for their lives
The evil one comes to destroy your life. But I am not like him. I came to give you life to the full.

Christian it not only great way to die but also a great way to live.

Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Word of God (part III)
Acts 17:10-12
  • We are ultimately responsible for what we believe.
  • Religious leaders can be wrong, so we cannot be lazy.
  • Review in greater depth the lessons and sermons you hear to be sure about what you are being taught.
  • Are you willing to take personal responsibility for knowing what the Bible says?
Psalms 1, Psalms 19:7-11
  • The Bible is more than just words on a page.
  • We need to develop a thirst and devotion to the word of God.
  • How eager are you to regularly meditate on the Scriptures?
Isaiah 66:1-2
  • Our attitude should be one of humility, reverence and awe for God’s word.
  • Are you willing to live by the Bible, taking God at his Word in your relationship with him?
  • Are you willing to trust God’s Word above your own feelings, religious traditions or religious leaders?
  • Will you seek to understand God’s will and ways through his inspired Word?


Word of God (part III)
Acts 17:10-12
  • We are ultimately responsible for what we believe.
  • Religious leaders can be wrong, so we cannot be lazy.
  • Review in greater depth the lessons and sermons you hear to be sure about what you are being taught.
  • Are you willing to take personal responsibility for knowing what the Bible says?
Psalms 1, Psalms 19:7-11
  • The Bible is more than just words on a page.
  • We need to develop a thirst and devotion to the word of God.
  • How eager are you to regularly meditate on the Scriptures?
Isaiah 66:1-2
  • Our attitude should be one of humility, reverence and awe for God’s word.
  • Are you willing to live by the Bible, taking God at his Word in your relationship with him?
  • Are you willing to trust God’s Word above your own feelings, religious traditions or religious leaders?
  • Will you seek to understand God’s will and ways through his inspired Word?


Word of God (part III)
Acts 17:10-12
  • We are ultimately responsible for what we believe.
  • Religious leaders can be wrong, so we cannot be lazy.
  • Review in greater depth the lessons and sermons you hear to be sure about what you are being taught.
  • Are you willing to take personal responsibility for knowing what the Bible says?
Psalms 1, Psalms 19:7-11
  • The Bible is more than just words on a page.
  • We need to develop a thirst and devotion to the word of God.
  • How eager are you to regularly meditate on the Scriptures?
Isaiah 66:1-2
  • Our attitude should be one of humility, reverence and awe for God’s word.
  • Are you willing to live by the Bible, taking God at his Word in your relationship with him?
  • Are you willing to trust God’s Word above your own feelings, religious traditions or religious leaders?
  • Will you seek to understand God’s will and ways through his inspired Word?


Word of God (part III)
Acts 17:10-12
  • We are ultimately responsible for what we believe.
  • Religious leaders can be wrong, so we cannot be lazy.
  • Review in greater depth the lessons and sermons you hear to be sure about what you are being taught.
  • Are you willing to take personal responsibility for knowing what the Bible says?
Psalms 1, Psalms 19:7-11
  • The Bible is more than just words on a page.
  • We need to develop a thirst and devotion to the word of God.
  • How eager are you to regularly meditate on the Scriptures?
Isaiah 66:1-2
  • Our attitude should be one of humility, reverence and awe for God’s word.
  • Are you willing to live by the Bible, taking God at his Word in your relationship with him?
  • Are you willing to trust God’s Word above your own feelings, religious traditions or religious leaders?
  • Will you seek to understand God’s will and ways through his inspired Word?


Word of God (part III)
Acts 17:10-12
  • We are ultimately responsible for what we believe.
  • Religious leaders can be wrong, so we cannot be lazy.
  • Review in greater depth the lessons and sermons you hear to be sure about what you are being taught.
  • Are you willing to take personal responsibility for knowing what the Bible says?
Psalms 1, Psalms 19:7-11
  • The Bible is more than just words on a page.
  • We need to develop a thirst and devotion to the word of God.
  • How eager are you to regularly meditate on the Scriptures?
Isaiah 66:1-2
  • Our attitude should be one of humility, reverence and awe for God’s word.
  • Are you willing to live by the Bible, taking God at his Word in your relationship with him?
  • Are you willing to trust God’s Word above your own feelings, religious traditions or religious leaders?
  • Will you seek to understand God’s will and ways through his inspired Word?


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Surgery
The Remedy for heart related issues:
  1. Psalms 51:17 - Brokenness
  2. 1 Kings 8:37-40 - Admission of sin
  3. Psalms 51:10 - Pray for a new heart
  4. Psalms 112:1,7-8 - Fear God, delight in His commands
  5. Proverbs 5:10-14, 10:8 - Love correction and accept commands


Followup - Heart Surgery
The Remedy for heart related issues:
  1. Psalms 51:17 - Brokenness
  2. 1 Kings 8:37-40 - Admission of sin
  3. Psalms 51:10 - Pray for a new heart
  4. Psalms 112:1,7-8 - Fear God, delight in His commands
  5. Proverbs 5:10-14, 10:8 - Love correction and accept commands


Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


Cross of Christ - Kansas City (part I)
Purpose: Understand how the Bible explains what Jesus went through before/during and after the cross

Painful betrayal of a friend
Matthew 26:14-30
  • Judas had already decided in his heart and actions to betray Jesus. Then he watched for an opportunity to carry out sin.
  • Share: A person's heart can be so hard that they no longer fear God - Psalms 36:1-3
  • In spite of knowing that Judas was lying and plotting to have him killed, Jesus still loved him.
  • The disciples had no clue who it was.
  • Jesus' heart and actions never expressed any anger/resentment toward Judas
Pain of Friends Mistrust
Matthew 26:31-35
  • Peter accepted the words of Jesus until it came time to apply them to his life.
  • Share: Peter's prideful refusal to accept Jesus will for his life lead other down the wrong path


Cross of Christ - Kansas City (part I)
Purpose: Understand how the Bible explains what Jesus went through before/during and after the cross

Painful betrayal of a friend
Matthew 26:14-30
  • Judas had already decided in his heart and actions to betray Jesus. Then he watched for an opportunity to carry out sin.
  • Share: A person's heart can be so hard that they no longer fear God - Psalms 36:1-3
  • In spite of knowing that Judas was lying and plotting to have him killed, Jesus still loved him.
  • The disciples had no clue who it was.
  • Jesus' heart and actions never expressed any anger/resentment toward Judas
Pain of Friends Mistrust
Matthew 26:31-35
  • Peter accepted the words of Jesus until it came time to apply them to his life.
  • Share: Peter's prideful refusal to accept Jesus will for his life lead other down the wrong path


Cross of Christ - Kansas City (part I)
Purpose: Understand how the Bible explains what Jesus went through before/during and after the cross

Painful betrayal of a friend
Matthew 26:14-30
  • Judas had already decided in his heart and actions to betray Jesus. Then he watched for an opportunity to carry out sin.
  • Share: A person's heart can be so hard that they no longer fear God - Psalms 36:1-3
  • In spite of knowing that Judas was lying and plotting to have him killed, Jesus still loved him.
  • The disciples had no clue who it was.
  • Jesus' heart and actions never expressed any anger/resentment toward Judas
Pain of Friends Mistrust
Matthew 26:31-35
  • Peter accepted the words of Jesus until it came time to apply them to his life.
  • Share: Peter's prideful refusal to accept Jesus will for his life lead other down the wrong path


God Is (part II)
Day two of studying who God is:
  • Everywhere - Psalms 139:7-12
  • Forgiving - Psalms 86:5; Daniel 9:9; Ephesians 1:7
  • Good - 1 Peter 2:3
  • Gracious - Exodus 33:19; Psalms 111:4; 1 Peter 5:10
  • Hates Sin - Psalms 5:5-6; Habakkuk 1:13


God Is (part II)
Day two of studying who God is:
  • Everywhere - Psalms 139:7-12
  • Forgiving - Psalms 86:5; Daniel 9:9; Ephesians 1:7
  • Good - 1 Peter 2:3
  • Gracious - Exodus 33:19; Psalms 111:4; 1 Peter 5:10
  • Hates Sin - Psalms 5:5-6; Habakkuk 1:13


God Is (part II)
Day two of studying who God is:
  • Everywhere - Psalms 139:7-12
  • Forgiving - Psalms 86:5; Daniel 9:9; Ephesians 1:7
  • Good - 1 Peter 2:3
  • Gracious - Exodus 33:19; Psalms 111:4; 1 Peter 5:10
  • Hates Sin - Psalms 5:5-6; Habakkuk 1:13


God Is (part II)
Day two of studying who God is:
  • Everywhere - Psalms 139:7-12
  • Forgiving - Psalms 86:5; Daniel 9:9; Ephesians 1:7
  • Good - 1 Peter 2:3
  • Gracious - Exodus 33:19; Psalms 111:4; 1 Peter 5:10
  • Hates Sin - Psalms 5:5-6; Habakkuk 1:13


God Is (part II)
Day two of studying who God is:
  • Everywhere - Psalms 139:7-12
  • Forgiving - Psalms 86:5; Daniel 9:9; Ephesians 1:7
  • Good - 1 Peter 2:3
  • Gracious - Exodus 33:19; Psalms 111:4; 1 Peter 5:10
  • Hates Sin - Psalms 5:5-6; Habakkuk 1:13


God Is (part II)
Day two of studying who God is:
  • Everywhere - Psalms 139:7-12
  • Forgiving - Psalms 86:5; Daniel 9:9; Ephesians 1:7
  • Good - 1 Peter 2:3
  • Gracious - Exodus 33:19; Psalms 111:4; 1 Peter 5:10
  • Hates Sin - Psalms 5:5-6; Habakkuk 1:13


God Is (part III)
Continuing study about who God is:
  • Holy - Psalms 99:9
  • Incomprehensible - Psalms 145:3; Romans 11:33
  • Infinite - Jeremiah 23:24; Psalms 147:5
  • Invisible - 1 Timothy 1:17
  • Just In All His Judgment - Nehemiah 9:32-33; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7


God Is (part III)
Continuing study about who God is:
  • Holy - Psalms 99:9
  • Incomprehensible - Psalms 145:3; Romans 11:33
  • Infinite - Jeremiah 23:24; Psalms 147:5
  • Invisible - 1 Timothy 1:17
  • Just In All His Judgment - Nehemiah 9:32-33; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7


God Is (part V)
Studying about God each day:
  • Most Holy - Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8
  • Most Free - Psalms 115:3
  • Most Absolute - Isaiah 44:6; Acts 17:24-25
  • Most Pure Spirit - John 4:24
  • Most Loving - 1 John 4:8-10


Old Testament - Seeking God
Old Testament Seeking God study
  • Isaiah 1:2 - God created us and cared for us but we rebelled agianst him
  • Jeremiah 29:11-14 - Will find God if you seek me with all your heart and soul
  • Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is supreme but it will cost you all you have
  • Psalms 10:4 - The arrogent say 'God won't hold me accountable'
  • Psalms 42:1-2 - David thirst for God
  • Psalms 62:1 - David waited patiently for God
  • Psalms 63:1 - He longed, thristed, yearned for God
  • Psalms 61:2 - He called out to God in despair


Old Testament - Seeking God
Old Testament Seeking God study
  • Isaiah 1:2 - God created us and cared for us but we rebelled agianst him
  • Jeremiah 29:11-14 - Will find God if you seek me with all your heart and soul
  • Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is supreme but it will cost you all you have
  • Psalms 10:4 - The arrogent say 'God won't hold me accountable'
  • Psalms 42:1-2 - David thirst for God
  • Psalms 62:1 - David waited patiently for God
  • Psalms 63:1 - He longed, thristed, yearned for God
  • Psalms 61:2 - He called out to God in despair


Old Testament - Seeking God
Old Testament Seeking God study
  • Isaiah 1:2 - God created us and cared for us but we rebelled agianst him
  • Jeremiah 29:11-14 - Will find God if you seek me with all your heart and soul
  • Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is supreme but it will cost you all you have
  • Psalms 10:4 - The arrogent say 'God won't hold me accountable'
  • Psalms 42:1-2 - David thirst for God
  • Psalms 62:1 - David waited patiently for God
  • Psalms 63:1 - He longed, thristed, yearned for God
  • Psalms 61:2 - He called out to God in despair


Old Testament - Seeking God
Old Testament Seeking God study
  • Isaiah 1:2 - God created us and cared for us but we rebelled agianst him
  • Jeremiah 29:11-14 - Will find God if you seek me with all your heart and soul
  • Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is supreme but it will cost you all you have
  • Psalms 10:4 - The arrogent say 'God won't hold me accountable'
  • Psalms 42:1-2 - David thirst for God
  • Psalms 62:1 - David waited patiently for God
  • Psalms 63:1 - He longed, thristed, yearned for God
  • Psalms 61:2 - He called out to God in despair


Old Testament - Seeking God
Old Testament Seeking God study
  • Isaiah 1:2 - God created us and cared for us but we rebelled agianst him
  • Jeremiah 29:11-14 - Will find God if you seek me with all your heart and soul
  • Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is supreme but it will cost you all you have
  • Psalms 10:4 - The arrogent say 'God won't hold me accountable'
  • Psalms 42:1-2 - David thirst for God
  • Psalms 62:1 - David waited patiently for God
  • Psalms 63:1 - He longed, thristed, yearned for God
  • Psalms 61:2 - He called out to God in despair


Old Testament - Seeking God
Old Testament Seeking God study
  • Isaiah 1:2 - God created us and cared for us but we rebelled agianst him
  • Jeremiah 29:11-14 - Will find God if you seek me with all your heart and soul
  • Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is supreme but it will cost you all you have
  • Psalms 10:4 - The arrogent say 'God won't hold me accountable'
  • Psalms 42:1-2 - David thirst for God
  • Psalms 62:1 - David waited patiently for God
  • Psalms 63:1 - He longed, thristed, yearned for God
  • Psalms 61:2 - He called out to God in despair


Old Testament - Sin

Old Testament scriptures about sin

  • Ecclesiastes 7:20 - There is not a righteous man on earth
  • Leviticus 18 - If a persons sins, he will be cut off
  • Ecclesiastes 4:4 - Achievement will not get get us to heaven
  • Genesis 4:7 - if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door
  • Proverbs 6:16-19 - God hates sin
  • Isaiah 59:1-3 - Sin separates us from God
  • Psalms 26:1-2 - We need to turn from our ways and live blamelessly

 



Old Testament - Sin

Old Testament scriptures about sin

  • Ecclesiastes 7:20 - There is not a righteous man on earth
  • Leviticus 18 - If a persons sins, he will be cut off
  • Ecclesiastes 4:4 - Achievement will not get get us to heaven
  • Genesis 4:7 - if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door
  • Proverbs 6:16-19 - God hates sin
  • Isaiah 59:1-3 - Sin separates us from God
  • Psalms 26:1-2 - We need to turn from our ways and live blamelessly

 



Old Testament - The Word

Old Testament scriptures about the Word

  • Jeremiah 23:29 - God's word is like a fire and hammer
  • Hosea 4:6 - People are destroyed from lack of knowledge
  • Jeremiah 8:7 - Animals obey God but His people pay no attention
  • Psalms 12:6 - LORD's words are absolutely reliable
  • Proverbs 30:5-6 - Every word of God is flawless
  • Deuteronomy 4:2 - Keep the commandments of the LORD your God; do not add or take away from it
  • Psalms 119 - God's Word should be held in the highest reguard


Old Testament - Messianic Prophecy

Scriptures about Messianic Prophecy

  • Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - His form was so marred he no longer looked human
  • Genesis 22:1-18 - Abraham did not withheld his son, your only son
  • Psalms 16:8-10 - He will you let your Holy One see decay
  • Psalms 2:7  - Messiah will be God's Son
  • Genesis 12:3 - All peoples on earth will be blessed through you
  • Deuteronomy 18:15 - The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you
  • Micah 5:2 - From Judah will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel
  • Isaiah 7:14 - The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel
  • Isaiah 9:1-2 - Future: people walking in darkness have seen a great light
  • Isaiah 9:6 - a son has been given to us: Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace


Old Testament - Messianic Prophecy

Scriptures about Messianic Prophecy

  • Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - His form was so marred he no longer looked human
  • Genesis 22:1-18 - Abraham did not withheld his son, your only son
  • Psalms 16:8-10 - He will you let your Holy One see decay
  • Psalms 2:7  - Messiah will be God's Son
  • Genesis 12:3 - All peoples on earth will be blessed through you
  • Deuteronomy 18:15 - The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you
  • Micah 5:2 - From Judah will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel
  • Isaiah 7:14 - The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel
  • Isaiah 9:1-2 - Future: people walking in darkness have seen a great light
  • Isaiah 9:6 - a son has been given to us: Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace


Old Testament - Messianic Prophecy

Scriptures about Messianic Prophecy

  • Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - His form was so marred he no longer looked human
  • Genesis 22:1-18 - Abraham did not withheld his son, your only son
  • Psalms 16:8-10 - He will you let your Holy One see decay
  • Psalms 2:7  - Messiah will be God's Son
  • Genesis 12:3 - All peoples on earth will be blessed through you
  • Deuteronomy 18:15 - The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you
  • Micah 5:2 - From Judah will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel
  • Isaiah 7:14 - The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel
  • Isaiah 9:1-2 - Future: people walking in darkness have seen a great light
  • Isaiah 9:6 - a son has been given to us: Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace


Names of the Church (part IV)
More scriptures about the name given to the church:
  • Holy city - Revelations 21:2
  • Holy mountain - Zechariah 8:3
  • Holy hill - Psalms 15:1
  • House of God - 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 10:21
  • House of the God of Jacob - Isaiah 2:3
  • House of Christ - Hebrews 3:6
  • Household of God - Ephesians 2:19


Names of the Church (part I)

Starting to study the names of the church as

  • Assembly of the saints - Psalms 89:7
  • Assembly of the upright - Psalms 111:1
  • Body of Christ - Ephesians 1:22,23; Colossians 1:24
  • Branch of God's planting - Isaiah 60:21
  • Bride of Christ - Revelation 21:9
  • Church of God - Acts 20:28
  • Church of the Living God - 1 Timothy 3:15
  • Church of the first-born - Hebrews 12:23


Names of the Church (part I)

Starting to study the names of the church as

  • Assembly of the saints - Psalms 89:7
  • Assembly of the upright - Psalms 111:1
  • Body of Christ - Ephesians 1:22,23; Colossians 1:24
  • Branch of God's planting - Isaiah 60:21
  • Bride of Christ - Revelation 21:9
  • Church of God - Acts 20:28
  • Church of the Living God - 1 Timothy 3:15
  • Church of the first-born - Hebrews 12:23


Names of the Church (part II)
More scriptures about the church's names:
  • City of the Living God - Hebrews 12:22
  • Congregation of saints - Psalms 149:1
  • Congregation of the Lord's poor - Psalms 74:19
  • Dove - Song of Solomon 2:14; 5:2
  • Family in heaven and earth - Ephesians 3:15
  • Flock of God - Ezekiel 34:15; 1 Peter 5:2
  • Fold of Christ - John 10:16


Names of the Church (part II)
More scriptures about the church's names:
  • City of the Living God - Hebrews 12:22
  • Congregation of saints - Psalms 149:1
  • Congregation of the Lord's poor - Psalms 74:19
  • Dove - Song of Solomon 2:14; 5:2
  • Family in heaven and earth - Ephesians 3:15
  • Flock of God - Ezekiel 34:15; 1 Peter 5:2
  • Fold of Christ - John 10:16


Names of the Church (part V)
Church study via names:
  • Inheritance - Psalms 28:9; Isaiah 19:25
  • Israel of God - Galatians 6:16
  • King's daughter - Psalms 45:13
  • Lamb's wife - Revelations 19:7; 21:9
  • Lot of God's inheritance - Deuteronomy 32:9
  • Mount Zion - Psalms 2:6; Hebrews 12:22
  • Mountain of the Lord's house - Isaiah 2:2
  • New Jerusalem - Revelations 21:2


Names of the Church (part VI)
Last day of the study of church names:
  1. Pillar and ground of the truth - 1 Timothy 3:15
  2. Sanctuary of God - Psalms 114:2
  3. Spiritual house - 1 Peter 2:5
  4. Spouse of Christ - Song of Solomon 4:12; 5:1
  5. Sought out, a city not forsaken - Isaiah 62:12
  6. Temple of God - 1 Corinthians 3:16,17
  7. Temple of the Living God - 2 Corinthians 6:16
  8. Vineyard - Jeremiah 12:10; Matthew 21:41


Names of the Believers (part II)
Study of names of believers - continued:
  • Children of the Lord - Deuteronomy 14:1
  • Children of God - John 11:52; 1 John 3:10
  • Children of the Living God - Romans 9:26
  • Children of the Father - Matthew 5:45
  • Children of the Highest - Luke 6:35
  • Children of Abraham - Galatians 3:7
  • Children of Jacob - Psalms 105:6


Names of the Believers (part V)
Selected scriptures of names of believers:
  • Elect of God - Colossians 3:12; Titus 1:1
  • Epistles of Christ - 2 Corinthians 3:3
  • Excellent, The - Psalms 16:3
  • Faithful brethren in Christ - Colossians 1:2
  • Faithful, The - Psalms 12:1
  • Faithful of the land - Psalms 101:6


Names of the Believers (part V)
Selected scriptures of names of believers:
  • Elect of God - Colossians 3:12; Titus 1:1
  • Epistles of Christ - 2 Corinthians 3:3
  • Excellent, The - Psalms 16:3
  • Faithful brethren in Christ - Colossians 1:2
  • Faithful, The - Psalms 12:1
  • Faithful of the land - Psalms 101:6


Names of the Believers (part V)
Selected scriptures of names of believers:
  • Elect of God - Colossians 3:12; Titus 1:1
  • Epistles of Christ - 2 Corinthians 3:3
  • Excellent, The - Psalms 16:3
  • Faithful brethren in Christ - Colossians 1:2
  • Faithful, The - Psalms 12:1
  • Faithful of the land - Psalms 101:6


Names of the Believers (part X)
More names of believers:
  • Members of Christ - 1 Corinthians 6:15; Ephesians 5:30
  • Men of God - Deuteronomy 33:1; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 3:17
  • Obedient children - 1 Peter 1:14
  • Peculiar people - Deuteronomy 14:2; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9
  • Peculiar treasure - Exodus 19:5; Psalms 135:4
  • People of God - Hebrews 4:9; 1 Peter 2:10


Names of the Believers (part XI)
Other names given to the church:
  • People near to God - Psalms 148:14
  • People saved by the Lord - Deuteronomy 33:29
  • Pillars in the temple of God - Revelations 3:12
  • Ransomed of the Lord - Isaiah 35:10
  • Redeemed of the Lord - Isaiah 51:11
  • Royal priesthood - 1 Peter 2:9


Names of the Believers (part XII)
Alternative names for the church:
  • Salt of the earth - Matthew 5:13
  • Servants of Christ - 1 Corinthians 7:22; Ephesians 6:6
  • Servants of righteousness - Romans 6:18
  • Sheep of Christ - John 10:1-16; 21:16
  • Sojourners with God - Leviticus 25:23; Psalms 39:12
  • Sons of God - John 1:12; Philippians 2:15; 1 John 3:1,2


Mind of Christ - Intro (part I)
Why should we study the topic “Having the mind of Christ”? - 1 Corinthians 2:12-16

Man’s heart must be reshaped to think and act like God’s
  1. God is righteous and perfect in all His ways
  • His way is perfect and flawless - Psalms 18:30
  • The LORD is righteous in all his ways - Psalms 145:17
  1. Man is unrighteous and sinful
  • There is no one righteous, not even one - Romans 3:10, 13
  • The heart is deceitful above all things - Jeremiah 17:9


Mind of Christ - Intro (part I)
Why should we study the topic “Having the mind of Christ”? - 1 Corinthians 2:12-16

Man’s heart must be reshaped to think and act like God’s
  1. God is righteous and perfect in all His ways
  • His way is perfect and flawless - Psalms 18:30
  • The LORD is righteous in all his ways - Psalms 145:17
  1. Man is unrighteous and sinful
  • There is no one righteous, not even one - Romans 3:10, 13
  • The heart is deceitful above all things - Jeremiah 17:9


Fearing God - Beyond Compare (part II)
Another relationship between the fear of the Lord and trusting in him:

Psalms 33:19 - The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him and hope in his unfailing love
Verse starts out talking about the vanity of trusting in the army, own strength, or even of a horse

Why should we trust in him? Proceeding verse tell us

His mighty power in creation; His absolute sovereignty over nations
As we become convicted of His greatness, we will fear him - stand in awe of him - trust in him

We can not separate trust in God from the fear of God
We will trust Him only to the extent that we genuinely stand in awe of Him

The history of the Hebrews - how poorly they learned to fear Him
Psalms 78:32 - Through all the things God did; they did not trust him

God works everyday - one way we remind ourselves of his mighty acts is reading the historical sections of the Old Testament

Fearing God - Beyond Compare (part II)
Another relationship between the fear of the Lord and trusting in him:

Psalms 33:19 - The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him and hope in his unfailing love
Verse starts out talking about the vanity of trusting in the army, own strength, or even of a horse

Why should we trust in him? Proceeding verse tell us

His mighty power in creation; His absolute sovereignty over nations
As we become convicted of His greatness, we will fear him - stand in awe of him - trust in him

We can not separate trust in God from the fear of God
We will trust Him only to the extent that we genuinely stand in awe of Him

The history of the Hebrews - how poorly they learned to fear Him
Psalms 78:32 - Through all the things God did; they did not trust him

God works everyday - one way we remind ourselves of his mighty acts is reading the historical sections of the Old Testament

Fearing God - Unfathomably Great
Scriptures often uses the word great or greatness to describe God's mighty acts

Moses refers to the Lord as a great and awesome God - Deuteronomy 7:21
Moses: the great God, mighty and awesome - Deuteronomy 10:17
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise - Psalms 96:4
Praise him for his acts of power, greatness - Psalms 150:2
Great is the Lord and worthy of praise - Psalms 145:3

God's greatness is infinite

However great we may perceive him, we still have not fully grasped it



Fearing God - Unfathomably Great
Scriptures often uses the word great or greatness to describe God's mighty acts

Moses refers to the Lord as a great and awesome God - Deuteronomy 7:21
Moses: the great God, mighty and awesome - Deuteronomy 10:17
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise - Psalms 96:4
Praise him for his acts of power, greatness - Psalms 150:2
Great is the Lord and worthy of praise - Psalms 145:3

God's greatness is infinite

However great we may perceive him, we still have not fully grasped it



Fearing God - Unfathomably Great
Scriptures often uses the word great or greatness to describe God's mighty acts

Moses refers to the Lord as a great and awesome God - Deuteronomy 7:21
Moses: the great God, mighty and awesome - Deuteronomy 10:17
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise - Psalms 96:4
Praise him for his acts of power, greatness - Psalms 150:2
Great is the Lord and worthy of praise - Psalms 145:3

God's greatness is infinite

However great we may perceive him, we still have not fully grasped it



Fearing God - Splendor on Display
DNA is estimated to contain instructions that would fill 1,000 600-page books yet it all would fit inside an ice cube

Human brain consists of 10 billion nerve cells

The best possible end of all God's actions is His own glory
Everything God does or allows in all His creation must ultimately serve His glory - there is no end higher

How many are your works? the earth is full of your creatures - Psalms 104:24
All creation is an art gallery for which God displays His splendor of His wisdom

Intricate designs are endless in their variety

In USA and Canada:
  • 700 varieties of butterflies
  • 8,000 varieties of moths
He simply spoke and all the works of nature came into being
God did not have to rely on trial and error


Fearing God - Mystery Too High
God work contrary to how we would
God wisdom is infinite; ours in finite
We tend to assume we would understand if God would just explain
We don't believe that "his understanding no one can fathom - Isiah 40:28

On the road to Emmaus, they said "they hoped Jesus was the one going to redeem Israel - Luke 24:21
They did not understand what God was doing even doing even as it was unfolding

Unexplained setback may never be understood
Paul planned to sail to Rome and Spain but ended up in jail for 2 years - Acts 24:27

Humility should be a hallmark those who fear God
I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me - Psalms 131:1


Fearing God - Awe and Gratitude
Awe and Gratitude are two expressions of the proper way of fearing God

With you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared - Psalms 130:4

Neither awe nor gratitude alone can represent adequately show the meaning of the fear of the Lord
At the same time:
  • Unapproachable light - 1 Timothy 1:17
  • Abba, father - Romans 8:15
Three most profound words in the Bible: God is love - 1 John 4:8
More than God is loving, he is love
This is love: He sent his Son as a atoning sacrifice - 1 John 4:9-10

God showed his love by sending His Son.

Fearing God - Requirements for growth (part I)

The first requirement of growing in fear is having an undivided heart

Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name - Psalms 86:11

It dentoes singleness of purpose, aim, and affections
No one can have two masters

Second requirement is regular, consistent exposure of our minds and hearts to His Word:

  • Reading it for ourselves
  • Hearing it taught
  • Studying it for ourselves

Saul fell down in fear before Christ
"He asked Who are you, Lord?" and "What shall I do, Lord? - Acts 22:8,10

 



Followup: Grace (part II)
Grace is almost too good to be true, but it is. The goal of this study is to help you to see the real God who loves you and how valuable you are to him. He valued you at the cost of his only Son, whom he gave up so that thee could be grace to forgive your sins and restore your relationship with him.

Psalms 103:8-10
  • Think of 2 of the most convicting sins in your life
  • What do you deserve for them?
    • Punishment (not being trusted, retribution, etc…)
God sees everything we do and think and he knows what we deserve. Yet it is his grace that gives us forgiveness rather than punishment.

Matthew 18:21-35
  • We owe God a debt we could never repay.
  • God has given us grace so we need to extend it to others as well.
  • The more you see your sin the more you can understand God’s grace.
The number 7 (vs. 21) was a number that meant perfection. Jesus said not just 7 times (perfection) but eternal perfection of forgiveness.

As you continue your walk with God picture yourself in a world of God’s grace. And remember every time you stumble or fall down your landing in God’s grace. Just get back up and continue on in God’s grace. Not once, not twice, not seven times but continue on in God’s grace for eternity.

Followup: Grace (part II)
Grace is almost too good to be true, but it is. The goal of this study is to help you to see the real God who loves you and how valuable you are to him. He valued you at the cost of his only Son, whom he gave up so that thee could be grace to forgive your sins and restore your relationship with him.

Psalms 103:8-10
  • Think of 2 of the most convicting sins in your life
  • What do you deserve for them?
    • Punishment (not being trusted, retribution, etc…)
God sees everything we do and think and he knows what we deserve. Yet it is his grace that gives us forgiveness rather than punishment.

Matthew 18:21-35
  • We owe God a debt we could never repay.
  • God has given us grace so we need to extend it to others as well.
  • The more you see your sin the more you can understand God’s grace.
The number 7 (vs. 21) was a number that meant perfection. Jesus said not just 7 times (perfection) but eternal perfection of forgiveness.

As you continue your walk with God picture yourself in a world of God’s grace. And remember every time you stumble or fall down your landing in God’s grace. Just get back up and continue on in God’s grace. Not once, not twice, not seven times but continue on in God’s grace for eternity.

Followup: Grace (part II)
Grace is almost too good to be true, but it is. The goal of this study is to help you to see the real God who loves you and how valuable you are to him. He valued you at the cost of his only Son, whom he gave up so that thee could be grace to forgive your sins and restore your relationship with him.

Psalms 103:8-10
  • Think of 2 of the most convicting sins in your life
  • What do you deserve for them?
    • Punishment (not being trusted, retribution, etc…)
God sees everything we do and think and he knows what we deserve. Yet it is his grace that gives us forgiveness rather than punishment.

Matthew 18:21-35
  • We owe God a debt we could never repay.
  • God has given us grace so we need to extend it to others as well.
  • The more you see your sin the more you can understand God’s grace.
The number 7 (vs. 21) was a number that meant perfection. Jesus said not just 7 times (perfection) but eternal perfection of forgiveness.

As you continue your walk with God picture yourself in a world of God’s grace. And remember every time you stumble or fall down your landing in God’s grace. Just get back up and continue on in God’s grace. Not once, not twice, not seven times but continue on in God’s grace for eternity.

Followup: Humility I (part I)
Humility is essential in beginning and maintaining a relationship with God. Pride, the opposite of humility, is often difficult to see in yourself and difficult to define in one’s character. It can be described as stubbornness toward God and his Word as well as others, or as independence from God and/or others.

Let’s look at a few examples of what humility is NOT.
  1. Stubborn: Pharaoh was stubborn towards the Lord’s will - Exodus 13:15
  2. Pride: It’s hard to see your own pride but others can easily - Psalms 73:6
  3. Arrogance: God hates arrogance - Proverbs 8:13
Let’s look at what examples of humility truly looks like.
  1. Proverbs 15:33 - fear of God brings about wisdom and humility
  2. Proverbs 16:3 - put God first and you will be successful
  3. Philippians 2:3 - putting others before yourself
  4. Colossians 3:12 - we are to put on humility daily
  5. 1 Peter 5:5 - respect others and clothe yourself with humility


Followup: Purity (part II)
2 Timothy 2:22
A. What does it mean to “flee” from something?
     To desperately run away from something dangerous (a murderer, predator, etc…)
B. What does it mean to “pursue” something?
     To move toward something with all your strength
Ephesians 5:3-7
  • How much is a hint? Are there any hints in your life?
  •  What does God call us to replace impurity with?
How do you overcome these temptations? Psalms 119:9-16
* We overcome sin by meditating on God’s precepts (word) and following his statues.
James 5:16 (we as a family are here for each other, not to judge but to support)
* God wants you to be pure and holy, he’s given you his word and spiritual brothers and sisters to help you on your spiritual journey.


Followup: Purity (part II)
2 Timothy 2:22
A. What does it mean to “flee” from something?
     To desperately run away from something dangerous (a murderer, predator, etc…)
B. What does it mean to “pursue” something?
     To move toward something with all your strength
Ephesians 5:3-7
  • How much is a hint? Are there any hints in your life?
  •  What does God call us to replace impurity with?
How do you overcome these temptations? Psalms 119:9-16
* We overcome sin by meditating on God’s precepts (word) and following his statues.
James 5:16 (we as a family are here for each other, not to judge but to support)
* God wants you to be pure and holy, he’s given you his word and spiritual brothers and sisters to help you on your spiritual journey.


Followup: Purity (part II)
2 Timothy 2:22
A. What does it mean to “flee” from something?
     To desperately run away from something dangerous (a murderer, predator, etc…)
B. What does it mean to “pursue” something?
     To move toward something with all your strength
Ephesians 5:3-7
  • How much is a hint? Are there any hints in your life?
  •  What does God call us to replace impurity with?
How do you overcome these temptations? Psalms 119:9-16
* We overcome sin by meditating on God’s precepts (word) and following his statues.
James 5:16 (we as a family are here for each other, not to judge but to support)
* God wants you to be pure and holy, he’s given you his word and spiritual brothers and sisters to help you on your spiritual journey.


Followup: Purity (part II)
2 Timothy 2:22
A. What does it mean to “flee” from something?
     To desperately run away from something dangerous (a murderer, predator, etc…)
B. What does it mean to “pursue” something?
     To move toward something with all your strength
Ephesians 5:3-7
  • How much is a hint? Are there any hints in your life?
  •  What does God call us to replace impurity with?
How do you overcome these temptations? Psalms 119:9-16
* We overcome sin by meditating on God’s precepts (word) and following his statues.
James 5:16 (we as a family are here for each other, not to judge but to support)
* God wants you to be pure and holy, he’s given you his word and spiritual brothers and sisters to help you on your spiritual journey.


Followup: Purity (part II)
2 Timothy 2:22
A. What does it mean to “flee” from something?
     To desperately run away from something dangerous (a murderer, predator, etc…)
B. What does it mean to “pursue” something?
     To move toward something with all your strength
Ephesians 5:3-7
  • How much is a hint? Are there any hints in your life?
  •  What does God call us to replace impurity with?
How do you overcome these temptations? Psalms 119:9-16
* We overcome sin by meditating on God’s precepts (word) and following his statues.
James 5:16 (we as a family are here for each other, not to judge but to support)
* God wants you to be pure and holy, he’s given you his word and spiritual brothers and sisters to help you on your spiritual journey.


Followup: Purity (part II)
2 Timothy 2:22
A. What does it mean to “flee” from something?
     To desperately run away from something dangerous (a murderer, predator, etc…)
B. What does it mean to “pursue” something?
     To move toward something with all your strength
Ephesians 5:3-7
  • How much is a hint? Are there any hints in your life?
  •  What does God call us to replace impurity with?
How do you overcome these temptations? Psalms 119:9-16
* We overcome sin by meditating on God’s precepts (word) and following his statues.
James 5:16 (we as a family are here for each other, not to judge but to support)
* God wants you to be pure and holy, he’s given you his word and spiritual brothers and sisters to help you on your spiritual journey.


Followup: Purity (part II)
2 Timothy 2:22
A. What does it mean to “flee” from something?
     To desperately run away from something dangerous (a murderer, predator, etc…)
B. What does it mean to “pursue” something?
     To move toward something with all your strength
Ephesians 5:3-7
  • How much is a hint? Are there any hints in your life?
  •  What does God call us to replace impurity with?
How do you overcome these temptations? Psalms 119:9-16
* We overcome sin by meditating on God’s precepts (word) and following his statues.
James 5:16 (we as a family are here for each other, not to judge but to support)
* God wants you to be pure and holy, he’s given you his word and spiritual brothers and sisters to help you on your spiritual journey.


Followup: Purity (part II)
2 Timothy 2:22
A. What does it mean to “flee” from something?
     To desperately run away from something dangerous (a murderer, predator, etc…)
B. What does it mean to “pursue” something?
     To move toward something with all your strength
Ephesians 5:3-7
  • How much is a hint? Are there any hints in your life?
  •  What does God call us to replace impurity with?
How do you overcome these temptations? Psalms 119:9-16
* We overcome sin by meditating on God’s precepts (word) and following his statues.
James 5:16 (we as a family are here for each other, not to judge but to support)
* God wants you to be pure and holy, he’s given you his word and spiritual brothers and sisters to help you on your spiritual journey.


Genesis 3 - The Fall of Man

Summary

The serpent deceived the woman; she and Adam ate from the tree. Man blamed woman, woman blamed the serpent. The earth became cursed, and God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden.

Observations

Genesis 3:1 - Did God really say
The first way Satan tries to get Eve to disobey God is to create doubt to what God said. Many times Satan does not even try to tell us to do a 180 turn (you might notice what is going on then) - just a slight detour to the right or to the left [Deuteronomy 5:32]. It does not take much to get us off course from the narrow road [Matthew 7:14].

Genesis 3:4 - You will not surely die
Another temptation Satan throws our way is doubt in his punishment or promises. He would love for us to believe we will be judged at the end of our lives [John 12:48].  "Live your life the way you want to" - Satan. He does not want you to remember the promises God has spoken to encourage us in our walk with him.

Genesis 3:6 - desirable for gaining wisdom
When struggling with sin, we often come up with "good" reasons why we need to sin. In this case, Eve comes up with a "spiritual" reason. She wanted to gain "wisdom" - we need to have wisdom in our daily lives, right? God does not always reveal everything to us and for good reason. We should start with fear of the Lord since it is the beginning of wisdom [Psalms 111:10].

Genesis 3:9 - Where are you?
Good question to ask ourselves all the time. Where am I in relation to God? We often "disappear" when we sin either physically or more likely mentally. When we look in a mirror [James 1:23-24], we are blinded and do not see our true selves. We don't want to deal with the underlying problems in our character - it will be paining and requires effort but in the end it is worth it.

Genesis 3:19 - dust you are and to dust you will return
If you need a reminder on humility, this scripture will help. We come from the dirt of the ground and we will return there someday. We need to seize the days we have - stop worrying about tomorrow [Matthew 6:34].

Personal Application

I need to be aware of Satan's tricks continuously. He does not want to be noticed. I need to pray and reflect on how I am living my life and find where Satan is getting me to deviate even a fraction of a degree. I need also examine my thought and find out they are out of line with God's Word. I will ask others what they see where I have taken a devour on God's narrow road.



Prayer of the Righeous - Knowing God through His Word (part II)

Bible Study Disciplines

Mark up your Bible in to different themes:

Example subjects:

  • Blue = God's qualities
  • Yellow = Love
  • Green = Sin and righteousness
  • Pink = prayer and faith
  • Purple = Joy
  • Orange = evangelism and discipling
  • Megenta = the spiritual world

Might circle references to God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit

Read the whole Bible every year

Foucused study on indivdual books and passages are good but it also important to have the broad picture of God's revelation ingrained in our hearts

Read the Bible everyday

Jesus lived on every word that came from the mouth of God - Matthew 4:4
The law required the kings of Israel to recopy and read out loud all the days of their lives - Deuteronomy 17:18-20
Bereans examined the scriptures every day - Acts 17:10-12

Memorize key verses

Memorizing scripture helps us to talk to God using quoted scripture (God's language) and keeps us pursuing righteousness
I have hideen tyour word in my heart so I might not sin against you - Psalms 119:11
Proverbs 22 advises to have the Proverbs ready on our lips

 



Mind Change - God is in control
God is in control

Today…tomorrow…forever. God is God.
Nothing is outside his sovereignty. He cannot lose control.

He is never surprised or unprepared.
God never asks, “What are we going to do now?”

Psalms 2:2-6 - The Lord is not bothered by a united front
Psalms 90:2 - you brought the world into being
Isaiah 50:7 - LORD helps me, so I am not humiliated

Mind Change - God is in control
God is in control

Today…tomorrow…forever. God is God.
Nothing is outside his sovereignty. He cannot lose control.

He is never surprised or unprepared.
God never asks, “What are we going to do now?”

Psalms 2:2-6 - The Lord is not bothered by a united front
Psalms 90:2 - you brought the world into being
Isaiah 50:7 - LORD helps me, so I am not humiliated

Mind Change - God is in control
God is in control

Today…tomorrow…forever. God is God.
Nothing is outside his sovereignty. He cannot lose control.

He is never surprised or unprepared.
God never asks, “What are we going to do now?”

Psalms 2:2-6 - The Lord is not bothered by a united front
Psalms 90:2 - you brought the world into being
Isaiah 50:7 - LORD helps me, so I am not humiliated

Mind Change - God is in control
God is in control

Today…tomorrow…forever. God is God.
Nothing is outside his sovereignty. He cannot lose control.

He is never surprised or unprepared.
God never asks, “What are we going to do now?”

Psalms 2:2-6 - The Lord is not bothered by a united front
Psalms 90:2 - you brought the world into being
Isaiah 50:7 - LORD helps me, so I am not humiliated

Mind Change - God is in control
God is in control

Today…tomorrow…forever. God is God.
Nothing is outside his sovereignty. He cannot lose control.

He is never surprised or unprepared.
God never asks, “What are we going to do now?”

Psalms 2:2-6 - The Lord is not bothered by a united front
Psalms 90:2 - you brought the world into being
Isaiah 50:7 - LORD helps me, so I am not humiliated

Mind Change - God is in control
God is in control

Today…tomorrow…forever. God is God.
Nothing is outside his sovereignty. He cannot lose control.

He is never surprised or unprepared.
God never asks, “What are we going to do now?”

Psalms 2:2-6 - The Lord is not bothered by a united front
Psalms 90:2 - you brought the world into being
Isaiah 50:7 - LORD helps me, so I am not humiliated

Mind Change - Simplicity
Be thankful. Laugh. Sing. Trust God.

Apply this today. Apply it every day.

Yes, even with what is happening today.

Don’t let any new development stop you.

Proverbs 31:25 - A noble woman can laugh in her days to come
Psalms 147:7 - Sing praises to our God
John 14:1 - You believe in God - no distress

Mind Change - Mood
Choose you mood.

If the one you have right now is not right, you can exchange it.

Don’t allow the “wrong side of the bed” to control your life.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose life over pride
Joshua 24:15 - Choose today whom you will worship
Psalms 119:30 - I have chosen the way of truth

Mind Change - Starting Out
Morning breath of the soul? Rinse it!

Waking up with the blahs?

Feeling unmotivated, uninspired, discouraged, depressed?

Dreading some things you have to do? Take a prayer and the Word and deal with it!

Say “This is not of God; I won’t stand for it.”

Psalms 5:3 - In the morning I will present my case
Psalms 42:5 - Put your hope in God
Hebrews 12:1-2 - We must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely

Mind Change - Starting Out
Morning breath of the soul? Rinse it!

Waking up with the blahs?

Feeling unmotivated, uninspired, discouraged, depressed?

Dreading some things you have to do? Take a prayer and the Word and deal with it!

Say “This is not of God; I won’t stand for it.”

Psalms 5:3 - In the morning I will present my case
Psalms 42:5 - Put your hope in God
Hebrews 12:1-2 - We must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely

Mind Change - God can handle it
With God, there is no straw that breaks the camel's back.

You may think, “I can’t take one more thing.”

But with God you always can.

You can take whatever he allows life to bring.

He will always be enough.

Psalms 34:17-19 - LORD delivers him from them all
1 Peter 5:10-11 - He will himself restore you and make you strong

Mind Change - God can handle it
With God, there is no straw that breaks the camel's back.

You may think, “I can’t take one more thing.”

But with God you always can.

You can take whatever he allows life to bring.

He will always be enough.

Psalms 34:17-19 - LORD delivers him from them all
1 Peter 5:10-11 - He will himself restore you and make you strong

Mind Change - God can handle it
With God, there is no straw that breaks the camel's back.

You may think, “I can’t take one more thing.”

But with God you always can.

You can take whatever he allows life to bring.

He will always be enough.

Psalms 34:17-19 - LORD delivers him from them all
1 Peter 5:10-11 - He will himself restore you and make you strong

God (part II)
God is a powerful God
  • 2 Chronicles 32:6-9 - God is greater than the devil or any other being
  • Psalms 18:29 - God enables us to do what we can’t do on our own by His power
  • Ephesians 3:20-21 God has immeasurable and unimaginable power
God is a loving God
  • Deuteronomy 1:29-31; 3- God is a father who loves to help you and carry you as His child
  • Psalms 68:4-6 - God loves to help and rescue those who need to be loved
  • Matthew 10:29-31 - God knows and cares about everything in our lives
God is serious God
  • Hosea 5:4-6 - God will not tolerate unrepentant behavior
  • Psalms 78:56-59 - God refused to let Israel come to Him because of their sin
  • Romans 11:22 - God will be stern to those who continue to sin
These and many other passages will help you better understand the full and complete nature of God. None of us want other people to make a judgment on us with just a few facts about our lives. God doesn’t either!! Continue to read the Bible and learn more about your great God. What you will discover is that the more you know, the more you see just how magnificent God really is.

God (part II)
God is a powerful God
  • 2 Chronicles 32:6-9 - God is greater than the devil or any other being
  • Psalms 18:29 - God enables us to do what we can’t do on our own by His power
  • Ephesians 3:20-21 God has immeasurable and unimaginable power
God is a loving God
  • Deuteronomy 1:29-31; 3- God is a father who loves to help you and carry you as His child
  • Psalms 68:4-6 - God loves to help and rescue those who need to be loved
  • Matthew 10:29-31 - God knows and cares about everything in our lives
God is serious God
  • Hosea 5:4-6 - God will not tolerate unrepentant behavior
  • Psalms 78:56-59 - God refused to let Israel come to Him because of their sin
  • Romans 11:22 - God will be stern to those who continue to sin
These and many other passages will help you better understand the full and complete nature of God. None of us want other people to make a judgment on us with just a few facts about our lives. God doesn’t either!! Continue to read the Bible and learn more about your great God. What you will discover is that the more you know, the more you see just how magnificent God really is.

God (part II)
God is a powerful God
  • 2 Chronicles 32:6-9 - God is greater than the devil or any other being
  • Psalms 18:29 - God enables us to do what we can’t do on our own by His power
  • Ephesians 3:20-21 God has immeasurable and unimaginable power
God is a loving God
  • Deuteronomy 1:29-31; 3- God is a father who loves to help you and carry you as His child
  • Psalms 68:4-6 - God loves to help and rescue those who need to be loved
  • Matthew 10:29-31 - God knows and cares about everything in our lives
God is serious God
  • Hosea 5:4-6 - God will not tolerate unrepentant behavior
  • Psalms 78:56-59 - God refused to let Israel come to Him because of their sin
  • Romans 11:22 - God will be stern to those who continue to sin
These and many other passages will help you better understand the full and complete nature of God. None of us want other people to make a judgment on us with just a few facts about our lives. God doesn’t either!! Continue to read the Bible and learn more about your great God. What you will discover is that the more you know, the more you see just how magnificent God really is.

God (part II)
God is a powerful God
  • 2 Chronicles 32:6-9 - God is greater than the devil or any other being
  • Psalms 18:29 - God enables us to do what we can’t do on our own by His power
  • Ephesians 3:20-21 God has immeasurable and unimaginable power
God is a loving God
  • Deuteronomy 1:29-31; 3- God is a father who loves to help you and carry you as His child
  • Psalms 68:4-6 - God loves to help and rescue those who need to be loved
  • Matthew 10:29-31 - God knows and cares about everything in our lives
God is serious God
  • Hosea 5:4-6 - God will not tolerate unrepentant behavior
  • Psalms 78:56-59 - God refused to let Israel come to Him because of their sin
  • Romans 11:22 - God will be stern to those who continue to sin
These and many other passages will help you better understand the full and complete nature of God. None of us want other people to make a judgment on us with just a few facts about our lives. God doesn’t either!! Continue to read the Bible and learn more about your great God. What you will discover is that the more you know, the more you see just how magnificent God really is.

God (part II)
God is a powerful God
  • 2 Chronicles 32:6-9 - God is greater than the devil or any other being
  • Psalms 18:29 - God enables us to do what we can’t do on our own by His power
  • Ephesians 3:20-21 God has immeasurable and unimaginable power
God is a loving God
  • Deuteronomy 1:29-31; 3- God is a father who loves to help you and carry you as His child
  • Psalms 68:4-6 - God loves to help and rescue those who need to be loved
  • Matthew 10:29-31 - God knows and cares about everything in our lives
God is serious God
  • Hosea 5:4-6 - God will not tolerate unrepentant behavior
  • Psalms 78:56-59 - God refused to let Israel come to Him because of their sin
  • Romans 11:22 - God will be stern to those who continue to sin
These and many other passages will help you better understand the full and complete nature of God. None of us want other people to make a judgment on us with just a few facts about our lives. God doesn’t either!! Continue to read the Bible and learn more about your great God. What you will discover is that the more you know, the more you see just how magnificent God really is.

God (part II)
God is a powerful God
  • 2 Chronicles 32:6-9 - God is greater than the devil or any other being
  • Psalms 18:29 - God enables us to do what we can’t do on our own by His power
  • Ephesians 3:20-21 God has immeasurable and unimaginable power
God is a loving God
  • Deuteronomy 1:29-31; 3- God is a father who loves to help you and carry you as His child
  • Psalms 68:4-6 - God loves to help and rescue those who need to be loved
  • Matthew 10:29-31 - God knows and cares about everything in our lives
God is serious God
  • Hosea 5:4-6 - God will not tolerate unrepentant behavior
  • Psalms 78:56-59 - God refused to let Israel come to Him because of their sin
  • Romans 11:22 - God will be stern to those who continue to sin
These and many other passages will help you better understand the full and complete nature of God. None of us want other people to make a judgment on us with just a few facts about our lives. God doesn’t either!! Continue to read the Bible and learn more about your great God. What you will discover is that the more you know, the more you see just how magnificent God really is.

God (part II)
God is a powerful God
  • 2 Chronicles 32:6-9 - God is greater than the devil or any other being
  • Psalms 18:29 - God enables us to do what we can’t do on our own by His power
  • Ephesians 3:20-21 God has immeasurable and unimaginable power
God is a loving God
  • Deuteronomy 1:29-31; 3- God is a father who loves to help you and carry you as His child
  • Psalms 68:4-6 - God loves to help and rescue those who need to be loved
  • Matthew 10:29-31 - God knows and cares about everything in our lives
God is serious God
  • Hosea 5:4-6 - God will not tolerate unrepentant behavior
  • Psalms 78:56-59 - God refused to let Israel come to Him because of their sin
  • Romans 11:22 - God will be stern to those who continue to sin
These and many other passages will help you better understand the full and complete nature of God. None of us want other people to make a judgment on us with just a few facts about our lives. God doesn’t either!! Continue to read the Bible and learn more about your great God. What you will discover is that the more you know, the more you see just how magnificent God really is.

God (part II)
God is a powerful God
  • 2 Chronicles 32:6-9 - God is greater than the devil or any other being
  • Psalms 18:29 - God enables us to do what we can’t do on our own by His power
  • Ephesians 3:20-21 God has immeasurable and unimaginable power
God is a loving God
  • Deuteronomy 1:29-31; 3- God is a father who loves to help you and carry you as His child
  • Psalms 68:4-6 - God loves to help and rescue those who need to be loved
  • Matthew 10:29-31 - God knows and cares about everything in our lives
God is serious God
  • Hosea 5:4-6 - God will not tolerate unrepentant behavior
  • Psalms 78:56-59 - God refused to let Israel come to Him because of their sin
  • Romans 11:22 - God will be stern to those who continue to sin
These and many other passages will help you better understand the full and complete nature of God. None of us want other people to make a judgment on us with just a few facts about our lives. God doesn’t either!! Continue to read the Bible and learn more about your great God. What you will discover is that the more you know, the more you see just how magnificent God really is.

Gratitude (part I)
The topic of gratitude is extremely important and one that we probably don’t stress enough. As a new disciple you want to get into some good habits of gratitude. Being thankful to God for your salvation is really just the beginning. Being grateful for every situation you find yourself in is the goal. In the study, we will look at God’s call be thankful.

Gratitude is a commandment of God
  • Hebrews 12:28-29 - Be grateful you are a part of such an awesome Kingdom
  • Colossians 2:6-7 - Our thankfulness should be an obvious part of our life (overflowing)
Gratitude has always been an important part of worship
  • Nehemiah 12:31 - God assigned two choirs, solely for the purpose of giving thanks
  • Psalms 28:7 - Gratitude must be seen in our singing to God (Colossians 3:15-16)
  • Psalms 100:1-5 - All parts of worship should be entered into with thanksgiving


Gratitude (part I)
The topic of gratitude is extremely important and one that we probably don’t stress enough. As a new disciple you want to get into some good habits of gratitude. Being thankful to God for your salvation is really just the beginning. Being grateful for every situation you find yourself in is the goal. In the study, we will look at God’s call be thankful.

Gratitude is a commandment of God
  • Hebrews 12:28-29 - Be grateful you are a part of such an awesome Kingdom
  • Colossians 2:6-7 - Our thankfulness should be an obvious part of our life (overflowing)
Gratitude has always been an important part of worship
  • Nehemiah 12:31 - God assigned two choirs, solely for the purpose of giving thanks
  • Psalms 28:7 - Gratitude must be seen in our singing to God (Colossians 3:15-16)
  • Psalms 100:1-5 - All parts of worship should be entered into with thanksgiving


Gratitude (part I)
The topic of gratitude is extremely important and one that we probably don’t stress enough. As a new disciple you want to get into some good habits of gratitude. Being thankful to God for your salvation is really just the beginning. Being grateful for every situation you find yourself in is the goal. In the study, we will look at God’s call be thankful.

Gratitude is a commandment of God
  • Hebrews 12:28-29 - Be grateful you are a part of such an awesome Kingdom
  • Colossians 2:6-7 - Our thankfulness should be an obvious part of our life (overflowing)
Gratitude has always been an important part of worship
  • Nehemiah 12:31 - God assigned two choirs, solely for the purpose of giving thanks
  • Psalms 28:7 - Gratitude must be seen in our singing to God (Colossians 3:15-16)
  • Psalms 100:1-5 - All parts of worship should be entered into with thanksgiving


Gratitude (part I)
The topic of gratitude is extremely important and one that we probably don’t stress enough. As a new disciple you want to get into some good habits of gratitude. Being thankful to God for your salvation is really just the beginning. Being grateful for every situation you find yourself in is the goal. In the study, we will look at God’s call be thankful.

Gratitude is a commandment of God
  • Hebrews 12:28-29 - Be grateful you are a part of such an awesome Kingdom
  • Colossians 2:6-7 - Our thankfulness should be an obvious part of our life (overflowing)
Gratitude has always been an important part of worship
  • Nehemiah 12:31 - God assigned two choirs, solely for the purpose of giving thanks
  • Psalms 28:7 - Gratitude must be seen in our singing to God (Colossians 3:15-16)
  • Psalms 100:1-5 - All parts of worship should be entered into with thanksgiving


Gratitude (part I)
The topic of gratitude is extremely important and one that we probably don’t stress enough. As a new disciple you want to get into some good habits of gratitude. Being thankful to God for your salvation is really just the beginning. Being grateful for every situation you find yourself in is the goal. In the study, we will look at God’s call be thankful.

Gratitude is a commandment of God
  • Hebrews 12:28-29 - Be grateful you are a part of such an awesome Kingdom
  • Colossians 2:6-7 - Our thankfulness should be an obvious part of our life (overflowing)
Gratitude has always been an important part of worship
  • Nehemiah 12:31 - God assigned two choirs, solely for the purpose of giving thanks
  • Psalms 28:7 - Gratitude must be seen in our singing to God (Colossians 3:15-16)
  • Psalms 100:1-5 - All parts of worship should be entered into with thanksgiving


Gratitude (part I)
The topic of gratitude is extremely important and one that we probably don’t stress enough. As a new disciple you want to get into some good habits of gratitude. Being thankful to God for your salvation is really just the beginning. Being grateful for every situation you find yourself in is the goal. In the study, we will look at God’s call be thankful.

Gratitude is a commandment of God
  • Hebrews 12:28-29 - Be grateful you are a part of such an awesome Kingdom
  • Colossians 2:6-7 - Our thankfulness should be an obvious part of our life (overflowing)
Gratitude has always been an important part of worship
  • Nehemiah 12:31 - God assigned two choirs, solely for the purpose of giving thanks
  • Psalms 28:7 - Gratitude must be seen in our singing to God (Colossians 3:15-16)
  • Psalms 100:1-5 - All parts of worship should be entered into with thanksgiving


Guarding Your Heart (part II)
Being open and vulnerable will help keep your heart healthy
  • Proverbs 28:13 - You will always prosper and find mercy from God and other people
  • Hebrews 3:13 - Talk with others daily to receive the encouragement needed
  • James 5:16 - Healing will come to your heart when you confess to others
Develop a “play-it-safe” mentality with your heart
  • Deuteronomy 11:16 - Satan will always be trying to entice you to return to your life of sin
  • Psalms 101:2 - Be careful every day and in every situation
  • 1 Corinthians 10:6-12 - Don’t be over-confident; even the greatest have fallen
  • Ephesians 5:15-17 - Don’t be careless with your life; take the time to think about all you do
  • Hebrews 2:1 - Lack of Being careful will cause you to drift from God
Your salvation is a priceless gift and your most important possession. Guard it with great care and do whatever you can to keep the number one killer of Christians out of your life - sin!! Satan will work to steal you away from God but God has given you the information and the power to overcome all of his efforts. (Ephesians 6:10-18) Heaven is too great a reward to not do all you can to guard your salvation.

Day 1 - Saved Completely
DAY ONE: "Saved Completely"

What God has done for you through your baptism into Christ is truly AMAZING!

Colossians 1:21-23
  1. What was your relationship with God before today?
  2. What had you done to make God your enemy?
  3. What does it mean to be holy/without blemish/free from accusation?
  4. What condition is there to staying saved (vs. 23).
1 John 3:1-4 1.
  • As a "child of God", what should your attitude be?
  • How can you begin to "purify yourself"?
Hebrews 9:24-28
Hebrews 10:19-23
  1. What has Jesus' sacrifice done for you?
  2. How can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?
Psalms 103:1-5
  • What has God done with your sins?
  • Write other "benefits" God has done for you (vs. 2).
Application: Praise God and thank him for saving you! Write a thank you prayer to God.

Keep it in a special place to re-read later.

Day 1 - Saved Completely
DAY ONE: "Saved Completely"

What God has done for you through your baptism into Christ is truly AMAZING!

Colossians 1:21-23
  1. What was your relationship with God before today?
  2. What had you done to make God your enemy?
  3. What does it mean to be holy/without blemish/free from accusation?
  4. What condition is there to staying saved (vs. 23).
1 John 3:1-4 1.
  • As a "child of God", what should your attitude be?
  • How can you begin to "purify yourself"?
Hebrews 9:24-28
Hebrews 10:19-23
  1. What has Jesus' sacrifice done for you?
  2. How can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?
Psalms 103:1-5
  • What has God done with your sins?
  • Write other "benefits" God has done for you (vs. 2).
Application: Praise God and thank him for saving you! Write a thank you prayer to God.

Keep it in a special place to re-read later.

Day 1 - Saved Completely
DAY ONE: "Saved Completely"

What God has done for you through your baptism into Christ is truly AMAZING!

Colossians 1:21-23
  1. What was your relationship with God before today?
  2. What had you done to make God your enemy?
  3. What does it mean to be holy/without blemish/free from accusation?
  4. What condition is there to staying saved (vs. 23).
1 John 3:1-4 1.
  • As a "child of God", what should your attitude be?
  • How can you begin to "purify yourself"?
Hebrews 9:24-28
Hebrews 10:19-23
  1. What has Jesus' sacrifice done for you?
  2. How can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?
Psalms 103:1-5
  • What has God done with your sins?
  • Write other "benefits" God has done for you (vs. 2).
Application: Praise God and thank him for saving you! Write a thank you prayer to God.

Keep it in a special place to re-read later.

Day 1 - Saved Completely
DAY ONE: "Saved Completely"

What God has done for you through your baptism into Christ is truly AMAZING!

Colossians 1:21-23
  1. What was your relationship with God before today?
  2. What had you done to make God your enemy?
  3. What does it mean to be holy/without blemish/free from accusation?
  4. What condition is there to staying saved (vs. 23).
1 John 3:1-4 1.
  • As a "child of God", what should your attitude be?
  • How can you begin to "purify yourself"?
Hebrews 9:24-28
Hebrews 10:19-23
  1. What has Jesus' sacrifice done for you?
  2. How can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?
Psalms 103:1-5
  • What has God done with your sins?
  • Write other "benefits" God has done for you (vs. 2).
Application: Praise God and thank him for saving you! Write a thank you prayer to God.

Keep it in a special place to re-read later.

Day 1 - Saved Completely
DAY ONE: "Saved Completely"

What God has done for you through your baptism into Christ is truly AMAZING!

Colossians 1:21-23
  1. What was your relationship with God before today?
  2. What had you done to make God your enemy?
  3. What does it mean to be holy/without blemish/free from accusation?
  4. What condition is there to staying saved (vs. 23).
1 John 3:1-4 1.
  • As a "child of God", what should your attitude be?
  • How can you begin to "purify yourself"?
Hebrews 9:24-28
Hebrews 10:19-23
  1. What has Jesus' sacrifice done for you?
  2. How can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?
Psalms 103:1-5
  • What has God done with your sins?
  • Write other "benefits" God has done for you (vs. 2).
Application: Praise God and thank him for saving you! Write a thank you prayer to God.

Keep it in a special place to re-read later.

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 6 - Too Good to Keep
2 Kings 7:3-11
  1. How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
  2. How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
  3. How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?
Romans 10:1-4;14-21
  1. Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
  2. Who does God send to preach?
  3. Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
  4. Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?
~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

Day 18 - Learning from Others
Matthew 18:1-4
  1. What kind of heart does God want us to have?
  2. What qualities of children do we need to imitate?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
  1.  Who is "over you" in the Lord?
  2. Does it have anything to do with age or education?
  3. Write the names of some Christians who work hard, set a good example and admonish you.
  4. Are you showing them respect?
  5. What kind of disciples need special help (vs. 14)?
  6. Have you been admonishing for any of these problems?
Psalms 119:99-100
  1. What gives us real maturity and understanding?
  2. How is verse 100 opposite of how our society thinks?
  3. What should your attitude be when you are being taught/corrected by someone younger than yourself?
1 Timothy 4:11-1 - What does the Lord expect from young leaders?

Psalms 32:8-10 - How can you not be like a horse or mule?

Application: If you have resisted learning from younger disciples, repent today and seek them out to ask questions. If you are young yourself, set the believers a great example

Day 18 - Learning from Others
Matthew 18:1-4
  1. What kind of heart does God want us to have?
  2. What qualities of children do we need to imitate?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
  1.  Who is "over you" in the Lord?
  2. Does it have anything to do with age or education?
  3. Write the names of some Christians who work hard, set a good example and admonish you.
  4. Are you showing them respect?
  5. What kind of disciples need special help (vs. 14)?
  6. Have you been admonishing for any of these problems?
Psalms 119:99-100
  1. What gives us real maturity and understanding?
  2. How is verse 100 opposite of how our society thinks?
  3. What should your attitude be when you are being taught/corrected by someone younger than yourself?
1 Timothy 4:11-1 - What does the Lord expect from young leaders?

Psalms 32:8-10 - How can you not be like a horse or mule?

Application: If you have resisted learning from younger disciples, repent today and seek them out to ask questions. If you are young yourself, set the believers a great example

Day 18 - Learning from Others
Matthew 18:1-4
  1. What kind of heart does God want us to have?
  2. What qualities of children do we need to imitate?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
  1.  Who is "over you" in the Lord?
  2. Does it have anything to do with age or education?
  3. Write the names of some Christians who work hard, set a good example and admonish you.
  4. Are you showing them respect?
  5. What kind of disciples need special help (vs. 14)?
  6. Have you been admonishing for any of these problems?
Psalms 119:99-100
  1. What gives us real maturity and understanding?
  2. How is verse 100 opposite of how our society thinks?
  3. What should your attitude be when you are being taught/corrected by someone younger than yourself?
1 Timothy 4:11-1 - What does the Lord expect from young leaders?

Psalms 32:8-10 - How can you not be like a horse or mule?

Application: If you have resisted learning from younger disciples, repent today and seek them out to ask questions. If you are young yourself, set the believers a great example

Day 18 - Learning from Others
Matthew 18:1-4
  1. What kind of heart does God want us to have?
  2. What qualities of children do we need to imitate?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
  1.  Who is "over you" in the Lord?
  2. Does it have anything to do with age or education?
  3. Write the names of some Christians who work hard, set a good example and admonish you.
  4. Are you showing them respect?
  5. What kind of disciples need special help (vs. 14)?
  6. Have you been admonishing for any of these problems?
Psalms 119:99-100
  1. What gives us real maturity and understanding?
  2. How is verse 100 opposite of how our society thinks?
  3. What should your attitude be when you are being taught/corrected by someone younger than yourself?
1 Timothy 4:11-1 - What does the Lord expect from young leaders?

Psalms 32:8-10 - How can you not be like a horse or mule?

Application: If you have resisted learning from younger disciples, repent today and seek them out to ask questions. If you are young yourself, set the believers a great example

Day 18 - Learning from Others
Matthew 18:1-4
  1. What kind of heart does God want us to have?
  2. What qualities of children do we need to imitate?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
  1.  Who is "over you" in the Lord?
  2. Does it have anything to do with age or education?
  3. Write the names of some Christians who work hard, set a good example and admonish you.
  4. Are you showing them respect?
  5. What kind of disciples need special help (vs. 14)?
  6. Have you been admonishing for any of these problems?
Psalms 119:99-100
  1. What gives us real maturity and understanding?
  2. How is verse 100 opposite of how our society thinks?
  3. What should your attitude be when you are being taught/corrected by someone younger than yourself?
1 Timothy 4:11-1 - What does the Lord expect from young leaders?

Psalms 32:8-10 - How can you not be like a horse or mule?

Application: If you have resisted learning from younger disciples, repent today and seek them out to ask questions. If you are young yourself, set the believers a great example

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 23 - Confessing Sin
Psalms 32:1-7
  1. 1. How do we feel when we are hiding/not confessing sin?
  2. 2. Have you felt this way since your baptism? Are there any sins you have been afraid to confess?
Proverbs 28:13
  1. Can we conceal our sins from God?
  2. Who do we need to confess our sins to besides God?
  3. What effect will unconfessed sin have in our life?
Luke 8:17 - Why is it foolish to try to keep our sins hidden?

Psalms 66:18-19 - What else happens if we conceal or cherish sin?

Application: Take some time to think about any sins - attitudes, action, thoughts - that are troubling you because you haven't shared them. Write them down and make sure you talk about them even today!

Day 23 - Confessing Sin
Psalms 32:1-7
  1. 1. How do we feel when we are hiding/not confessing sin?
  2. 2. Have you felt this way since your baptism? Are there any sins you have been afraid to confess?
Proverbs 28:13
  1. Can we conceal our sins from God?
  2. Who do we need to confess our sins to besides God?
  3. What effect will unconfessed sin have in our life?
Luke 8:17 - Why is it foolish to try to keep our sins hidden?

Psalms 66:18-19 - What else happens if we conceal or cherish sin?

Application: Take some time to think about any sins - attitudes, action, thoughts - that are troubling you because you haven't shared them. Write them down and make sure you talk about them even today!

Day 23 - Confessing Sin
Psalms 32:1-7
  1. 1. How do we feel when we are hiding/not confessing sin?
  2. 2. Have you felt this way since your baptism? Are there any sins you have been afraid to confess?
Proverbs 28:13
  1. Can we conceal our sins from God?
  2. Who do we need to confess our sins to besides God?
  3. What effect will unconfessed sin have in our life?
Luke 8:17 - Why is it foolish to try to keep our sins hidden?

Psalms 66:18-19 - What else happens if we conceal or cherish sin?

Application: Take some time to think about any sins - attitudes, action, thoughts - that are troubling you because you haven't shared them. Write them down and make sure you talk about them even today!

Day 23 - Confessing Sin
Psalms 32:1-7
  1. 1. How do we feel when we are hiding/not confessing sin?
  2. 2. Have you felt this way since your baptism? Are there any sins you have been afraid to confess?
Proverbs 28:13
  1. Can we conceal our sins from God?
  2. Who do we need to confess our sins to besides God?
  3. What effect will unconfessed sin have in our life?
Luke 8:17 - Why is it foolish to try to keep our sins hidden?

Psalms 66:18-19 - What else happens if we conceal or cherish sin?

Application: Take some time to think about any sins - attitudes, action, thoughts - that are troubling you because you haven't shared them. Write them down and make sure you talk about them even today!

Day 23 - Confessing Sin
Psalms 32:1-7
  1. 1. How do we feel when we are hiding/not confessing sin?
  2. 2. Have you felt this way since your baptism? Are there any sins you have been afraid to confess?
Proverbs 28:13
  1. Can we conceal our sins from God?
  2. Who do we need to confess our sins to besides God?
  3. What effect will unconfessed sin have in our life?
Luke 8:17 - Why is it foolish to try to keep our sins hidden?

Psalms 66:18-19 - What else happens if we conceal or cherish sin?

Application: Take some time to think about any sins - attitudes, action, thoughts - that are troubling you because you haven't shared them. Write them down and make sure you talk about them even today!

Day 23 - Confessing Sin
Psalms 32:1-7
  1. 1. How do we feel when we are hiding/not confessing sin?
  2. 2. Have you felt this way since your baptism? Are there any sins you have been afraid to confess?
Proverbs 28:13
  1. Can we conceal our sins from God?
  2. Who do we need to confess our sins to besides God?
  3. What effect will unconfessed sin have in our life?
Luke 8:17 - Why is it foolish to try to keep our sins hidden?

Psalms 66:18-19 - What else happens if we conceal or cherish sin?

Application: Take some time to think about any sins - attitudes, action, thoughts - that are troubling you because you haven't shared them. Write them down and make sure you talk about them even today!

Day 23 - Confessing Sin
Psalms 32:1-7
  1. 1. How do we feel when we are hiding/not confessing sin?
  2. 2. Have you felt this way since your baptism? Are there any sins you have been afraid to confess?
Proverbs 28:13
  1. Can we conceal our sins from God?
  2. Who do we need to confess our sins to besides God?
  3. What effect will unconfessed sin have in our life?
Luke 8:17 - Why is it foolish to try to keep our sins hidden?

Psalms 66:18-19 - What else happens if we conceal or cherish sin?

Application: Take some time to think about any sins - attitudes, action, thoughts - that are troubling you because you haven't shared them. Write them down and make sure you talk about them even today!

Day 23 - Confessing Sin
Psalms 32:1-7
  1. 1. How do we feel when we are hiding/not confessing sin?
  2. 2. Have you felt this way since your baptism? Are there any sins you have been afraid to confess?
Proverbs 28:13
  1. Can we conceal our sins from God?
  2. Who do we need to confess our sins to besides God?
  3. What effect will unconfessed sin have in our life?
Luke 8:17 - Why is it foolish to try to keep our sins hidden?

Psalms 66:18-19 - What else happens if we conceal or cherish sin?

Application: Take some time to think about any sins - attitudes, action, thoughts - that are troubling you because you haven't shared them. Write them down and make sure you talk about them even today!

Day 23 - Confessing Sin
Psalms 32:1-7
  1. 1. How do we feel when we are hiding/not confessing sin?
  2. 2. Have you felt this way since your baptism? Are there any sins you have been afraid to confess?
Proverbs 28:13
  1. Can we conceal our sins from God?
  2. Who do we need to confess our sins to besides God?
  3. What effect will unconfessed sin have in our life?
Luke 8:17 - Why is it foolish to try to keep our sins hidden?

Psalms 66:18-19 - What else happens if we conceal or cherish sin?

Application: Take some time to think about any sins - attitudes, action, thoughts - that are troubling you because you haven't shared them. Write them down and make sure you talk about them even today!

Day 30 - Joined Together in Love
Psalms 133:1-3 - What is unity and why is it so important to have it in the church?

Ephesians 4:1-3
  1. Explain verse 2 in your own words. What happens when we act the opposite of this?
  2. Why does it take every effort to keep unity?
Philippians 2:1-5
  1. What does it mean to be one in spirit and purpose?
  2. How can you consider others better that yourself?
  3. Whose interests have you been looking out for besides your own? What is the attitude of Jesus? Is yours the same?
Matthew 18:15-17 &  Matthew 5:23-24
  1. How does Jesus tell us to resolve conflicts and disagreements with one another?
  2. Who should go to whom first?
  3. Is there anyone in the church with whom you need to go and settle a problem?
Application: Think about your relationships today. Pray to be unified with all your brothers and sisters and reach out to and spend time with those you do not love as Jesus would.

Day 30 - Joined Together in Love
Psalms 133:1-3 - What is unity and why is it so important to have it in the church?

Ephesians 4:1-3
  1. Explain verse 2 in your own words. What happens when we act the opposite of this?
  2. Why does it take every effort to keep unity?
Philippians 2:1-5
  1. What does it mean to be one in spirit and purpose?
  2. How can you consider others better that yourself?
  3. Whose interests have you been looking out for besides your own? What is the attitude of Jesus? Is yours the same?
Matthew 18:15-17 &  Matthew 5:23-24
  1. How does Jesus tell us to resolve conflicts and disagreements with one another?
  2. Who should go to whom first?
  3. Is there anyone in the church with whom you need to go and settle a problem?
Application: Think about your relationships today. Pray to be unified with all your brothers and sisters and reach out to and spend time with those you do not love as Jesus would.

Day 30 - Joined Together in Love
Psalms 133:1-3 - What is unity and why is it so important to have it in the church?

Ephesians 4:1-3
  1. Explain verse 2 in your own words. What happens when we act the opposite of this?
  2. Why does it take every effort to keep unity?
Philippians 2:1-5
  1. What does it mean to be one in spirit and purpose?
  2. How can you consider others better that yourself?
  3. Whose interests have you been looking out for besides your own? What is the attitude of Jesus? Is yours the same?
Matthew 18:15-17 &  Matthew 5:23-24
  1. How does Jesus tell us to resolve conflicts and disagreements with one another?
  2. Who should go to whom first?
  3. Is there anyone in the church with whom you need to go and settle a problem?
Application: Think about your relationships today. Pray to be unified with all your brothers and sisters and reach out to and spend time with those you do not love as Jesus would.

Day 33 - Shining Like Stars
Philippians 2:14-16
  1. How do we "hold out the word of life" to others?
  2. What kind of example do we need to show those around us?
  3. What have you complained or argued about lately? How can you change?
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
  1. How can you be a slave to everyone? (Give examples)
  2. What are some ways you need to adapt to people in your life to help them be saved?
Psalms 126:6
  1. Why should we be "weeping" as we go out to make disciples?
  2. What is the promise for those who do?
Daniel 12:3 - Are you being wise?

Application: Pray for a heart that truly loves deeply as you share your faith today.

Day 36 - A Hope and a Future
Do you worry about your future?
What are your hopes and what are your fears?

Jeremiah 29:11-13
  1. What does God promise to those who seek him with all their hearts?
  2. Are you seeking him or something else?
Psalms 37:3-4 - What are the desires of your heart? Do you believe God will give them to you?

Psalms 16:5-8 - Do you feel this way about your life? Why?

1 Timothy 6:6-10
  1. What should make you content?
  2. What will a desire for money and things do to your life?
  3. How does someone "wander" from the faith?
  4. What other desires could make us wander?
Romans 8:31-32 - How has God proven his love for you?

Application: If you see anxiety or discontentment in your life, confess it as a lack of faith, and memorize one of these scriptures to remind yourself of God's faithfulness.



Day 36 - A Hope and a Future
Do you worry about your future?
What are your hopes and what are your fears?

Jeremiah 29:11-13
  1. What does God promise to those who seek him with all their hearts?
  2. Are you seeking him or something else?
Psalms 37:3-4 - What are the desires of your heart? Do you believe God will give them to you?

Psalms 16:5-8 - Do you feel this way about your life? Why?

1 Timothy 6:6-10
  1. What should make you content?
  2. What will a desire for money and things do to your life?
  3. How does someone "wander" from the faith?
  4. What other desires could make us wander?
Romans 8:31-32 - How has God proven his love for you?

Application: If you see anxiety or discontentment in your life, confess it as a lack of faith, and memorize one of these scriptures to remind yourself of God's faithfulness.



Day 36 - A Hope and a Future
Do you worry about your future?
What are your hopes and what are your fears?

Jeremiah 29:11-13
  1. What does God promise to those who seek him with all their hearts?
  2. Are you seeking him or something else?
Psalms 37:3-4 - What are the desires of your heart? Do you believe God will give them to you?

Psalms 16:5-8 - Do you feel this way about your life? Why?

1 Timothy 6:6-10
  1. What should make you content?
  2. What will a desire for money and things do to your life?
  3. How does someone "wander" from the faith?
  4. What other desires could make us wander?
Romans 8:31-32 - How has God proven his love for you?

Application: If you see anxiety or discontentment in your life, confess it as a lack of faith, and memorize one of these scriptures to remind yourself of God's faithfulness.



Day 36 - A Hope and a Future
Do you worry about your future?
What are your hopes and what are your fears?

Jeremiah 29:11-13
  1. What does God promise to those who seek him with all their hearts?
  2. Are you seeking him or something else?
Psalms 37:3-4 - What are the desires of your heart? Do you believe God will give them to you?

Psalms 16:5-8 - Do you feel this way about your life? Why?

1 Timothy 6:6-10
  1. What should make you content?
  2. What will a desire for money and things do to your life?
  3. How does someone "wander" from the faith?
  4. What other desires could make us wander?
Romans 8:31-32 - How has God proven his love for you?

Application: If you see anxiety or discontentment in your life, confess it as a lack of faith, and memorize one of these scriptures to remind yourself of God's faithfulness.



Day 36 - A Hope and a Future
Do you worry about your future?
What are your hopes and what are your fears?

Jeremiah 29:11-13
  1. What does God promise to those who seek him with all their hearts?
  2. Are you seeking him or something else?
Psalms 37:3-4 - What are the desires of your heart? Do you believe God will give them to you?

Psalms 16:5-8 - Do you feel this way about your life? Why?

1 Timothy 6:6-10
  1. What should make you content?
  2. What will a desire for money and things do to your life?
  3. How does someone "wander" from the faith?
  4. What other desires could make us wander?
Romans 8:31-32 - How has God proven his love for you?

Application: If you see anxiety or discontentment in your life, confess it as a lack of faith, and memorize one of these scriptures to remind yourself of God's faithfulness.



Day 36 - A Hope and a Future
Do you worry about your future?
What are your hopes and what are your fears?

Jeremiah 29:11-13
  1. What does God promise to those who seek him with all their hearts?
  2. Are you seeking him or something else?
Psalms 37:3-4 - What are the desires of your heart? Do you believe God will give them to you?

Psalms 16:5-8 - Do you feel this way about your life? Why?

1 Timothy 6:6-10
  1. What should make you content?
  2. What will a desire for money and things do to your life?
  3. How does someone "wander" from the faith?
  4. What other desires could make us wander?
Romans 8:31-32 - How has God proven his love for you?

Application: If you see anxiety or discontentment in your life, confess it as a lack of faith, and memorize one of these scriptures to remind yourself of God's faithfulness.



Ministry - Compassion: The Heart of Jesus
John 11:33-35
In a world so full of pain, hardship and suffering the compassion of Jesus lights the world. It is a comfort to know that "our God is full of compassion".

Psalms 116:5
Jesus was deeply moved by people's suffering. Jesus sincerely cared and invested his heart in others. Does the hardship of others cause us to invest our hearts or harden them? Do we imitate Jesus' heart? We can learn to be compassionate only when we have allowed Jesus to comfort us.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7
  • Compassion causes us to act. Mark 1:40 - 42
  • Compassion compels us to invest emotionally. John 11: 33 - 35
  • Compassion inspires hope. Mark 5:25 - 34
Questions
  • Do we have compassion on all people? - Psalms 145:9
  • Do we restore people with compassion? - Zechariah 10:16
  • Do we show compassion to the weak? - Isaiah 42:3 & 4
  • Do we stifle compassion in our ministries? - Amos 1:11
  • Do you see the spiritual suffering of people?
Share with someone today about your faith, the church or the relationships you have that ease your suffering and give you hope

Ministry - Compassion: The Heart of Jesus
John 11:33-35
In a world so full of pain, hardship and suffering the compassion of Jesus lights the world. It is a comfort to know that "our God is full of compassion".

Psalms 116:5
Jesus was deeply moved by people's suffering. Jesus sincerely cared and invested his heart in others. Does the hardship of others cause us to invest our hearts or harden them? Do we imitate Jesus' heart? We can learn to be compassionate only when we have allowed Jesus to comfort us.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7
  • Compassion causes us to act. Mark 1:40 - 42
  • Compassion compels us to invest emotionally. John 11: 33 - 35
  • Compassion inspires hope. Mark 5:25 - 34
Questions
  • Do we have compassion on all people? - Psalms 145:9
  • Do we restore people with compassion? - Zechariah 10:16
  • Do we show compassion to the weak? - Isaiah 42:3 & 4
  • Do we stifle compassion in our ministries? - Amos 1:11
  • Do you see the spiritual suffering of people?
Share with someone today about your faith, the church or the relationships you have that ease your suffering and give you hope

Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Lessons from Spring

Psalms 92:1-3

Psalms 92:4-5

Psalms 92:6-9

Psalms 92:10-11

Psalms 92:12-15



Prayer of the Righeous - God is Crawling (part II)
We think he could never accept us just as we are

Peter: Go away from Lord - Luke 5:8
When Jesus started getting too close, he was afraid

Legion: Ran from Jesus when he saw him - Mark 5:6
He was wearing a mask of anger and violence and self-destructive habits to hide the pain inside his hear

We feel too sinful to let him in
Our relationship suffer because we are afraid of rejection because of lack of closeness with God
He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand - Psalms 40:1-2

He is willing to get dirty and and get involved with the real you
Confession and humility you closer
He will not reject you no matter how dirty you are

Are you afraid of rejection to the point of finding it difficult to pray?

Prayer of the Righeous - God is Crawling (part II)
We think he could never accept us just as we are

Peter: Go away from Lord - Luke 5:8
When Jesus started getting too close, he was afraid

Legion: Ran from Jesus when he saw him - Mark 5:6
He was wearing a mask of anger and violence and self-destructive habits to hide the pain inside his hear

We feel too sinful to let him in
Our relationship suffer because we are afraid of rejection because of lack of closeness with God
He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand - Psalms 40:1-2

He is willing to get dirty and and get involved with the real you
Confession and humility you closer
He will not reject you no matter how dirty you are

Are you afraid of rejection to the point of finding it difficult to pray?

Prayer of the Righeous - Carrying Me
Parable of the Lost Sheep illustrates Jesus comfort he want to provide
He carries his lamb close to his heart - Isaiah 40:11

God's journey toward us:
  • He runs through the fields
  • He crawls on his knees to pick us up
  • He throws open his arms to forgive
  • He carries us home in his arms

Arms of comfort

At Lazarus' death, the angels tenderly bring him to God - Luke 16:19-22

A child who is not regularly cuddled is deeply damaged

As a mother conforms her child, so I will comfort you - Isaiah 66:13

Sometimes we doubt and ours lives are frantic and full of activities and without the peace of God
God promises to take hold of the hands of kings - Isaiah 45:1
...and his people - Isaiah 42:6

Mary and Martha - Martha was too busy with the details of life to spend time with Jesus - Luke 10
She missed the peace that passes understanding
Time in prayer is time when we can quiet our anxious soul

Be still my soul and know that I am God - Psalms 46:10
God will give us rest - Matthew 11:28



Prayer of the Righeous - Singing to Me
Zephaniah 3:17
  • He has taken away our punishment
  • He has turned back our enemy
  • He is mighty to save
  • He rejoices over us with singing
The Lord rejoices when one sinner repents - Luke 15:10
Nature rejoices in God's presence - Psalms 98:7-8
God promises that nature will rejoice in our presence - Isaiah 55:12

Faithful servants are invited to come share in the master's happiness - Matthew 25:23

The very nature of heaven is to share the happiness of God for all of eternity

Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22

Our prayer needs to be an outpouring of joy and thanksgiving before a joyful, singing God
He loves to hear us being happy
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song - Psalms 28:7

Prayer of the Righeous - Singing to Me
Zephaniah 3:17
  • He has taken away our punishment
  • He has turned back our enemy
  • He is mighty to save
  • He rejoices over us with singing
The Lord rejoices when one sinner repents - Luke 15:10
Nature rejoices in God's presence - Psalms 98:7-8
God promises that nature will rejoice in our presence - Isaiah 55:12

Faithful servants are invited to come share in the master's happiness - Matthew 25:23

The very nature of heaven is to share the happiness of God for all of eternity

Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22

Our prayer needs to be an outpouring of joy and thanksgiving before a joyful, singing God
He loves to hear us being happy
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song - Psalms 28:7

Message of the Arrows (part I)
There are two things that pierce the human heart: beauty and affliction
David describes the enemies ways as arrows - Psalms 91:3-5

We have many arrows that fly in during our life:
  • Being picked on in school
  • A breakup
  • Being fired
  • Abandonment
  • Disappointment

What will we do with the Arrows we have known?

The message of the Arrows is always the same: Kill your heart
Divorce it, neglect it, run from it, or indulge it with some addiction

How did the Arrows come to you?
Where did they land? Are they still there?
What have you done as a result?

Deciding not to be affected can not done - the heart can not be managed though a x number step process
We form can convictions with a conscious effort



Message of the Arrows (part I)
There are two things that pierce the human heart: beauty and affliction
David describes the enemies ways as arrows - Psalms 91:3-5

We have many arrows that fly in during our life:
  • Being picked on in school
  • A breakup
  • Being fired
  • Abandonment
  • Disappointment

What will we do with the Arrows we have known?

The message of the Arrows is always the same: Kill your heart
Divorce it, neglect it, run from it, or indulge it with some addiction

How did the Arrows come to you?
Where did they land? Are they still there?
What have you done as a result?

Deciding not to be affected can not done - the heart can not be managed though a x number step process
We form can convictions with a conscious effort



Message of the Arrows (part I)
There are two things that pierce the human heart: beauty and affliction
David describes the enemies ways as arrows - Psalms 91:3-5

We have many arrows that fly in during our life:
  • Being picked on in school
  • A breakup
  • Being fired
  • Abandonment
  • Disappointment

What will we do with the Arrows we have known?

The message of the Arrows is always the same: Kill your heart
Divorce it, neglect it, run from it, or indulge it with some addiction

How did the Arrows come to you?
Where did they land? Are they still there?
What have you done as a result?

Deciding not to be affected can not done - the heart can not be managed though a x number step process
We form can convictions with a conscious effort



Prayer of the Righeous - God is a Consuming Fire (part III)

When we pray, let us give God the respect he deserves

A holy God requires us to be righteous

  • David cried out to God and praised him but he cherished sin in his heart and God did not listen - Psalms 66:16-20
  • Israelites tried to attack Ai, but they failed because God did not bless because Achan took some devoted things - Joshua 7:1-5
    • Joshua fell face down before God
    • God explained why they were not being blessed and that they need to destory the devoted things
  • People prayed during the three year famine - 2 Samuel
    • God responded that the Israelites had violated their pledge of putting the Gibeonites to death
    • God expected them to keep their word even through it was made hundreds of years eariler in Joshua 9
    • David made admens and God did ended the famine - 2 Samuel 21:4

All the prayer in the world will not get through to God if it is not uttered from a pure heart

 



Prayer of the Righeous - God is a Consuming Fire (part III)

When we pray, let us give God the respect he deserves

A holy God requires us to be righteous

  • David cried out to God and praised him but he cherished sin in his heart and God did not listen - Psalms 66:16-20
  • Israelites tried to attack Ai, but they failed because God did not bless because Achan took some devoted things - Joshua 7:1-5
    • Joshua fell face down before God
    • God explained why they were not being blessed and that they need to destory the devoted things
  • People prayed during the three year famine - 2 Samuel
    • God responded that the Israelites had violated their pledge of putting the Gibeonites to death
    • God expected them to keep their word even through it was made hundreds of years eariler in Joshua 9
    • David made admens and God did ended the famine - 2 Samuel 21:4

All the prayer in the world will not get through to God if it is not uttered from a pure heart

 



Prayer of the Righeous - God is a Consuming Fire (part III)

When we pray, let us give God the respect he deserves

A holy God requires us to be righteous

  • David cried out to God and praised him but he cherished sin in his heart and God did not listen - Psalms 66:16-20
  • Israelites tried to attack Ai, but they failed because God did not bless because Achan took some devoted things - Joshua 7:1-5
    • Joshua fell face down before God
    • God explained why they were not being blessed and that they need to destory the devoted things
  • People prayed during the three year famine - 2 Samuel
    • God responded that the Israelites had violated their pledge of putting the Gibeonites to death
    • God expected them to keep their word even through it was made hundreds of years eariler in Joshua 9
    • David made admens and God did ended the famine - 2 Samuel 21:4

All the prayer in the world will not get through to God if it is not uttered from a pure heart

 



Prayer of the Righeous - God is a Consuming Fire (part III)

When we pray, let us give God the respect he deserves

A holy God requires us to be righteous

  • David cried out to God and praised him but he cherished sin in his heart and God did not listen - Psalms 66:16-20
  • Israelites tried to attack Ai, but they failed because God did not bless because Achan took some devoted things - Joshua 7:1-5
    • Joshua fell face down before God
    • God explained why they were not being blessed and that they need to destory the devoted things
  • People prayed during the three year famine - 2 Samuel
    • God responded that the Israelites had violated their pledge of putting the Gibeonites to death
    • God expected them to keep their word even through it was made hundreds of years eariler in Joshua 9
    • David made admens and God did ended the famine - 2 Samuel 21:4

All the prayer in the world will not get through to God if it is not uttered from a pure heart

 



Prayer of the Righeous - God is a Consuming Fire (part III)

When we pray, let us give God the respect he deserves

A holy God requires us to be righteous

  • David cried out to God and praised him but he cherished sin in his heart and God did not listen - Psalms 66:16-20
  • Israelites tried to attack Ai, but they failed because God did not bless because Achan took some devoted things - Joshua 7:1-5
    • Joshua fell face down before God
    • God explained why they were not being blessed and that they need to destory the devoted things
  • People prayed during the three year famine - 2 Samuel
    • God responded that the Israelites had violated their pledge of putting the Gibeonites to death
    • God expected them to keep their word even through it was made hundreds of years eariler in Joshua 9
    • David made admens and God did ended the famine - 2 Samuel 21:4

All the prayer in the world will not get through to God if it is not uttered from a pure heart

 



Prayer of the Righeous - More Powerful Than We Can Imagine (part I)

The power that raise Jesus from the dead is available for us who believe

When we begin to understand how powerful God is, it will revolutionize our prayer lives

The Bible resonates with the awesome power of God:

  • The highest heavens cannot contain you - 2 Chronicles 6:18
  • He is outside of time - Psalms 90:1-2
  • The clouds are dust of his feet - Nahum 1:3
  • God has made everything we see and all that we can not

God is nowhere need us as far as this power but on person level he is wants to be right next to us:

  • Yet he is not far from each one of us - Acts 17:27
  • He reveals his thoughts to man - Amos 4:13
  • God knows us completely - Psalms 38:9

Human power is nothing in the face of God's awesome power



Prayer of the Righeous - More Powerful Than We Can Imagine (part I)

The power that raise Jesus from the dead is available for us who believe

When we begin to understand how powerful God is, it will revolutionize our prayer lives

The Bible resonates with the awesome power of God:

  • The highest heavens cannot contain you - 2 Chronicles 6:18
  • He is outside of time - Psalms 90:1-2
  • The clouds are dust of his feet - Nahum 1:3
  • God has made everything we see and all that we can not

God is nowhere need us as far as this power but on person level he is wants to be right next to us:

  • Yet he is not far from each one of us - Acts 17:27
  • He reveals his thoughts to man - Amos 4:13
  • God knows us completely - Psalms 38:9

Human power is nothing in the face of God's awesome power



Prayer of the Righeous - More Powerful Than We Can Imagine (part I)

The power that raise Jesus from the dead is available for us who believe

When we begin to understand how powerful God is, it will revolutionize our prayer lives

The Bible resonates with the awesome power of God:

  • The highest heavens cannot contain you - 2 Chronicles 6:18
  • He is outside of time - Psalms 90:1-2
  • The clouds are dust of his feet - Nahum 1:3
  • God has made everything we see and all that we can not

God is nowhere need us as far as this power but on person level he is wants to be right next to us:

  • Yet he is not far from each one of us - Acts 17:27
  • He reveals his thoughts to man - Amos 4:13
  • God knows us completely - Psalms 38:9

Human power is nothing in the face of God's awesome power



Resolve to Lead Your Marriage

Do you realize that as the leader of your home?
You are driving, the husband is more responsible.
Very, very rarely will a wife want out of a marriage if her husband is leading
Men simply give up when a marriage turns south or they disengage and sit around waiting for their wives

We must take courage and always be willing to make the first move, God has put something into men that longs to be courageous.
When a man uses that courage to lead his wife well, she tends to bloom.
When a wife lives with a leadership void, both of them will feel resentment toward each other and less secure together.

The idea of 50/50 leadership is a farce that creates two heads and two directions.
Our wives should have the freedom to influence without having to bear the weight of responsibility and accountability

History is littered with self-centered men who have dominated, belittled, ignored, and abused their wives in the name of male leadership.
God’s biblical design of leadership, the strong die for the weak.
The more powerful or influential you are, the more humble, servant-hearted, and sacrificial you are to become

Jesus, God’s Son was the most powerful leader of all time
He served and shepherded them instead of throwing His weight around
Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant - Mark 10:42-45
For there is no “greater love”  - John 15:13
Free her up from carrying the marriage and family. Rescue her.
She is called your helper, just as God is a “helper” to us - Psalms 54:4
Women are perfectly designed to partner with us so that our strengths complement one another’s weaknesses

Lead your wife by serving her well.



Teach Them to Fear the Lord (part II)

The fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil - Proverbs 16:6

How one may avoid the snares of death - Proverbs 14:2

Fear of the Lord causes our other fears to go away

  • Wisdom, counsel, and understanding begin with the fear of the Lord - Proverbs 8:14
  • Wealth, honor, and fruitfulness follow the fear the Lord - Proverbs 8:17-19
  • The fruits of humility and a proper hatred of pride and evil from this fear - Proverbs 8:13

How blessed is the man who fears the LORD - Psalms 112:1-2

Prayerfully ask God to help us develop a strong fear of the Lord

Training them to fear the Lord sets them up to live with incredible wisdom and success:

  • He is omniscient and always watching them - Proverbs 15:3
  • They will reap what they sow - Galatians 6:7
  • He will judge them one day - Romans 14:12
  • He is a great rewarder of those who diligently seek Him and obey Him - Hebrews 11:6


Teach Them to Fear the Lord (part II)

The fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil - Proverbs 16:6

How one may avoid the snares of death - Proverbs 14:2

Fear of the Lord causes our other fears to go away

  • Wisdom, counsel, and understanding begin with the fear of the Lord - Proverbs 8:14
  • Wealth, honor, and fruitfulness follow the fear the Lord - Proverbs 8:17-19
  • The fruits of humility and a proper hatred of pride and evil from this fear - Proverbs 8:13

How blessed is the man who fears the LORD - Psalms 112:1-2

Prayerfully ask God to help us develop a strong fear of the Lord

Training them to fear the Lord sets them up to live with incredible wisdom and success:

  • He is omniscient and always watching them - Proverbs 15:3
  • They will reap what they sow - Galatians 6:7
  • He will judge them one day - Romans 14:12
  • He is a great rewarder of those who diligently seek Him and obey Him - Hebrews 11:6


Train Them to Honor Authority (part II)

You should actually want your leaders to succeed. You should be eager to help them fulfill their roles.
Helping them to win actually sets you up to win their ear and gain their favor. examples: Moses and Joseph

This is how we should treat those over us - with a clear conscience, in respectful ways - not only from a fear of God but as a witness and an example to our children.

Our kids will most likely adopt our views on authority in their own lives as well.
Whatever patterns we set for them will be the ones they use to train their own kids and so on.

We are accountable to Him - both to love Him and to fear Him.

When you teach your children to honor authority, you are teaching them to better honor God.

  • How do you talk about your leaders at work and church?
  • What do your children hear you saying about the government or elected representatives?
  • They see you praying for your authorities? - 1 Timothy 2:1-4
  • How do they see you respond to speed limits and state troopers?
  • Does this match your talk about how God places authorities in our lives for our benefit?

Helping them not “forget his deeds” but to “keep his commands” - Psalms 78:7

Honoring authority will help them obey you.

Honoring authority is a hallmark of godly men and their children.

 



Why did God create the world?

God enjoys making things and wants to be with us, to love us, and for us to love him. He created the world for us to live in and enjoy.

Psalms 19:1 - The skies display his craftsmanship
Genesis 1:1 - God created the heavens and the earth



Heart of Worship

Abram built an alter there and dedicated it to the Lord - Genesis 12:7

Ever thought about the power available through praise and worship of the heavenly Father?

God inhabits the praise of his people - Psalms 22:3

Praise and worship are avenues through which we enjoy fellowship with God

Abraham was a rich man who obeyed God's call to leave his home and travel to an unknown land

Whenever he settled, Abraham always took time to build an alter and worship God

Through the Holy Spirit, are you making praise and worship a key component of your daily life?



Cost of Bitterness

Asaph: I realized my heart was bitter and must have seem like a senseless animal to you - Psalms 73:21-22

Bitterness cause more damage to our relationships, health, and souls than almost anything else

Even as he complained, Asaph had a moment of clarity - I was foolish and ignorant - Psalms 73:22

Asaph realized that his bitterness had cost him part of his humanity

He rightly felt a sense of righteous indignation but had crossed a dangerous line of the wicked things to consume his - bitterness

Bitterness consumes the one who indulges it



Cost of Bitterness

Asaph: I realized my heart was bitter and must have seem like a senseless animal to you - Psalms 73:21-22

Bitterness cause more damage to our relationships, health, and souls than almost anything else

Even as he complained, Asaph had a moment of clarity - I was foolish and ignorant - Psalms 73:22

Asaph realized that his bitterness had cost him part of his humanity

He rightly felt a sense of righteous indignation but had crossed a dangerous line of the wicked things to consume his - bitterness

Bitterness consumes the one who indulges it



Cost of Bitterness

Asaph: I realized my heart was bitter and must have seem like a senseless animal to you - Psalms 73:21-22

Bitterness cause more damage to our relationships, health, and souls than almost anything else

Even as he complained, Asaph had a moment of clarity - I was foolish and ignorant - Psalms 73:22

Asaph realized that his bitterness had cost him part of his humanity

He rightly felt a sense of righteous indignation but had crossed a dangerous line of the wicked things to consume his - bitterness

Bitterness consumes the one who indulges it



Destination

I cry out to you .. listen to my cry - Psalms 88:1-2

I believe in the sun when it isn't shining, I believe in love even when I don't feel it, I believe in God even when he's slient - Found on a wall of Nazi concentration camp

Herman celraly felt deistraught and completely abandoned - Pslams 88:13-14

He declared the Lord was the God of salvation, everything good



Destination

I cry out to you .. listen to my cry - Psalms 88:1-2

I believe in the sun when it isn't shining, I believe in love even when I don't feel it, I believe in God even when he's slient - Found on a wall of Nazi concentration camp

Herman celraly felt deistraught and completely abandoned - Pslams 88:13-14

He declared the Lord was the God of salvation, everything good



Gift of Time

Remember how short my life is - No one can live forever, all will die - Psalms 89:47-48

The essence of gody wisdom is realizing that we are mortal and our days are numbered

Ethan was in touch with his mortality and immortality - I will sing of the Lord's unfailing love forever - Psalms 89:1

He knew how to put his time on earth to the best use by openly praising God

How are you spending the time God has given you?



Gift of Time

Remember how short my life is - No one can live forever, all will die - Psalms 89:47-48

The essence of gody wisdom is realizing that we are mortal and our days are numbered

Ethan was in touch with his mortality and immortality - I will sing of the Lord's unfailing love forever - Psalms 89:1

He knew how to put his time on earth to the best use by openly praising God

How are you spending the time God has given you?



Gift of Time

Remember how short my life is - No one can live forever, all will die - Psalms 89:47-48

The essence of gody wisdom is realizing that we are mortal and our days are numbered

Ethan was in touch with his mortality and immortality - I will sing of the Lord's unfailing love forever - Psalms 89:1

He knew how to put his time on earth to the best use by openly praising God

How are you spending the time God has given you?



He Got It

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west - Psalms 103:12

Men who follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly often see more clearly how they have been forgiven

David had plenty in his life for which he needed forgiveness

He knew when he failed God, God's love would never fail him

David did not choose his words randomly

If get in a plane and head east and unlimited fuel you never stop heading east - endless love



God's Approval

May the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful - Psalms 90:1

The formula for failure is trying to please everyone

Lasting blessing comes when you make pleasing God and seeking his approval your focus

In Psalms 90, Moses wrote while in the wilderness, plainly about the consequences of their stubbornness and disobedience

Most of those who left Egypt would never see the Promise Land but still found hope understanding the connection between willing obedience and divine blessing

Life is far too short and God's blessing to wonderful to miss anything he wants to give you



Guard Your Heart

He noticed a woman of unusual beauty - 2 Samuel 11:2

Our enemy knows our weakness and it often comes to us through what we see

David fell because he allowed himself to stare lustfully and sinful thought quickly turned into a sinful action

He apparently learned from his blunder, he later wrote: "I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar - Psalms 101:3

Have you learned to safeguard your heart by safeguarding your eyes?

Can a man walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? - Proverbs 6:28



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