Quiet Times Search

• The story continues - we are headed somewhere; bad times = the story has taken a tragic turn
• It can't be done - I can not arrange for life I prize - this frees our hearts
• It is coming - The life I prize is coming, what I am aching for now, but it is coming
• Battle and journey - We are at war; watch your heart; Don't just let anything in

• Difficult to believe God's intentions are eternal life
• Hard to not feel that we are blowing it
• We will accept some awful things as God's will
  
• God is ignoring our problem or just does not care

• by sin
• by others
• by the enemy

• Help them realize that you understand their hesitation
• Live your life as a model that shatters their stereotypes
• Help them to see the other authentic Christians so they know you are not the only one

• Intense temptation by Satan - vs1-3
• First sermon
• First personal challenge with the faithless
• First attempt on his life
• First spiritual and physical healing of the wounded

What are you looking for in life?

Acts 17:16-28

• Ever ask yourself: “What on earth am I here for?” You aren’t alone!
• Why did God create you and bring you to this very point and time in your life? So that you would seek him and
  find him in order to have a personal relationship with him.
• Who takes the initiative in seeking this relationship? Because God loves us and desires a relationship with us, he has been actively determining times and places long before we ever thought about seeking him (Psalms 14:2-3).
• Why do so few seem to be seeking today?
  • God is unknown and the image many have of him is distorted v23
  • We have created our own god. We all worship something.
  • To seek God, we must be willing to change our ideas about who God is to match what has been revealed to us in the Bible
• There is nothing more important or exciting in life than to seek and to find our Creator God.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

• We will find God if we seek Him with all our heart.
  
• Have you ever done something with all your heart? What is it?
  
• What will it mean for you to seek God with all your heart?

• What condition are we all in? We are dead in sins and transgressions.
  
• How much can a dead man do to improve his own condition? What then is the only way we can be saved?
  
• What do you learn about God in his passage? His love? His mercy? His grace?
  
• What is the condition of receiving what God has done on our behalf?
  
• We are saved by grace through faith. Faith is obedient trust in God (James 2:14-18).
  
• Here we trust what God has done in Jesus as the grounds of our salvation and commit our lives fully to him. While we can never do enough good works to save ourselves, what are we saved for?
  
• Saving faith is “worked out” in ways that bring glory to God and attest to a Christ-centered life.
  

• Having shown that Gentiles (non-Jews) are sinners in Romans 1 and Jews are no better off Romans 2, Paul summarizes his argument here.
  
• Is it possible for anyone to be “good enough” to be saved?
• Illustration: a plane goes down half way between Hawaii and California. Everyone must swim for the coast. Can some swim much further than others? But what eventually happens to them all? So with us, no one’s own efforts are enough. All fall short. So how are we saved?
  
• God justifies those who “have faith in Jesus” (v26).
  
• Saving faith is not in ourselves but “in his blood”—that is, in the death of Jesus on our behalf (v25).
  

• When we humbly consider our own sinfulness, it becomes obvious that we are saved because of God’s mercy, not because of righteous things we have done.
  
• Those who have trusted God for salvation, however, will devote themselves to doing his will.
  
• God’s grace is AMAZING! He generously accepts us as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.
• To enter into this saving relationship with God, we must be washed of our sins and renewed by the Holy Spirit.
  
• We will look more at the conditions of accepting God’s grace in the coming studies.

1. Grumbling servant - “I’ll serve, but I’m not going to like it.”
2. Complaining servant - “Why do they always ask me to serve”
3. Proud servant - “I serve more than anyone and deserve recognition”

• God knows what you and I have done but he wants to help us get our lives in order
• The more we read, the more we understand God is merciful and loving
• He is serious about us changing our lives to fit His will vs us trying to change the Bible to fit our will

• Jesus is the ultimate reflection of God on earth
• Just as Jesus didn't come with a critical judgment = God does not either
• v46 - He shows us the way out of darkness - when we don't have a close relationship with him
• Question: What does Jesus say will actually judge us? God's words

1. Read the Bible daily so we can know him
2. We must apply the Bible to our lives, let it change us, and let our lives change others
3. Let's study the Bible together at least once a week for the next 3 weeks

• Jesus suffered for you and me because he loves us that much (willing to take our pain)
• Not only did Jesus bear the physical pain but the emotional and spiritual pain as well.
• This pain and separation from God was more than he could take (lead to his overwhelming death)
• Question: How do you feel about the fact that Jesus went through all this for you? How does it make you feel toward Jesus?
• Question: Did you know that Jesus loved you this much? How does it make you feel toward Jesus?
• Question: How do you feel about your sin now that you know what Jesus went through?

• Worldly Sorrow = feel bad because you did wrong and/or got caught doing something
• Godly Sorrow = repentance, earnestness, eagerness to clear yourself, longing, concern, indignation, alarm, ready to see justice done
• Share: God wants you to respond by repenting of your sin and showing love to him because he loved you first - 1 John 4:19

• Our heart should be to give "cheerfully" out of gratitude for all that God's done for you
• Weekly contribution is an opportunity to express our gratitude to God weekly.
• Share: You wouldn't want someone to love you because they "have to" instead because they "want to".
• God doesn't make you give he wants you to give "cheerfully"
• Question: How do you feel about giving contribution weekly?
• Share: Once a year we have a special contribution to help in special areas (explain what special is about)

• Each disciple is different (racially, socially, economically, culturally, etc) and God wants it that way.
• Each disciple is different but each person is important. What gift do you see yourself adding to the body?
• v18 - God arranges the body parts the way he wants them to be (our relationships are orchestrated by God)
• God has the person that He wants you to (marry, roommate, etc) already in mind for you (trust him)

• The first must be last
• This is not how it is in the work place
  • Go ahead take my promotion
  • Kiss up to the boss
  • Fighting to be the best
  • Spend long hours at work

• Who will take care of me?
• They may not thank you

• The humble will be exalted
• Servants can not be prideful; humility is the badge the slave

• Servile fear - latin meaning slave
• Filial fear - meaning son

Fearing God is the most exalted endevors in our life

The highest reaches of becoming holy are realized only in the fear of God

Fearing God does not stop in the New Testament:

• 1 Peter 2:17 - Fear God
• Acts 9:31 - Live in the fear of the Lord
• 2 Corinthians 7:1 - Cleanse ourselves in the fear of the God
• Colossians 3:22 - Work should be done while fearing the Lord

The Spirit of God rested on the Messiah with the fear of the Lord and he delighted in it - Isaiah 11:1-3
If we would be like the Lord Jesus, we should delight in fearing the God

• Peter and his brother Andrew left their jobs - Matthew 4:18
  
• Must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me - Matthew 16:24
• I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you - John 13:15
• God always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ - 2 Corinthians 2:14
• You will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord - 1 Peter 2:21
• Follow others as they follow Christ - 1 Corinthians 11:1
• Follow His example in both in both negative and positive area
  • He never did a wrong thing.
  • He always did the right thing.

• John 8:16 - I stand with the Father, who sent me
• Romans 8:5 - Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires

• John 14:24 - These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me
• John 12:49 - Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it

• John 5:19 - Whatever the Father does the Son also does
• John 13:15 - I have set you an example that you should do as I have done

• Firm and loving?
• What is my tone of voice? kind? enraged?
• Do I refrain from sarcasm? Sarcasm is correction plus contempt
• Do I correct in front of others (other than my wife)? Majority of the time corrections should be done in private

• How much do I say I love her?
• Do I buy a smaller arrangement for my daughter on Valentines day?
• Am I quick to go to your daughter's aid

1. Grace
2. “Lifted up” – growing and being blessed
3. Relief because his burdens and anxieties will be carried by God
4. Better relationships (God opposes the proud, so do other people)

1. Accept full responsibility (don’t blame others for your actions)
2. Make no excuses (don’t be defensive)
3. Apologize humbly and go on your way rejoicing.

1. Tell them in a respectful way (don’t give in to faithlessness or fear)
2. Focus on your love for them and not on what they have done to you.
3. Forgive them (like Jesus did you) and move on being better friends.

• The challenge of life is not that we have too little time, but in how we are going to spend the time we do have.
• We need to make the most of every day (make a to do list to get yourself started)

• Anyone can have a job but do we do the little things that make us a great employee
• Anyone can have a child but do we do the things that make us a great parent

1. Punctuality
2. Paying bills on time
3. Sending birthday (Father’s Day, Mother’s Day cards)
4. Picking up after yourself
5. Keeping your room/car clean
6. Returning phone calls
7. Looking presentable

• Discipline is being able to decide what can be done and doing it the right way
• It’s better to do three (3) things well than ten (10) things half heartedly

• You don’t have to say “yes” to everyone and everything (our people pleasing nature will end up making us overwhelmed, stressed)
  

• Worry is an unproductive emotion (it won’t change anything)
• Worry is like a rocking chair (gives you something to do but gets you no where)

1. Buy things that are useful instead of buying for status
2. Do not buy anything that is producing an addiction in you
3. Develop a characteristic of giving things away
4. Develop a deeper appreciation for God’s creation
5. Stay away from things that take your focus off of God
6. If anything comes before you having QT’S in the morning then fast from that thing (activity) until you control it instead of it controlling you.

Summary

Adam's line was: Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech and Noah. Noah's sons were Shem, Ham and Japheth.

Observations

Genesis 5:2 - He created them male and female and blessed them
It has always been God's intention to bless each and every one of us. And we do have many blessings!! But do we see them? We can not be grateful toward God unless we step back and look at all the great things he has done for us.

Genesis 5:22 - Enoch walked with God 300 years
Through the family line which is described here, God stops the pattern of listing the names of children and ages of important events to mention   Enoch's walk with God. Because of the obvious age limitations we have today, It was a walk longer than we will ever see with God on this earth - probably greater than 4 times. Can you imagine the faith and persistence he must have had?

Genesis 5:24 - then he was no more, because God took him away
Enoch did not see death but rather he was taken up to heaven. Along with Elijah [2 Kings 2:11], they were are the only two mentioned in the Bible to have gone directly to see him. How and why this happened, I am not sure but it does show God felt these relationship were very special to Him.

Personal Application

The challenge for me is simple: To finish the race [Acts 20:24] with great faith and perseverance. But not just to get by but to have a relationship with God that shines before others. When people talk about me, do they stop and mention my relationship with God like the Bible does with Enoch? What does God say about my faith?

Pray: “Father, not my but yours be done.”

Nothing is more right to do this.

Nothing is so purifying and so liberating.

Nothing is so like Christ.

Matthew 26:36-44 - Jesus: not what I will, but what you will

Be “unreasonably,” “illogically” joyful because your name is written in heaven.

It seems you have more to do than you can get done but your name is written in heaven.

Your prayers didn’t get answered the way you thought they would but your name is written in heaven.

You are having “one of those days” but your name is written in heaven.

You didn’t do everything right but your name is written in heaven.

Luke 10:18-20 - Rejoice that your names stand written in heaven

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).

• As a "child of God", what should your attitude be?
• How can you begin to "purify yourself"?

1. What has Jesus' sacrifice done for you?
2. How can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?

• What has God done with your sins?
  
• Write other "benefits" God has done for you (vs. 2).

1. What will you be judged for on the last day?
2. Why is it not enough to simply give money to beggers?
3. Which of the six things listed in verses 35-36 have you done recently?
4. Who are we really ignoring when we neglect the needy?

1. What does it mean to be "hard-hearted" or "tight-fisted"?
2. What kind of giving does God expect from you?
3. Who are some of the poor and needy around you - and how are you going to help them?

1. What are some small acts of kindness that will not be forgotten by God?
2. How can you help the needy even if you have little money?

1. What was David feeling as he prayed to God? Why?
2. How has the Lord treated you with undeserved honor and blessings?
3. How did God bless Israel?
4. How has he done even greater things for his people today?
5. What attitude toward God does this prayer express?

1. Why do you think the Lord answers this prayer so quickly?
2. The servant's prayer was simple, but he had great faith. How can you tell?
3. What was the servant's first response to the answered prayer?
4. Are you remembering to thank God for every answered prayer?

1. What makes prayer powerful and effective?
2. Do you pray eagerly and earnestly?
3. Do you pray with great faith? Have you been righteous this week?

Summary

In Gerar Abraham said, "Sarah is my sister." King Abimelech took her but God warned him in a dream. He restored Sarah to Abraham.

Observations

Genesis 20:3 - You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken
God's anger was revealed here once again. King Abimelech had no idea that he was sinning. However, just because we are not aware does not mean were without sin.  In fact, we may have sinned serveral time already today without knowing or being aware. We need just Jesus so much. Wheather it is for the strength to be righteous or the forgiveness of a mulitude of sins.

Genesis 20:6 - I know that you have done this with a clear conscience
God considers our lives and our hearts when he judges. Our hearts are central to our connection with God. King Abimelech had no intention to take a married woman to be his wife, he did it with a clear conscience. God provided a way out way out for him as he does for all those who are tempted. [1 Corinthians 10:13].

Personal Application

I usually don't have an issue with knowing right from wrong. It is usually that I am not aware of what I am doing. I am either not paying attention or not focused. I need to watch my life closely so I will be righteous in God's eyes and so others can be saved because of it [1 Timothy 4:16].

• What are some of the greatest things that you have ever done in your life?
• What great things do you dream about doing now?
• What "greater things" are you going to do this year?

• Examine your heart and actions based on Jesus' example the next time you get angry.
• Are you God-focused? Did you bring healing?
• Did you care enough to control your anger and turn it into a victory for God by bringing teaching and discipling to the situation?
  
• What could you have done differently to have Jesus' heart?

• He met people's spiritual needs. John 4: 1 - 26
• He taught people to serve by meeting physical needs. Luke 10:25 - 37

• Are you building and growing relationships?
• Are they deepening through openness, prayer, and discipleship?
• Pray for at least three people you want to build a deeper relationship with. Pray for them.

• Write a list of all the people that God has put into your life to pick you up when you fall. Thank them for being there for you.
• Write a list of all the ways that God has moved powerfully in your life to keep you faithful in the hard times.
• Thank God for those times.
• Share the things that God has done in your life with a non-Christian today.

1. Pray through my dream list at least twice a week
2. Learn to stop trying to be perfect and be grateful for his grace

• 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

We must totally aware of our own unworthiness

It took a while, but Job finally understood this: "My ears heard you but now my eyes...and repent in dust and ashes" - Job 42:5-6

This is the reaction we should have when sinful selfs meets a pure, holy and prefect God

David understood our unworthiness: "But who I am... Everything comes from you" - 1 Chonicles 29:14-15

Solomon aware of his own afflicions, asked God to hear men's prayers - 1 Kings 8:38

Jesus warned that we need to be careful to not be proud based off anything we have or done - Revelations 3:17
But to have the attitude of the tax collect who prayed "Have mercy on me, a sinner " - Luke 18:13

Our good deeds or possessions in no way make worthly of coming in the presence of the holy one

THe key ingredient masculinity is actually strength
Like Jesus, every man also needs to be developing moral, mental, social, and spiritual strength.
If men do not develop a sense of their own fortitude, they will never attempt hard things.
Opposite of masculinity is to be feminine, which means soft, pretty, and delicate.

Culture has spent decades telling women to “Rise up and be strong!” and telling men to “Sit down and be quiet!”

King David charged his son Solomon, “Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man” - 1 Kings 2:2
If you are going to obey Him and be faithful to Him until the end, you must act like a man, embrace your masculinity, and hear His command to “Be strong!” - Joshua 1:9
When the enemy is attacking, you must keep up your resistance — “and having done everything, to stand firm” - Ephesians 6:13
“Act like men, be strong!” - 1 Corinthians 16:13

This is our responsibility as men. This is required of us to be faithful.

Men are happiest and at their best when they are responsible

We must resolve to fully embrace all of our responsibilities before God

Responsibility = you are being entrusted and empowered by a higher authority to care for something or someone

The first thing God did after creating Adam, was to give him responsibilities. He placed him in the garden “to cultivate it and keep it” - Genesis 2:15

Sin makes men tend to resist responsibility, but embracing it is part of our manhood

It is a relatively modern invention that establishes teen years as a moratorium on responsibility and prolongs childhood indefinitely.

When a young man is passive and irresponsible, he greatly limits his freedoms, opportunities, and successes.

Responsibility calls us to action and tests us. It reveals our character.

The more maturity a man has, the more responsibility God can trust him with.

Embrace responsibility! Love it. Live it. Teach it to your children.

If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward” - Luke 12:42-43

Having no accountability always leads to irresponsibility

One day we will stand before God one day and be held accountable for how we lived

Our actions not only have immediate consequences but eternal ones as well:

• We will all stand before the judgment seat of God - Romans 14:10
• He will “judge men’s secrets” - Romans 2:16
• He will bring to light the things hidden in the darkness, disclosing the motives of our hearts - 1 Corinthians 4:5
• He will judging the words of our mouths - Matthew 12:36
• He will testthe deeds we have done - Romans 2:5-8

This is wired into our consciences and confirmed throughout His Word

Everything in a man’s thinking changes when he realizes that he is only one heartbeat from standing before the Lord

Do you know for certain where you will spend eternity after you die?
Most men don’t understand what God requires for someone to be ready
We must take full responsibility for ourselves, our wives, and our children

Preparing for that day is why we should become accountable to one another

Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man - Ecclesiastes 12:13–14

Accountability dynamically helps make us into men - humble, wise, responsible, faithful men.

God alone designed the marvelous mystery of marriage.
To become godly husbands starts with the idea of holiness
God wants our lives to be holy so that they would become more like Him - priceless, pure, and special.
It makes things unique, like no other. It sets them apart. It keeps special things special.

After everything God had done to deliver His people and help them become holy, He hated when they forgot His mercy, rejected His standards, and shamefully lived like the world
They dishonored the surpassing worth of God.

Any sin in us reveals that God is not as holy to us as He should be.
You are to set her apart in your eyes above all the other women on the face of the earth. She became your prized possession for you to cherish, love, and protect for the rest of your life.
God created your marriage to be a living portrait on earth to reveal the loving relationship of Jesus Christ with His Bride, the church - those whom He has declared “holy” unto Him - Ephesians 1:4
Should be like: “Look at my relationship with my wife! This is what the sacrificial, unconditional love of Jesus Christ for His Bride looks like!”
God’s calling for you as a husband was not to marry the woman you love, but to love the woman you married.

Love our wives is actually more demanding than the task placed upon wives to “submit” to their husbands.

The example God gives husbands to follow is simply the most courageous and sacrificial act ever done in all human history.
When Jesus died for His bride, she was dirty and sinful. She was acting like His enemy.
We are called to sacrifice our lives every day for her.
To say “no” to what we want so we can say “yes” to what she needs. That is Christlike love and leadership.

Marriage, however, is a God-ordained covenant that invites you to love an imperfect, sinful person with the love of Christ.
Because that’s how He loves you. His love finds every reason to start but finds no reason to stop.
Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God - Romans 8:38-39

Most marriage problems are usually the result of a wife’s wounded reaction to poor leadership and lack of love from her husband.
The key to loving like Jesus is to understand that we cannot do it on our own.
God loves us not because we are lovable but because He is so loving.
We disconnect from our mate’s imperfections and plug into God’s unchanging nature.
What would happen in the next year if God’s unconditional love became the foundation of your marriage?

Continuing the “heart hindrances” that will push your chidren away.

6. Favoritism.
   • Less favored children become resentful.
   • It led Rachel and Leah to fight and Joseph’s brothers to hate him
7. Hypocrisy.
   • It will kill trust between you and your children
   • Identify hypocrisy in you, be quick to repent
8. Hurting their mother.
   • They will tend to take up offense for the woman who loves them
   • If you teach them to dishonor her, they will eventually dishonor you
9. Misunderstanding.
   • Is tied to kids feeling misunderstood and not listened to by their parents
   • If a matter is important to them, it should be important to you
10. Unrealistic expectations.
    • Kids will quickly be discouraged if they believe their parents have set them up to fail
    • Avoid comparing their weaknesses with another child’s strengths
    • Your child believes he can’t please you, he’ll eventually quit trying

You must keep your radar up to sense if you have your children’s hearts

Questions to continously ask:

• Have I ever wounded you and not made it right?
• Have I said one thing and done another?
• Have I made promises and not kept them?
• Is there anything you’re angry with me about? Is there anything you’re not telling me because you’re afraid?

Too many men foolishly refuse to apologize because they’re trying to save face and don’t want to look bad.

Summary

Rebebekah went back with Eliezer and she married Isaac.

Observations

Genesis 24:49 - Tell me yes or no, then I know what to do next
After sharing his faith in verses 34 to 48 about how God blessed his faithfulness, Abramham's servers did not want to waste any time - he wanted a straight answer on which direction they would choose. Sometimes it is difficult to get a straight answer but he did not want them to waiver in this very important decision. Sometimes we guard our hearts to share because we do not want to sound "too religous" but Eliezer just shared his heart and was not concerned about their opinons.

Genesis 24:50 - The Lord has obviously brought you here, there is nothing we can say
There is no reason to fight the Lord. When they saw what had happen before them, they were conveicted that the Lord was speaking to them that day. Eliezer was full of faith and excitement for what the Lord had done and he could not help but to share it with them that day.

Application

The God should be obvious in our lives. Do people see God in us and if so is it obvious or is there doubt in their mind? In order for me to reach out to others, my life needs to show Jesus. When I speak and invite others to church/Bible study does it come as a surpise or an invitation or extention of what I am already doing?

Prayer

Pray to be real with people and to share my faith without reservation. 

Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him - Genesis 6:22

Good things come to men who fully and complete follow instructions

Noah followed God's instructions to the letter, leaving nothing undone

If Noah had missed just one of God's instructions while building the Ark, we would not be here today.

Noah obeyed because he was a righteous man and he was a righteous man because of his obedience

When you follow God's instructions in every day life, you position yourslef to receive good things from Him.

Think of an area in your life that God has given you some pretty clrear instruction. Can God say you "did everything exacly as God had commanded"?

Shall I not drink from the cup of suffereing the Father has given me? - John 18:10-11

When you fight spiritual battles, you have a variety of resources available

Your choice will always determine if you win or lose

Peter did the best he could; he went wrong by putting confidence in his own strength and abilty to get things done

Peter's problem was not a lack of willingness to follow Jesus but a problem of choice of weapons

Only when we receieved the holy spirit did he become a fearless and powerful preacher of the gospel

What weapons do you use to fight your spiritual battles?

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

Go back to your family and tell them everything God has done for you - Luke 8:39

People who express daily gratitude reported higer levels of:

• Alertness
• Enthusiasm
• Determination
• Optimism
• Energy

Jesus and his disciples encountered a violent demon-possessed man - naked, out of his mind, completely alone

He calmly and purposefully took control of the situation and delivered the man from his life of torment

Jesus told the man to go home and tell everyone what had happened

The man gratefully followed Jesus' instructions

When you think of everything that God has done for you, what other response is there but to follow him?

A greateful heart is the best, infectious witness to the goodness and power of God

Yet I want your will to be done, not mine - Mark 14:36

We sometime have a difficult time with the idea of a loving God when we go through difficult times

A life of without suffering is prefered and you will would probably do anything you could to avoid it

Even as Jesus prayed for relief, he remained completely and single-mindedly submitted to his Father's will

At the moment of truth, he was willing to go through with the appointment God had made for him

Nothing tests your submission to God's will and plans like adversity

You have abandoned me, so I am abandoning you to Shishak - 2 Chronicles 12:5

The Bible includes many examples of God sending men to free his people from their sin and rebellion

Shemaiah to a message of freedom to his people - All that was required was for them to turn to God

It was difficult message for Shemaiah to give such a message to his home country of Judah

Shemaiah's willingness to speak God's message made a difference:

• The leaders listened
• Judah humbled themselves
• God relented on his plan to destroy Judah - 2 Chronicles 12:6-8

When you have the courage to give a difficult message to hear, you can make a difference in your world

Leaders plotted to kill Zechariah and King Joash order that they stone him to death - 2 Chronicles 24:21

Sometimes we must stand against even the strongest public opinion

Zechariah encourages Joash and the people to return to the LOrd and warned them of the consequences of their idolity

You have abandoned the Lord, and now he has abandoned you! - 2 Chronicles 24:21

That wasn't what the king or his subjects wanted to hear

Zechariah paid with his life for his willingness to buck public opinion

Have I ever... Tell me and I will make right whatever I have done wrong - 1 Samuel 12:3

Samuel earned a reputation for unimoeachable honesty that served him well

At Saul's coronation, he asked the people to declare if Samuel was honest and person of integrity

Everyone knew the answer and didn't hesitate to give it - YES!

Samuel could speak to the people with great authority because he had carefully maintained his reputation as an honest man

How can Samuel's example help you to choose honesty?

One of them fell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thnking him for what he had done - Luke 17:14

Sometimes expressing gratitude means going out of your way to let the party know how thankful you feel

Out of ten men healed with leparosy, only one thanked him

Ten men asked for and received help, only one man was changed for good and received a greater gift - greatful heart

Jesus asked where the other nine went - Luke 17:17

Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind and he went away, weeping bitterly - Matthew 26:75

God offers forgiveness for even the worst of sins and the worst of sinners

Peter learned this firsthand

Theories abound as to why Judas' motivation for betraying Jesus, but for Peter it was clear, he was afraid

Judas and Peter both:

• Failed Jesus miserably
• Knew immediately they had done wrong
• Felt the guilt

Two remorseful sinners but only one turned back to the Lord

Many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers - Acts 9:13-14

God had geiven Ananias an assignmen that mad him very uncomfortable

Saul's sole purpose in coming to Damascus had been to persecute him and the other believers

Ananias remined God of the terrible things Saul had done but God did not relent

He intended for Saul to take his message of salvation to both Gentiles and Jews - Acts 9:15

Ananias weighed the risks and knew that the benefits of obedience far outwieghted anything he feared

Because he obeyed, he was able to play a supporting role in God's plan to spread the gospel throughout the world

Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things the Lord had done - Exdous 18:9

Paul: "be happy with those who are happy" - Romans 12:15

Jethro, Moses' friend, celebrated with the people of Israel: "Praise the Lord, for he had rescued you from the Egyptians - Exodus 18:10

He immedidately blessed those around him with words of praise

The same thing can happen when you share in another's joy over God's kindness and blessing

When Rehobam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the Lord - 2 Chronicles 12:1

There is a lot self-help books and programs teaching we can find fulfillment in our stength, mind, and soul

True fulfillment and strength is found walking closely with God and humbly obeying his commands

Rehoboam took a good look at all he had accomplished and becamse self-satisfied and abandoned God

He crowded out God's place in his heart

Rehoboam leading the way:

• Judah slipped away from God
• Kingdom was nearly destroyed by Egypt
• Had no choice of surrender to Shishak
• Holy temple was ransacked
• Judah became servants of Egypt

Rehoboam failed as a leader and as a man of God because he found strength and satisfaction in his own accomplishments

I will make myself king - 1 Kings 1:5

As his father David days were coming to an end, Adonijah tried to boast himself as kings instead of the oppointed successor, Solomon.

Adonijah didn't hide his self ambition or shameless self-promotion

He setup an event to perform animal sacrifices with royal officals but did not invite Solomon or Nathan

Solomon quickly became king and then pardoned Adonijah as long as he was loyal to Solomon - 1 Kings 1:52-53

Adonijah couldn't let it go, he made a second attempt at the throne because of his stubbornness and self-protion, it cost him his life - 1 Kings 2:25

He healed my eyes and yet you don't know where he comes from? - John 9:30

The Jewish reglious leaders constantly opposed his and couldn't see past their own legalism and tradition long enough to see the miracle

The blind man and others understood who Jesus was because he witnessed the miracles with open minds and hearts

Jesus demonstarted God's power, the man did as Jesus said, and receive the gift of sight:

1. Spit in the dirt
2. Wiped mud in his eyes
3. Told him to wash

The Jewish leaders took issue to Jesus "working" on the Sabbath

Ex-blind man: If this man were not from God, he couldn't have done it - John 9:33

When we receive spiritual insight that changes our lives, we need to tell others what God has done - we were blind but now we see!

It's obvious how he loves me - Song of Solomon 2:4

The Song of Solomon was thought about a man's love for his wife, not about God's love for us

Its both

Solomon beloved Shulamite and demonstrated his love in ways that everyone could see

It is also a model of how you can love others whom God has placed in your life

Love them passionately and openly so that they never have to question how much you love them

Let your wife, children, family, and friends know how much you love them and in as many ways as you can think of

That is what God has done for you

God made it obvious how much he loves you by sending his Son to die for you

We alone will build the Temple for the Lord just as KIng Cyrus of Persia commanded us - Ezra 4:3

It is important to guard against those who try to lead you away from a strong, biblical faith

Zerubbabel had good judgement overseeing the building of an alter to the Lord and the rebuild of the holy Temple

This got the attention of some traditional adversaries who offered to help with highly suspect motives

It was tempting to get the work done faster but Zerubbabel said thanks but no thanks

We need to have sound judgement in who spends time with your family and what images you and your kids should view and the activities you choose

Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you - Colossians 4:17

Church on Sunday morning, do you recongnize that God has a specific purpose and ministry for you that day?

Don't miss out on the blessing you can receive when you assume your place of service in the body of Christ

Archippus' ministry was apparently important enough to the apostle Paul that he encouraged the young man to make sure he got the job done:

1. Paul didn't want him to see his ministry as a burden
2. Archippus was responsible for continuing to put the gift he was given to good use

God has given you a particular ministry and the gifts it takes to effectively carry it out.

Are you pursuing your role in the church with all of your heart?

A faithful, sensible servant is the one who the master can give responsibility - Matthew 24:45

There are two people in the workplace:

1. Employees who must be watched like a hawk - get the job done that is it
2. Employees  who do their best with enthusiasm

Jesus told a story about a master's trust in a servant who demonstrated faithfulness in big and small issues

That led the master to leave more important responsiblities to the faithful servant

Are you faithful in serving God and your employer? He will reward your faithfulness

He refused to humble himself when the prophet Jeremiah spoke to him directly from the Lord - 2 Chronicles 36:11-12

Those who prefer to recieve nothing from God should pave their way with stubborn defiance

Zedekiah ascended the throne at age 21

He refused to listen to the Lord's word as spoken by Jeremiah

No man who maintains a stubborn attitude has ever done anything great for the Lord

How might you change your future for the better by humbly listening to God?

I long for the years gone by when God took care of me - Job 29:2

During his worst time of misery, Job began wondering if God still cared about him

After he lost everything, Job felt abandoned and longed for the good old days

God knew exactly how much Job had suffered but Job could not feel it

Job was so focused on his suffering that he lost sight of the unchangeable fact that God would never abandon him

Feelings speak truth about your pain but can lie about God's response

God had never abandoned anyone he loves

They are honest and trustworthy men - 2 Kings 22:7

The unnamed men who supervised the restoration of the Temple were so honest that Josiah ordered the high priest to stop keeping accounts of the money they spent to repair God's holy Temple

Josiah wrote what amounted to a blank check to get the work done

Why? Because they had already proved themselves faithful

How do you conduct yourself when no one is watching?

When you demonstrate integrity in everything you say and do, you earn the trust of those in authority over you

I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are - Matthew 8:8

When you understand the authority of Christ over all things, you open yourself up to receive the very best

The Roman officer was under the authority of his superiors and authority over his subordinates

He was expected when he gave orders, it was good as done

The officer recongnized that Jesus had absolute authority to carry out whatever he agreed to do

What would Jesus do for us if we only asked him to do and believe he could

What sort of confidence do you have in Jesus' authority?

Would your life change if you had the confidence of this Roman officer?

The Lord was with Joseph in the prison - Genesis 39:21

Joseph lived an upright life but endured more than his share of injustice at a young age

Through everything Joseph continued to serve GOd and those in authority over him

Joseph conduced himself in a way to earn himself respect and administration of everyone who knew him

How did he maintain a faithful heart when at times it must have seemed God had abandoned him? The Lord was with Joseph

Since Joseph knew God was with him, he prospered in every situation he faced including false imprisionment

Joseph remained steadfast in his commitment to God and He would reveal his hand in due time

We will start rebuilding this wall - Nehemiah 2:20

God gives men the vision, the faith, and the ability to get things done - we must act on what we know

Nehemiah first realized Jerusalem's walls needed rebuilding:

• Bathed his vision in prayer
• Planned with counsel
• Acted in faith

He knew he was faced with a daunting task:

• Long hours of hard work
• Neighbors with outspoken opposition

Nehemiah approached the work with absolute confidence simply because God called him to the task

Has God given you a vision of something he wants you to accomplish?

Absalom never spoke to Amnon about this - 2 Samuel 13:22

Absalom showed what happens when the lines of communication between two people break down

He had every right to feel angry  about Amnon rapping his sister

What went wrong is his refusing to talk about it and making no effort to try to resolve the situation - Amnon felt sorry for what he had done

Absalom's anger grew deep inside until it became implacable hatred

He waited for the right opportunity to order his servants to kill Amnon - 2 Samuel 13:28

Absalom paid a heavy price for his failure to resolve his conflict openly and peacefully