Quiet Times Search

The kingdom of God brings restoration
Life is resotred to what it was meant to be

Eden was exactly as God meant for it to be
Jesus came to make all things new - Revelation 21:5
He does not say he is make all new things, rather, the things that been broken will be restored
Not new glass or crutches but new eyes and legs

Jesus called himself the Son of man to state clearly that he was what man was suppose to be
What happens to him when he dies? He is resurrected as himself, not some else - only healed and very much alive
Creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed - Romans 8:19

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life - Proverbs 4:23

Tin man had once been a real man

• Wicked witch cause the man injury
• One by one the man replaced his limbs with artificial ones
• Seems like an advantage at first - Witch can not hurt him
• Lost his heart in the process

After a series of blows, his humanity was reduced to efficiency
He did not even notice

If we can disable or deaden your heart, then we have effectively foiled the plan of God
Plan of creating a world where love reigns
By taking your heart out, the enemy takes you out

• People in your life
• Things that bring you joy
• Places that are dear to you

• Wanted choice seat to the right and left of Jesus
• Wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy a village

• Be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor - Deuteronomy 15:11
• Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me - Matthew 25:40
• All I ask is that you remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do - Galatians 2:10

1. The Blessing of Giving - Acts 20:33-35
   1. Paul did not desire anyone else's money or possessions.
   2. He worked hard and sacrificed to help the weak.
   3. He knew that giving brought more joy than receiving.
2. Living for Eternal Possessions - Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 10:32-34
   1. When our treasure is in heaven not on earth, our hearts will be in heaven also.
   2. As disciples, we will look foolish to the world because our hearts and our treasures (money) are in heaven not on earth.
3. All Things For Our Enjoyment - 1 Timothy 6:17-18
   1. It is very easy for us who have wealth to put our hope and trust in money/things rather than God.
   2. As disciples we are commanded to be generous and willing to share.
   3. When we follow God"s plan we can feel great about enjoying the blessings God has given us.

1. Which do I desire more, to give or to receive?
2. How can I put all my treasure in heaven so that all my heart will be there also?
3. How am I being generous and willing to share on a daily basis?
4. Am I enjoying God's blessings or do I feel guilty about the things I have?

• Matthew recently became a Christian
• In those days, being a tax collector was a license to extort
• He had not learned yet how to teach the gospel to people
• Jesus was always moving a round, spontaneous
  
• Solution throw a big party and invite Jesus and everyone else
• Pharisees found out about it and were not happy with it
• Did Matthew have second thoughts when he saw the interactions between the Pharisees and Jesus?
• Jesus defended Matthew's party idea with explaining the sick need a doctor
• Mixed groups are not only acceptable but essentials to God's redemptive plan

• Be innovative and creative
• Come up with a plan to be with more people
• Pray hard and be willing to go out on a limb
• Learn from mistakes and adjust accordingly

• He made us
• We matter to God
• He wants to have a relationship with us
• We rebelled against God
• Our sins separate us from Him
• Attempts to reach Him fall short - Romans 3:23
• Our sins desire death - Romans 6:23
• There is much trouble apart from God - people need to understand their lostness
• Christ died so we have relationship restored - 1 Peter 3:18

• Blood of Jesus
• Word of our testimony - Revelation 12:11

Romans 6:23

• We deserve death because of our sins but God is willing to forgive us in spite of who we are (God's gift to us)
• Question: After studying these scriptures, would you say the Bible describes your heart in response to your sin more like the Pharisee or the Sinful woman?

John 3:1-7

• Question: What did Jesus say MUST happen in order for someone to be born again?
• Question: We should born of what? Spirtual birth not a physical birth - not being religous but living a righteous life
• Question: What do we need to have convictions on in order to be born again?

Acts 2:22-24

• Jesus is God's son (miracles prove it)
• Jesus died for our (YOUR) sins
• God raise Jesus on the 3rd day
• Question: So how should we respond to the fact that our (YOUR) is why Jesus died on the cross?

Acts 2:36-41

• Repent and be Baptized (wall is removed)
• Then we can have a relationship with God (what happens at baptism)

Romans 6:1-4

• Question: What are you baptized into? If you were baptized into Jesus' death, what else does that allow us to have? New Life
• You can go from the heart of the Pharisee to the heart of the Sinful Woman by understanding the forgiveness through Jesus
• Encouraged to write a letter to God thanking him for forgiving you of your sins (write the sins out)

• Question: What do you think the heart of what Jesus is saying in these scriptures?
• Question: Biblically speaking, because someone goes to church  does that make them a Christian? Are they a Christian because they are a good person? What if they know a lot about the Bible, does that make them a Christian?
• That means you are saying that the majority of people in the world are lost. How does that make you feel?
• Make God feel said but God has a plan for them - 1 Timothy 2:1-6

• v22 - The miracles Jesus did proves he was God's son
• v23 - He died on the cross for your sin
• v24 - God raised him from the dead
  

• Confess with your mouth (acknowledging God and everyone around you that you nor anything else will be the Lord of your life,expect Jesus)
• It is not the confession that justifies you, it is your heart that God is looking at.

• Think about things you worry about.
• What do you worry about?
• How much do you think about?
• How can worrying about those things make it difficult to be righteous?
• Do seek righteousness first or something else first?

• Are you living more righteously than the Pharisees?
• They obeyed the law but what were they missing?
• Where is your righteous coming from? Jesus? Self? Something else?

1. How closely are you looking at how you live?
2. Why should you always watch what you are doing?
3. How would your life change if you were always watchful?

1. Your time
2. Your money
3. Your feelings
4. Anything else of yours that you value

• v6:1 - He has an awesome vision of the awesome God.
• v6:5 - “Woe to me!”
  • Isaiah saw God in all his glory
  • He realized his own lostness
  • He realized the lostness of everyone else.
• v6:6-7 - Experiencing God’s forgiveness transforms our lives
• v6:8 - Then and only then are we ready to go and spread God’s word

• There is a world of difference between Godly confidence and pride.
• The person who walks with Godly confidence walks tall because he knows he is a child of the king (he doesn’t act like he’s better than anyone else) (he doesn’t have to be in the know).
• This was the meekness that people noticed in Jesus (controlled strength) confidence

• People will be attracted to this type of confidence (not like the world)
  

1. Unwillingness to admit mistakes: Do you apologize whole heartily? - Nearly all men can stand adversity, to test a man, give him power.
2. Hating to look bad: Can you laugh at yourself?
3. Attitude of entitlement: Are you used to privilege (expect because your on staff, you should be treated a certain way, do you serve a certain way because you are on staff)

Summary

They began building a great tower for themselves, but the Lord confused their language. Shem's line included Abram who married Sarai.

Observations

Genesis 11:4 - so that we may make a name for ourselves
We all have a built-in desire to reach God and the heavens. It is all about the manner in which we do it. The people here wanted it for selfish reasons and not as misguided attempt to have a relationship with God. They wanted to make a name for themselves to show other what they could do. Why do we go to church and come to a Bible study group? Is it for show or is it because we want to know God?

Genesis 11:6 - then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them
For good purposes or bad, when we come together we can do amazing things. If the united people at time could start to create a large tower to the heavens without God, what can we do as a united people with God?!?

Personal Application

I need to check my motivations on why I do things - especially the "good" things. Is it to further my relationship with God or for selfish gain or to please someone else?

• 1 Peter 1:22-2:3 - Crave the Bible; it will show you what you need in your walk with God
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Bible will equip you and give you all you need to grow (Psalms 119)

• Ephesians 4:11-16 - God has put them in your life to help you grow; church, midweek, etc
• Hebrews 13:7 - Watch you leaders and follow their example; ask lots of questions

• 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 - All of us lack something in our faith; get together and help each other
• Romans 15:14 - Other disciples may know the Bible better and can help you through your challenges

1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
   
3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
   
4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?

• What does God want you to pray about?
• What are some worries you can pray about today?
• Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!

1. What should make us rejoice in persecutions?
2. Have people insulted or spoken evil of you because of Jesus?
3. How did you feel?
4. Who else has been treated this way?

1. How should we expect to be treated?
2. Why does the world hate us?
3. What makes people feel guilty when they see us become disciples?

1. What made Peter and John so bold?
2. Has anyone tried to stop you from teaching, speaking or worshiping Jesus?
3. How have you responded?

1. Jesus was persecuted out of envy (MARK 15:10); the apostles were arrested out of jealousy.
2. Why will we be persecuted or slandered?
3. By whom?
4. What was the apostles' reply when they were told to stop?

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?

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?

1. Why did Elijah feel so overwhelmed?
2. What are some things that have made you feel like giving up?
3. How did the Lord encourage him physically, spiritually and emotionally?
4. What do you normally do when you start feeling "down"?
5. How can you apply the 3 lessons from above the next time you are tempted to give in to discouragement?

1. How do you think Elijah felt to be given a friend and disciple like Elisha?
2. Why did God wait until Elijah was "in action" again before sending him to Elisha?

1. What does God promise to those who seek him with all their hearts?
2. Are you seeking him or something else?

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?

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

1. I will remember that God is with me and do something for someone else to show I believe in them and I am with them.
2. To trust in the Bible and read it every time I feel 2. like God is disappointed in me.
3. To show love to a person in action and in truth if I feel like God doesn't love me.

• They saw a immoral Samaritan woman, Jesus saw a lady who could change the city - John 4
• They saw a demon-possessed Legion, Jesus saw a man who could change ten cites - Mark 5
• They saw a impetuous pebble, Jesus called him the Rock - Matthew 16:18

God saw us for who we really were and yet treasures us like jewels in his hand.

The greater responsibility to raise your children is yours.
When you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up - Deuteronomy 6:7
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord - Ephesians 6:4

When the dad leads, kids are up to twenty times more likely to stay in church long-term than when moms are the spiritual leaders at home
When the father gets immediately involved, leading with purpose, dealing with problems, his own personal walk with God

Trusting Him makes you wise. Relying on Him keeps you strong. Following Him shows you how to lead.

Seeking God in a very deliberate, devoted manner will impact everything else in your world.
Focus on your relationship with God, you will find it more natural to want your wife and children to be enjoying the same thing

Jesus uses the Word of God to wash us and bloom us into a holy Bride - John 15:3
Leading your family with God’s Word is a key to helping them work through issues, love one another, and grow spiritually.

Devotions together

• Even if it seems awkward or different at first
• Can be as simple as:
  • Ggetting together in the same room and talking about how everyone is doing
  • Reading a chapter out loud from the Bible
  • Followed by a simple prayer asking God to help you apply what you heard

Summary

Sarah died in Kiriath-arba and Abraham asked the Hittites for a burial site. He bought a cave at full price from Ephron and buried Sarah there.

Observations

Genesis 23:6 - Listen, my lord, you are an honored prince
Abraham's reputation was above reproach. Those who invest their time and money in serving God often earn a good return on their investment - a good reputation and the respect of others. He was in front of the elders of the land to witness this as a legit transaction (v16). No one could say Abraham stole and cheated someone in this first recorded real estate transaction. He simply waited on God to fulfill his promise in his own timing. Unlike Jesus' disciples, Abraham did not have a battle plan on how He would take the land. [Matthew 26:52]

Genesis 23:15 - Land is worth 400 pieces of silver, but what is that between friends?
Abraham paid the initial price even after refusing the land as a gift time and time again. He was not trying to take anything he didn’t deserve. Even though God had promised the land to Abraham, he was did come with a attitude that he owned the place. Instead, he waited for God's timing and will to fulfill his promise. Like David, he did not want to take what was someone else's and give it the Lord. [1 Chronicles 21:24]

Application

What kind of reputation do I have at work, at home, and at church? What do others say about me? How has that helped or hindered me?

Do I become impatient in waiting for God's promises? Do I try to fulfill God's promises for him?

Do we avoid giving when it really costs us something?

Prayer

Lord, help me to have the faith to wait on your promises and to always be ambassador of yours no matter where I am.

Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray - Mark 1:35

Jesus understood better than anyone else the importantce of tapping into the heavenly power source

Jesus didn't allow anything to get in the way of his prayer times

Busy men often complain of burnout, Jesus never did

Jesus had a packed schedule without losing his focus or his energy

He considered regular prayer time virtal to his personal well-being and effectiveness

How much more should we spend time daily with the One who empowers us?

Crispus and everyone in his household believed in the Lord - Acts 18:8

High visibility can have rewards for those who stand out in the crowd

Why does the Bible mention Crispus and no one else? Crispus led the Corinthian synagogue

Paul baptized him and his family members also followed in his footsteps

Noteworthness came him taking a stand in a place where doing so could cause him big problems in a time when professing faith in Jesus was very dangerous

He was willing to stand out for his faith reguardless of the cost

Do you have the courage to stand out in your world?

Abram and King Bera

I will not take a single thread otherwise you might say "I am the one who made Abram rich" - Genesis 14:22

Abram found himself in an uneasy alliance with King Bera (means "wicked") of Sodom

King Bera's adversaries routed his forces and captured Lot

Abram gathered some men and defeated Bera's ememies and resuced Lot

King said to "Let me have my people and you can keep the spoils" but Abram refused - Genesis 14:21

He did not want Bera or anyone else believing that anyone but God made him rich

Asaph: I realized my heart was bitter and must have seem like a senseless animal to you - Psalm 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 - Psalm 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

It is not by force nor strength but by my Spirit, says the Lord - Zechariah 4:6

Zerubbabel oversaw the reconstruction of the Jerusalem Temple

Over a period of 16 years, the people's enthusiasm for the project waned, leaving it unfinished

Zerubbabel felt a deep sense of discouragement over the stalled work

Zechariah came with a vital message - Don't depend on your own strength. depend on God and his ability to empower you for the task

Zerubbabel's faith was renewed - He had a renewed sense of enthusiasm, united the people, and got back to work

No worthy project is about human force or strength, it must be about his mighty Spirit

Do you think that you or someone else has the key to success?

Do you genuinely believe that God's Spirit holds the key to your success?

Moses: Lord, please! Send anyone else - Exodus 4:13

What you succeed in doing often depends on your attitude

When God first appeared to Moses, his attitude was negative and self-defeating

Instead of focusing on the awesome task before him, he focused on his human frality

i "can't" attitude can keep you from enjoying the good things God has for you

God loves it when you turn your focus toward him and away from your own fears and doubt

Is there anything too hard for you to accomplish today?

Take that if you want it, for there is nothing else here - 1 Samuel 21:9

A true friend gives of himself, and even sacrifices himself, for the good of another

Ahimelech was this king of friend to David

When David was on the run from King Saul, Ahimelech help him with food and a weapon for battle

All Ahimelech knew was his friend was in need of help - his act of kindness came at a heavy price

When KIng Saul heard Ahimelech assisted David, he ordered his execution - 1 Samuel 22

Being a true friend mean making personal sacrifices. Do you have a true friend? Are you a true friend? 

They lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus - Mark 2:4

Four men demonstrated compassion by going to extraordinary lengths to get the lamed man

We can only imagine their thoughts and conversation with people around them

Sometimes a man's words count a great deal less than what they do for someone else

The four men did not ask Jesus for anything for themselves - acted out of willingness to stand for someone who couldn't stand for himself

Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God - Genesis 41:38

One of a man's most important traits is his willingness to listen

The Pharaoh that lived during Joseph's lifetime had the humility to listen and thus saved countless lives

Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was in prision at the time, and asked him what his dreams meant

Pharaoh listened to Joseph and appointed him to administer to the food program through the coming drough

Have you learned to listen?

God places people in your life with the purpose of giving you wisdom and direction

Keep your gifts or give them to someone else - Daniel 5:17

Daniel refused Belshazzar's offer of monetary gifts and polical status

The Babylonian king wanted a favorable interpretation of a most disturbing vision

Belshazzar obviously didn't know Daniel as he refused to make a buck with the gift God had given him

Daniel didn't hesitate to give the bad news and meaning of the dream - Belshazzar had made his final politcal proposal

Daniel let it be known that neither the truth nor his intergrity was for sale

Whay are you doing this? We are merely human beings - just like you! - Acts 14:15

Paul and his missionary companion Barnabas demonstrated an attitude of humility and tolerance as they faced sin in the city of Lystra

When they healed a cripped man, Paul and Barnabas watched in horror as the people began to worship them

They did respond to the people in anger or disgust - rather they continued to love these sinners them even though they hated the sin

Paul and Barnabas sent a message that they were no better than anyone else - all of them together were sinners saved by God's grace

What kind of message are you sending to those around you?

He swore to follow Abraham's instructions - Genesis 24:9

Most of us have hard time finding the right girl for ourselves much less the finding someone for someelse far away

Eliezer accepted his assignment and wisely enlisted the help of the Lord - Genesis 24:10

He had barely finished his prayer when alsong came Rebekah, the future Mrs. Isaac.

What is your first repsonse when accepting a hugh task?

While I was with you I would forget everything expcet Jesus Christ - 1 Corinthians 2:2

People who encoutered Paul understood what was most important to him: Christ sin-defeating death and grave-defeating life

He spent most of his life observing the Jewish laws and traditions but now everything was about Christ

Paul made it a point to forget everything else besides Christ:

• Impressive Education
• Impeccable religious pedigree
• Personal wisdom

Paul had more education and experiences more than anyone but chose to focus on one simple message of faith and love

Does your life convey the simple message that Jesus loves them?

Follow me for the Lord has given you victory - Judges 3:28

Courage and faith have an infectious quality to inspire others to bravery and reliance on God

God raised up Ehud, he was just the man to set change in motion

At the time, Moab's King Eglon held the upper hand

Ehud confronted Eglon in his own palace and order his servants out of the room

He drew his sword and killed the obese king and then escaped

Ehud then led a band of men - Follow me! to a rousing victory, which led to their freedom

Ehud had the courage and faith to step up when no one else could

His action led to the benefit of 80 years of peace

Jonathon made a solemn pact with David because he loved him as he loved himself - 1 Samuel 18:3

Sometimes God wants you to step back and allow someone else to take the lead and credit

Jonathan was content to play the role of sidekick in David's rise to power

His dad was King Saul but he wasn't called be suceed his father as king

A different man might have become angry and indignant for being overlooked but not Jonathan

In Jonathan, David had everything he could possibly want in a comrade, Jonathan was:

1. Selfless - 1 Samuel 9:1-2
2. Couragous warrior - 1 Samuel 14
3. A man of unshakable faith - 1 Samuel 14:6

Jonathan humbly stood back and rejoiced as his friend as David rose to the place God had call him

How willing are you to stand back and let others shine where they have been called by God?

Summary

Isaac and Rebekah had twins: Esau and Jacob. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal.

Observations

Genesis 25:22 - the two children struggled with each other in the womb
Sibiling rivaly starts early - even before they born in this case. Our thoughts and personalities are formed before we leave the womb. Sure, we can learn and further be formed afterwards but in some sense their parents did not help smooth the relationship. Their parents practiced favoritsm: Issac's love for Esau was conditional based off performance and Rebekah's love for Jacob was consistant and uncondtional [Genesis 25:28].

Genesis 25:32 - I'm dying of starvation... what good is my birthright to me now?
Short term pleasure can lead to long term consequences and lose of sight of the future. Was Esau really going to die of starvation? It does not seem so from his actions after he ate as he just got up and left quickly [Genesis 25:34]. Esau resorted to exaggeration to prove his point. The issue was nothing else mattered at the time except for food and Esau lost perpective of what was most important. Jacob, ironically, was the hunter in this case by patiently laying a trap for his brother's arrival. 

Application

Getting through the short-term pressure-filled moment is often the most difficult part of overcoming tempation. I need to have God's long term perpective when confronted with a short sided want.

Prayer

Praying for God's strength in my weaknesses

The people were shocked at the plainness of Jesus' words

Had he been silent or pretended to ignore matters he was fully aware of - he would have been a liar like the men with whom he was struggling

Was it not the duty of Jesus to inform them of their condition? What else could a sincere friend do?

There was no bitterness in Jesus' language? It was calm statements of a horrible fact

Jesus' unquestion loyalty to truth gives his words a value which no other person's words possess

Jesus holds nothing back - what is thinks, he says - what he feels, he declares

He declares all things as they are

This is the man we want. A man like this can be a refuge in the time of a storm

What he assers concerning the principles of a victorious life, we can act upon, never doubting

When he tells us to do something, we can do it knowing it is the best thing

When he warns us against a course of action, we can shun it, knowning that in that direction lies death

To him:

• certian conceptions of God were true and others were false
• certain estimates of man were correct and others erroneous
• certain standards of duty were uplifting and other degrading

Jesus clung to the true and combated the false

He was not afraid of being call intolerant or a bigot

He made no compromises and not bend on thing he knew were true and good

Jesus correct was taught by the teachers, leaders; not allowing them to roam at their will through the realms of thought

Principles were to cling to or else lose their souls

Jesus' love was boundless, foreign to his being

He expected others to not have boundries on their love either

When Peter asked Jesus about forgiveness and how many times to forgive, Peter suggested seven (twice as many as most liberal rabbis)

Jesus blew Peter's mind and said to not set limits. There are no boundries in love.

Love is not a calculation, Mathmatics is foreign to affection

Jesus knew the blessedness of forgiving heart

He himself was always forgiving without grudges, retaliations, revenges

His heart was the most discerning that ever existed. He hated sin like no one else but loved the people like no one else

No better example: on the cross with so much pain and through his love his heart was to love and forgive.

Truth is basically telling the way it is or describing the state of affairs
Pilot asked what is truth, Jesus really was innocent - John 18:38

Taught in the education system, truth is relative (aka "my truth") but truth is absolute 

Truth is true:

• For all people
• For all places
• For all time

Truth is absolute, narrow, and exclusive
Truths excludes their opposite

Humanistic truth claims are as narrow as Christian truth claims

Truth is discovered and can not invented
Truth exists without anyone else's knowledge of it, like gravity
Truth is unchanging
Beliefs can not change truth but our beliefs can change to match the fact - World is flat to round

Contrary beliefs are possible but contrary truth are not possible

These are self defeating statements:

• "All truth is relative"
• "There is no truth"
• "It is true for you but not for me"
• "There are no absolutes"

Questions for those living with self defeating statements
If there really is no truth, then why try to learn anything? 

Good ideas have good consequences and bad ideas have bad consequences

If you can kill truth then you can kill religion