2010-01-18 - Kingdom First - Giving in Secret Giving should be done without even our closest friends and family knowing - Matthew 6:1-4 God blesses are many time unknown or unseen to many people He gives because he wants to Are you content when no one sees your sacrifice? Do you give without wanting anything in return? Jesus' life was full of sacrifical giving and he expects us to do likewise
God loves a cheerful giver - 2 Corinthians 9:7 |
2010-01-26 - Kingdom First - Self Titled But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, all these things will be given you - Matthew 6:33 Kingdom First:
The kingdom consists of people who volunteer in a battle between good and evil |
2010-02-05 - First the Kingdom - Building with Gold (part 2) Practicals for being like Jesus - putting others above ourselves:
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2010-02-27 - One Another - One Another In Groups (part 1) Small groups were in the center of Jesus' ministry - spent much of his time with the 12 Principles of small groups Focus on belonging and being devoted - Romans 12:5 All belong to one another - members of one another These who have been united with Christ - this is your spiritual family Be a giver, not just a taker Always need great listeners (not just being quite) - ask questions, draw people out Do your part to make the group warm, loving, supportive, open, etc "I'm not getting much out from this group" - check your heart and actions Appreciate, affirm, and encourage the different gifts - 1 Corinthians 12 God has given our brothers and sisters for our enjoyment Give special focus to those who may feel marginalized by illness/disability |
2010-03-03 - To Live is Christ - In My Heart Philippians 1:7-8 During Paul's 3 days of blindness:
Instead of seeing cell walls - he saw the Philippian disciples needs, struggles, and victories Paul had to have come to know them all He did not just start the church there, he began a family He was committed to all of them - he was a true shepherd:
We too can long for people with the affection of Christ but we must have people in our hearts |
2010-04-22 - Life to the Full - In His Steps (part 3) 1 Peter 3:1-7... Submission, kindness is a two-way street Wondering God is not using you more? Look no further than your marriage! Questions for wives:
Questions for husbands:
Questions for both:
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2010-06-06 - Take the test (part 1) By Curt Simmons in 2002 Test TimeTests are given in many of life's situations:
Deuteronomy 8:1-2 - what is really in your heart? Judges 2:20-FF
1 Peter 1:3-6
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2010-09-01 - 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? |
2010-09-21 - Waking Dead - Fellowship of the Heart The first Christians were called "followers of the Way" - Acts 9:2 They found the Way of Life and had given themselves over to it:
A fellowship must protect you:
A family bound together in a single fate Each one has a role |
2010-09-22 - Waking Dead - It Must Be Small Jesus did not march around backed by hundreds of followers He had a band of brothers - the Twelve Through we are part of a great company, we are meant to live a little platoons Groups small enough for each of the members to know one another as friends and allies Who's heart will you fight for? Who will fight for your heart? He spoke to the masses but lived with his closest twelve His followers took his example and lived this way too
Anytime an army goes to war or expedition, they break down into platoons and squads You can not be devoted to a mass of people Devotion takes place in small units like a family |
2010-10-07 - 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 |
2010-10-19 - Planning and Budgeting
QUESTIONS
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2010-10-24 - Christian Responsibilities
QUESTIONS
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2010-10-28 - Contagious Christian - Strength of Sacrifice (part III) Third major kind of sacrifice is a sustained, long term godly lifestyle Spiritual cynicism runs deep in some people - Christians need to watch their life and doctrine closely to win them over May times these are family member who have seen you go through phases before and think this is just another one Offer your bodies as living sacrifices by being transformed with the renewing of your mind - Romans 12:1-2 History has seen rush of the Christianity starting blocks only to be on the side lines after a couple of laps Time shows our faith to be genuine Like in a marathon, we have to finish the race We have to outlast other's objections Are you going to be God's helper that is going to wear down every cynic, scoffer, and doubter in your life? All three of the major sacrifices must be motivated by love Love has no one greater than this - that on lay down his life for his friends - John 15:13 |
2010-10-29 - Contagious Christian - Opportunities in Relationships Developing friendships takes time and effort We try to short-circuit the process sometimes by using the reason of there are too many people to reach We are wise to start relationships on a natural, nonthreatening grounds Then later, in the context of the relationship open up conversations to spiritual issues Most of His interactions with the religious establishment involved challenging their attitudes Jesus spent the majority of His time with those outside the religious establishment He rubbed shoulders with tax collectors (thieves in that day), prostitutes, those with low spiritual reprobates Because they mattered to Him and He wanted to lead them to the family of God We love Him because He loved us first Paul - "I have become all things to all men so I might same some" - 1 Corinthians 9:22 |
2010-10-30 - Contagious Christian - Barriers to Relationships (part I) Biblical Issues with understanding what friendships are in the Bible can be barriers to relationships Some feel that befriending people who are irreligious is questionable and maybe unbiblical A look at a few examples of some verses misunderstood James 4:4 - says not to be friends with the world 1 John 2:15-17 - world is referring to sin and evil that people commit, not to the people themselves We need to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world John 17:14 - we are not of this world is sometimes interpreted that we should not associate with people outside of God's family My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one - John 17:15-18 Jesus' purpose was to seek and save what is lost, he had to have relationships in the world to accomplish this - Luke 19:10 2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come out from them and be separate; avoid being yoked with unbelievers Not referring to everyday friendships but more formal alliances Paul in an earlier letter said that ordinary interactions with non-Christians is right and necessary - 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 Jesus was a friend of tax collectors and sinners - Luke 7:34 |
2010-11-13 - Contagious Christian - Indirect Method This method involves taking some element of conversation and utilizes it to turn the conversation to faith Business How is your year going? Financial, OK; family-wise, pretty well; spiritually, going great. Which one are you talking about? Relocations Moving to a new neighborhood Have you found: places to shop, dining out locations, get your car repaired, a good church? Hobbies and Spare Time Talk to someone about your hobbies and roles in relating to church If you work with the sound system, website, children programs, etc - share about that Nature Talk about what God may have been thinking when creating plants and animals Goal is to raise the topic, not to envoke an affirming response - this may spur a discussions Shared Struggles Difficulty in a common with someone can be an opportunity to share how God has helped you Holidays They are an excellent opportunity to turn conversations toward the spiritual side
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2011-01-01 - Discipleship (part I) Acts 11:25-26
Mark 1:16-20
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2011-01-08 - Church (part II) Ephesians 2:19-21
Ephesians 4:1-16
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2011-01-09 - Church (part III) Hebrews 3:12-14
Hebrews 10:22-25
Mark 3:31-35 - What will it mean for you to be part of Jesus’ family? |
2011-01-13 - Followup - Being Discipled: Initiation (part I) Must desire to be discipled - No one will make you. Example: Going to the doctor - no one can make you, but you desire to get better Do you want to become like Jesus?
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2011-02-21 - The Church - Kansas City (part I) Purpose: To help you understand the role of the church and we (as disciples) have in the church The Head and Body Colossians 1:15-20
Ephesians 2:14-21
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2011-03-27 - Cheerful giver 2 Corinthians 9:7 Let each one as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart to give, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves God takes pleasure in God prizes above other things, and God is unwilling to abandon or to do without a cheerful, joyous, and prompt giver. Easy for me to be cheerful giver when spring time comes around
Why God loves a cheerful giver? He is cheerful giver
Difficult to do our best when it is not from the heart The focus for us is be like God, and be a cheerful giver
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2011-04-26 - Names of the Church (part II) More scriptures about the church's names:
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2011-05-29 - Fearing God - Respect for His Discipline Do not be afraid, God has come to test you, so that the fear of the God will be with you - Exodus 20:20 Moses draws a contrast between being afraid of God and fearing God Being afraid of God will lead to distrust and disobedience Fearing God will keep us from sinning Live as strangers here in reverent fear - 1 Peter 1:17 Reverent fear meaning a deterrent to disobedience; a motivator for our conduct In a family situation - children have a healthy respect for their father's discipline but are not afraid to ask for things or play with him They do not live in dread either physical or emotional abuse God disciplines those He loves - Hebrews 12:6 God's discipline comes to those he love when they become unrepentant not from failures in a sincere struggle with sin |
2011-08-04 - Daughter Needs - Mr. Success (part II) We often set high achievements goals that takes away from our family Excuses often made:
You may be sacrificing your daughter by saying yes to too many "good" projects even if they are "spiritual" Consider your plans' impact to your family before you move forward with them - Luke 14:28-30 |
2011-08-16 - Daughter Needs - Spiritual Leadership Dads are told there should be three goals:
It is much more than these three items - spiritual leader leads his wife and children toward maturity in Christ When we create spiritual goals, create activities and training designed to reach those goals An army has an organized plan designed to win battles Author's spiritual goals for his children: My child will:
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2011-08-17 - Daughter Needs - Spiritual Nourishment There are many standards/examples in which to live in the Bible A godly woman - Proverbs 31 Qualities of an elders' or deacons' wife - 1 Timothy 3 Our most important spiritual goal with our daughters is to ensure they believe in God and His Son - John 6:28-29 Fathers should bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Father needs to correct his children when they stray Father needs to help their daughters understand that he still loves her when she makes a mistake Those who knows God's name will trust in Him - Psalms 9 Fathers have a lifelong responsibility to spiritual nourishment to the family I need to be in the Word everyday to be able to feed my family |
2011-09-13 - Followup: Purity (part II) 2 Timothy 2:22 A. What does it mean to “flee” from something?Ephesians 5:3-7
* 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. |
2011-09-14 - Followup: Relationships in the Body (part I) Ephesians 2:19-22 We are the family of Christ In God’s eyes there is no such thing as sibling rivalry. You must treat all your spiritual brothers and sisters with so much love that this love is only surpassed by your love for God and your parents. Many times we bring (into God’s family) the mentality we have from our (physical family). Our spiritual family is different from our physical family. How does God want his family to be? Romans 12:4-8
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2011-09-15 - Followup: Relationships in the Body (part II) John 13:34
Colossians 1:28-29 - They discipled (trained) each other to be better disciples of Jesus. Ephesians 4:29 - Built each other up (no gossip but encouragement) Ephesians 5:21 - Submit to each other (husband, wife, leaders, etc…) because of Christ. Remember we all have challenges from our past (personal, spiritual and family) but we are all born again into the family of God. God is the head of the family and we are all brothers and sisters. |
2011-09-22 - Proverbs on Pride (part II) PRIDE #1. Pride kills our relationship with God & others (Proverbs 16:5)
Ultimate example is Satan (Revelation 12:7-9, 13:4-9)
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2011-09-26 - Proverbs on Advice - Seek Help Proverbs 15:22 - Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Gettysburg was the turning point of the Civil War.
Proverbs 11:14 - For lack of guidance a nation falls but many advisers make victory sure. In the life of a disciple we need eyes all around us (we are in a spiritual battle, not against flesh and blood but against the dark forces of this world).
Five lessons to learn about advice... 1. Seek Advice Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death Proverbs 18:15 - The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, the ears of the wise seek it out If we were going to buy a car for the 1st time, most of us would seek a lot of advice.
If we need help in other areas (that’s good) surely our spiritual life is more important because it has an eternal destination (good or bad)
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2011-10-05 - Genesis 5 - Genealogies (part I)SummaryAdam's line was: Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech and Noah. Noah's sons were Shem, Ham and Japheth. ObservationsGenesis 5:2 - He created them male and female and blessed them Personal ApplicationThe 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? |
2011-10-07 - Genesis 7 - The Flood (part II)SummaryNoah and his family went into the ark with two of each creature. It rained for forty days and forty nights and the earth was covered. ObservationsGenesis 7:1 - I have found you righteous in this generation Personal ApplicationI need to look for what I see as gray areas in my life. When I am neither hot nor cold [Revelation 3:16], I am not aware of where I am. |
2011-10-10 - Genesis 10 - Genealogies (part II)SummaryJapheth's line lived in the coastlands; Ham's included Nimrod and the Canaanites; Shem's lived in the East. These formed the nations. ObservationsGenesis 10:4 - peoples spread out ... each with its own language Personal ApplicationI am convicted on how fast families can be divided by Satan. How things can change and a heart is no longer are responsive in a relationship. I need to start ASAP. I am going to make sure my children know God, his word and what it means to have an amazing relationship with Him. |
2011-11-19 - Getting Started (part I) The first few weeks of your new life as a disciple are crucial. Satan is angry because of his loss and God’s gain and he will make an effort to get you off-track as soon as possible. (Revelation 12:7-12) This study will help you get off to a fast start and help you have the right focus to stay close to God and keep the devil at a distance. Remember what has just happened
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2011-12-10 - Day 7 - The Family of God Mark 3:31-33
Who are some people in your ministry that can become like spiritual "fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters" in your life? Application: This week schedule time to spend with two Christians that you have not spent time with before. |
2011-12-15 - Day 12 - Doing Good Things Ephesians 2:10
If you don't know how you can help, ASK. REMEMBER: We need each other. We are family. |
2011-12-27 - Day 24 - Family Pressures Mark 3:20-21
Application: Discuss any pressures you are feeling about family expectations with strong disciples. Are there any changes you need to make? |
2012-01-17 - Ministry - The Heart of Gratitude Luke 17:11-19, Psalms 100:4, 1 Thessalonians. 5:18 Jesus believed that if the heart of a man was healed and doing well, then that individual could really experience a complete healing from God. In Mark 2 the paralytic who was lowered through the roof by his friends in the middle of a crowded house for Jesus to heal did not hear the first words from the lips of Jesus, 'you are healed.' The first thing he heard was, "Your sins are forgiven." The obvious problem to everyone was his physical condition, yet Jesus saw the spiritual issues of the man's life and healed them first! The ten lepers came to Jesus and when he cleansed them only one came back, throwing himself at the feet of Jesus, overwhelmed with gratitude! Jesus wondered where the other nine were, but proclaimed to the man, "Your faith has made you well." Even though the other nine were cleansed of their leprosy, did they really 'get well?' The one who returned was made well-he was filled with gratitude! Many of us have been baptized, yet how many of us are filled with gratitude? Questions:
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2012-01-21 - Ministry - Faith in God Moves Mountains Mark 11:22-24 Jesus makes a very simple short powerful statement; "Have faith in God." Believe in ME and you will be able to move mountains. Jesus had the faith to move mountains. Jesus calls each of us to have a faith that can move mountains.Each of us has mountains or obstacles in our lives. These obstacles take on many different forms. They may be character sins that never seem to change, family situations that seem to continue month after month, and financial debt that never seems to go away. These obstacles sometimes seem as large and permanent as mountains. But Jesus tells us to "Have faith in God", to believe in our hearts, and the mountains can be thrown into the sea. It is a very simple, but powerful statement, "Have faith in God." What mountain is secretly holding back your faith? How much have you put it before God? Decide today to lay it out before God and really believe that He can change it. Fight against cynicism and unbelief. |
2012-02-04 - Ministry - Pick Up Your Sword Matthew 4:1-11 As Christians we constantly live under spiritual warfare. The battle between Satan and God constantly rages. In this passage we see just a glimpse of one skirmish. Satan attacks with his weapon-temptation, and Jesus responds with his skillfully sharpened sword: the Word of God. In this clash Jesus is able to defeat Satan first because he sees the battle,and second because of his passion to fight it with the scriptures. Question: Do you see the battle? Do you know when you are being tempted, or do the devil's enticements escape you and you easily fall into sin? In these scriptures Jesus teaches us how to fight back. (V.4) When daily temptation and sin come we have to have deep convictions that we need the Bible. (Satan's first temptation was doubt. "If you are the Son of God") Are you tempted to ignore your desperation for God? Are you desperate to be right with God? Are you tempted to skip your quiet times? (V.6-7) Are you tempted to test God? Do you think, "If he doesn't answer this prayer, then I won't pray anymore," or "He didn't do that, so I am leaving." Does bitterness or persecution tempt you? Tempted to doubt the kingdom or the scriptures? Tempted to doubt the only church in the Bible, the salvation of family members, or tempted to ignore certain passages Cling to the truths in the scriptures, they are your most powerful weapons. (V. 8-10) Q: Are you tempted by the world? Tempted by their ease? Their power? Their leisure? Tempted to worship what they do-money, attention, praise, desire? (Ps 73) Write down the temptations you are most susceptible to. Find a scripture passage in your QT that will help you fight back. |
2012-02-18 - Fear of Failure - Letting Problems and Failures Build Your Faith by Tracey Jones, San Francisco Church of Christ Romans 4:18-22; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 5:1-6 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us. Romans 5:3-4 (NLT) I think as a non-Christian, I was the most anxious, controlling person in the world. I remember I would have almost every minute of my life planned out from beginning to end. Although it helped me to be disciplined and to achieve goals, it stopped me from letting people into my heart. I was always the strong one to my friends and family…"the rock". They saw all the successful things on the outside, but they didn't see the desperate, feeble person I was inside. When I began to work with people, it was very difficult for me, because I had no control whatsoever over them. That lack of control began to crush me. Now I see that God is using my problems and failures to encourage me to grow. He is telling me the little that I know is not enough - I need to keep growing and changing and developing into the person He wants me to be. One decision I have made when I have problems in my ministry, marriage, or family is to pray about them and to commit them fully to God. Now, instead of giving in to thoughts like “I can't change that woman's heart, I pray specifically about what I need help with and have confident expectation of what God will do. This has brought much more joy to my marriage, ministry, and life. What is stealing your joy? Could it be that you are letting problems and situations dictate your life? Decide today to commit those things to prayer and ask God to give you increasing character to deal with your life. |
2013-06-19 - Why we need men of resolution (part I) A story about a man falling asleep at the wheel while his family is in the car - illustrates where countless men are today We have been lulled into a dream by our own passivity and laziness Women are stressed out and longing for the man in their lives to wake up, rescue them. God’s Word commands husbands and fathers to lovingly lead. Men are being told they don’t have the permission or responsibility to lead. No man and no family is a lost cause when God gets involved. Because you are the one in the driver’s seat, you can become the one He uses to steer your family back onto the path that will lead them to a place of safety, strength, and health. Leadership determines direction. |
2013-06-25 - Why we need men of resolution (part II) Our relationship with our father is very telling as to why we are and who we are. “What does my dad really think about me?” Lots of fathers don’t realize their vital role. Many issues come from fathers having lost their sense of purpose. Society is guiding boys to remain boys as long as possible— extending childhood into their thirties—while forcing girls to become women long before they are ready. Millions of young men are staying single. They want the privileges and rewards of manhood but only the responsibilities and moral requirements of boys. God has a special place in His heart for two specific groups of people: fatherless children and widows. Dad have good intention but there many things working against them:
Devil will never stop attacking what God prioritizes. |
2013-06-27 - Why we need men of resolution (part IV) Our generation desperately needs courageous men to step up.
When strong men work together, they can accomplish amazing things. David armies came together to face enemies amid seemingly impossible odds. Remember one immovable, unconditional truth: we have a Father in heaven who is for us. We must lock shields with other men around us and refuse to allow one another to fail |
2013-07-01 - Becoming a Chain Breaker (part I) Men need to realize how much is at stake We need to ask God to break the chains in our lives and from our past Children are not punished for the sins of their parents, they are definitely affected and negatively influenced by them. You matter the circumstances of your birth, you were not an accident - Acts 17:24-27 Chains present in all of our lives:
God is the ultimate Chain Breaker
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2013-09-05 - Breaking Chains through Strategic Prayer Must learn to become an intercessor = a man who shows his true dependence on God by faithfully fighting battles in prayer, both for himself and his family. Many great men of the Bible did: Ezra 9:5-15; Nehemiah 9; Jeremiah 14:19-22 One praying man can make a major impact
Do according to all that is written concerning us - 2 Kings 22:13
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2013-09-06 - Consistency through Consecration Consecration, which means to clean something up and then dedicate it to God. Cleansing your life and home from any stumbling blocks or evil influences and then presenting yourself and your family into God’s hands. If there are influences in your home that dishonor God or are pulling you or your family members away from God, you should seriously consider removing them. King Hezekiah rose to the throne after the death of Ahaz,
There is nothing greater, more fulfilling, or more important than living with this goal in mind. |
2013-10-10 - Resolve to Lead Your Marriage Do you realize that as the leader of your home? We must take courage and always be willing to make the first move, God has put something into men that longs to be courageous. The idea of 50/50 leadership is a farce that creates two heads and two directions. History is littered with self-centered men who have dominated, belittled, ignored, and abused their wives in the name of male leadership. Jesus, God’s Son was the most powerful leader of all time Lead your wife by serving her well. |
2013-10-21 - Resolve to Lead Your Family The greater responsibility to raise your children is yours. 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
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2013-10-22 - Leadership Founded in Love Jesus Christ founded his empire on love God not only wants you to lead your family but deeply love them Children feel much more secure if they know their parents love each other. Don’t wait for her. Step up and be the leader God meant you to be. It’s never easy. |
2014-04-04 - Disciplining Your Children (part I) A major part of your role as a father is to disciple your kids Discipling your kids requires discipline on our part Discipline doesn’t feel good, nor should it - Hebrews 12:11 Discipline should be more on the father’s shoulders than the mother’s because of who we represent. Loving discipline prepares our kids to respect and obey their heavenly Father We had earthly fathers to discipline us, for they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good - Hebrews 12:9-10 It is the father’s job is to take the long view, not the short one. Withheld discipline may seem momentarily pleasant to the child and the parent but it takes no skill or courage to be a passive father Not disciplining guarantees that uncorrected sin will follow his child into adulthood and follow his family into the coming generations Its momentary discomfort - knowing that sin will harm a child in far worse ways than even the painful discipline of a loving father. He who loves him disciplines him promptly - Proverbs 13:24 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it - Proverbs 22:6 IT is a lie from the Enemy to believe that rebelling against and dishonoring authority brings more freedom and peace Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord - Ephesians 6:4
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2015-01-08 - Genesis 25 - Death of Abraham (part I)SummaryAbraham died and was buried with Sarah ObservationsGenesis 25:7 - lived a long and satisfying life |
2015-02-02 - Stability You were first and rank and power but you are as unruly as a flood - Genesis 49:3-4 Reben did some good things but made some terriable mistakes GOOD - Spoke up for his brother Joesph which lead to saving his life - Genesis 37:21-22 As the first born, Reuben should have received special privileges and promises but Jacob said he was first no longer Reuben's life serves as both as a encouragement and warning about how importance of consistency for us and our family Would you call yourself a stable man or unruly like a flood? |
2015-02-07 - Costly Revenge Then he stabbed Abner in the stomach and killed him in revenge - 2 Samuel 3:27 Revenge cost both parties dearly Joab enjoyed success in the military - becoming the top general Joah lured Abner to the gate of Hebron and murdered him His revenge came at a steep price, David praise Abner and cursed Joab and his family - 2 Samuel 3:28-29 Joab lost an important part of himself, he planted seeds of his own destruction - 1 Kings 2:5-6 When someone does you wrong, make it your business to forgive and move on so you don't miss out on good things God has placed before you. |
2015-02-25 - Savior's Love The disciple Jesus loved - John 13:23 He referred to himself as "the disciple Jesus loved" John understood Jesus' love for him was God's love He probably had the most acute awareness of his Master's love John found the motivation and empowerment to do courageous and selfless things in Christ's name through love He had no doubts of the savior's love - John freely gave and served Does your family and friends know beyond all doubt that you love them? |
2015-03-07 - High VIsibility 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? |
2015-03-15 - Generous Man Cornelius He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God - Acts 10:1-2 Cornelius was a busy captain of a Roman regiment and head of his family God honored Cornelius' generousity and Lord sent an angel - your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God - Acts 10:4 He became the first Gentile covert to Christ When you give generously to those in need, you put yourself in a position to receive good things from God |
2015-04-08 - Conditional Blessing You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you - 1 Samuel 13:13 Full blessings from God depends on our obedience Saul, Israel's first king, fell flat on his face Samuel had given Saul clear instructions - Go ahead to Gilgal and wait me me - 1 Samuel 13:8 He foolishly decieded to play the role of a priest and perform sacrifices in a way that clearly violated God's law Saul squandered his chance at greatness because he lacked the courage and wisdom to obey Live according to his Word and you put yourself in a prefect position to receive all he had for you and your family |
2015-04-20 - Gratitude 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:
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
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2015-06-19 - Courage to Reconcile If I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me - Genesis 33:10-11 We struggle to reconcile with someone who hurt us:
For many years Jacob struggled to see his brother, Esau, again He knew Esua would be angry with him for taking his birthright away Esau ran to Jacob and embraced him and forgave him Their brotherhood enabled them to reunite peacefully and lovingly in the end IS there an estranged friend or family member with whom you need to seek reconciliation? |
2015-07-01 - Passionate Intercession Surely you wouldn't do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked - Genesis 18:25 Abraham's heart sank when God announced he would destroy Sodom:
He couldn't just stand there without trying to intercede on their behalf Abramham trusted God's assessment of Sodom and he to be just and righteous God said he would not destory the city if there were 50, 30, 20, 10 righteous left - Genesis 18:32 Are you a man of persistent, passionate prayer? |
2015-07-29 - Unexpected Blessings The Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given Jeremiah - Ezra 1:1 What tools has God used to mold you?
Cyrus issued a decree to free the people of Judah and have all the gold and silver returned At first, it might appear acted out of compassion and love of God He did not serve God but God stirred his heart Cyrus was an instrument in God's hands as he worked out his will in his people's lives When you submit to his will and purpose, he can even use thing you consider "secular". |
2015-08-02 - Eternal Family Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother - Mark 3:35 Jesus gave a new definition of family when he taught that his real family was made up of believers He knew that his earthly relatives lacked the spiritual eyes to see the truth Jesus came to do his Father's will and anyone who got in his way, even with the best intentions, would take a backseat to his new family Your earthly family is God's gift to you to treasure and love |
2015-08-04 - Appearance Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife - Matthew 1:20 It's hard to imagine Joseph not making some assumptions when his fiancee told him she was pregnant Joseph onlyknew two things:
What would his family think? Would they buy the story? Would he buy his own story? God saw his heart and knew that he was the right man for the job As Joseph slept, God confirmed Mary's story and told Joseph to not be afraid to marry her God allowed Joseph the privilege of caring for the most important child ever born |
2015-08-10 - True Leader An elder... an honorable position - 1 Timiothy 3:1 Timothy faced the daunting responsibility of picking the right leaders for his congregation Paul instructed Timothy to look for leaders with:
Timothy understood that God had called all believers to live by a higher standard than the world around them Being a church leader means consistently demonstrating the kind of character worthy of being emulated |
2015-08-14 - Right Direction With his wife's consent, he kept the rest - Acts 5:2 Ananias was apparently a strong leader at home, unfortunately, he took his family in horribly wrong direction and paid a heavy price He was among the 1st generation believers who sold their property, pooled their resources, and cared for those in need Ananias sold his property but instead of bring all the money to the apostles, he keep some of it for himself There was nothing wrong with keeping some of the money - Acts 5:4 Where is failed was when he lied about him giving all of it Ananias lead his family in the wrong direction, where are you leading your family? One of the greatest reward of leading your family in a godly direction is to see them grow too |
2015-08-16 - Unintended Consequences Gideon made a sacred ephod from the gold and put it in Ophrah; it became a trap for Gideon and his family - Judges 8:27 Sometimes our best-intended actions have negative consequences Gideon had just led Israel in a rousing victory over Midian and they elected him ruler He said thanks, but no thanks - he knew not to take an office that had not appointed him to Gideon asked everyone to gather up the gold colleced from the Midianite enemies so that he could make an ephod to server as a memorial to God's goodness for defeat the Midianites Instead of remembering God, the Israelites began to worship it instead Gideon provided leadership during the time of war but failed to offer it at a time when the people needed spiritual guidance When you set out to do something you see as important, seek God and his approval before moving forward
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2015-09-01 - Real Life Knowledge Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance? - Job 42:3 You really find out what he or she is made of when you're not at your best After suffering through the loss of his property, wealth, health, and family, Job came to better understand God - Job 1:8 God had called Job a man of complete integrity - Job 1:8 When he suffered, he began to question God, complaining to God and accusing God of treating him unjustly When God revealed himself, Job had to retrack the foolish things he said. I take back everything I said and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance - Job 42:6 Job began to understand his smallest: I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes - Job 42:5 |
2015-09-02 - Overt Love 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 |
2015-09-05 - Sound Judgement 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 |
2015-09-10 - Take the Lead When King David heard what had happened, he was very angry - 2 Samuel 13:21 David was often a brilliant leader on the battlefield but he defaulted on his leadership at home His family became dysfunctional:
Don't default on your responsibility - as a father, you have the privilege of leading others toward godliness |
2015-09-14 - Maintain Your Guard He became drunk and lay naked inside his tent - Genesis 9:21 Noah, despite being the only righteous man, failed to keep his guard up - Genesis 6:9 After a glass of wine or so became drunk and passed out in his tent Ham saw him naked and commited some unexplained sin - Genesis 9:22 Noah pronouned a curse on Ham's son that had repercussions for thousands of years Noah let his guard down for only a moment but his sin led to dire consequences for his family
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