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2008-09-07 - Teach Us To Pray - Honesty and Openness
Honest communication is crucial element to any great relationship: God, spouse, children.

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

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

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

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

2008-09-09 - Teach Us To Pray - Fasting and Focusing

"When you fast" - not if you fast

God commanded the Jews to fast on the day of Atonement - Leviticus 23:27-29
During the time of Jesus, Pharisees fasted twice a week - Luke 18:!2
Church was acustom to fasting - Acts 13:2, 14:23

Getting practical

  1. Making it a part of lifestyle
  2. Fast with a purpose in mind - bear fruit, find a job, closer walk with God
  3. Decide how long you intend to fast and stick to it
  4. Decide what kind of fast you intend to have
  5. Seek input from other disciples

 



2008-09-15 - Teach Us To Pray - Changes in Character
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place - Psalms 51:6
Character can grow if we take a sober gut-level check look at who we are

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

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

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

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

2008-09-19 - Teach Us To Pray - Direction for Decisions
Most difficult decision are not so much a question of right and wrong but rather what is good, better, and best
When ask according to God's will, he hears us - 1 John 5:14-15

God give wisdom in prayer (James 1:5) and through his Word (Hebrews 5:14)
He will give us wisdom to discern what is best

God also gives wisdom to men and women in his kingdom
It is would be foolish and arrogant to not actively seek out wisdom God has made available
Should imitate leaders faith - Hebrews 13:7


2008-09-23 - Teach Us To Pray - Going Through the Open Door

Luke 11:9-10 - Asking, Seeking, and Knocking as three separate commands to be obeyed
Three steps toward a single goal

The idea of the door being opened is associated with God-given opportunity - 1 Corinthians 2:12

The rest of the chapter is about how God worked in the author's life, opening doors.



2008-10-01 - Man of Prayer - Father (part 2)

Addressing God as the Father seems pretty normal - not the case in Jesus' day

Sometimes David prayed:

  • O God
  • O Lord
  • O my God
  • O my Lord

...but nowhere will you find David addressing the living god as "Father"
Gabriel was sent to respond personally to Daniel's great prayer in Daniel 9 - yet he did not address God as Father

Patriarchs, the prophets, and the priests of Israel were all men of prayer - never addressed their prayers to God as "Father"
Jesus gave believers the right to become children of God

We begin our time in prayer with a father-child relationship



2008-10-05 - Man of Prayer - Name
In Jesus' day, a person's name reflected one's character
God had powerful encounters with an individual, he would change the person's name with the change in them

Halllow mean to treat with great reverence
Focusing our thoughts helps lead to a response of worship

Many focus on telling God their needs, need to focus on God
Seek first his kingdom - Matthew 6:33

In interpersonal communication, remember a person's name is very important
Moses asked God, "Who shall I say sent me?"
God answered, "Tell them I AM has sent you"

YHWH (Yahweh) is the proper name of the living God
God is the God who is, who causes to be, and who will be who He will be
Thinking about God in this way gets my focus on Him

2008-10-15 - Man of Prayer - Understanding the Kingdom
In the New Testament, kingdom is used from the Greek word basileai
Refers to "realm" of a king
Westerners think "kingdom speaks of geography

Biblical times emphasized "reign" or "dominion" = wherever the king reigns

The kingdom is within you - Luke 17:21
Seek first His kingdom (not a piece of real estate) - Matthew 6:33

God ultimately reigns over the entire universe but for the moment God does not reign everywhere on earth
Until then we must pray to advance God's kingdom everywhere

2008-10-18 - Man of Prayer - Praying for our personal lives
Jesus has given us permissions to seek divine intervention
He delights in our desire to experience His intervention

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

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

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


2008-10-19 - Man of Prayer - Praying for our family

There is no greater privilege and responsibility than to pray for our spouse and children
It boggles the imagination to see how the quality of our family life can be affected by exercise this privilege

Powerful spiritual forces of evil try to undermine God's foundational institutions like the family

Bible clearly teaches that our struggle come from the spiritual forces outside conscious perception - Ephesians 6:12
Praying sometimes make things worst (at the beginning) because Satan is on the attack

Each of us need to realize that how we pray for our spouse is limited only by our creativity
If you want the kind of relationship that God intended you to have with your wife, prayer will be a major factor in seeing that desire realized

When we have been faithful in praying for my children, we have a great sense of peace about their lives
Christian dads have a tremendous privilege and a straggering responsibilty to pray their children



2008-10-21 - Man of Prayer - Praying for the church body

Should pray for:

  • maturity
  • commitment
  • spiritual health
  • impact on our city

Pray for dreams for the church that will stretch our vision for the church and city
God can do more than we can imagine - Ephesians 3:20

How are you praying for your church? - Its your church
What do you want see God do? Where do you want to see His kingdom advance?

 



2008-10-30 - Man of Prayer - Futile Solutions
God has the solution to sin, but man tries to come up with other ones

Eastern philosophy - experiencing the oneness of god by escaping the world of material illusion
Modern pharisee - do more good
Every system has a solution

But guilt will ultimately destroy you
Some seek to atone by becoming religous or working at humanitarian causes
Other punish themselves through drugs to self-hatred, depression, or low-self-esteem

These don't work...

2008-11-01 - Man of Prayer - Getting Honest
On a daily basis we need to allow the Holy Spirit to show us areas of our life to be brought to confession

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


2008-11-14 - Man of Prayer - Meditation

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

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

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

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

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



2008-11-15 - Man of Prayer - Miracle List

It is helpful to keep a separate list of needs for times of pure intercession:

  • Ministry
  • Neighbors
  • Family
  • Special Needs

Also good to have a "miracle list"

God can do anything - nothing is impossible - Luke 1:37

During difficult times, God extended a seeming impossible invitation:
Jerusalem was under attack from the Babylonians and the city was destroyed

Call to me and I will answer with great and unsearchable things  - Jeremiah 33:3
God promised healing,  forgiveness, and cleansing to Israel - Jeremiah 33:6-9

He can do immeasurably more than what we can ask - Ephesians 3:20

We know God can do anything; we just don't know if he will do them

 




2008-11-16 - Raising Awesome Kids - First Things First (part 1)
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builder labor in vain - Psalms 127:1

We have someone or something we love most in this world

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

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

This is the key to everything

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

You can not fake it - kids can spot a fake

2008-11-17 - Raising Awesome Kids - First Things First (part 2)
When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment is:
Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength - Mark 12:30

Committed to God vs committed to a person
Deeply loves God vs being religious

  • Such a life is attractive
  • They will want to be like you
  • Will see something inside is real
  • Will see the difference

Were we one time zealous - before we got married and had kids?
Where am I today?

Have I allowed "life's worries, riches, and pleasures" to choke my relationship with God? - Mark 4:19

 

2008-11-23 - Raising Awesome Kids - Provision and Protection
If anyone does not provide for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever - 1 Timothy 5:8

Our families should never have to worry about where the next meal is coming from
Our Heavenly Father provides for all our physical needs - Matthew 6:25-34
We should not imitate him in caring for my children?

He works his land , will have abundant food - Proverbs 28:19
Get adequate medical insurance - so you do not burden your family will major costs

Takes care of things around the house
Do the repair jobs and maintenance work
Husbands who are lazy - kids will see this and either disrespect us or gladly imitate us in it

Fathers are protectors
If any family member is in a situation where they are being beaten down, overwhelmed - this is the time to act
Should not shield them from the realities of life, but from the forces from which they become helpless

2008-11-26 - Raising Awesome Kids - Liberty and Justice
His brothers saw that their father loves him more and hated him - Genesis 37:4

Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent - the Lord detests both - Proverbs 17:15

We fathers must see that there is respect given to all
Must rule justly in any areas of dispute
Playing favorites is deadly

Who must be respected?

Mother - besides watch the children's respect, we must watch how we communicate with our spouse
Younger and weaker children - Your role as dispenser of justice starts from day one and it is one of your most vital roles

2008-11-30 - Raising Awesome Kids - Have Fun, Be Hip
What is wrong with having fun? Nothing!

Jesus was a fun person:
  • He went to parties
  • He told jokes
  • He nicknamed his guys
  • He loved children and they loved him
  • Pharisees even rebuked Jesus for letting his disciples get too happy
Children love fun people
If we are fun people, our kids will have fun
If we let them have fun they will love our leadership

You need to be hip to what is happening
We show love when we are interested in someone else's world
Be coming all things to all men - 1 Corinthians 9:22
Take a look at the current youth scene and not ridicule it
Confront the sin but accept the style

2008-12-13 - Raising Awesome Kids - Winning Obedience from Children (part 2)

First principle = first time obedience

Second principle = Parents never lose
They want to see their limits
Apologize when warrented but never give up in the battle of wills

Sometimes the whole issues comes down to the "mother of all battles"
Compromise is one the most devastating mistakes parent can make
When we do this, we sow the seeds of rebellion - Ephesians 6:4

If you have failed in this area:

  1. Read about passages about obeying
  2. Talk to them about obeying the first time
  3. Explain this has not been the way but will be now
  4. Pray together
  5. From that time on be different

 



2008-12-18 - Raising Awesome Kids - Dreary Disobedience (part 2)

Israelites - if only we had meat; we never see anything but manna - Numbers 11:4-10
Any grumbling we do is really grumbling against God

God met the needs of the Israelites but he punished them for their attitude - Numbers 11:33
God did want to their needs to be known
Complaining springs selfishness and ingratitude

Must teach our kids to be grateful
Also teach them to express their wishes, opinions, likes and dislikes in a pleasant, positive tone of voice



2008-12-30 - Raising Awesome Kids - Mistakes Parents Make
1. Being basically critical
If you mostly see the negative things about your kids - what they will see about themselves

2. Failing to teach
Teach the basics - throw a ball

3. Failing to express praise and admiration
Say what we love, like, respect, and appreciation

4. Spending little or no exclusive time
Always too busy - then you are too busy
They will conclude that they are unimportant and worthless

5. Showing favoritism
Comparing to each other - will breed frustration, jealousy, and bitterness

6. Pushing too hard, too soon
Let them be kids

7. Parental self-degradation
Downgrade yourself in front of your children
Will hurt their view of life and of themselves

8. Living our lives through our children
End up pushing your kids into things they don't really care about

2009-01-08 - Raising Awesome Kids - Evangelistic Lifestyle
Something the whole family should think about constantly
Each child has a role in reaching another family

Too many of us separate our families from our outreach to others
Our families are the brightest light that God can use to illuminate a dark world

  • Have people into your home
  • Draw people into your family life
  • When they see what there is - teach them where it comes from


2009-01-19 - Jesus with People - Through the Roof

When the paralyzed man came down through the roof - damaged the house of Peter and Andrew - how would you respond?

Jesus demonstrated his love for people in the way he deals with the crowds

Everywhere he went, Jesus drew a crowd
He spoke with authority, conviction because he deeply cared about people

We need to care enough to gather a crowd - People need to be our focus
They need to be in our homes, in our Saturday plans, and focus of our lunch hour

Jesus with the Religious
Their slavery to legalistic minutiae angered him - Matthew 23:23-24
Their stubborn hearts distressed him - Mark 3:1-5
Jesus desire was for them to be saved

Jesus with the Faithful
Jesus gets the greatest joy from interacting with people who believe
Centurion - the faith he was looking for - Luke 18:8
What fires Jesus up? Faith

If we follow Jesus, the smallest seed of faith that we see in others should encourage and excite us.

Who big is your crowd?
Do you see the faith of others?
Is Jesus amazed by your faith or your lack of it?



2009-01-20 - Jesus with People - Harassed and Helpless

Jesus was always able to look beyond people's outward behavior to the need within

How does a person who is harassed and helpless behave?

  • Some irritation
  • Little mistrusting

He saw beyond the paralytic's phyiscal condition to his need for forgiveness - Mark 2:5
He saw the invaild's need for hope at the poolside - John 5:6

When we see a crowd who is harassed and helpless we see - problems, problems, problems
When Jesus sees a crowd who is harassed and helpless he sees - harvest, harvest, harvest

Wiser to evangelize the "suburbs" because there are less "problem" people - NNNNOOOO!!!!
Jesus was not swayed by this thinking

Jesus saw the potential in people, not the problems - why see inspired such change

People need a shephard and Jesus responded and raised up other shephards - Matthew 9:38-10:4
Compassion is passion that leads to action

Are you meeting needs or do you alwaysfind yourself reacting to the way people treat you?
Make a list of needs you see where you are - make a plan to meet those needs



2009-01-21 - Jesus with People - Going Deeper

We want to be know but we keep a safe distance
Jesus has X-ray vision to our hear and see right our heart

John 4:39 - Samaritan women:

  • She was minding her own business
  • Ran into Jesus and was never the same
  • Will you give me a drink he asked - the fact that he (a Jew) spoke to her told her (a Samaritan) that there was some very different about Jesus
  • Whoever drinks from living water will never thirst again - John 4:13-14
  • He confronted her sin and help her see the emptiness of her life
  • He wanteed her to see who she was without God
  • Due to her discomfort, the woman tried to change to subject
  • Jesus skillfully drove out her fears with his love -  brought her back to the conversation of life
  • She shared with others

We too can be afraid of seeing who we really are
When we opened up and were forgiven,  we couldn't wait to tell other either

To set people free, we must be like Jesus:

  • Relate to them in deep ways
  • Not studying the Bible superficially - not helping them see who they are without God
  • Ask the difficult questions
  • Expose sin so they will see their deepest need for Jesus

Jesus' love and acceptance allowed the woman/us to be real and to change



2009-01-26 - Jesus with People - Nic at Night

Some people's needs could be quickly dealt with: "Heal my blindness" or "Let me just touch your garment"

But not Nicodemus, Jesus knew it would be a long night - John 3:1-3

Nicodemus, was a man looking for something:

  • Groun up learning about God
  • Surrounded by a system caught up in traditions
  • Knew the Bible stories
  • Very active in the Jewish faith
  • Jesus capured his attention by his teachings and his works
  • Felt that there was something missing

Could this be right? Could Jesus be the Messiah?

Jesus was straight to the point: I tell you the truth, you must be born again - John 3:3
He needed a wake up call - Same lesson we need today - we need a new birth
He was part a system of legalism  (following rules with seeking the heart of God)
People trying to earn what God desired to just give them

Nicodemus knew he could get time with Jesus and he did
He receieved the answer and Jesus taught him the depth of God's love

Who was intrumental in answering your questions and healping you see the truth?
What sacrifices do you see that they made for you?
Are you doing the same for others?



2009-01-27 - Jesus with People - Rich Young Ruler

Luke 18:22-24
Wouldn't all Christians love to meet someone who comes across as this man does initially?

Most of us would say, "can we study the Bible?"
Jesus had a very different responce because he knew his heart

Sell everything and follow him = It's not what you do but who you are
For him to have a heart set fully on following Jesus - it meant a willingness to seel all
Following the exchange, it became clear - the man was out of touch with himself and God

Jesus did challenge him but he also loved him
He pointed the man to the narrow way
At the same time he drew him close want to give him strength, faith, and hope

Jesus does not get into a lengthy theological debate
He saw weaknesses the man had to deal with if he was going to enter the kingdom of God

Each of us lacks that "one thing" deep down that we must give up and following Jesus
Something we don't know what it is but God will reveal it - Hebrews 4:12-13



2009-01-28 - Jesus with People - Full of Grace and Truth

John 8:10-11 - When they were going to throw stones - Jesus just didn't say no
He said - one who is deserving of the same fate, go ahead

Jesus called what it is was - sin:

  1. Not a fault
  2. Not a cultural problem
  3. Not a weakness

Was she being used by the Pharisees? Yes
Was she the product of a culture that oppressed women? Yes
Was she probably from a "bad" home? Yes

Sin enslaved us - John 8:31-34
Respect and love were the last things she expected
Jesus gave her freedom to change and was willing to forgive

 Sometimes we think repentance is more difficult than it is - Jesus called for immediately
We like to stall - think about it a while, talk about it

Is it hard for me to confront others in their sin?
Do I accept or resist others when they confront me with your sin?
What sin do I find difficult to leave behind me?



2009-01-29 - Jesus with People - God Come Looking
John 9:25 - One thing I do know, I was blind and now I see
  • Many people would have not stopped to chat
  • Most would have averted eye contact
  • Jews saw blindness as punishment for some sin - John 9:2
  • Jesus saw an opportunity to heal and teach - so God might be displayed in his life - John 9:3
  • Jesus acted but not predictably - felt something moist and hear go wash
  • Blind man simply went - true blind obedience
Man's responses:
  • Simple honest - I was blind but now I see - John 9:25
  • Childlike innocence - Do you want to become his disciples too? - John 9:27
  • Boldness - John 9:27
Jesus did more than just open the blind man's eyes that day; he open his heart as well

2009-01-30 - Jesus with People - Greatest in th Kingdom
I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom  of heaven - Matthew 18:1-4

Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost - Matthew 18:12-14

We need to become like children in a very specific way
Our human nature wants to be first and to have control
Matthew 18 were driven by the same desire - they asked Jesus "Who is the greatest?"
When become like little children, we become like Jesus

Paraphrase - Because of your power-hungry pride you guys are not even in the kingdom of God, and nothing will change this fact unless you start imitating this child

After Jesus' sacrifice, all his teachings made sense
Having a child's humility is impossible until we understand the cross
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends - John 15:13

Must see other brothers and sisters in Christ as God's little spiritual children who must be cared for
God's heart is that not a single person be lost
Do we feel the personal responsibility for others?

Who do you know who is struggling spiritually? What can you do to help them?

2009-01-31 - Jesus with People - No Dogs in Heaven
Matthew 15 - The Canaanite Women
Jesus was silent and by his silent he tested and revealed both the hearts of his disciples and the heart of this woman

Perhaps the instructions given earlier by Jesus send then to find the lost sheep of Israel was still in their mind
Maybe thought: "he sent us to find the lost Israelite. too bad, she is a Gentile. Send her away."

Jesus did not send her away but said - I was only sent to the lost sheep of Israel - Matthew 15:24
Jesus - it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their gods - Matthew 15:26
Savior was willing to be misunderstood in order to flush out faith or faithlessness in the heart of this woman

In the end, Jesus affirmed her faith and admired her grit
He did not see the woman as unsubmissive or rebellious or undeserving; he saw her as full of faith

Jesus was more concerned about helping someone grow in their faith than he was keep up the nice-guy image

2009-02-01 - Jesus with People - The Bleeding Woman
The crowds followed him to point of his exhaustion
Why did Jesus' life draw a crowd?

Jesus was willing
Jesus was not just a servant but was a selfless servant

We get caught up with the duties of Christianity - serving the weak and the lost
With more responsibility we have, the easier it is to administer rather than minister.
Consistent delegation cause our hearts to harden - just organizing and managing

If you are not seeing the crowds, develop the heart of selflessness

After she touched his cloak, he could have let the woman leave anonymously, but her called attention to her so he could lift he up
He was concerned not only for her sickness, but her emotions as well

Jesus had forceful faith and expected it of others


2009-02-02 - Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

2009-02-03 - Jesus with People - Give or Take?
World seem to be divided into givers and takers
Usually we feel as though we are the givers and everyone else is a taker
We can draw back and become cynical - before long we cling to possessions, our rights or our feelings
At that point we have become takers
We would never admit it - and many of us do not see it

Jesus meet a man that was a taker - Matthew
Matthew was no different than us - he probably had a family with mouths to feed

As he left the office and crept closer toward the crowd surrounding Jesus
He heard the words - You must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me
Jesus then walked up to Matthew and said "Follow me"
His life changed forever - became a disciple of Jesus

How did Jesus know? do it? Jesus knew that he was sick and need to get well - Mark 2:17

We need to see people as they ready are and what they can become
Is there some in your life you can share with but haven't because you don't think they are open?

2009-02-05 - Jesus with People - Realness

When it comes to friendship, Jesus again sets the standard

Jesus knew John:

  • Jesus saw his weaknesses - yet accepted him - Mark 3:17
  • Jesus did not hesitate to call him to be a follower - spite of his temperament - Mark 1:19-20
  • He expect John to change - Luke 9:51-56
  • Jesus questioned his commitment when John sought power - Mark 10:35-37

Incredible thing about John is that it would seem that he never doubted Jesus' love

He refered to himself 5 times as the "disciple that Jesus loved"



2009-02-08 - Jesus with People - Trusting

In his torment, he sees the need of his mother and he entrusts her to John's care - John 19:25-27

Jesus let John know that he trust him and needs him to take care of his mother
God in the flesh yet her express his need to John's help

John was transformed from "son of thunder" to "Apostle of Love"
John later teaches us that if we say we love God but no our brother that we are a liar - 1 John 4:19-20

The problem with not feeling close, real, or trust is our issue

How close, real, and trusting are your relationships?

What do your relationships with people tell you about your relationship with God?



2009-02-09 - Jesus with People - Heart Determined to Persevre
Nothing test our determination like opposition
Satan is trying to discourage, dissuade, distract, and divide

If we get focused on the persecution or persecutors - renders us ineffective and unproductive

Pharisees ____ Jesus :
  • Mocked
  • Questioned him (harshly)
  • Spied on him
  • Confronted him
  • Laid traps for him
  • Falsely accused him
  • Threatened him
  • Joined forces with their opponents to plot against him
Jesus would not be distracted
His purpose was not to avoid pain but to please God - John 4:34
Must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day - Luke 13:32-33

God has not called us to defend or protect ourselves - we are then only working for ourselves and not will be doing nothing for God

2009-02-10 - Jesus with People - Heart Determined to Preach
Jesus did not avoid his persecutors; he confronted them.
  • He challenged their traditions and hypocrisy
  • He warned his disciples to beware of the "yeast" of the Pharisees - Luke 12:1
  • He challenged people to obey what he taught - Matthew 23:1-3
  • He spoke in parables were surely was going to offend - Matthew 15:12
  • He gave them answers to trick questions that left them silent - Matthew 21:23-27
Why was Jesus so confrontational? He hated their sin

2009-02-11 - Jesus with People - Heart Determined to Love
Jesus' strongest and clearest denunciation of the Pharisees came in Matthew 23
  • Was it because his frustration level reached his limit?
  • Was it because he finally had enough?
  • Was it because he was going to have the last word before they killed him?
  • Was it because he had justification for all things them did to him?
No, he was not trying to win an argument or put them in their place
His last and strongest words were spoken to wake them up
He was trying to open their hearts and win them over to God

2009-02-12 - Jesus with People - The Better Choice
Martha and Mary - Luke 18:29-30

Jesus and his disciples were passing through the village when Martha opened her home to them - Luke 10:38

Jesus didn't  stop to correct Martha in her preparation
Martha - Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work myself?

With compassion - Martha, Martha
Explained that Mary's choice was right and a lasting one
What Jesus wanted most was to see her have a single-minded desire to know him and his teachings

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in preparing to server others that we are either too distracted or too exhausted to server them when they arrive

2009-02-20 - Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

2009-02-23 - Jesus with People - Will He Find Faith?

Luke 18:1-8 - Jesus tells of a parable about praying not giving up; concluding, 'will he find faith on the earth?'

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected he could have gone home to the Father but chose to remain with his friends again
Enter the scene on the road to Emmaus

He wanted to know their hearts. Where was their faith? - They still did not get it

He did not walk away in disgust and give up on them
He waited to see if their faith would revive



2009-03-06 - Promises of God - You Call, He Answers

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

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

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

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

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



2009-03-08 - Promises of God - Lord of Physical Challenges
Psalms 91:9-11 - God will protect us and guard you in all your ways

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

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

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

2009-03-09 - Promises of God - The Problem is Me
Deuteronomy 4:29 - Find God when we seek him with all of our heart

Repentance must be proven by our deeds - Acts 26:20
Praise God for his faithful correction - Proverbs 3:11-12

God hates sin, takes sin of idolatry, personally - Deuteronomy 6:15

Sin comes when we lower the standard of commitment in our lives and allow ourselves to become lazy, selfish and self-indulgent

Being idolatrous and lukewarm is a serious sin against God - Revelation 3:16
Against God, his church, and the souls that are not saved as a result

2009-03-10 - Promises of God - God is Merciful
God is merciful - Deuteronomy 4:29-31

Even when you have sinned greatly and even when you think - This time I have really blown it
God promises if from there you seek him, even from a deep dark hole of shame, disappointment and failure - you will find him
Must be with all of your heart

We are not the best judge for our own repentance
Our loved should know and should be asked

It is from the deepest darkest hole that that God promises are the most truest

For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you - Deuteronomy 4:31

2009-03-22 - Promises of God - One Greater
The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world - 1 John 4:4

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness - 1 Peter 5:8

Satan is seen leading "the whole world astray" - Revelation 12:9

He is the Ling of Kings and the Lord of Lords - Revelation 12:9-11

The devil will eventually be thrown into the lake of fire - Revelation 20:1-10

2009-03-24 - Promises of God - Remember Gods Heros
Scriptures have many examples of those who were tested, humbled, exiled or disciplined by God:
  • Abraham's desert wanderings
  • Moses' shameful flight to Midian
  • Jacob's marital woes
  • Hannah's years of barrenness
  • Ruth's widowness and loneliness
  • David's years as a fugitive
May have felt that life pasted them by and God's blessing were seemingly withheld

There was far greater blessing in store for them in God's own time

2009-03-29 - Promises of God - God Can Relate
Hosea 11 - God who knows what is lie to grieve
We see his compassion and sorrow over the loss of his relationship with his people

Jesus displays a similar broken heart over the people of Jerusalem -  Luke 13:34

He can relate, he has felt the same feeling too

2009-03-30 - Promises of God - God Sees and Cares
When feeling that no really understands....

Did God cause this situation?
Is here angry with me?
Is he disappointed in my reactions?
Does my fear mean I don't trust him?

David displayed many of these emotions
Even with these emotions, we also see a firm trust in God

God so aware of the pain David was suffering that God kept a record of every tear that was shed - Psalms 56:8

2009-04-02 - Promises of God - Work That Is Worth It
An old criticism of Christians: Too heavenly minded that they are no good on earth
Seem to spend so much dreaming of heaven and not working on solving the earth's problems
This was never God's idea

Prepare your minds for action - 1 Peter 1:13

Setting our minds on the amazing blessings is a powerful encouragement for us to work hard and give our best effort now

Is it worth saying "No" to sin? Just consider heaven!
Worth it to giving to the poor? Just consider heaven!
Worth staying in the race when it gets difficult? Just consider heaven!

Worth blood, sweat, tears to help other to know God? Just consider heaven!
Your labor in the Lord is not in vain - 1 Corinthians 15:58

2009-04-05 - Promises of God - Noahs Faith
Confidence in God's promise must be so great that we obey "even though" we don't understand and it does not make sense

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen - Hebrews 11:7

  • Noah was commissioned by God to build a large ship in the middle of a dessert
  • Only his family would be persuaded to follow him into the ark
  • He did it for one reason: obedience to God


2009-05-09 - No one like him - His Submissiveness
Not a characteristic most see in Jesus

Mark 1:4-9 – Jesus was submissive to John – standing in line with everyone else

Submission comes to tests our hearts

Isaiah 53:7 – Jesus submitting to arrogant/self-center religious/non-religious when he was on his way to die

2009-05-18 - No one like him - The Kingdom of God
First time God said the time has come

Something had come upon us
Something within us

Kingdom is like:
  • king who prepared a feast
  • yeast
  • mustard seed
  • a net
  • treasure
  • man searching for fine pearls
  • man who sows seed
  • king who wanted to settle accounts
  • landowner who hired workers
Kingdom is good news

Kingdom is so different that it requires us to change

What does new kingdom person look like?
  • Humble (heart like a child) - Matthew 18:2-4
  • Surrender (your will be done) - Matthew 6:10


2009-05-19 - No one like him - Church the Kingdom?
Luke 17:20-21 - Kingdom does not come through carefully observation

Kingdom is a state of mind/heart

Kingdom forcefully advancing from John the Baptist until now (Matthew 11:11-12)

Preaching the good news of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23)

Mark 9:1 - will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God

Matthew 16:15-20 - only scripture with both kingdom and church

How does this all fit?
Kingdom can not be put in a box, mentioned:
  • Matthew - 50x
  • Mark - 15x
  • Luke - 38x
All the church the kingdom? NO
All in the church PART of the kingdom? YES

2009-05-21 - No one like him - Kingdom Attitudes (part 1)
New Moses, on a different mountain
Attitudes God does bless - free us to receive more blessing and generosity
Attitude help us more clearly see what God is doing

Poor in Spirit

Poor or Beggar
Luke 18:9-14 - Pharisee prayed to himself vs tax collector - in touch with his failures

Our culture: think highly of yourself; never feel bad about yourself; do not think negatively; be nice

We have the debt of sin

2009-05-22 - No one like him - Kingdom Attitudes (part 2)
Those who mourn

After seeing the impact and the hurt we have caused -
Having godly sorrow - 2 Corinthians 7:10-11
Taking ownership

The Meek

No one wants to be meek
Meekness - horse that has been broken
Gentle, Humble, Teachable
Defensive spirit gone
We must remember we have been cleansed from our past sins - 2 Peter 1:9
"will inherited the earth" - will make the most of our lives on this earth

2009-05-23 - No one like him - Kingdom Attitudes (part 3)
Those Who Hunger and Thirst

We see our lostness, we see our need to be learners; pursues what comes from God
Righteousness less about perfection, and more about the relationship

The Merciful

First four about relationship with God; Next have to do with our relationship with others in the light of God
Matthew 18:23-27 - forgiven will love much

2009-05-24 - No one like him - Kingdom Attitudes (part 4)
The Pure in Heart

About genuineness and sincerity

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

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

The Peacemakers

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

The Persecuted

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

2009-05-25 - No one like him - Kingdom Lifestyle (part 1)
Sermon not a code of law but a higher calling

NOT what is the law so I do not break it
IS was lost but now found; I will seek him with all my heart

Call to perfectionism is burden vs imitating our Father; being radically different

Different Attitudes – Beatitudes – Matthew 5:1-12

Different Effect – Matthew 5:13-16
Salt – stops decay
Light – for those who are humble, help to find the way


2009-05-26 - No one like him - Kingdom Lifestyle (part 2)
Different Righteousness – Matthew 5:17-6:18
Righteousness for the Pharisee had became having the correct facts and outward performance
Not about memorizing more scriptures or fasting three times a day
Righteousness was all about attitude
When scriptures is not exact, we should on these attitudes in situations in our lives – to please God
Different priority – Matthew 6:19-34
The pursuit of God’s will should be the overriding passion of our lives
No can serve two masters – Matthew 6:24


2009-05-29 - No one like him - Conflict and Controversy (part 2)
Like the earlier prophets, Jesus spoke bluntly to the religious leaders

Ungodly religion must be rebuked; Nice words will not drive the point home; Too much is at stake

Jesus did not enjoy the rebukes but wept over cities (Luke 19:41)

Jesus made sharp contrasts between traditions and the word of God (Matthew 15:3)

Religion that avoided sinners at all cost vs a religion that seeks after sinner at all cost

The goal of a physician is not to spend time with the sick but to help the sick get well

2009-05-30 - No one like him - Conflict and Controversy (part 3)
Jesus did not just hang around the sick but he had a message and plan for them to get well

Today is the opposite problem – association with all kinds of people; but without a message – bring the spirit without the truth

Sin must be dealt with at the heart level; not just outwardly like the Pharisees – could not be cured by rules or rituals

Living like Jesus (living a totally different life) will cause conflict and controversy

Living like Jesus entails:
  • New priorities – with people who have different ones
  • New loyalties – with people who have different ones
  • Mission is to reachout and share with people why they need his message
  • Associate with sinners but call them change
  • Love unconditionally; Live radically – declare this is the way to live
Some will welcome the message; the majority will not

2009-06-06 - One Another - Center of the Target
Many people look at everything in God's will is the same weight - this leads to endless controveries over smaller details

Jesus looked at God's will as a target
Ex. Pharisees gave 1/10 of their spices but neglected the more important maters of the law - Matthew 23:23-24

Scriptures does not spell out what the second and third rings are
Made it very clear what was at the center of the target

2009-06-20 - A Life of Impact - Selfless Authority

Abandon

Mark 2:6-12

  • Jesus didn’t walk on eggshells when he was around those who opposed him.
  • We are often so careful not to offend anyone that no frankness and no power is left our speech.
  • We need to be constantly ready to withstand opposition

Selfless Authority

  • People who seem apologetic about authority they have or hesitate to exercise it are not very impressive
  • Reason: they see it as a means of gaining something for themselves for themselves rather than a means of achieving a goal
  • People that abuse power act the same way as those who do not use
  • Pilate failed because he did not understand why he was in power
  • We should not hesitate to make use of this authority and we should be unashamed
  • How can disciples of Jesus not be bold and assertive? We must be forceful people!


2009-06-21 - A Life of Impact - Focus on the individual

Focus on the individual

Mark 2:13-14

  • Jesus didn’t miss the forest because of the trees
  • We cannot allow ourselves to grow dull to the preciousness of each individual

Acceptance of others

Mark 2:15-17 · Jesus did not seem to worry about ruining his reputation



2009-06-22 - A Life of Impact - Nonconformist

Mark 2:15-17

Nonconformist

  • He challenged popular thinking to inspire them to think again about how they were living.
  • Are you willing to rock the boat?
  • People of impact won’t accept because we have always have do it this way.
  • Every great historic change has been bought by blood or the reputation of non-conformists.
  • People who are unwilling to venture out into unfamiliar territory will never men of impact
  • More difficult for people who feel they have achieved a great deal

Protector

  • Legalism occurs when one values an easy decision over true justice.
  • When Jesus gave direction, he assumed responsibility for their actions
  • Jesus stood up for his disciples.
  • They probably felt very safe around Him (love always protects)
  • Without protection, insecurity can be seen more and in the “Me” generation.

Challenger

  • To say that Jesus quietly and humbly pointed out their wrongs would be inaccurate
  • He didn’t go after their ego, he went straight to the heart.


2009-06-23 - A Life of Impact - Conciseness and Boldness

Conciseness

Mark 2:27-28 - Direct statement, only a few words.

Boldness

Mark 3:1-6 - Exposed the evil intentions of their hearts

Anger

  • Gave His would–be accusers every opportunity to see for themselves their error
  • When they did not respond, Jesus became angry and deeply distressed.
  • He expressed anger on the spot
  • Some tried to stuff anger


2009-06-28 - A Life of Impact - Discernment and Productivity

Discernment

Mark 4:14-20

  • We are not to pronounce judgment but announce His judgment.
  • Types of people at work:
    • Non-ambitious - Putting in their time, staying out of trouble, receiving a paycheck
    • Overly ambitious – position only a stepping stone, self and not the organization
    • Employees that just want to an excellent job – may turn bitter after a while because of others around them.
    • Those who hold to their ideas and maintain an “all for one and one for all” attitude – will produce beyond own expectations

Productivity

  • Jesus was concerned with people’s spiritual productivity
  • Apple seed – would you expect one apple from an apple tree? No hundreds each year


2009-07-11 - A Life of Impact - A passion for truth

Mark 7:14-23 - He had no stomach for the misdirection spread by the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law

High Expectations

  • He let them know that they were spiritually stupid.
  • How many of us are willing to rebuke when asked a stupid question by people who should know better?
  • Jesus was determined that these men would rise above the rank and file.
  • He got upset and urged them to change
  • The dreamer never gives up the dream.

Blame

  • The responsibility for our actions resides with us, the decision makers, and not with our environment.
  • We are not simply a product of our environment; environment is determined by our choices.
  • We cannot rightly blame others or fate or circumstances for our behavior
  • We must take responsibility for the consequences of our decisions
  • Changes in people occur from the inside out. · Involves helping people to acknowledge what they are really like deep down and then to deal with their inner self
  • We cannot on our own change our own or someone else’s heart.
  • We must realize how desperately we need God’s intervention in out lives.
  • The Bible exposes, in a unbiased way, the true qualities of our hearts.
  • Deep character changes in our lives fuels our faith.


2009-07-16 - A Life of Impact - Scout

Scout

Mark 8:14-21

  • 'Christian' denominations may offer the greatest opposition to a radical adherence to the teachings of Jesus
  • He protects his followers: warning them about the strength of their opponent and the types of activities to expect.
  • We cannot afford to neglect scouting the opposition and warning people who they are up against.

Rebuke

  • We need to be aware what others are saying to each other.
  • He asked embarrassingly simple questions to remind them and to help to see how stupid they had been to soon forget.
  • A willingness to be strong and forthright is a required characteristic of one who would have lasting influence.
  • Wounds from a friend can be trusted.


2009-07-29 - A Life of Impact - Leading the way
Leading the way

Mark 10:32-34
  • Known as the Jesus cult.
  • They spent night and day with His disciple and they were always astonished.
  • Some people astonish us when we first meet them but after getting to know them we grow accustomed to their usual actions. 
Attitude of a Servant

Mark 10:35-40
  • James and John expected to pull this one over on Jesus
  • He didn’t correct them for being manipulative or disrespectful
Servant Leadership

Mark 10:41-45
  • There is a great difference between lording leadership and servant leadership.
  • It is hard to see politicians as servant leaders.


2009-08-01 - A Life of Impact - Anger
Anger

Mark 11:11-19
  • He was furious about the fruitfulness of another “tree” that he had planted, watered, weeded, fertilized.
  • Jesus cleared the temple at the beginning of His ministry and also here at the end of His of His ministry
  • There was no fear of God.
Restraint
  • Jesus knew the right place and the right time the do the things needed.
  • He was disciplined and self-controlled for just the right time.
Relentlessness
  • What made Jesus angry was the stubborn refusal of most to change.
  • A willingness to change is a precious and seemingly rare behavioral characteristic.
  • Become exceedingly insecure and defensive when we are awakened to the existence of personal deficiencies.
  • We must also get angry about obstinacy in our own lives and other people’s lives.
Fearsomeness
  • Why didn’t anyone try to stop Jesus as he was taking over the temple? (Only one person and many of them)
  • They knew that they were in the wrong.
  • Teachers of the law and chief priests feared Jesus
  • If people consider you a “nice guy” and are not in awe of you, you probably won’t have much impact.


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