Quiet Times Search

• Make your love increase and overflow for each other - 1 Thessalonians 3:12
• Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling - 1 Peter 4:9
• Pray for each other - James 5:16
• Serve one another in love - Galatians 5:13
• Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs - Ephesians 5:19
• Spur one another on toward love and good deeds - Hebrews 10:24
• Stop passing judgment on one another - Romans 14:13
• Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ - Ephesians 5:21
• Teach[one another] - Colossians 3:16
• Wash one another’s feet - John 13:14; John 13:34-35; John 15:12; John 15:17
• When you come together to eat, wait for each other - 1 Corinthians 11:33

Fearing God is the most exalted endevors in our life

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

Fearing God does not stop in the New Testament:

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

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

• Acts 5:42 - Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news
• Acts 8:4 - Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
  

• The principle involved here is called life-transference.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8 - We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well

• Nothing means nonexistent
• Less than nothing intensifies that idea
• Worthless - concept of being entirely empty of meaning or purpose

There is no point to a spiritual retreat if it does not affect our lives back home

We need to be consistly in awe,reverence, honor, and worship on a high level
We can not live on mountaintops

How do we grow in fearing God?
If you are a believer, God has already inplanted at least a spark in your heart

Jeremiah 32:38-41

• He will give us a sigleness of heart and action - so we will always fear him
• He will never stop doing good to us and he will inspire us to fear him

We need to fan it into flames - 2 Timoty 1:6

The Holy Spirit helps -  it is our responsiblity to grow

• Applying your heart to understanding
• Looking for it as for silver
• Searching for it as for hidden treasure

• The Bible gives us the formula for success - - - “seek advice”
  

• Jesus spent time (transfiguration) with Moses & Elijah
• Jesus spent time with his father daily (early in the morning and late at night)
• Jesus even had 12 disciples around him for years

1. Baseball = the pitching coach can look at a picture throw and determine mistakes on sight
2. Football = you have a specialty coach for every position
3. School = tutors for different subjects

• We have to learn things the hard way.
• People can warn us that we’re headed down the wrong path but we just have to journey that path for ourselves before we learn

Summary

The serpent deceived the woman; she and Adam ate from the tree. Man blamed woman, woman blamed the serpent. The earth became cursed, and God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden.

Observations

Genesis 3:1 - Did God really say
The first way Satan tries to get Eve to disobey God is to create doubt to what God said. Many times Satan does not even try to tell us to do a 180 turn (you might notice what is going on then) - just a slight detour to the right or to the left [Deuteronomy 5:32]. It does not take much to get us off course from the narrow road [Matthew 7:14].

Genesis 3:4 - You will not surely die
Another temptation Satan throws our way is doubt in his punishment or promises. He would love for us to believe we will be judged at the end of our lives [John 12:48].  "Live your life the way you want to" - Satan. He does not want you to remember the promises God has spoken to encourage us in our walk with him.

Genesis 3:6 - desirable for gaining wisdom
When struggling with sin, we often come up with "good" reasons why we need to sin. In this case, Eve comes up with a "spiritual" reason. She wanted to gain "wisdom" - we need to have wisdom in our daily lives, right? God does not always reveal everything to us and for good reason. We should start with fear of the Lord since it is the beginning of wisdom [Psalms 111:10].

Genesis 3:9 - Where are you?
Good question to ask ourselves all the time. Where am I in relation to God? We often "disappear" when we sin either physically or more likely mentally. When we look in a mirror [James 1:23-24], we are blinded and do not see our true selves. We don't want to deal with the underlying problems in our character - it will be paining and requires effort but in the end it is worth it.

Genesis 3:19 - dust you are and to dust you will return
If you need a reminder on humility, this scripture will help. We come from the dirt of the ground and we will return there someday. We need to seize the days we have - stop worrying about tomorrow [Matthew 6:34].

Personal Application

I need to be aware of Satan's tricks continuously. He does not want to be noticed. I need to pray and reflect on how I am living my life and find where Satan is getting me to deviate even a fraction of a degree. I need also examine my thought and find out they are out of line with God's Word. I will ask others what they see where I have taken a devour on God's narrow road.

Summary

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

Observations

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

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

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

Personal Application

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

Summary

God told Abram, "Go. I will make you a great nation. You will be a blessing." In Egypt Abram lied about Sarai and Pharaoh was cursed.

Observations

Genesis 12:1 - Leave your country, your people
We take comfort when things do not change. True comfort comes from God. He directs us where we should go to ultimately have comfort in him. To told Abram to leave the country and people he know and go somewhere completely different. When we made big changes it forces us to to stop relying on the things around us and solely on Him.

Genesis 12:13 - Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well
The root of a lie always has its orgins in a selfish reason. It is Satan's native language [John 8:44]. The reasons for lying my even sound spiritual but it is sin. What "harmless" lies are you telling? Who are you telling them to? Are you believing your own lies?

Personal Application

I value comfort but it is not the same comfort that comes from God. When I look at my heart, I am slower to change then I used to be as a younger Christian. This should not be. What is stopping me from changing? Would I being willing to move again for God?

Summary

Three visitors came and said that Sarah would have a son next year. Sodom was very evil; Abraham pleaded with the LORD for the city.

Observations

Genesis 18:14 - Is anything too hard for the LORD?
This is a good question to ask ourselves in times where we doubt God in anyway. Sarai doubted that she would become pregnant because of how old she was. Mary may have been thinking of this scripture when the angel came to her saying she would become pregnant as a virgin - her reaction was much more faithful. Bog came do much more than we can ask or imagine [Ephesians 3:20].

Genesis 18:32 - For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it
God wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth [1 Timothy 2:4]. It is the reason God will waiting out all the evil and sin that is in the world. He is looking and searching out those who will changing their ways and love him back. Who around us is looking for God?

Personal Application

I doubt God way too much (once is too much )and I do probably everyday - I am doing it right now. God is god, he can do anything. Yes, even that. I have got to stop making God smaller in my mind. Every time that I think I have an understanding how big and strong he is - God is beyond that. He greater than I can imagine.

• Hebrews 5:11-14 - Train yourself; be disciplined to read and pray and get help from others
• Hebrews 6:1-3 - We must learn the elementary truths so we can move on to maturity

• 1 John 2:5-6 - Always compare yourself to Jesus and look to imitate Him in everything
• Colossians 1:28-29 - Let others help you to be formed more into the image of Jesus

• 2 Peter 1:3-11 - Growth is an absolute; it solidifies your place in heaven
• 2 Peter 3:17-18 - Growth will keep you from falling from your secure position

1. Why does your hope in Christ go beyond this earthly life?
2. Why are we as Christians to be pitied if there is no eternal life?

1. What is the mystery Paul tells us (vs.51)?
2. Why do we normally fear death - and why should we no longer be afraid of dying?
3. Why should we work for the Lord? What will happen when we give ourselves completely?

1. When were you raised with Christ?
2. What should you be thinking about from now on?
3. What things should you stop thinking about so much?

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

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

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

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

1. Why do you think Jesus' family was upset with him?
2. Has anyone in your family tried to stop you from serving God because they think you are hurting yourself?
3. What would have happened if Jesus had agreed with them?

1. What did Jesus' own brothers think about him?
2. Why didn't Jesus do what his family wanted?

1. Do you have a heart like this?
2. What is your life producing?

1. What do you need to do to keep growing as a Christian?
2. Define goodness, perseverance, brotherly kindness.
3. What happens if you stop growing?
4. What does verse 10 mean?

1. If a brother or sister came to visit you, what kind of report would they give about your Life?
2. How do you feel about your life in Christ up until today?
3. Are you growing?
4. In what areas do you need help?

• Which will you choose in this year?
• What are three things that you most feel the need to change in your life?
• How will you take the first step in each of these three?

• What is your attitude towards those who have fallen away from God?
• When was the last time you reached out to someone who has stopped being a part of the fellowship?

• What is truly burdening your life?
• Is your response to that burden humility or pride? Gentleness or stress?
• Be open with someone today about your burdens and then pray that you can throw them off and put on the burden of Christ.

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

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

1. When challenges come, I must be open with how I really feel (v.11-15).
2. When challenges come, I need to turn to God in prayer (v. 2).
3. When challenges come, I cannot lose faith in God's power (v.21-23).

Summary

God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. As Abraham obeyed, an angel stopped him. The LORD provided a ram instead and blessed Abraham.

Observations

Genesis 22:2 - Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering
God calls us to sacrifice to a high degree. We need to trust in God when we are called to sacrifice. Abram was called to the give up one of the most important persons in his life. At what point do we stop sacrificing? When we feel we are about to leave our comfort zone? When the price is too high?

Genesis 22:5 - and then we will come back to you
He did not know how or in what way but Abram had faith God would not forget about His promise to Abram. Would his son come back to life? Would God give him a new son? What whatever was to happen, Abram believed he would not be coming back alone when he said "we will come back".

Genesis 22:12 - I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son
God present us with tests in our life to see where our heart is at. These test also tell us where our own heart is at if we pay attention. There was no cost Abram was not willing to pay to seek out the Lord which show he had the right perceptive of God's power.  Our sacrifice level shows our love for God.

Personal Application

I know for me I give until it starts to physically hurt, brings up bad memories, or I don't see the need to. It does not depend on me; I need to sacrifice in relation to the need. As I grow close to go God I will see God's heart in this.

John was given a glemce of what heaven would be like in Revelations:

• A rainobw encircled the throne v4:3
• God was dressed in white with golden crowns v4:4
• Lighting and thunder came from the throne v4:5
• Before the throne was a sea of glass, clear as crystal v4:6
• Strange creatures with eyes covering them were continually praise God v4:6-8
• Jesus approached the throne to open the scroll v5:4-5
• All the living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb v5:8
• They held golden bowls full of incense which were the prayers if the saints v5:8
• 100 million angels appeared to loudly sing about the Lamb along with a great multitude v5:11-13

Heaven is a place full of blessings

Jesus referred serveral times to our reward in heaven

No eyes have seen, no ears have heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared - 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
God will give us all things - Romans 8:32

No one can stop us from going to heaven but ourselves
Heaven is worth any earthly price - Romans 8:18

He is preparing an incrediable guest room for us

Do you think of God as one who wants nothing more than to bless your life?

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.
 
have in common? The most important man in the leadership role of their lives is gone.

Dad have good intention but there many things working against them:

• Divorce - best thing for kids is to see their parents humble themselves, repent of their selfishness, forgive one another, and recommit to their marriage
• Work - Before the industrial revolution, fathers primarily worked at home. When dad finally did get home, he was too tired to engage, and his family got the leftovers. Men need to set boundaries and learn to say “no,” his work priorities will constantly pull him away.
• Entertainment - the television becomes their influence instead which is a terrible father.
• Anti-father bias in media - dads on TV today are incompetent and constantly outwitted by their wives and disrespectful kids.
• The church - many church programs separate families to the point that kids never see their fathers

Devil will never stop attacking what God prioritizes.

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

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

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

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

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger - Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart - Colossians 3:21

If we lose their hearts, we lose everything.
Intimacy is tied to feeling emotionally safe around someone.
Devil will begin to fill their minds with accusations against you.
When your children get angry with you, you need to stop what you are doing, get engaged, and help them deal with their anger

What do you think you are doing, building a beautiful tomb for yourself - Isaiah 22:16

Some have a "do what ever it takes" attitude toward raising up the ranks
God takes a dim view of such a strategies

Shebna discovered the quickest way to the bottom by using his high position to promote himself
The Lord stopped his plans, removed him from office, and exciled him far from Judah - Isaiah 22:17-18

God gave him everything he needed to become a great servant but he used it for himself

God wants to be the center of all your plans, God gave us gifts to exalt him not ourselves

Everyone must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence - Jonah 3:7-8

The biggest enemy of godly leaders is not leading by example

Leading by example has always been one of a leader's greatest goals

• Want children to speak kindly? Speak kindly to them
• Want your coworkers and employees to be more consientious about their work? Show up on time and work deligently until you leave

Jonah warned the Ninevites of God's coming judgement and wrath

Their king responded by instructing his people to:

• Observe a time of fasting
• Pray
• Repent

...in hopes that God would change his minds and spare the city

The king of the Ninevites humility and leading by example saved his city from judgement and wrath

When you do as you say in life, you make it far easier for everyone around you to do the same

Unless I wash you, you won't belong to me - John 13:8

Jesus servered to the point of where the Jewish people considered demeaning even to the lowliest servant: He washed their feet

Peter's protests were not going to stop him

Jesus explained he whad set an example of how they were to treat one another and us too when he had returned to his Father

God put us on the earth to server others, even if we do not know them personally

Serving is a privilege because it builds up others and gives them to chance to see God's love in action.

We can not stop telling about what we have seen and heard - Acts 4:20

Peter and John at this point did not have fear about sharing about Jesus

• Heard exceptional preaching
• Had seen impressive miracles
  • Demons casted out
  • Sick healed
  • Dead raised
  • Storms calmed
  • Empty tomb
  • Resurrected Jesus

Peter and John spoke respectfully even humbly to the religous authorities who had thrown them into prision

They were on a mission to share Jesus and would not allow anything to stop them

Full of the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God - Acts 7:55

Nothing prompts change likea man's courage in the face of potential personal loss. Stephen had that kind of courage.

Religous leaders hoped persecuting Christians would put a stop to this new religious movement, exactly the opposite happened

Stephen willingly died for what he believed in and he contributed greatly to the spread of the gospel message

At the scene of Stephen's murder stood a young Pharisee named Saul - the same Saul God miraculously converted

Stephen's courage and faith in the face of death apparently made a lasting impression

Pauls bold preaching would change the world forever - Acts 22:19-20

Lamps do not talk, but they do shine. Is your lamp shining today?

He taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accurcy - Acts 18:25

Apollos loved to teach the Word of God in the synagogues 

His limitation  was he did not fully understand the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection

He finally received understanding from Aquila and Priscilla and from then on, Apollos cound not stop

He moved to Corinth to be with Paul and some of the believers credited him with starting the church - 1 Corinthians 1

Apollos became a great teacher and preacher because he had the passion for God's Word that all men of God need

We found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots - Acts 24:5

Bible repeatedly commands believers to use words to build others up rather than tear them down

Tertullus was a Jewish advocate before the Roman government and went out of his way to tear others down

He wanted to stop all the preaching about Jesus

Tertullus accused Paul of disturbing the peace throughout the Roman Empire

He intented to have Paul imprisioned or even killed

Before you say something about another person, ask yourself if you are tearing down or building up

Don't be afraid! Go ahead and do what you've said - 1 Kings 17:13

When you speak and demonstrate your faith openly, it is bound to infect others

It seemed Elijah was the only man with faith in Israel but he didn't let that stop him speaking God's Word who desparately needed to hear it

Drought had led to famine, God sent a woman with little money to feed

Elijah didn't allow the lack of wealth affect his faith and persuaded the woman to share what little she had

She never again lacked food for herself or her son

Faith isn't real unless you put it to work, don't worry about running out - God will give you what you need

With his love, he will calm all your fears - Zephaniah 3:17

Zephaniah understood that God never "cuts his losses" with those who belong to him

He approved of reforms but also wanted them to understand they needed changes within themselves 

In the book of Zephaniah, he:

• Railed against the immoraltuy, idolatry and injustice of his times
• Decried Judah's sin
• Proclaimed their need  for repentance
• Foretold God's wrath against those who refused to stop sinning

God still loved his people and wanted more than anything for them to turn back to him

God takes sin very seriously and will never look the other way when you fail him. He still will not give up on you

Amos is hatching a plot against you right - Amos 7:10

In an attempt to quiet Amos and his message, Amaziah accused him of treason against Israel

Amzaiah had put his own spin on Amos' words about the death of Jeroboam and Zechariah

Some will always attempt to spin the words and actions of godly people and their unpopular message

Amos knew he was preaching an unpopular message and Amaziah would go to great lengths to stop him

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west - Psalm 103:12

Men who follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly often see more clearly how they have been forgiven

David had plenty in his life for which he needed forgiveness

He knew when he failed God, God's love would never fail him

David did not choose his words randomly

If get in a plane and head east and unlimited fuel you never stop heading east - endless love

Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! - Mark 10:14

Jesus had a heart for children - he treated them with compassion and tenderness

It anger him to see his disciples keeping parents from bringing their children to him

He used the situation to teach: Anyone who does not recieve the kingdom like a child will never enter it - Mark 10:15

• Childlike sense of utter dependence of God's goodness and generosity
• Unshakable faith that God is the source of everything good

Would you call your faith childlike or childish?

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

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

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

Why? Because they had already proved themselves faithful

How do you conduct yourself when no one is watching?

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