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Searching for "daily" in the Quiet Time Archive
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2010-05-17 - Desire's Journey - The Beast Within
Years of living in an indifferent hostile world creates a deep sense of unsettledness with in us

Battle of good and evil within us - Romans 7:20-23
Sinful desires are contrary to the Spirit
They conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want - Galatians 5:17

There is a nagging awareness warning us not to feel our hunger too deeply or it will undo us
We wouldn't want to do anything crazy or desperate

We want what our unmet desire wants but our sinful nature wants what is contrary

We try everything - TV, sex, relationships, drugs, etc - going one to another
We don't know what we want because we're so unacquaninted with our desire

We try to keep a safe distance between our daily lives and our heart's desire - because it causes us too much trouble

Do we really want to open Pandora's box?

Dare we awaken our hears to their true desires?
Is it better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all?

Our dilemma is this: we can't seem to live with desire, and we can't live without it



2010-06-19 - All or Nothing (part 2)

New Testament

Romans 11:17-21 - You can get arrogant

1 Corinthians 10:1-10 - Do repeat the same misakes of those in the OT

Galatians 6:7-10 - We reap what we sow, do not become weary of doing good

Jude 3-4 - Grace of God is not a license to sin

1 John 4 - Can not love God without loving your brother

2 Timothy 4 - We need to check to see if we have sound doctrine

Hebrew 5 - Teachers can become arrogance

Revelation 2-3 = Churches can loose focus

  1. Read and Pray Daily to God
  2. We need others in our lives
  3. We need meetings of the body
  4. Giving to God
  5. Complete Openness
  6. People are going to heaven or hell
  7. Reaching out to others


2010-06-20 - Building the temple (part 1)

Preached by Damon Pabts on 2002-03-03

1 Chronicles 28:9-10

  • Serve him wholehearted
    • Not just serve but with all of your heart
    • Be strong = command, not an idea


Building Yourself

1 Chronicles 29:1-4

  • 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - we are the temple
  • If you do not know where you are
    • Are you in the Word?
    • Daily diet - not once a week


Give everything to build

1 Chronicles 29:2-4

  • Have given up everything?!?
  • It is not any different now!
    • Remember:
      • Door knowing
      • Street Preaching
  • Where are people with the heart to build to God's temple?
  • Have you turned to other Gods?
    • House
    • Kids
    • Car
  • Have you dethrowned God?




2010-08-09 - Waking Dead - The Heart's Eyes

Do not lose heart, fix our eyes on what is unseen - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

We are losing heart, all of us, daily

Someone was trying to shutdown Paul during his ministry - 2 Corinthians 11:23-27
He was looking at what he could not see

Life is an illustion - there is a way of looking at life and be able to live from the heart no matter what
How? By seeing with the eyes of the heart - Ephesians 1:18

Jesus spoke in parables to our hearts:

  • A sower went out to sow some seed
  • A man fell into the hands of robbers
  • Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one
  • There were ten virgins with ten lamps

Jesus spoke in a way that will get past all intellectual defenses
Civil War: Fought between 1861 to 1865 vs stories of the lives lost during that time

When you tell a story, you speak to the heart



2010-09-19 - Waking Dead - Setting the Heart Free
All spiritual warfare follows a simple pattern - James 4:7

Submit and resist
Submit ourselves to Christ and resist whatever has come against us or those we love
Their needs to "dailyness" to our walk

1. We have to choose to abide in Christ
Consecrate our whole body:
  • Body - Romans 12:1
  • Soul - Luke 10:27
  • Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:17
2. Then we need to cleanse our lives with the blood of Christ
Take our place under the headship of Christ
The faith of centurion, he understood authority - Matthew 8:10

Most sins fall under:
  • Pride - independence from God
  • Idolatry - Giving our devotion, fear, or any part of our heart to something other than God
We need to ask God to search our hearts so we might confess sin and agreements we have made

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

2010-10-12 - Dealing With Your Heart (Part I)
  1. The Blessing of Giving - Acts 20:33-35
    1. Paul did not desire anyone else's money or possessions.
    2. He worked hard and sacrificed to help the weak.
    3. He knew that giving brought more joy than receiving.
  2. Living for Eternal Possessions - Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 10:32-34
    1. When our treasure is in heaven not on earth, our hearts will be in heaven also.
    2. As disciples, we will look foolish to the world because our hearts and our treasures (money) are in heaven not on earth.
  3. All Things For Our Enjoyment - 1 Timothy 6:17-18
    1. It is very easy for us who have wealth to put our hope and trust in money/things rather than God.
    2. As disciples we are commanded to be generous and willing to share.
    3. When we follow God"s plan we can feel great about enjoying the blessings God has given us.

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


2010-11-27 - Mission - All Nations
The only event in history where all mankind gathers together is Judgment Day

An expert in the law asked "What I do to inherit eternal life?" and "Who is my neighbor?"
This expert had given his life to study of the scriptures

Jesus illustrates the greatest commandment - one man helping another
Does not talk about:
  • Some daring act of evangelism - although He did this almost daily
  • Being baptized  - although it is commanded and can never be omitted
Who are you helping? Do see those in need?

James 2:14-16 - Do you claim to have faith? It is never alone
Food, clothing, a blanket shows that you have saving faith

Christian who "share their faith" don't always "share their food"

Sometimes we resemble the expert in the law who did not love their neighbor
By focusing on helping the poor, many people seem to become more evangelistic
Physical and spiritual needs are inseparable

Jesus said, I was hungry, of need of clothes, sick. Did you help him? - Matthew 25:35-36

He takes it personally - Jesus grew up poor
Doves were the sacrifice of the poor - Luke 2:24


2010-11-29 - Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


2010-12-02 - Mission - Taking Up the Cross
Two questions to ask ourselves:
Is the power of the cross producing real changes in my life?
Are lost souls being radically converted as I preach?

The message of the cross will seem foolish to those we are teaching if they do not see the daily demonstration of its power for us who are being saved

Christians described in Romans 6
  • v4 - new life
  • v7 - freed from sin
  • v11 - dead to sin but alive in Christ
Taking up our cross must be each and every day
Our days are composed of countless choices and decisions
Each step that Jesus took towards the cross he took willingly

It takes 1000s of bricks to build a house, it takes 1000s of righteous choices to build a Christ-like character
Our hearts - lost world needs to know how we feel towards our Father
Our conversation - we should never get tired of telling our conversation story
Our example - Our daily temptations and victories should be only shared

2010-12-12 - Seeking God (part II)

Examples of those seeking God:

Ethiopian eunuch - Acts 8:26-40

  • What do we know about this seeker?
    • He is important and therefore certainly busy, but still finds time for God.
    • He reads the Scriptures himself and asks questions about what he is reading.
    • He is humble and sincere enough in his search to ask for help.
    • What he learns he acts on right away, as seen with his baptism.
  • How did he feel after coming to know God better?
  • The burning questions he had about God were answered in an afternoon.

Bereans - Acts 17:10-12

  • What was it about these Berean seekers that made Luke refer to them as having “noble character”?
    • Enthusiastic
    • Great Eagerness - explain
    • Examined the scriptures daily
  • Why was it important for them to “examine the Scriptures every day” for themselves?
  • What was the result of this eager yet diligent attitude?
  • As with prayer, reading the Bible is vitally important to knowing God.


2011-01-02 - Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


2011-01-09 - Church (part III)

Hebrews 3:12-14

  • Christianity is a “one another” religion, not a solo endeavor.
  • We have the charge and the responsibility to be deeply involved in each other’s lives.
  • Daily encouragement helps everyone stand firm until the end. You may wish to refer to additional “one another” verses.

Hebrews 10:22-25

  • After being washed in baptism, we need the continual exhortations of brothers and sisters to stay the course.
  • Consider ahead of time how you can spur on fellow Christians in the fellowship.
  • Also prepare to receive biblical input that will result in greater love and good deeds.
  • Why is missing meetings of the body described as a bad habit? Why and when do we meet?

Mark 3:31-35 - What will it mean for you to be part of Jesus’ family?



2011-01-10 - Followup - Bible Study Attitude
How we should view God’s Word?

Matthew 4:4
  • We need it to survive. 
  • Why do you eat every day? We need to “feed” ourselves daily on God’s Word
Deuteronomy 33:44-47 - Not mere words but they are your life.

John 12:47-48
  • God will use it as the standard of judgment.
  • Example: Final exam for college course - the test will be form the text.


2011-01-11 - Followup - Bible Study Application

How should we use God’s Word?

  1. James 1:22 - Do what it says!
  2. Acts 17:11 - Examine it daily
  3. Hebrews 4:12-13
    1. Use it to find what our hearts are really and change that which is not pleasing to God
    2. Use it as a “scalpel” to cut the sin in our lives and in the lives of others
  4. John 20:28, Romans 10:17 – Deepen our faith in Christ.


2011-01-18 - Followup - Balanced Attitude and Application
Attitude
How we should view God’s Word
  1. Matthew 4:4 - We need it to survive. Why do you eat every day? We need to “feed” ourselves daily on God’s Word
  2. Deuteronomy 33:44-47 - Not mere words but they are your life.
  3. John 12:47-48 - God will use it as the standard of judgment. Example: Final exam for college course - the test will be form the text.
Application
How should we use God’s Word?
  1. James 1:22 - Do what it says!
  2.  Acts 17:11 - Examine it daily
  3. Hebrews 4:12-13
    • Use it to find what our hearts are really and change that which is not pleasing to God
    • Use it as a “scalpel” to cut the sin in our lives and in the lives of others
  4. John 20:28, Romans 10:17 – Deepen our faith in Christ.


2011-01-27 - Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


2011-01-29 - Followup - Relationships Demonstrated
1. Actions
  1. Acts 2:45, 1 John 3:17 - Material needs
  2. Colossians 1:28-29 - Toil to present one another perfect (mature, complete) in Christ.
  3. Ephesians 4:29 - Say only what is edifying.
  4. Hebrews 3:12-13 - Encourage daily!
2. Attitudes

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
  1. Respect those who work hard
  2. Live in peace with each other
  3. Warn the idle
  4. Encourage the timid
  5. Help the weak
  6. Be patient with everyone
1 Corinthians 3:11-13 - Learn to be open.
  • About our sins and struggles
  • About our marriage/relationship.
Ephesians 5:21 - Submit not only to leaders, but to each other as well

2011-01-30 - Followup - Servant (part I)
Great Servant - Mark 10:41-45

1. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be great
Jesus didn’t confront their desire to be great, only their method
2. Greatness comes through being a servant
Your greatness in the Kingdom is only limited by your willingness to be a slave to all!

Selfless Servant - Philippians 2:5-7

1. Jesus set the pace for us by becoming a servant. He made himself nothing and had a lot further to go to become nothing than we do!

Questions
  • What are you making of yourself?
  • How much does “self” matter to you?
  • How much does “self” influence your daily decision?
2. Self-denial is the essence of service
Luke 9:23 - Must deny self daily - deny self = denying feelings


2011-01-31 - Followup - Servant (part II)
Humble Servant - Luke 17:7-10

Question: What should our attitude be while serving?
  1. Grumbling servant - “I’ll serve, but I’m not going to like it.”
  2. Complaining servant - “Why do they always ask me to serve”
  3. Proud servant - “I serve more than anyone and deserve recognition”
We must be humble servants and serve daily
When we serve, we’ve done nothing special except our duty

Excellent Servant - Mark 7:37

Jesus did all things well
When we serve, we must do so with excellence
Ephesians 6:7-8 - When we serve, we must serve as though Jesus himself had asked us to do it!

2011-02-02 - Word of God - Kansas City (part I)
Purpose: To gain conviction on the Bible being inspired by God, how and why we should apply the Bible to our lives

Question: How do you define a relationship with someone?
Keep that in mind as we have this study about God's Word.

2 Timothy 3:12-4:4
  • v12 - Everyone that want to live a Godly life will have to go through persecution
  • Question: What do you think that means - being persecuted for living a Godly life?
  • v14-15 - Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to continue to believe to believe in the scriptures because it is able to make you wise in the choices of life
  • v4:4 - Bible says that people will start to listen to and follow man (ideas and myths) rather than God
  • If we read the Bible daily then we will know God's will for our lives. If we don't we will start to follow what people say, think, and feel.
  • Question: How can reading the Bible daily change your life? What happens if you don't read daily?
  • Question: Why do you think God wants you to read his word daily? So you can know him!
John 8:31-36
  • Jesus is talking to the Jewish people and tells them that is they don't hold to his teachings, then they are not really his disciples
  • Just because someone acts religious or know a lot about the Bible does not mean they are following Jesus
  • Question: What does Jesus say it takes to be his disciple? Then you'll know what? Then what?
  • When you read someone's journal you get to know that person more and more each day - same goes for reading God's word
  • Question: How often do you read the Bible?
  • Challenge: Read the Bible daily and make one decision each day.


2011-02-04 - Word of God - Kansas City (part III)
1 Timothy 5:24-25
  • God knows what you and I have done but he wants to help us get our lives in order
  • The more we read, the more we understand God is merciful and loving
  • He is serious about us changing our lives to fit His will vs us trying to change the Bible to fit our will
John 12:44-50
  • Jesus is the ultimate reflection of God on earth
  • Just as Jesus didn't come with a critical judgment = God does not either
  • v46 - He shows us the way out of darkness - when we don't have a close relationship with him
  • Question: What does Jesus say will actually judge us? God's words
What to do?
  1. Read the Bible daily so we can know him
  2. We must apply the Bible to our lives, let it change us, and let our lives change others
  3. Let's study the Bible together at least once a week for the next 3 weeks


2011-02-13 - Discipleship - Kansas City (part III)
Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 14:25-33
  • Question: What is Jesus saying to you in v26? What relationship would be the most challenging? Why?
  • Question: In v28-30, if you start to follow Jesus then stop how will that effect the people that have seen you start?
  • Question: In v31-33, which king will win? Will the losing king still be a king? No, stop fighting God and serve him
  • Question: What do you see as something that will be a cost for you in following Jesus?
Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
  • Question: How much authority does Jesus have? What does His authority exclude? Nothing!
  • Question: What does Jesus commission us to do? Who should you start with in fulling this commission from Jesus? Yourself
Developing a relationship with God is like a marriage
  1. Get to know someone = read the Bible and pray daily (Word Study)
  2. Dating stage = commit to coming to church, Bible discussion group, and studying the Bible (Discipleship study)
  3. Engagement = making a decision to commit your life to God (Sin and Repentance study)
  4. Wedding ceremony = baptism
You are not married until the wedding ceremony. You become a disciple at baptism - your life is the evidence of God's gift of the Holy Spirit

2011-03-11 - NT Commands (part IV)
More New Testament commands:
  • Do not store you treasures on earth - Matthew 6:19
  • Do good to all people - Galatians 6:10
  • Do good you know you ought to do - James 4:17
  • Do what the Word of God says - James 1:22
  • Do not fight - 2 Timothy 2:24
  • Do not cause anyone to stumble - 1 Corinthians 10:32
  • Do not fear man - Luke 12:4-5
  • Encourage daily - Hebrews 3:13


2011-03-16 - One Another (part II)
Some more scriptures about relationships:
  • Confess your sins to each other - James 5:16
  • Do not lie to each other - Colossians 3:9
  • Do not slander one another - James 4:11
  • Don’t grumble against each other - James 5:9
  • Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others - 1 Peter 4:10
  • Encourage each other - 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
  • Encourage one another - Hebrews 10:25
  • Encourage one another daily - Hebrews 3:13


2011-04-17 - Names of Jesus (part XI)
A daily study of the Jesus' names:
  • Lord of all - Acts 10:36
  • Lord of glory - 1 Corinthians 2:8
  • Lord of Lords - Revelation 19:16
  • Lord Our Righteouss - Jeremiah 23:6
  • Mediator between God and men - 1 Timothy 2:5
  • Messenger of the covenant - Malachi 3:1
  • Messiah - Daniel 9:25; John 1:41


2011-07-11 - Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part VI)
Paul employed at least five elements to accomplish this mission (continued) :

3. He kept his mind continually fixed on this objective:

  • Acts 20:22-24 - It was everything to him to finish the race
  • 2 Corinthians 11:28 - Felt daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches
  • Colossians 1:28-29 - Struggled with all his energy

4. He followed the Lord’s plan of discipling people into the image of Jesus Christ - 2 Timothy 2:2

5. His own evangelism was constant
a. He utilized every opportunity.
b. He created opportunities for evangelism


2011-08-14 - Daughter Needs - Learning
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Moses told the parents of Israel, "talk about God all the time through their daily lives"

Spiritual teaching/learning is with a doubt the highest priority for all dads
Show your daughter the rules of society or let it come from somewhere else (friends, TV, schools)

Show how to properly respond to authority - they are watching how you respond
Drive with your daughter the way you expect her to drive when she gets her license

Teach her to respect those in leadership
Speaking well of leadership can encourage her to catch a vision for her life's calling

2011-08-16 - Daughter Needs - Spiritual Leadership
Dads are told there should be three goals:
  • Take children to church service
  • Pray with them regularly
  • Have family devotionals
Most dads get the "going to service" but often fall on the family devotion because they simply don't know how

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:
  1. Be sure of their salvation
  2. Love and understand God's Word
  3. Know and willingly obey God's rules
  4. Know their spiritual gifts
  5. Be able to teach spiritual truths
  6. Be effective witness
  7. Spend daily time with God
  8. Do acts of service for others
  9. Exercise self-discipline
  10. Fellowship with other believers
  11. Understand the power of prayer
  12. Maturely walk with God


2011-09-05 - Fearing God - Great Thoughts About God
If you want to fear God - every aspect of your day-to-day must dominated by thoughts of God

Takes work to do this, you won't grow other wise - 1 Timothy 4:7
It is not enough to just stand in awe of God as we read about Him
It should be part of out thinking

The sophisticated discoveries comes from when man thinks using God's thoughts
  • Airplanes designed after birds
  • Lunar lander with ant-like legs
  • Solar panels use the sun's rays like plants
Having the habit of thinking great thoughts - will become aware of His unseen hand in daily events

Great thoughts about God will lead us  to a realistic thoughts about ourselves
  • Realize how little we know
  • Realize how little we are in control
Few things block our growth of fearing God like feeling self-righteous and self-sufficiency

The Lord delights in those who fear Him and does not trust in man - Psalms 147:10-11

2011-09-08 - Followup: Humility I (part I)
Humility is essential in beginning and maintaining a relationship with God. Pride, the opposite of humility, is often difficult to see in yourself and difficult to define in one’s character. It can be described as stubbornness toward God and his Word as well as others, or as independence from God and/or others.

Let’s look at a few examples of what humility is NOT.
  1. Stubborn: Pharaoh was stubborn towards the Lord’s will - Exodus 13:15
  2. Pride: It’s hard to see your own pride but others can easily - Psalms 73:6
  3. Arrogance: God hates arrogance - Proverbs 8:13
Let’s look at what examples of humility truly looks like.
  1. Proverbs 15:33 - fear of God brings about wisdom and humility
  2. Proverbs 16:3 - put God first and you will be successful
  3. Philippians 2:3 - putting others before yourself
  4. Colossians 3:12 - we are to put on humility daily
  5. 1 Peter 5:5 - respect others and clothe yourself with humility


2011-09-24 - Proverbs on Pride (part IV)
HUMILITY

#1. Humility heals our relationship with God - Proverbs 3:34
  • God honors humility
  • When we become humble we become more like God himself.
Philippians 2:8-11 - God honors humility (this is the 1st step to having a relationship with God)
James 4:8-10 - Humility isn’t a one time thing, we must continue to humble ourselves before God daily

#2. Humility heals our relationship with Others - Proverbs 6:3

To heal a relationship someone must take the first step - Christ did this for us
  • Best example is in a marriage (someone has to start with “I’m sorry”)
  • Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers” not “blessed is the one who wins the argument”
One purpose of a Christian relationship is to remove the pride from each other’s life (so we can get to heaven)

Colossians 1:28-29 - We must work to help each other be humble


2011-09-27 - Proverbs on Advice - Advisors bring victory
2. Advisors bring victory

Proverbs 11:14 - For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure

Proverbs 25:12 - Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear

We all want to succeed; we all want to be winners.
  • The Bible gives us the formula for success - - - “seek advice”
Question: If Jesus didn’t try to do it on his own why do we think we can?
  • 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
Note: The best athletes in the world need coaches and trainers
  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
Victory comes from seeking and accepting advice

3. Without instruction, bad things happen

Proverbs 19:27 - Stop listening to instruction my son and you will stray from the words of knowledge

Proverbs 21:16 - A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead

Sometimes were just think-headed (we know what’s best)
  • 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


2011-10-03 - Genesis 3 - The Fall of Man

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.



2011-11-22 - Getting Advise (part II)
Advise will bring about only what is good
  • Proverbs 11:14 - Many advisers bring victory in your daily life
  • Proverbs 15:22 - Allow others to be a part of your planning; they will help you succeed
  • Proverbs 19:20 - Advise will make you wiser than ever
Before big decisions, you should seek advise
  • Proverbs 20:18 - Get advise before the challenging battles you will be facing
  • Proverbs 24:5-6 - Young disciples need older soldier’s guidance on waging spiritual battles
Only pride will keep you from seeking advise
  • Proverbs 15:12 - Be open to the possibility that your plans may be wrong or not the best
  • Proverbs 16:18 - You may fall simply because you refused to get input in your life
  • Proverbs 18:12 - Humility leads to advise, advise leads to victory, victory leads to honor
Do your best to make it a regular practice to get a lot of advise in your life – the more the better. God has always used other godly people to guide His people to a better life. Don’t wait for someone to ask you the right questions about your plans. Instead, go to them and seek their help and guidance. You’ll be amazed how much trouble you can avoid and how much good can come your way if you stay open to getting advise.

2011-12-02 - Guarding Your Heart (part I)
Keeping your heart in good condition is not just an important physical principle, but a spiritual one as well. A bad spiritual heart will cause spiritual sickness and ultimately spiritual death – separate from God. The Bible gives us some great information on how to keep our hearts in good spiritual shape and keep them beating strong and healthy for God until the day we die.

We guard our hearts to keep the good and keep away the bad we’re tempted to do
  • Proverbs 4:10-15 - We must make daily decisions to turn away from evil
  • Proverbs 4:23-27 - Our hearts either keep us healthy or harm us spiritually; life or death
Sins is what damages our heart
  • Hebrews 3:12-14 - Sin hardens (diseases) our heart and turns us from God
  • Mark 4:14-20 - Sin and worldliness can choke us from breathing normal
We must do what we can to keep sin far away from our heart
  • Proverbs 7:6-27 - Be careful to stay away from tempting situations you could have avoided
  • 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 - Don’t spend time with the wrong people or in the wrong places
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 - Break off any serious union with those who don’t share your convictions
  • 2 Timothy 2:22-23 - Run away if you need to; it is not weak to realize you are weak


2011-12-03 - Guarding Your Heart (part II)
Being open and vulnerable will help keep your heart healthy
  • Proverbs 28:13 - You will always prosper and find mercy from God and other people
  • Hebrews 3:13 - Talk with others daily to receive the encouragement needed
  • James 5:16 - Healing will come to your heart when you confess to others
Develop a “play-it-safe” mentality with your heart
  • Deuteronomy 11:16 - Satan will always be trying to entice you to return to your life of sin
  • Psalms 101:2 - Be careful every day and in every situation
  • 1 Corinthians 10:6-12 - Don’t be over-confident; even the greatest have fallen
  • Ephesians 5:15-17 - Don’t be careless with your life; take the time to think about all you do
  • Hebrews 2:1 - Lack of Being careful will cause you to drift from God
Your salvation is a priceless gift and your most important possession. Guard it with great care and do whatever you can to keep the number one killer of Christians out of your life - sin!! Satan will work to steal you away from God but God has given you the information and the power to overcome all of his efforts. (Ephesians 6:10-18) Heaven is too great a reward to not do all you can to guard your salvation.

2011-12-07 - Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

2011-12-14 - Day 11 - Holding to the Truth
2 Timothy 2:14-19
  1. Why do some people like to quarrel about words and spread their own ideas around? Do you ever quarrel about words? Have you talked about it with another disciple?
  2. How can you train yourself to be an approved workman?
  3. Have you been involved in any discussions lately about God's word or the church that were pointless or even harmful?
How can you avoid godless chatter?

1 Timothy 1:18-20
  1. How can you fight the good fight?
  2. How can a disciple "shipwreck" their faith?
  3. Remember Hymenaeus (2 Timothy 2:17-18) and Alexander (2 Timothy 4:14-15).
What is the outcome of people who turn away from the faith? How do they try to harm others?

1 Timothy 4:15-16
  1. Are you watching daily your life (as a disciple) and your doctrine (understanding the Bible)?
  2. Has anyone noticed changes in you?
2 Timothy 2:22-26 - What should your attitude be toward those who oppose you?

Application: Discuss with your partner any questions about doctrine or the church that you do not understand.

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.

2012-02-24 - Fear of Failure - When We Don't Meet Expectations
by Maritza Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Jeremiah 1:4-10

To me, "failure" has meant not living up to expectations--either what I expect of myself or what others expect of me. In my pride, I get angry when my weakness is exposed, and I see how ill equipped I am to face a certain task or spiritual battle. Instead of trusting in God and turning to him to strengthen me, give me wisdom, and make me able, I get a quitter's mentality. I decide that because I am not already able, I will take myself out so I no longer have to face my failure. I decide to take the easy road, where I can be "successful" and no longer feel the pressure to change the
core sin in my character.

In this scripture, I learn that God has had a destiny for our lives. God has known me since 'before I was in the womb.' He knows the stuff I'm made of. He knows what I am weak in and what I can and can't do. Yet he has still called me to serve him in awesome ways, and to do it with all my heart. He has appointed me to serve him, and that needs to be my focus. If I am focused on my daily relationship with him, get humble and open about my failures, and if I serve him with all my heart, he will fulfill the destiny he has for my life!

Three Decisions I've Made
  • Admit my sin and weaknesses
  • Ask for help from God and others
  • Commit myself to serving God, no matter my shortcomings


2012-02-28 - Fear of Failure - No Discipline Seems Pleasant
by Mandy Mazik - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 12:11-13

God understands the pain that we go through, and the depth that it hurts us. He understands and expects the discipline we go through to train us and make us better. The discipline and the pain will be in vain if we don't allow ourselves to endure. In order to produce peace and righteousness in your life, it is important to embrace the trials that we go through. God expects us to "strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees." We need to do our part and put some work in to strengthen ourselves and not always wait for victories to drop in our lap. In this way, the areas in our life that are disabled (our spirituality, our finances, physical fitness, etc) will no longer be lame, "but rather healed."

Decisions:
  1. Go to God with my pain and not blame him for it or question why I have it
  2. Allow myself to be trained, go after discipling, working out everyday, confessing my sin, all on a daily basis (to be effective, training has to be a daily thing)
  3. Take the opportunities that God gives me to be disciplined, get strong spiritually, in school, in fitness, so that my life can get closer and closer to being healed.


2012-03-03 - Fear of Failure - Failure to speak the truth
by Adesha Johnson - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Isaiah 59

Failure to speak the truth does not have to be fatal

A character sin in my life is deceitfulness. I'm insecure and will often turn to something other than God to find security. Ironically, when I'm in this state, I really feel like I'm doing the right thing! Isaiah 59:1-21 opened up my eyes to the inner workings of deceit. Verse 13 shows how deceit begins and ends. First, I rebel against the Lord by having shorter prayer and bible study and not turning to him as soon as I've sinned. Second, I
start lying about how I'm doing and feeling. It's at those times that I find myself easily embittered at people around me. My bitterness is a direct result of the guilt I feel because of my deceit. Here's the bottom line: The Lord loves the truth!

Decision: To be truthful daily in regards to sin, guilt and how I am feeling and to continue studying out Truth in the scriptures.

2013-08-23 - Becoming a Chain Breaker (part II)

When we commit sin, we actually become the “slave of sin” - John 8:34

If the Son makes you free you will be free indeed - John 8:36

Our freedom comes in Christ

The same power God used to raise Jesus from the dead, he uses to our most stubborn, ground-in habits.

True repentance and faith in Jesus Christ is the solution.

The more we discover who God is, the more we will love, fear, and respect Him.

Half hearted repentance want freedom from guilt rather than intimacy with their Maker. Instead of “divorcing” themselves from sin, they opt for a “temporary separation”

God’s love satisfies where sin could not - John 4: 13–14; 1 John 2:15– 17

Then the restlessness from guilt and indecision can end because your conscience is clear and your mind made up.

Falling becomes abnormal rather than routine. Freedom becomes a daily reality. Isn’t that what we all really want?



2015-02-13 - Tap into Your Power Source

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

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

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

Busy men often complain of burnout, Jesus never did

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

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

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



2015-03-01 - Heart of Worship

Abram built an alter there and dedicated it to the Lord - Genesis 12:7

Ever thought about the power available through praise and worship of the heavenly Father?

God inhabits the praise of his people - Psalm 22:3

Praise and worship are avenues through which we enjoy fellowship with God

Abraham was a rich man who obeyed God's call to leave his home and travel to an unknown land

Whenever he settled, Abraham always took time to build an alter and worship God

Through the Holy Spirit, are you making praise and worship a key component of your daily life?



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:

  • Alertness
  • Enthusiasm
  • Determination
  • Optimism
  • Energy

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

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

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

The man gratefully followed Jesus' instructions

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

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

 



2015-04-30 - Inner Conflict

I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway - Romans 7:19

Paul found himself unable to always do what he knew was right. He was equally unable to always avoid doing what he knew was wrong

Paul reveled his genuine conflict over his desire to obey God perfectly and his inability to do so 

What Paul wanted more than anything was to have vicotry over sin

We are sinners who must daily tap into God's grace and forgiveness

You will find consistent success in avoiding sin only as you walk daily in the power of the Holy Spirit



2015-06-09 - Walking with God

One day he disappeared because God took him - Genesis 5:24

Enoch walked with God and simply disappeared but before he was taken up he was known as a person who pleased God - Hebrews 11:5

He pleased God because Enoch walked with him daily:

  • Relied on him
  • Enjoyed his companionship
  • Obeyed his commands
  • Put God in the center of everything he said and did

 



2015-11-02 - Perfect Patience

God had mercy on me... his great patience with even the worst of sinners - 1 Timothy 1:16

Patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:22

Jesus was the most patient man who ever lived, beyond human understanding

  • He lovingly ministered to the worst of sinners
  • Dealt with cynicism of corrupt religous leaders
  • Shephered 12 often-clueless apostles
  • Those closest to him did not hear his words much less apply them

He corrected them but also patiently prepared them to take the reins after he returned to heaven

You can best learn patience by understanding that God daily extends his patience to you



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