Quiet Times Search

Search Quiet Times via a keyword or string
Keyword(s):
Number of Studies:


Searching for "david" in the Quiet Time Archive
Displaying results from "25" to "50". (102 found)

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


2008-11-05 - Man of Prayer - The Flesh (part 2)

Sinning is easy; it comes naturally
When we turn our lives to Christ, the Holy Spirit creates a new nature - the two battle within us

Fruits of that new nature - Galatians 5:22-23

Jesus fought the battle with scripture - He said "It is written" many times while responding to others
David hid the God's word in his heart so he would not sin - Psalms 119:11

God promises that we will not be tempted more than we can bear - 1 Corinthains 10:13

 



2008-11-13 - Man of Prayer - Beyond the Basics

Nothing we experience in the physical world will ever give us the the joy of our experience in the presence if God

David - "In your presence is the fulness of joy" - Psalms 16:11

Fullness of joy is what all men long for
There is one preeminent way to be with God - prayer

Some men have been created with personalities that are very logical and others are oriented to feeling and intuition
These inherent distinctions will shape our relationship with God

As our prayer lives develop, we each need to discover what dimensions of prayer are most effective for us
Lord's prayer provides a framework



2009-01-01 - Raising Awesome Kids - How to Nuture Confidence (part 2)
Help them improve in areas of weakness
Encourage your children to be well-rounded
Academics are too important to neglect just because it does not come easy

Examples:
  • Women of Proverbs 31 - skills ranged from homemaking to business and management
  • David - shepherd, soldier, political leader, songwriter, and musician

Help them form upbuilding friendships
All young people need to belong to a group
If they are generally outsiders:
  • Teach your children to act differently - to not turn people off
  • Or steer them to toward another group
Don't be afraid to monitor your children's friendships
If you can't help someone be better or if either one of you makes the other a worse person, then you can not be friends


2009-01-02 - Raising Awesome Kids - How to Nuture Confidence (part 3)
Teach them to appreciate and applaud the efforts and achievements of others

  • Children who learn to admire and encourage other will be confident
  • They will be strong enough to give credit where credit is due
  • Teach your kids to give their best and never blame anyone when they lose
  • Teach them to be like Jonathan - could have been jealous of David but became his best friend - 1 Samuel 18
  • John the Baptist became lesser so Jesus could become greater - John 3:30

Be basically encouraging
Be your children's biggest fan
If you are fundamentally positive - when you give correction it will be received with thankfulness rather than discouragement
Some say - 5 compliments to overcome one criticism
Human nature flourishes on a diet of praise

2009-01-10 - Raising Awesome Kids - Close Family
Is there any place where our weaknesses are exposed more than in our own homes?

Most families are not that close
Many families merely exist together without any deep love or enjoyment of one another

  • Cain and Abel - murder by his own brother
  • Jacob and his twin brother Esau - folly from their parents' favoritism
  • Jacob's sons turning against their younger brother Joseph
  • Family of David - torn apart by lust, rape, incest, murder
God is showing us what will happen if we are disunited

Four keys to having a close family:
  1. Respect
  2. Openness
  3. Fabric
  4. Atmosphere


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

2009-03-30 - 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

2009-08-25 - Wild at Heart - God loves wilderness (part 1)
Most of the earth is not safe, but it is good.
God called it good in the beginning
He prefers adventure, danger, risk, and the element of surprise
Most of us try to reduce the element of surprise
God took a risk with Adam and Eve – they had the chance to disobey him

Example of no-perfect situations:
  • Shadach, Meshach, and Abednego
  • Pharaoh and his army
  • David and Goliath Gideon’s army 
God loves to come through
He loves to show that he has what it takes
It is not God’s nature to limit risks or cover all the bases
Let the odds stack up against him!

He starts with most unlikely:
  • Prostitutes
  • Fisherman
  • Tax collector


2009-09-09 - Wild at Heart - The fathers voice (part 2)
When we see Jesus, Joseph is out of the picture – true father God – he had to learn who he really was and made of.
Initiation involves a journey and a series of tests.
We try to make our lives easier.

What are you trying to teach me here?
What issues in my heart are you trying to rise through this?
What is it you want me to see?
What are you asking me to let go of?

Men are taught that a wound that stops you from playing is a girlish wound.
No wonder we walk with our guts hanging out
Most men minimize their wound
David did not act like this at all - openly - “my heart is wounded within me” - Psalms 109:22
Suck it up, as the saying goes

God is fiercely committed to you
Wound that goes unacknowledged and unwept is a wound that cannot heal
You’ve embraced and deserve is a would that cannot heal
Whatever is denied cannot heal
Certainly denial that it’s shaping the way they live today.

2009-09-16 - Wild at Heart - Healing the wound (part 2)
David, THE WARRIOR, writes
  • My strength – Psalms 18:1
  • Come quickly to help me – Psalms 22:19
  • I watch you, my loving God – Psalms 59:9
Like there is a boy inside
The father treats like his son
  • There is not shame that you need healing
  • No shame to another for strength
  • No shame to feel young and afraid inside
  • It’s not your fault
We bury our wounds deep within our hearts
False self is an elaborate defense against entering our wounded heart – chosen blindness

2009-09-18 - Wild at Heart - Healing the wound (part 4)
Forgiveness is a choice
Do not wait for the feeling of wanting to forgive because it will not come
Not “It didn’t matter” and “I probably reserved it”
“It was wrong, it mattered, and I release you”

Masculinity is passed from father to son
Adam, Abraham, Jacob, David leaned who they were out of their intimacy with God the Father

New heart and put a new spirit in you - Romans 8:1
What God sees when he see you is the real you, the true you, the man he had in mind when he made you
You must ask God what he thinks of you, and you must stay with the question until you have an answer
Last thing the Evil One wants you to

2009-10-11 - Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 4)
3. Cutting a deal

When did king David fall?
When David was not a warrior
He sent other to the fighting for him

Weapons of war
If you saw your life as a great battle and you knew you needed time with God for your survival, you would have “quite times”
It’s about connecting with God
Whatever brings you back to you heart and the heart of God
If you do not have God and have him deeply, you will turn to other lovers

Men devote hours to finances to retire
Rigorous training for a marathon
How much do we strive to for our relationship with God?
The body is built to endure hardship
Put on the armor of God everyday

We walk in the authority of Christ
Do not attack in anger and do not swagger forth in pride
Do not even think about going into battle alone
Don’t make that a lifestyle of isolation

2009-10-21 - Wild at Heart - An adventure to live (part 4)
The problem with modern Christianity is it’s obsession with principles
Real test of a man comes when all his resources fail
Living and loving – jump in with both feet

Ask your wife what is wrong? Dangerous – very much a mystery
She does not want to be solved; she wants to be known

We know how to be nice but we really do not know how to fight

Christian life should not be chaotic or be flagrantly irresponsible.
Break away from it all and head off into the unknown God
Adam - No formula for how he was to handle mess
God honored and did not hold his hand

Was not left alone to face life
The only way to live in this adventure – is in an ongoing relationship with God
Control we crave is an illusion – it in exchange for God’s relationship
Moses and God knew each other
David was after God’s own heart
Jesus made God known – John 15:15
What are you teaching me here, God?

What are you asking me to do or let of?
What in my heart are you speaking to?

2009-11-19 - Repentance - Its Time To Go Home (part 1)
Psalms 51 – has become an anthem of repentance for generations

David worldly sorrow:
2 Samuel 12:
V9 – why have you despised the word of the lord?
V10 – you have despised me [God]
V12 – You did it secretly
V14 – You have utterly scorned the Lord

How to repent? – Consider what God does
Establishes foundation of grace and kindness – 2 Samuel 12:7-8
Provides role models – 2 Samuel 11:11
Sends prophets – 2 Samuel 12:1
Creativity opens our eyes – 2 Samuel 12:5-6
Exposes and Convicts – 2 Samuel 12:7

2009-11-21 - Repentance - Its Time To Go Home (part 3)
There is no perfect repentance, but wholehearted repentance
David – search me (Psalms 139)

Spirit’s conviction
Good – overcome blinding pride
Bad – Satan will try to stop you

Sometimes easier to see our sin than think about loved ones salvation (passed away)
What would they want you to do?

Questions
  1. How can you make the same journey as David – from repulsive to repentant?
  2. How does repentance differ between the lost turning to God and the saved re-turning to Him? How is it the same?
  3. How do qualify for God’s love and grace (see page 201)?
  4. If you have not yet repented, why are you without excuse before God?
  5. What will specifically change in your life when you proclaim, “Jesus is Lord!”?
  6. If you have repented, have you also been forgiven of your sins – if not, what are you waiting for (see Acts 22:16)?
  7. What can make post-baptismal repentance more difficult than your initial repentance?
  8. What role does shame play in obstructing your repentance?
  9. What is fellowship in the light vs. fellowship in the darkness? Which have you most often experienced in your church?
  10. Finally, to the “confused”: take time to consider and answer the questions on pages 207 and 208. How can you thwart Satan’s attempts to undermine your path to true repentance?
  11. Who can you encourage today with the good news of your repentance?
  12. Who can you reach for Jesus by “telling how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5: 19)?


2009-12-22 - First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 1)
Everyone who walks with God must come as a beggar

Examples:

David - conquered his enemies and ushered in a golden age
  • Described himself as someone who could do nothing without God
  • This poor man called and the Lord saved him from his troubles - Psalms 34:6
  • God is his help and deliver - Psalms 40:17
  • I am poor and needy - Psalms 109:22
  • Modern thinkers might say he needed some self-esteem 
  • God said he was after his own heart
Isaiah
  • Woe to me, I am ruined for I am unclean - Isaiah 6:5
  • Today we can go to church wanting to be told how good we are
  • God forgave his sins and sent him on a life mission full of purpose


2010-01-02 - First the Kingdom - Healthy Heart
What is your spiritual diet?

The Word is what purifies us
It discerns the thoughts and attitudes of the heart
It will diagnose and sanctify us

Keep our hearts pure by living according to God's word - Psalms 119:9
David had a steady diet of the Word

To keep a healthy heart:

1. Maintain a healthy diet - David "set before his eyes no vile thing" - Psalms 101:3
  What do we need to cut out of our lives?

2. Need exercise to make our heart strong
  • Be honest; Be vulnerable when it is not easy
  • Server when it is not convenient
  • Forgive when treated unfarily
A strong heart is a heart that is always being put to the test for God

2010-01-14 - Kingdom First - Words are Big
Jesus wanted people to get to heaven; it is the little things (our words) that will make us or break us - Matthew 5:37
If anyone considers himself religious and does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, is deceived and religion is worthless - James 1:26

Paul: most important ingredient?
Reliability - unreliable men will not only break God's chain but also discourages others - 2 Timothy 2:2

Most obvious way we can be unreliable is with our tongue
David about adversaries - Not a word from their mouth can be trusted - Psalms 5:9

Get character that speaks and lives the truth
Our "no" is okay if we say "no"
But in mostly it should be "yes" - 2 Corinthians 1:19

Jesus is our best example
Perhaps his favorite phrase was "I tell you the truth"
He did and he does

2010-02-23 - One Another - Reconciling with One Another (part 3)

Examples of Conflict in the Bible

Euodia and Syntyche - Philippians 4:2-3

1. Conflict happens - normal part of a relationship
Its ultimate effect depends on our response to it
Are we sharping each other or making each other more dull - Proverbs 27:17

2. The goal is to agree

3. We may need help from a third party

David and the jealous king Saul - 1 Samuel 24:8-22

David's conduct with Saul was above reproach; He did everything he could to work things out

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people - Romans 12:18
Peace requires both parties to desire it

There are things that depend on us and others that are out of our conotrl



2010-05-23 - Desire's Journey - Disowned Desire

Examples of desires used for bad then good

King David - passions got him in trouble, then gave us our book of worship

Peter - was hotheaded disciple always quick with a reply
First to acknowledge that Jesus was the Messiah and became a key apostle

Paul - extremely zealous for the traditions of his fathers, killed Christians
Jesus captured his zeal for good - he worked harder than all the other apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:10

Those who killed their passion altogether would murder the very essence that makes heros of the faith
Killing our desire is like the thinking of curing our sickness by bleeding out the bad



2010-06-21 - Building the temple (part 2)

Consencate yourself

1 Chronicles 29:5

  • Who is willing to consecrate himself to God?
    • Kingdom not about men
    • What is stopping you? hurts?
      • Suffering matures us
    1 Corinthians 6:7
    • Have you been wronged?
      • Join the club!
    • God gets justice, not you!


    1 Chronicles 29:6-29

    • Where there is consecration (repentance) there brings rejoicing
    • They flat-out worshiped
    • Where was David's heart? with God
      • David thought it was amazing that he could give back what God gave him
    • Has earth become your home?


2010-08-06 - Waking Dead - At War (part 1)
The thief comes to only steal, kill, and destroy our life - John 10:10

God intends for you to have life but right now that life is opposed
The offer from God is life, but you are going to have to fight for it
The enemy in your life has a different agenda

We are a war
The sooner we come to terms with it, the better hope we have of making it through
We live in a combat zone - a violent clash between kingdoms
Where did you think all this opposition was coming from?

We are in the image of God - Genesis 1:27
God crowd us with glory and honor - Psalms 8:3-5

We were once more than we are now
Glory has been the object of a long and brutal was

Lurking in the Garden is the enemy
Unable to overthrow the Mighty One, he turned his sights on those who bore his image
David: You turn my glory into shame - Psalms 4:2

War is a central theme in the Old Testament
The Lord is a warrior - Exodus 15:2

OT Battle examples:
  • God goes to war to set his people free in Exodus
  • War to get to the promise land - Exodus 17:16
  • War to get into the promise land - battle of Jericho
  • Wars to keep the promise land - battles with Canannites, Philistines, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Midianites
  • Deborah, Gideon, David, Elijah goes to war


2010-09-01 - Waking Dead - Our Story (part 2)
The enemy is after us from the beginning

Joseph stands out from his brothers
Instead of celebrating his glory, his brothers want to destroy it
The worst blows typically come from family

David full of faith and courage when he sees that on one will take on Goliath
His older cowardly brother is exposed by David's bravery
Older brother - "I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is" - 1 Samuel 17:28
The worst blows come from those who know us well

Even Jesus' brothers did not believe in him - John 7:5
His family came to bring him home because they think he has lost it - Luke 8:20

Sometimes the very thing that someone loves to do is the thing God has given them as a source of celebration
We should check to see this is true before we turn it into shame
How long will you turn my glory into shame - Psalms 4:2

What have you believed about your heart over the years?

2010-09-12 - Waking Dead - Spiritual Warfare (part 4)
Heads up. Satan can give us actions and words to say:
  • Satan incited David to take a census of Israel - 1 Chronicles 21:1
  • To Peter: "Get behind me Satan" - Matthew 16:21-23

Some trying to "work through" things are simply have agreements with the Enemy
Do you really think the source of that is just you? or God?

Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry - Ephesians 4:26-27
Not just anger  - it happens through all sorts of issues

Satan uses your wounds and unresolved emotional issues to pin your heart down under a spiritual stronghold
Wounds we take are not accidential

We must be careful not to make agreements with Satan to increase his dominion



2010-10-15 - Giving (Part I)
  1. The Old Testament Precedent - Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 1:13-14
    1. The Israelites were commanded to give a tenth (tithe) of all their income to the Lord
    2. The Israelites had many other kinds of sacrifices (e.g. burnt, sin, grain, fellowship offerings) in addition to the tithe. The Israelites actually gave up to 33% of their income to God.
    3. The sacrifices were to be the best available. God will not accept a second rate sacrifice.
  2. New Testament Examples
    1. The Widow - Mark 12:41-44
      She was commended not for what she gave, but her giving heart. She was totally dependent on God.
    2. Barnabas - Acts 4:36-37
      He sold his property and gave all the proceeds from the sale to meet the needs of the church.
    3. The Macedonians - 2 Corinthians 8:1-3
      They gave beyond their ability even though they were extremely poor
  3. True Sacrifice Costs Something - 2 Samuel 24:21-25
    1. David refused to sacrifice to God something that cost him nothing.

QUESTIONS

  1. Am I giving my best to God in my weekly giving? Do I give to God first out of my pay or out of what is left over?
  2. What percentage of my income am I giving in my weekly contribution?
  3. What am I willing to sell or sacrifice for the special contribution?


2010-12-07 - Mission - Cannot Help Proclaiming (part I)
We can help speaking about what we have seen and heard - Acts 4:20
Have you ever been so committed to something that you were unable to stop?
What would it take to stop you from sharing your faith?
What does it take to motivate you to share your faith?
Does it take accountability it invite people?

What compelled Peter and John?

1. We are overflowing with Jesus
The authorities took note that the disciples had been with Jesus - Acts 4:13
His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in - Jeremiah 20:9
Do we feel that we will burst if we don't open our moths

2. We need to be filled with gratitude
We so easily forget what God's grace has done for us
David says over and over again to tell and celebrate God's glory
Are we overflowing with gratitude for the wonders of God?

2010-12-25 - Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


2011-02-01 - Gender Controversy - Intro
We are told that the opposition is a recent phenomenon

  • Bible does not condemn homosexuality
  • Committed homosexual relationships is compatible with Biblical unity

They use examples: Jon/David, Ruth, Naomi

Clear passages are "reinterpreted" so the "modern reader" can understand

  • In the past, people were ashamed to go public
  • People did not have to address it because it was understood
  • Francis Turretin  (17th century) said that homosexuality was  - "sin against nature"

Both sides claim the Bible supports their view - It is one way or the other

Bible disapproves but offers hope
Satan wants to call evil good and good evil

Sodom and Gomorrah
Genesis 13:13 - MEN were exceedingly wicked; rebelled against God

2011-03-28 - Old Testament - Seeking God
Old Testament Seeking God study
  • Isaiah 1:2 - God created us and cared for us but we rebelled agianst him
  • Jeremiah 29:11-14 - Will find God if you seek me with all your heart and soul
  • Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is supreme but it will cost you all you have
  • Psalms 10:4 - The arrogent say 'God won't hold me accountable'
  • Psalms 42:1-2 - David thirst for God
  • Psalms 62:1 - David waited patiently for God
  • Psalms 63:1 - He longed, thristed, yearned for God
  • Psalms 61:2 - He called out to God in despair


2011-04-10 - Names of Jesus (part IV)
Reading scriptures will Jesus' different names"
  • Counselor - Isaiah 9:6
  • David - Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 34:23
  • Day-spring - Luke 1:78
  • Deliverer - Romans 11:26
  • Desire of all nations - Haggai 2:7
  • Door - John 10:7
  • Elect of God - Isaiah 42:1


2011-04-18 - Names of Jesus (part XII)
Jesus' names through out the Bible:
  • Mighty God - Isaiah 9:6
  • Mighty One of Jacob - Isaiah 60:16
  • Morning-star - Revelation 22:16
  • Nazarene - Matthew 2:23
  • Offspring of David - Revelation 22:16
  • Only Begotten of the Father - John 1:14
  • Our Passover - 1 Corinthians 5:7


2011-04-20 - Names of Jesus (part XIV)
This day of Jesus' name scriptures:
  • Resurrection and life - John 11:25
  • Rock - 1 Corinthians 10:4
  • Root of David - Revelation 22:16
  • Root of Jesse - Isaiah11: 10
  • Ruler of Israel - Micah 5:2
  • Savior - 2 Peter 2:20; 3:18; Luke 1:47


2011-04-21 - Names of Jesus (part XV)
Jesus' name referenced in the Bible:
  • Second Adam - 1 Corinthians 15:45
  • Servant - Isaiah 42:1; 52:13
  • Shepherd and Bishop of souls - 1 Peter 2:25
  • Shiloh - Genesis 49:10
  • Son of David - Matthew 9:27
  • Son of God - Luke 1:35; John 1:49


2011-05-28 - Fearing God - Determines how we live (part II)
Is the fear of God a mix of various emotions or an attitude? Both

Pslam 47

David's Emotion:
  • Clap your hands and cries for joy - vs1
  • Shouts of joy and sounding of trumpets - vs5
  • Sing praises - v6-7
David's Attitude:
  • Recognition of God's awesomeness - v2
  • Confidence in Him being King of all - v2,7,8,9
Fear of God must be a settled state of mind
If we practice to think great thoughts about God, we will develop a sustained attitude of the fear of God

Without this proper fear, our obedience becomes reluctant and driven more by the fear of consequences

2011-09-21 - Proverbs on Pride (part I)
Proverbs 16:18 - First pride, then the crash

This is one saying that always been apart of history:
  1. Cain’s pride led to him killing his brother Abel
  2. King Saul’s pride led to him attempting to kill David
  3. David lost his son Absalom to pride as Absalom attempted to overthrow David
  4. Hitler, Sadam, on and on (even to the extent of pride leading to the shake up in God’s modern day kingdom)
NT Greek word for pride = “puffed up with pride”
  • This is a very descriptive word (like a peacock strutting his feathers)
  • The proud person puts on the mistaken belief that he is better than he is
Pride/arrogance begins in the heart (so often we say I’m prideful but take it to lightly)

Mark 7:20-22 - (arrogance/pride) is a reflection of the heart = don’t take it so lightly

Luke 1:50-52 - God scatters the thoughts of the proud (busy covering themselves & looks)

James 4:6 - Every time you say, “Ha-Ha, I know I’m prideful” realize “God’s apposing me”
  • Not so funny then
  • The proud man does not submit to God thus becomes God’s enemy


2011-12-22 - Day 19 - Powerful Prayers
1 Chronicles 17:15-22
  1. What was David feeling as he prayed to God? Why?
  2. How has the Lord treated you with undeserved honor and blessings?
  3. How did God bless Israel?
  4. How has he done even greater things for his people today?
  5. What attitude toward God does this prayer express?
Genesis 24:10-27
  1. Why do you think the Lord answers this prayer so quickly?
  2. The servant's prayer was simple, but he had great faith. How can you tell?
  3. What was the servant's first response to the answered prayer?
  4. Are you remembering to thank God for every answered prayer?
James 5:15-18
  1. What makes prayer powerful and effective?
  2. Do you pray eagerly and earnestly?
  3. Do you pray with great faith? Have you been righteous this week?
Application: Make your prayer very special today. Pray with faith and gratitude!

2012-02-16 - Fear of Failure - God Will Give Us the Grace We Need to Succeed
by Sean Kiluk, San Francisco Church of Christ

2 Corinthians 9:8

God will give us all the grace we need to be successful in whatever role he has put us in. He did not put us where we are to fail, but to rely on him for success. Our problems come when we value success and praise more than knowing God. God forgives us, and he loves us even though we fail or sin. His love is unconditional. We need to have confidence in God's grace in everything. We will fail at times, but God has enough grace to ensure a victory in the end.

Decisions:
  • Pray for an understanding of God's forgiveness: study the psalms and see David's trust in God.
  • Believe that God has a plan for your life: be confident in his love.
  • Build great relationships with other Christians who can bolster your faith.


2012-11-07 - Message of the Arrows (part I)
There are two things that pierce the human heart: beauty and affliction
David describes the enemies ways as arrows - Psalms 91:3-5

We have many arrows that fly in during our life:
  • Being picked on in school
  • A breakup
  • Being fired
  • Abandonment
  • Disappointment

What will we do with the Arrows we have known?

The message of the Arrows is always the same: Kill your heart
Divorce it, neglect it, run from it, or indulge it with some addiction

How did the Arrows come to you?
Where did they land? Are they still there?
What have you done as a result?

Deciding not to be affected can not done - the heart can not be managed though a x number step process
We form can convictions with a conscious effort



2013-01-06 - Prayer of the Righeous - God is a Consuming Fire (part II)

We must totally aware of our own unworthiness

It took a while, but Job finally understood this: "My ears heard you but now my eyes...and repent in dust and ashes" - Job 42:5-6

This is the reaction we should have when sinful selfs meets a pure, holy and prefect God

David understood our unworthiness: "But who I am... Everything comes from you" - 1 Chonicles 29:14-15

Solomon aware of his own afflicions, asked God to hear men's prayers - 1 Kings 8:38

Jesus warned that we need to be careful to not be proud based off anything we have or done - Revelations 3:17
But to have the attitude of the tax collect who prayed "Have mercy on me, a sinner " - Luke 18:13

Our good deeds or possessions in no way make worthly of coming in the presence of the holy one



2013-01-25 - Prayer of the Righeous - God is a Consuming Fire (part III)

When we pray, let us give God the respect he deserves

A holy God requires us to be righteous

  • David cried out to God and praised him but he cherished sin in his heart and God did not listen - Psalms 66:16-20
  • Israelites tried to attack Ai, but they failed because God did not bless because Achan took some devoted things - Joshua 7:1-5
    • Joshua fell face down before God
    • God explained why they were not being blessed and that they need to destory the devoted things
  • People prayed during the three year famine - 2 Samuel
    • God responded that the Israelites had violated their pledge of putting the Gibeonites to death
    • God expected them to keep their word even through it was made hundreds of years eariler in Joshua 9
    • David made admens and God did ended the famine - 2 Samuel 21:4

All the prayer in the world will not get through to God if it is not uttered from a pure heart

 



2013-06-27 - Why we need men of resolution (part IV)

Our generation desperately needs courageous men to step up.

  • Men who will forgive their dads, break the chains of the past, and set new standards.
  • Stick up for our marriages during difficult times
  • Refuse to let entertainment eat up our time
  • Refuse to sacrifice family for the sake of a promotion

When strong men work together, they can accomplish amazing things.

David armies came together to face enemies amid seemingly impossible odds.
Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people - 2 Samuel 10:11-12

Remember one immovable, unconditional truth: we have a Father in heaven who is for us.

We must lock shields with other men around us and refuse to allow one another to fail
If my battle gets too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if your battle is too strong for you, then I will come to help you!



2013-09-09 - A Man Accepts His Masculinity

THe key ingredient masculinity is actually strength
Like Jesus, every man also needs to be developing moral, mental, social, and spiritual strength.
If men do not develop a sense of their own fortitude, they will never attempt hard things.
Opposite of masculinity is to be feminine, which means soft, pretty, and delicate.

Culture has spent decades telling women to “Rise up and be strong!” and telling men to “Sit down and be quiet!”

King David charged his son Solomon, “Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man” - 1 Kings 2:2
If you are going to obey Him and be faithful to Him until the end, you must act like a man, embrace your masculinity, and hear His command to “Be strong!” - Joshua 1:9
When the enemy is attacking, you must keep up your resistance — “and having done everything, to stand firm” - Ephesians 6:13
“Act like men, be strong!” - 1 Corinthians 16:13

This is our responsibility as men. This is required of us to be faithful.



2014-05-15 - Genesis 23 - The Death of Sarah

Summary

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

Observations

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

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

Application

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

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

Do we avoid giving when it really costs us something?

Prayer

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



2015-02-04 - No Contest

I come to you in the name of the Lord - 1 Samuel 17:45

David spoke words of confidence

He knew that God had sent him and He never sends a man to fight without equipping and guilding him

Goliath had size, armor, weapons and a hard heart on his side
David had a slingshot, some stones, and an abolute faith in God (delights in enabling the impossible)

It was a hopeless situation - for the Giant

The moment David accepted God's call to fight, Goliath was as good as dead.

This is the Lords battle! - 1 Samuel 17:47

What "giants" in your life make you feel like the underdog? In Christ, can not only win over the giants but have an abolute rout.



2015-02-07 - Costly Revenge

Then he stabbed Abner in the stomach and killed him in revenge - 2 Samuel 3:27

Revenge cost both parties dearly

Joab enjoyed success in the military - becoming the top general
He failed because he used his position to settle old scores

Joah lured Abner to the gate of Hebron and murdered him

His revenge came at a steep price, David praise Abner and cursed Joab and his family - 2 Samuel 3:28-29

Joab lost an important part of himself, he planted seeds of his own destruction - 1 Kings 2:5-6

When someone does you wrong, make it your business to forgive and move on so you don't miss out on good things God has placed before you.



2015-02-24 - Unwavering Faithful

How could I go home to wine and dine while my master's men are camping in the open field? - 2 Samuel 11:11

It is admireable when a friend remains loyal and faithful even when treated shamefully

Uriah had no knowledge that David wronged him by sleeping with his wife

David's take-it-easy comment was just a attempt to cover David's sin; he later killed Uriah in battle

Uriah did his duty and demonstrated the godly trait of faithfulness

His faithfulness and loyalty cost him his life on earth

God never fails to reward those honor him



2015-03-10 - All Good Things

You rule over everything - 1 Chronicles 29:12

David understood that although he had worked hard, God was the source of all his accomplishments

King David realized no one, whatever his station in life, ever receieves anything good apart from God

David died at a ripe old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor - 1 Chronicles 29:28

God loves hearing you declare him as your source of all good things

Allow others to see God at work in your life and open yourself to additional blessings



2015-03-16 - Going Golden

Nabal 

Nabal was a crude and mean in all his dealings; his wife, Abigail, was a sensible and beatiful - 1 Samuel 25:3

Life will present you with countless opportunties to extend kindness

David sent some men to ask for a few much-needed provisions

Nabal: Who is this fellow David? Who does this son of Jesse think he is? - 1 Samuel 25:10

He proceeded to instul David's servants and sent them away.

A few days after he refused to assist the Lord's servant David, Nabal died of an apparent heart attack



2015-03-28 - Crying Out

Bartimaeus: He only shouted louder. "Son of David, have mercy on me!" - Mark 10:47-48

Babies cry, that is what they do to get their needs meet

Bartimaeus heard stories of Jesus' miraculous healing and he knew he had one shot to get Jesus' attention

He commited a breach of etiqutte by crying out so loudly to Jesus that it annoyed the crowd

Bartimaeus did care what others thought, he simply wanted Jesus to meet his need

Because of his loud persistence, Jesus turned his attention and with command, he could see

Never let etiqutte stand in the way of crying out to Jesus Christ



Next 25 >>