Quiet Times Search

• Easter - What do you think happened to Jesus' body?
• Thanksgiving - what we are thankful for
• Independence Day - what kinds of freedom mean the most to them
• Conversations about what holidays their family likes to keep

• Battle between good and evil
• Battle between faith and action

• 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

• Knowledge of the Bible
• Daily prayer/walk with God
• Brotherly fellowship

• v4 - new life
• v7 - freed from sin
• v11 - dead to sin but alive in Christ

• Jesus is God in the flesh. He is the unique Son of God: fully God and fully man!
• God came to earth as a man in order that we could come to know him.
  
• If you were an all powerful and invisible God, how would you have tried to communicate your love to your creation?
  
• Illustration: Imagine trying to talk to an ant - How do you communicate with them without terrifying them? Become an ant yourself
  

• All the fullness of God lives in Jesus Christ.
  
• Every aspect of God’s character can be found in Jesus.
  
• Reading through any of the Gospels describing Jesus life and words will give you insight into God’s character and will for your life.
  

• Mark 1:21-22 - Jesus was an amazing teacher whose words were spoken with authority.
• Mark 1:23-28 - Jesus cast out demons, showing that the power of God was present in him.
• Mark 1:29-31 - Jesus met people’s felt needs and healed the sick.
• Mark 1:32-34 - Jesus focused his attention on others and selflessly gave of himself.
• Mark 1:35 - Jesus was dependent upon God in prayer for his strength and direction.
• Mark 1:36-39 - Jesus was consumed with his mission to preach the good news.
• Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus was filled with compassion for all people.
• Mark 10:32-34, 45 - Jesus came to serve, and gave his perfect life as a ransom for sinners. As predicted, he was rejected by his people and crucified - but he rose from the dead three days later.

• Jesus was the greatest because he was a servant to all
• Why would anyone want to be a servant of all? Because Jesus was the greatest example we can understand why.

• Jesus was God yet he did not even consider his equality
• He made himself nothing - he was king yet he was on the bottom level
• Slaves:
  • Are 24/7/365
  • Do not get thanks
  • Do not have days off
  • Do not have a schedule of their own
  • Do not have attitudes because nothing is theirs
• v5 - Your attitude should be the same
• Have I taken on the nature of a servant?
• Do I consider others better than myself?

• Son of man - John 5:27; 6:37; Matthew 18:11
• Son of the blessed - Mark 14:61
• Son of the Highest - Luke 1:32
• Star - Numbers 24:17
• Sun of righteousness - Malachi 4:2
• Surety - Hebrews 7:22

• After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
• It may have took a lot to do this:
  • Tired from fishing all night
  • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
• Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
  

• He is to make copy of the law
• Read it all the days of his life
• Learn to revere the Lord

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

Noah and his family went into the ark with two of each creature. It rained for forty days and forty nights and the earth was covered.

Observations

Genesis 7:1 - I have found you righteous in this generation
Of all the people, God considered Noah the most righteous among his generation. God knows our thoughts [1 Chronicles 28:9] , motives, and sees our actions. What has God found us to be?

Genesis 7:16 - Then the LORD shut him in
In the end, it is God's call when things should start and end. It was God who decided what to close the ark's door and He shut the door. Same is true for either our death or judgement day. God will call the shots. Now is the time where we call the shots. To either follow him or not.

Genesis 7:20 - covered the mountains to a depth of more than twenty feet
Assuming mount Everst (29,029 feet) existed back in these time, the flood was quite deep. Nothing could have survived that much water. Even if you limit your focus to just earth - God's power is tough to comprehend.

Genesis 7:23 - Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out
Besides Noah, his family, and the animals on the boat, every living creature was killed. Sometime thoughts enter our minds that there is some kind of gray area between good and evil where we can live our lives. On that day, there were only those inside the boat and those outside of the boat. No one lived in the middle.

Personal Application

I need to look for what I see as gray areas in my life. When I am neither hot nor cold [Revelation 3:16], I am not aware of where I am.

Summary

The Lord promised Abram an heir and many descendants. Abram believed. He was told that they would be enslaved but would then return.

Observations

Genesis 15:6 - Abram believed the LORD ... credited it to him as righteousness
Even though Abram had no kids for a long period of time, he believed the Lord would provide. He had this prayer for a long time - many, many days he prayed. But nothing. He he came face to face with God, He told him a son was coming and his descendants would be as many as stars in the sky. Abram chose to believe and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. How long do we pray before giving up?

Genesis 15:14 - I will punish the nation they serve as slaves
At the beginning of the chapter, God said he was Abram's shield [Genesis 15:1]. Here he expands on his promise - in the future, he will punish the Egyptians for making his people to become slaves. God will protect us. The judgement of our enemies might not come on our timetable, but it will come. We need to patient and be still, the Lord will fight for you [Exodus 14:14]

Personal Application

Sometimes I believe that perseverance is my strength but as I look at my prayers for the desires of my heart, I give up way easily. "But it has not happened in 2 weeks, 2 months, 2 years" - I say. Abram waited until he was 100 years for his son to be born.

Be “unreasonably,” “illogically” joyful because your name is written in heaven.

It seems you have more to do than you can get done but your name is written in heaven.

Your prayers didn’t get answered the way you thought they would but your name is written in heaven.

You are having “one of those days” but your name is written in heaven.

You didn’t do everything right but your name is written in heaven.

Luke 10:18-20 - Rejoice that your names stand written in heaven

Remember the battle you entered

• Ephesians 6:10-18 - Satan is after you; don’t be surprised if he attacks you
• Deuteronomy 8:1-5 - God will allow you to be tested
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 - Any test from God will not be beyond what you can handle

Remember what you promised

• Colossians 3:1-10 - That you would die to your sins and fight against them
• Acts 9:17-22 - That you would make an effort to reach out to others (make a list of who)
• Matthew 22:34-40 - That you would love God and strive to get close to Him (make a prayer list)
• Hebrews 10:19-25 - That you would be a part of the church and come to encourage (calendar)

The key to successful first few weeks as a disciple is relationships. Make some specific decisions about how you will stay close to God and the other disciples in your life. Decide as well to get to know some other disciples and start sharing your new-found love for God with those you know and love. You will find that you will have good days, but remember – you’re just getting started.

1. What sacrifices did Jesus make to go and pray? Think of his previous day. What excuses could he have made to not pray?
2. When do you feel the need to pray? Do you ever make excuses not to pray?
3. How has your prayer time been the past 10 days?

1. What kind of prayer life did Jesus have?
2. What things, besides going to the cross, would have been difficult for Jesus to obey?
3. What things are difficult for you to do as a disciple?
4. Have you been praying with loud cries and tears for God to help you be obedient?
5. What situations in your life do you need to pray more about? Make a list and be specific.

1. What was different about the way Jesus taught?
2. Are you teaching others with authority?

1. How late do you think Jesus worked that night?
2. Do you think he felt tired?
3. Why did he work so hard?
4. Are you willing to push yourself for others to know Jesus - even when it is very challenging?

1. Note how early Jesus got up the next day? Why did he?
2. How much do you feel the need to pray like Jesus?

1. What kinds of people did Jesus make friends with? Why?
2. How do you treat sinners and pagans? 3. Are you making new friends to share the gospel with?

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?

• Finances, Discipline (Laziness), Purity
• Eating and drinking habits over the holidays.
• Relationships

• Do I welcome spiritual relationships?
• Do I confess sin and push my life into the light?
• How do these sins affect my heart for people?

Bible Study Disciplines

Mark up your Bible in to different themes:

Example subjects:

• Blue = God's qualities
• Yellow = Love
• Green = Sin and righteousness
• Pink = prayer and faith
• Purple = Joy
• Orange = evangelism and discipling
• Megenta = the spiritual world

Might circle references to God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit

Read the whole Bible every year

Foucused study on indivdual books and passages are good but it also important to have the broad picture of God's revelation ingrained in our hearts

Read the Bible everyday

Jesus lived on every word that came from the mouth of God - Matthew 4:4
The law required the kings of Israel to recopy and read out loud all the days of their lives - Deuteronomy 17:18-20
Bereans examined the scriptures every day - Acts 17:10-12

Memorize key verses

Memorizing scripture helps us to talk to God using quoted scripture (God's language) and keeps us pursuing righteousness
I have hideen tyour word in my heart so I might not sin against you - Psalms 119:11
Proverbs 22 advises to have the Proverbs ready on our lips

Must learn to become an intercessor = a man who shows his true dependence on God by faithfully fighting battles in prayer, both for himself and his family.

Many great men of the Bible did: Ezra 9:5-15; Nehemiah 9; Jeremiah 14:19-22

One praying man can make a major impact

• King Josiah read God’s Word for the first time, he realized that he and his nation would suffer

Do according to all that is written concerning us - 2 Kings 22:13

• Jeremiah: “Restore us to You, O LORD, that we may be restored; renew our days” - Lamentations 5:7, 21

His love for Rachel was so strong that 7 years seemed to him but I few days - Genesis 29:20

True love has the power to transform burdens into almost nothing

Jacob fell so deeply in love with Rachel that he would do anything to have her hand in marriage but he had nothing but time

That is what real love does

When a man genuinely loves his wife, his children, and his God - things become occasions of true joy because they benefit the one he loves

How would you describe your love for God?

I am no better than my ancestors who have already died - 1 Kings 19:4

At times, God takes us to a emotional mountaintip and then drops us into a darker time in the valley

Elijah had just successfully

1. Confronted Baal
2. Ended the long drought in Israel

Just days after, Jezebel vowed to kill him for killing the prophets of Baal

Elijah could have stayed and trusted God to protect him but instead headed to the woods and poured out his heart to God

He had gone from the mountaintop of faith to the valley of depression

Elijah confessed the he had enough and wanted to die but God wanted to talk it though

God will give you just what you need to continue your life of faith

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

You are his successor, yet you have not humble yourself - Daniel 5:22

Belshazzar, refused to learn from his grandfather's mistake

Nebuchadnezzar long refused to bow before the Lord

God humbled him by cause him to live like a wild animal

Belshazzar dishonored God when he brought out gold cups from the temple for a drunken, idol-worshiping party

Daniel explained to him, hos days as king had come to an end - Daniel 25:30

It does not help to dwell in the past, but it is a good biblical idea to learn from it.

What lessons from the past jump out at you?

They realized this work had been donw with the help of our God - Nehemiah 6:16

Nothing keeps a man's feet on the ground like remembering that everying blessing he has comes from the hand of God

Nehemiah understood the importance of giving God the credit in all things

Order of events:

1. Nehemiah learned of the city's wall condition
2. He sprang into action
3. He surveyed the problem
4. Prayed about it
5. Came up with a plan to rebuild the walls
6. Reconstructed he the wall in 52 days

Nehemiah knew when he gave God the credit that the swiftness of the rebuilding project would be a warning to Jeruslem's enemies

There is no self-made men - only men who recognize the God who made them

What good thing is God doing in your life right now? Have you given him the credit?

Remember how short my life is - No one can live forever, all will die - Psalms 89:47-48

The essence of gody wisdom is realizing that we are mortal and our days are numbered

Ethan was in touch with his mortality and immortality - I will sing of the Lord's unfailing love forever - Psalms 89:1

He knew how to put his time on earth to the best use by openly praising God

How are you spending the time God has given you?

From the days of our ancestors until now, we have been steeped in sin - Ezra 9:7

People usually follow an example than any amount of talking

If you want people to do what is good and right, do those things yourself

Ezra led the second wave of Jewish exiles to their homeland after 70 years of capivity

They started living like pagans they had married - Ezra 9:1

Ezra was innocent of any wrongdoing and could have let God deal with them as they deserved

Instead, Ezra prayed in repentance on behalf of all the people and included himself

His repentance by example move his people to change their ways

I will make myself king - 1 Kings 1:5

As his father David days were coming to an end, Adonijah tried to boast himself as kings instead of the oppointed successor, Solomon.

Adonijah didn't hide his self ambition or shameless self-promotion

He setup an event to perform animal sacrifices with royal officals but did not invite Solomon or Nathan

Solomon quickly became king and then pardoned Adonijah as long as he was loyal to Solomon - 1 Kings 1:52-53

Adonijah couldn't let it go, he made a second attempt at the throne because of his stubbornness and self-protion, it cost him his life - 1 Kings 2:25

He wasn't aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord - Exodus 34:29

You can not hide a personal encounter with God

Moses had spent 40 days and nights in God's presence, like talking with his best freind

Spending hours of quality time with someone is bound to change you

Parts of the other person's character, convictions, and even appearance rub off on you

The people would never again see Moses in the same light

How much intimate time you regularly spend with God?

When personal encounters with are your priority, those around you can't help but see its positive effects on you

Issac's wife was unable to have children and the Lord answered his prayer with twins - Genesis 25:21

In those days, a married couple without children for a long period of time was considered to have shameful lot

Would he give up? Would he father a child with another woman? Would a child come when they were old?

His heart was set on something and he got on his knees and prayed

God delivered not only once but twice

It took 20 years but Issac recived God's blessing in God's way

In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you - Joshua 1:11

Joshua was a strong leader - he lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land

He didn't hesitate for a moment in following orders:

In our time, we require planning, risk assessment, and cost analysis

It is unthinkable and even reckless for leaders to move on orders immediately

Joshua knew that God was the Commander in Chief and was orchestrating all the nessary events - that is exactly what happened

When you believe God and know that he will keep all his promises, you won't wait when God says, "Go now!"

I had no idea that they were planning to kill me - Jeremiah 11:18

Jeremiah was alone and the only one living a godly life

He had an unpleasant message of God's judgement upon their stubborn unfaithfulness - they did not recieve the message well

He grieved for their plans to kill him and maybe more so that no one listened to the message

Jeremiah had days he wanted to give up - Jeremiah 20:8-9

Every time he felt that way, he place his eyes on the One who promised to never abandon him - Jeremiah 1:8

Miraculous signs at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory - John 2:11

One day at a wedding party, Jesus performed his very first miracle when he changed water into wine

In those days, running out of wine at a wedding was a major social faux pas

Mary asked Jesus to fix the problem - servants filled six stone pots with water and wine began to one again - the best they ever tasted

Headwaiter: why save the best wine for last?

They never saw Jesus the same way again

For days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to God of heaven - Nehemiah 1:4

Nehemiah learned the dilapidated walls around Jerusalem had left the Jewish residents vulnerable to attack

What did he do? Nothing but talk to God about the crisis

He offered the kind of prayer that GOd delights in answering:

1. He praised and worshiped God
2. Confessed his sins and the sins of his people
3. He thanked God for all things
4. He made his requests know

Nehemiah didn't rush into the task before first pleading for God's favor - Nehemiah 1:5-11

I long for the years gone by when God took care of me - Job 29:2

During his worst time of misery, Job began wondering if God still cared about him

After he lost everything, Job felt abandoned and longed for the good old days

God knew exactly how much Job had suffered but Job could not feel it

Job was so focused on his suffering that he lost sight of the unchangeable fact that God would never abandon him

Feelings speak truth about your pain but can lie about God's response

God had never abandoned anyone he loves

I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands - John 20:25

Thomas rallied his fellow disciples to follow Jesus into Judea, "Let's go and die with Jesus" - John 11:16

The days following Jesus' death, Thomas was spiritually drained and refused to believe Jesus was alive while others had seen him

After eight days, his Master appeared to him - "Put your finger here and look at my hands" - John 20:27

In his joy at finally seeing the resurrected Jesus - "My Lord and my God!" - John 20:28

Gospels mention about 30-35 days of Jesus' life

Jesus' sayings can be spoken within five hours

We don't have as much as we want but do have as much as we need

Gospel attempt to give us nothing but his words, NOT:

• facial expressions
• gestures
• inflections
• sighs

Words are all God has given us - with words therefore we must be content

The words are not Jesus' exact words, they are translated words

The gosel in Greek, not even in the language Jesus spoke

The men who wrote the gospels never mention of Jesus' appearance

We must at the beginning banish all pictures of Jesus from our minds, focus on his character 

People are either attracted or repelled to Jesus