Quiet Times Search

Expectation

Mark 1:1

• He expected a lot out of Himself
• He knew he was born to save the world
• Wallow in self-pity, to cower in fear, or simply giving up is inappropriate behavior

Mark 1:2-8 - People consistently live up to the perceptions others have of them

Encouragement

Mark 1:9-11

• He told him that he was special
• God is a god who initiates love
• How would we change if we realized the amount of love God has for us

• someone in close relationship
• someone with credibility in the area of concern
• someone who is a person of humility
• some who is allowing the word of Christ richly dwell in them

1. not making the person receiving look bad
2. not making the person giving look good
3. not to give someone authority or superiority
4. not to force someone to do something they do not want to do
5. not to embarrass someone
6. not to keep people in line

• Disciples realized that they were responding to Jesus who was willing to give of Himself for them
• Examples of Jesus giving himself away
  • Gave away what the Father gave to Him - John 15:15
  • He gave them peace - John 16:33
  • He gave them despite pain and suffering - John 15:11
• Love is not love until it is given away
• Jesus – God gave away His most precious possession
• No greater love than to lay down our live for others
• Jesus impressed the deep compulsion of His eternal purpose
• It was clear that the Master considered no service too small or sacrifice too great.
• Jesus denied Himself many of the comforts and pleasure of the world and became a servant
• He continually gave His life “for their sakes”
• Disciples learned not in theory but in practice (painful and hard to accept)
• Jesus life was the measure by which they were to regard their own service.
  • To give freely as they had received – Matthew 10:8
  • Love one another as He loved them - John 13:34
  • Calvary love was the standard

• Giving an explanation will not suffice.
• World must have a demonstration of what to believe – “Follow me, I know the way!”
• We must seek them. We must win them. We must pray for them.
• Practicals
  • Begin with a few
  • Stay together – see us on what they need to become
  • See how the message relates to daily experiences
  • Becomes intimately practical.
• Give them time – they can be with us while we are doing other things
• Arrange special times of:
  • Study the Bible
  • Pray
  • General sharing of deepest burdens and desires
• Expect results from them gradually

• Lift up widow for giving out of her poverty - Luke 21:1-4
• He challenges the rich young man to sell everything - Matthew 19:21
• God loved us so much, he gave up his only son - John 3:16

• Everything must be re-examined
• Everything must be reconsidered
• Every desire, dream, use of money and time
• Now everything must have a kingdom-first focus

1. When you don't have daily times with God in the Bible and prayer
2. Responsibilities to the church are a burden
3. Not happy or consistent in giving
4. Personal comfort, desires direct life's decisions
5. Can't find the time to share your faith
6. Gain greater feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction serving another "kingdom"
7. You have greater regard and protection of your schedule
8. Discipleship times, family devotionals not deep or consistent
9. Gaining one more than is greater than gaining one more soul
10. Dreams center more in this world than in the kingdom

A successful life is not life from difficulty, trial, or tragedy - Philippians 1:12-14
While Paul was imprisoned, he learned how to live

He saw God the same - no matter what happened in his life

In an earlier letter he saw illness as an opportunity bring the gospel to the them - Galatians 4:13

He saw imprisonment for a chance to convert Romans
There became disciples is Caesar's household - Philippians 4:22
Something "not good" can be turned into the complete opposite when in God's larger pattern

Paul not giving up deepen their convictions - he emboldened them to share the message

Whatever happens in life can serve to advance the gospel when we are living by faith

It would be one thing to hear "rejoice always" from someone living with plenty but quite another from someone in a challenging situation - Philippians 4:4-5

There is something about being "in the Lord"
If someone is "in the Lord", there is always something bigger than our trials

Paul also had a deep conviction that whatever is one: The Lord Is Near
This is how men and women of God can be joyful and gentle in the most stressful times

God is monitoring their pain not allow more than we can bear and giving his strength
The Lord is near to all who call on him - Psalms 145:18
He is near in every situation we encounter

He is calling on them and us to rejoice always and to have a great attitude

Preached by unknown - 2004-03-21

1. Gave his one and only - John 3:16
Giving defined by God
What is your one and only?

2. He became poor for us - 2 Corinthians 8:9
Who and how are we becoming poor for others?

3. Many thanks to God - 2 Corinthians 9:11

4. God loves a cheerful giver- 2 Corinthians 9:7
Is our giving cheerfully?

5. More than enough - Exodus 35:1-36:7
Do I ever shoot to give more?
What if you changed one thing per day?
Extended yourself all the time

6. Burnt offering worth nothing - 2 Samuel 24:18

7. Rich generosity - 2 Corinthians 8:1-4
Grace is an undeserved gift Give in poor areas?

8. All she had to live on - Mark 12:41-44

9. It is more blessed to give than receive - Acts 20:35

10. Test me in this - Malachi 3:6-12

Preached by Richard Dixon on 1999-10-03

Matthew 9:12

• God is looking for the person that make need for Him appearant.
• Why do we need to be healed?

Psalms 73:1-17

• They "seem to have no struggles".
• What happens behind closed doors?

10 things that can hurt us:
 

1. Hurt by others	6. Frustration
2. Hurt by yourself	7. Mistake towards another
3. Internal Sin	8. Unresolved Issues
4. Lack of Purpose	9. Not Forgiving Yourself
5. Failure	10. Not Forgiving others

Sometimes we become like rolly pollies. 
(Clam up if someone gets to close)

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

• Fill up on snack on Thanksgiving
• Buy gifts for one's self for Christmas
• Look for a date at his own wedding rehearsal

1. We must have life
2. We cannot arrange for it
3. It is coming

• Body - Romans 12:1
• Soul - Luke 10:27
• Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:17

• Pride - independence from God
• Idolatry - Giving our devotion, fear, or any part of our heart to something other than God

1. Parable of the Shrewd Manager - Luke 16:1-15
   1. God expects us to be honest yet shrewd in the use of money (v. 1-8)
   2. Money is a tool to be used to gain friends (souls) (v. 9)
   3. If we are not trustworthy in handling money, God will not entrust us with true riches (people's souls) (v. 10-11). God will keep us from leadership if we are not trustworthy with finances (v. 10-11).
2. Whose Money Is It? Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:1; Luke 14:33
   1. We are managers (stewards), not owners. An owner does what he pleases with his money/possessions, while a manager submits to the will of the owner.
   2. As disciples, our attitude must reflect a willingness to "give up everything" to advance God's kingdom.

1. What ways am I not being shrewd honest, or trustworthy with my money/possessions?
   Examples:
   • Checkbook not balanced
   • Credit card debt - paying high monthly interest rates
   • Interest rates
   • Not paying bills on time
   • Writing bad checks
   • Not living by a budget
   • Borrowing from Christians or others and not repaying
2. What ways can I use God's money to win souls rather than serve myself?
3. How do I view my money/possessions? Who owns them? Do I have the attitude of "giving up everything for the kingdom?"

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.

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?

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.

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?

1. It Takes Faith to Give - Malachi 3:8-11
   1. God wants us to test him in our giving (v. 10). All we need is the faith.
   2. God is waiting to pour out blessing when we trust Him. It is easy to say 'I'll give when God blesses me." God says, "Give and I win bless you."
2. God's Promises - Malachi 3:10-11, Mark 10:29-31, 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
   1. We will not have enough room for God's blessings.
   2. We can never outgive God.
   3. God always gives back 100 times as much to us.
   4. God will continue to give to us so we in turn can give to others and meet their needs.
   5. Ultimate blessing: treasure in heaven.
3. Depend on God - Philippians 4:14-19
   1. Our giving is a sacrifice pleasing to God.
   2. When we give, God will meet all our needs.

1. Do I hold back on my contribution because I am worried about the future?
2. Does my giving cause me to rely on God?
3. What amount of money should I be giving weekly that is both responsible and still requires faith?
4. When have I relied on the promise of God in my giving? What did God do in response?

1. Giving with Joy - 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
   1. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give. Plan your giving.
   2. God does not want you to give reluctantly or under compulsion. You should feel a joy, excitement, and enthusiasm when you give.
   3. God loves a cheerful (in Greek "hilarious") giver.
2. The Privilege of Giving - 2 Corinthians 8:3-5
   1. The Macedonians urgently pleaded to give.
   2. They understood that it was a privilege because they had first given themselves to the Lord.
3. Special Times of Giving, Time of Victory, and Joy for God's People
   1. The Israelites gave to build the temple and the people rejoiced (1 Chronicles 29:1-9)
   2. The building of the tabernacle: the people willingly brought more than needed (Exodus 35:20-29,36:2-7)

1. Am I a cheerful giver? What keeps me from giving cheerfully?
2. Am I eager or reluctant to give, especially at special contribution times?
3. At what time was I the most joyful about my giving? Why?

1. Introduction
   "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail"
   As Christians, we often fail to have a plan for our finances. Prior to doing this study, you may have even thought it unspiritual to spend time focusing on your finances. Hopefully, by now you have developed convictions as to God's plan for your finances. In this study, we will look at the need for us to establish a budget for our spending. A budget is a reasonable written plan for your giving, spending, and saving based on your income. It is a tool to help you to be a good steward of that which God has entrusted to you.
2. The Need for a Budget
   1. God expects you to know the condition of your flocks and herds (money, possessions, debts) Proverbs 27:23
   2. We must have a plan and commit it to God. Proverbs 16:3, 3:9
   3. Jesus teaches us to know the cost of something before we begin. It is foolish not to budget. Luke 14:28-30
3. Guidelines
   1. Plan first to give to God.
   2. Plan to live sacrificially, not beyond your means.
   3. Plan to have something to share, to be able to be generous with others.
   4. Plan to save for occasional or emergency expenses (e.g. special contributions, auto repairs, medical expenses, family trips).
   5. Plan to eliminate debt - Romans 13:8

1. Do I have a written budget that I use to plan my giving, spending, and saving?
2. Do I compare my actual spending to my budget?
3. Have I adopted a standard of living that enables me to stay out of debt and have enough to be generous with others?

1. Honor God with your Wealth - Proverbs 3:9
   1. Will I obey the scriptures
   2. Will I, as a mature Christian, increase my weekly giving?
2. Guard Your Heart - Proverbs 4:23
   1. What sins of the heart have I confronted and repented of in regard to my finances?
   2. Am I ready to give out of a pure heart and a sincere love for God?
3. A Living Sacrifice - Romans 12:1
   1. In what ways am I going to live a more sacrificial lifestyle in order to advance God's kingdom?
4. Give and It Will Be Given To You - Luke 6:38
   1. Have I made decisions to give by faith and to give joyfully to the Lord?
5. A Spirit of Self-Discipline - 2 Timothy 1:7
   1. Have I prepared a budget that I am ready to live by? If not, when will I have it completed?
   2. Have I sought input?
6. Free At Last - Romans 13:8
   1. Have I gained deep convictions about getting out of debt?
   2. What is my plan to eliminate sinful/foolish debt from my life?
7. A Light to the World - Matthew 5:14
   1. How am I going to work at my job in such a way that my life is an upward calling to everyone around me?
   2. Am I fulfilling my financial responsibilities as a disciple in the areas that God expects?

• Humbles us because we have receive from others
• Shows us the true disciples of Christ

• Whose heart might open?
• Whose attitude might soften
• Who might get curious and start asking spiritual questions?

• 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

4. Initiate in friendship

• Calls, cards, encouragement
• Need to be giving
• No “OK, here I am, now disciple me.”

5. Initiate in evangelism

• Bring people to older Christians to study with
• This is how you’ll learn to be abundantly fruitful

6. Initiate in thinking

• Learn to be independent thinkers, not independent spirit
• 1 Timothy 4:7 - Train yourself to be Godly

• Generously - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-11, Luke 16:13-16
• Weekly - 1 Corinthians 16:1
• To advance the gospel - Philippians 4:14-16, Titus 3:13-14
• To meet the saints’ needs - Romans 15:25-27, Acts 2:44-45

1. Evangelism - Philippians 2:14-16, Colossians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 2:9
   
2. Serving
   • Serving food - Acts 6:1-4
   • Providing clothes - Acts 9:36-39
   • Looking after its orphans and widows - 1 Timothy 5:16, James 1:27
   • Showing hospitality - 1 Corinthians 16:5-6, 3 John 5-8, Hebrews 13:!2
   • 1 John 3:16-17, James 2:15-16, Matthew 25:34-36

Romans 6:23

• We deserve death because of our sins but God is willing to forgive us in spite of who we are (God's gift to us)
• Question: After studying these scriptures, would you say the Bible describes your heart in response to your sin more like the Pharisee or the Sinful woman?

John 3:1-7

• Question: What did Jesus say MUST happen in order for someone to be born again?
• Question: We should born of what? Spirtual birth not a physical birth - not being religous but living a righteous life
• Question: What do we need to have convictions on in order to be born again?

Acts 2:22-24

• Jesus is God's son (miracles prove it)
• Jesus died for our (YOUR) sins
• God raise Jesus on the 3rd day
• Question: So how should we respond to the fact that our (YOUR) is why Jesus died on the cross?

Acts 2:36-41

• Repent and be Baptized (wall is removed)
• Then we can have a relationship with God (what happens at baptism)

Romans 6:1-4

• Question: What are you baptized into? If you were baptized into Jesus' death, what else does that allow us to have? New Life
• You can go from the heart of the Pharisee to the heart of the Sinful Woman by understanding the forgiveness through Jesus
• Encouraged to write a letter to God thanking him for forgiving you of your sins (write the sins out)

• Our heart should be to give "cheerfully" out of gratitude for all that God's done for you
• Weekly contribution is an opportunity to express our gratitude to God weekly.
• Share: You wouldn't want someone to love you because they "have to" instead because they "want to".
• God doesn't make you give he wants you to give "cheerfully"
• Question: How do you feel about giving contribution weekly?
• Share: Once a year we have a special contribution to help in special areas (explain what special is about)

• Each disciple is different (racially, socially, economically, culturally, etc) and God wants it that way.
• Each disciple is different but each person is important. What gift do you see yourself adding to the body?
• v18 - God arranges the body parts the way he wants them to be (our relationships are orchestrated by God)
• God has the person that He wants you to (marry, roommate, etc) already in mind for you (trust him)

• Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another - Colossians 3:13
• Forgiving each other - Ephesians 4:32
• Greet one another with a holy kiss - Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20;2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14
• Have equal concern for each other - 1 Corinthians 12:25
• Honor one another above yourselves. - Romans 12:10

• Everywhere - Psalms 139:7-12
• Forgiving - Psalms 86:5; Daniel 9:9; Ephesians 1:7
• Good - 1 Peter 2:3
• Gracious - Exodus 33:19; Psalms 111:4; 1 Peter 5:10
• Hates Sin - Psalms 5:5-6; Habakkuk 1:13

• An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
• An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
• An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33

• More than membership in a crowd of followers.
• More than curiosity about Jesus.
• More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
• More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
• Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.

• Affairs
• Divorce
• Unwanted pregnancies
• Abortion
• Sexual disease
• Guilt
• Loss of innocence
  

• He learns about the world through two hoodlums, who teach him to skip school, smoke and steal.
• In the end the two boys are turned into donkeys and Pinocchio barely escapes being turned into a donkey (with the help of “Jimmy Cricket”, who was a good conscience/friend for Pinocchio).

• One reason the Bible is so adamant about pride is its effect on our view of God.
  
• When we puff ourselves up with pride we begin to act as if we are God
  
• Instead of being in the image of God we try to make God in our image
  

1. We make God into a national God = prospers our country only
2. Watering down the Bible = suit our feelings
3. When we act as if we are a special case = God will overlook our situation
4. When we become depressed & discouraged (I’m just a failure) = God messed up

• Satan wants to put thoughts in the minds and hearts of the saints to lead them astray
• He really wants to come after the ministry staff that leads God’s people.

1. Have division and tension in your marriage (not a divorce just disunity)
2. He wants your children (that’s one of the best ways he can hurt you)
3. He wants you to be competitive & jealous of others
4. He wants you to struggle with forgiving others
5. He wants you to be focused only on your ministry & not the church (bigger picture)

1. We’re family, he wants it to be like Cain & Abel
2. King Saul, Satan wants you to think you can lead better than others, nothing to learn from me, be a good follower
3. Satan wants KC church divided from the Heartland & movement

• It was the Union’s first decisive victory over the Army of Virginia led by General Robert E. Lee.
• He had led his forces into the northern states taking an offensive posture in the war.
• When the Union army followed him into Pennsylvania, he found a spot on the map where several roads joined at an intersection called Gettysburg.
• General Lee did not know the number of Union soldiers he was facing.
• These numbers should have been discovered and reported by his cavalry leader Jeb Stuart, but he was nowhere to be found.
• Stuart, without orders from General Lee, had decided to go on a raiding expedition.
• The cavalry was the eyes of the army. Without the counsel of his cavalry leader Lee was blind.
• Unprepared, Lee went on to lose the battle at Gettysburg. It was just the victory Lincoln had been looking for

1. We need our cavalry “brothers & sisters” giving us advice and counsel
2. They tell us where the enemy is and how strong his forces are.
3. They help equip us to do battle with the enemy.
4. They fortify us when we’re lacking in zeal
5. We need these people in our lives.

• We would ask others what kind of interest rate we should look for, how many miles per gallon, the resale value, look at consumer reports, etc…
• We go to counselors for help (family & career), therapist, on and on
  

• We need to find people who are spiritually mature and gone through such experiences in life
• These men and women can give us godly advice that will help us mature spiritually

• The challenge of life is not that we have too little time, but in how we are going to spend the time we do have.
• We need to make the most of every day (make a to do list to get yourself started)

• Anyone can have a job but do we do the little things that make us a great employee
• Anyone can have a child but do we do the things that make us a great parent

1. Punctuality
2. Paying bills on time
3. Sending birthday (Father’s Day, Mother’s Day cards)
4. Picking up after yourself
5. Keeping your room/car clean
6. Returning phone calls
7. Looking presentable

• Discipline is being able to decide what can be done and doing it the right way
• It’s better to do three (3) things well than ten (10) things half heartedly

• You don’t have to say “yes” to everyone and everything (our people pleasing nature will end up making us overwhelmed, stressed)
  

• Worry is an unproductive emotion (it won’t change anything)
• Worry is like a rocking chair (gives you something to do but gets you no where)

1. Buy things that are useful instead of buying for status
2. Do not buy anything that is producing an addiction in you
3. Develop a characteristic of giving things away
4. Develop a deeper appreciation for God’s creation
5. Stay away from things that take your focus off of God
6. If anything comes before you having QT’S in the morning then fast from that thing (activity) until you control it instead of it controlling you.

Summary

The kings went to war and took Lot captive. Abram rescued Lot. Melchizedek blessed Abram and Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Observations

Genesis 14:18 - Melchizedek ... He was priest of God Most High
This is the first mention of a priest in the Bible. Melchizedek was the start of the line of priests that would stretch all the way to Jesus' time. Jesus because the high priest and the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him [Hebrews 5:9-10].

Genesis 14:23 - I will accept nothing belonging to you
Abram made the decision not to take anything from the king of Sodom while saving Lot. Instead he chose to give some of his possessions to the priest because he was so grateful that God gave him victory over the kings. He must of sensed something from the king of Sodom that was not right and did not want to be associated with him. Do we have worldly ties that we shouldn't? People around us can assume because hang around others that do wrong, we do the same things. We should live among people as Jesus did but how are we associated with them?

Personal Application

Do I have a good sense of my relationships? Do I tend to be a part of group to just belong or a higher reason? I find it much easier to take then to give and I do not think I have conviction on doing the reverse. There is no such thing as a free lunch (maybe from God because he gives freely) - are some offers of others giving really a trap? In some some situations, I should be giving instead of taking.

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.

• 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 - Paul felt more grace so he worked even harder
• Ephesians 2:8-10 - God has given us good works to do in response to His grace

• Hebrews 10:26-31 - When we deliberately keep on sinning and insult the amazing gift of grace
• Jonah 2:1-8 - Our lack of repentance can keep God’s grace from our lives

• Hebrews 12:28-29 - Be grateful you are a part of such an awesome Kingdom
• Colossians 2:6-7 - Our thankfulness should be an obvious part of our life (overflowing)

• Nehemiah 12:31 - God assigned two choirs, solely for the purpose of giving thanks
• Psalms 28:7 - Gratitude must be seen in our singing to God (Colossians 3:15-16)
• Psalms 100:1-5 - All parts of worship should be entered into with thanksgiving

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?

• 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!

1. What has God created for us to do?
2. Make a list of some good works that you could do.

1. How does love cover over many sins?
2. Have you been offering hospitality to other disciples?
3. How can you improve in this?
4. Why do you think God wants you to be giving to others?

1. Who does God want us to help?
2. Who in your Bible talk has special needs right now that you could help?

1. What will you be judged for on the last day?
2. Why is it not enough to simply give money to beggers?
3. Which of the six things listed in verses 35-36 have you done recently?
4. Who are we really ignoring when we neglect the needy?

1. What does it mean to be "hard-hearted" or "tight-fisted"?
2. What kind of giving does God expect from you?
3. Who are some of the poor and needy around you - and how are you going to help them?

1. What are some small acts of kindness that will not be forgotten by God?
2. How can you help the needy even if you have little money?

1. What are some of the "old" parts of you that are gone?
2. What are some of the "new" things you are becoming?

1. How new must you be?
2. What is the difference between adding on new habits and being changed from the inside?
3. Are you like an old wineskin or a new one? Why?

1. What are some examples of worldly thinking in your life?
2. How can you change your thinking?

1. How does God describe your old way of thinking and living?
2. Who were you created to be like? Why is it so important to keep on forgiving each other?
3. What does it mean to live a life of love?

1. What does it mean to be a royal priesthood?
2. What message should you be sharing?
3. Are you really declaring God's praises or just giving out an invitation?

1. How can you tell if you're living for yourself or living for Jesus?
2. What does it mean to be Christ's ambassador?
3. Would Jesus be pleased with the way you present him?
4. What does it mean to APPEAL to and IMPLORE people?
5. What attitude should you have toward the lost?

1. Why was Paul distressed?
2. What are some sights around your city that should distress you?
3. Where did Paul share his faith?
4. Why did Paul begin his message by commending the Athenians for being very religious?
5. What does this teach you about preaching Paul's message?

1. Why did Elijah feel so overwhelmed?
2. What are some things that have made you feel like giving up?
3. How did the Lord encourage him physically, spiritually and emotionally?
4. What do you normally do when you start feeling "down"?
5. How can you apply the 3 lessons from above the next time you are tempted to give in to discouragement?

1. How do you think Elijah felt to be given a friend and disciple like Elisha?
2. Why did God wait until Elijah was "in action" again before sending him to Elisha?