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2009-07-22 - A Life of Impact - Retreats

Retreats

Mark 9:30-32

Sometimes the only way we can truly give ourselves to the few is by making ourselves unavailable to the many.
Retreats are a change in routine to ponder perspective to help in our personal growth.

Openness

Jesus was very open with his disciples about difficult challenges and troubles that lay ahead for him.
Through his openness, Jesus led the way for his disciples to be open with each other.
Hiding produces shallow relationships and weak bonding – leads to dissolution of the group
Few are open with troubles to someone who has never been open to them.

2009-07-29 - A Life of Impact - Leading the way

Leading the way

Mark 10:32-34

Known as the Jesus cult.
They spent night and day with His disciple and they were always astonished.
Some people astonish us when we first meet them but after getting to know them we grow accustomed to their usual actions.

Attitude of a Servant

Mark 10:35-40

James and John expected to pull this one over on Jesus
He didn’t correct them for being manipulative or disrespectful

Servant Leadership

Mark 10:41-45

There is a great difference between lording leadership and servant leadership.
It is hard to see politicians as servant leaders.

2009-09-03 - Wild at Heart - The wound (part 3)

Masculinity – boy craves (passed between men)

Boys love to wrestle

physical contact
sandpaper of my whiskers
to test their fathers

Do they have a strength like dad’s?
Is it growing, real, substantive?

Mother does not give new respect to son - hurts
Clinging mother - she feels rejected and son feels guilty
Many adult resent their mothers and do not know why
Mom did not let go and dad did not take him away

We do not grow up wondering if we are going to be a nice boy. Be wild and we need to know that

2009-09-20 - Wild at Heart - The Enemy (part 1)

Any castles? Any great battles? Are there any great dragons? A man needs a battle to fight
Early death of a man’s warriors keeps the boy in him from growing up
If we can reawaken that fierce quality in a man – higher purpose, release the warrior within, then the boy can grow up
and become truly masculine
Every man is a warrior inside but the choice to fight is his own
A man must have a battle to fight, a great mission to his life that involves and yet transcends even home and family.
He must have a cause to which he is devoted even unto death – in the fabric of our being
That is why God created you.
Your whole life is in preparation for
The lie from the enemy is that your role is insignificant
No other man can replace you
You are the hero in your own story - the main man

A warrior has a vision
Root of all our woes and false self was this: We are seeking to save our life and we lost it
“Who ever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it” – Mark 8:35
For years all my daily energy was spent trying to beat the trails in my life and arrange for a little pleasure.
Mercenary fights for pay, for his own benefit, his life is devoted to himself

2009-09-22 - Wild at Heart - The Enemy (part 3)

Walk right into those situations you normally run from
Speak right to the issues normally remain silent over
If you want to grow in masculine strength, then stop sabotaging yours.

Being wronged and saying that is OK, but furious inside
This will push your strength down and eventually you will believe you do not have any.
When you deny your anger, it turns to fear
Sabotage also happens when we give our strength away
Taking a bribe, refusing to confront an issue, sexual sin
Sexual struggle is sin and a battle for his strength

Start choosing to live out your strength and you’ll discover that it grows each time
Stand your ground and begin to taste your true strength and you’ll want more
Our strength is will and fierce and we are more than unsettled by what may happen if we let it arrive
“I’m afraid I will do something bad if I let all this show up” – You will do something bad if you don’t
Man’s addictions are a result of his refusing his strength
Let people feel the weight of who you are and let them deal with it

2009-10-03 - One Another - Responsibility for one another

Two extremes:

Mind your own business - can gravitate to this view because of our own conform

Can become busybodies instead - 2 Thessalonians 3:11

Can become lazy - 1 Timothy 5:13

Offering guidance, instructions, cautions, warnings, or sometimes stronger - all part of being faithful in our relationships

Judge not and you will not be judged

Jesus is condemning self-righteous judging

For those unwilling to examine the issue in their own lives

Must care enough about each other to help each other to grow

2009-10-07 - One Another - Admonish Questions

Who can best admonish or coach someone?

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

What is the goal of admonishing?

To help another person grow and change and be transformed more fully into the image of Christ

not making the person receiving look bad
not making the person giving look good
not to give someone authority or superiority
not to force someone to do something they do not want to do
not to embarrass someone
not to keep people in line

2009-10-13 - Wild at Heart - A Beauty to Rescue

Evil power who holds her captive
Only a champion may win her
Every little girl knows the fable without ever being told
Little boys rehearse their parts
Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet and so on
Strong man coming to rescue a beautiful women is universal and human nature

Why is it ten years later I wondered if I even wanted to be married to her anymore?
Why do most us get lost somewhere between “once upon a time” and “happily ever after”?

Our culture has grown cynical about the fable
We have not been poisoned by fairy tales

Many guys think that the biggest battle was asking her out
She is the special target of the Evil One
He turns most vicious malice against her
If he can destroy her or keep her captive, he can ruin the story

2009-11-24 - Master Plan - Selection (part 3)

Few were converted in His lifetime.

Little more than 500 after the resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:6
120 received baptism at the day of Pentecost - Acts 1:15

Strategy

Why not an army?
He needed leaders to lead the ministry after He left. Not all followers. It takes energy to produce a leader.
Not trying to impress the crowd but the usher in a Kingdom
Mass are like helpless sheep wandering aimlessly without a shepherds
Masses willing to follow anyone that came along with some promise for their welfare
Jesus was a realist. He knew he could not meet all the needs on His own.

Some concern themselves with baptisms and numbers more than power and love of God
Everything that is done with the few is for the salvation of the multitudes.

Modern Practicals

We are not even keeping with the growing population
We in an age where more rapid communication is now being seen than ever before
Must not be frantic to try to change the pattern overnight
Do like Jesus – start with a few lowly disciples and do as it was done by Jesus
- Slow, tedious, painful, and probably unnoticed at first
- Not spiritual “junk-food” revivals
Which generation are you living for?

2009-11-26 - Master Plan - Association (part 2)

Reasons for departures:
- Oppositions from Pharisees
- Hostility of Herod
- Jesus wanted to be with disciples without distractions
In Gethsemane, disciples were only a stone’s throw away - Luke 22:41

Family: near each other in a time of departure

Every minute cherished because the growing realization of He would be with them no more
He spent more time with His disciples than with everyone else put together.
- Ate with them
- Slept with them
- Talked with them
- Walked with them
- Prayed with them
- Worshiped with them
Ministering to the mass – disciples learned the lessons and then got an explanation afterwards
Jesus had little time to call His own
Only exceptions was when He kept to His own personal devotions with interruptions - Mark 46-48
He wanted to be with them
They were His spiritual children

2009-12-20 - Master Plan - The Plan (part 3)

Keep them going
- All of this is going to require supervision
- When questions arise, they must be answered while the problem is still in their mind.
- Setup a schedule of training and keep a record of their growth
- Exercise patience: Growth is sometimes slow and with many setbacks (while honestly seeking truth)
- Seldom put them out of our mind
- They need to be in our prayers and dreams
- Accept the burden of their immaturity until they can do it for themselves
We are not living primarily for the present.
Our satisfaction is in knowing that in generations to come from bearing fruit
World is desperately seeking someone to follow
- Someone who is certain
- Will be a man who knows the way of Christ
- Or are one who is leading someone into greater darkness?
Destiny of many hangs on our decision.

2009-12-31 - First the Kingdom - Mercy

Mercy is treating others as God has treated us

As Christians, we can become numb to the cries of others

Because of increased wickedness the love of most will grow cold but he stands firm to the end will be saved - Matthew 24:12-13
Has our love grown cold?
Why do we feel so little mercy?
Why don't we feel for others?

Feeling what they feel - that is really what mercy is all about
Not merciful or forgiving because we get focused on ourselves and how we feel
We need to forgive so our sins can be forgiven and we can be healed - Luke 6:37

Mercy also comes in the form of understanding and compassion
Jesus had mercy for the blind beggar - "Jesus, have mercy on me" = Luke 18:35-43

2010-02-03 - One Another - Confession Questions (part 4)

How do we grow in our confession?

a. Be open even at the temptation level
We will get used to talking what we are thinking and going through
We will nip many things in the bud before they progress to sin

b. Start over-correcting
Start confessing everything
You can always tone it down so it does not become annoying :)

c. Ask some else what they think of your confession:

Do you find me to be a confessing person?
What is my confession level?

Seldom confess
Confess only when there is a "big" sin
Consistently confess sin
Am open even about temptations

2010-02-17 - One Another - Encouraging One Another (part 2)

Therefore encourage one another with these words. - 1 Thessalonians 4:18

There should be content to our encouragement - should not be empty talk
Paul used words about the Second Coming of Jesus - words to help them live with Jesus' return in mind
Our words need an emotional appeal based on specific biblical content

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing. - 1 Thessalonians 4:18

Encouragement should move us to maturity
Often combined with strengthening, building up or edification
Growth in:
- Our relationship with God
- Interactions in the body
- Our purity
- Our discipline
- Our prayer life
- Our knowledge of the Word
- Our Outreach
- Our character

2010-02-26 - One Another - Forgiving One Another (part 2)

Other matters related to forgiveness:

Forgiveness is the ultimate 'one another' trump card

Love, which always forgives, can cover a multitude of sins - 1 Peter 4:8

Forgiveness must come from a grateful heart

If forgiveness comes from anything other than a grateful heart, we lack the purity of heart
Rid yourself of all bitterness, rage, and anger - forgiving each other as Christ forgave you - Ephesians 4:31-32

We must help one another forgive

When a person is not forgiving, they grow bitter
The sin of lack of forgiveness of someone may be greater than the actual offense
See that no one misses the grace of God and no bitter root grows - Hebrews 12:14-15

Pain and anger are not resolved in a moment, but let us never doubt where we must end up

2010-03-04 - To Live is Christ - To Love is to Live

There is nothing greater than love - 1 Corinthians 13:13

If we don't know how to love, we don't know how to live
To live as Christ is to learn how to love
If love isn't growing will soon die

Those who are satisfied with the love they attained have really ceased to love
Paul prayed for the Philippians' love to abound more and more

God is love - 1 John 4:8
Learning to love is learning to be like God - who among us can say we have arrived?

2010-03-08 - To Live is Christ - Progress and Joy

Paul was torn - Philippians 1:22-26
He rejoiced to be able to encourage the Philippian disciples
Death brought him face to face he loved

He realized that he had more laps to run and did not want to coast - but to run with all his might

Paul has no desire simply to remain with the disciples - want to continue with them
Greek for "Continue" = to wait beside a person to be ready to help and help all the time

For Paul to live was Christ and to give himself to others for their spiritual progress and deep joy

Whatever the cost, he would be there for them:

Their growth - he would pay the cost
Patient with someone who was weak - he would pay the cost
Someone taking advantage of his humility - he would pay the cost
Was through sticky, uncomfortable issues - he would pay the cost

2010-03-21 - To Live is Christ - Joy and Crown

Paul: My joy and crown is you standing firm in the Lord - Philippians 4:1
For the Greeks, the crown was a symbol of victory or a token of honor

Paul's crown was changed lives
The legacy was lasting and the reward was eternal
Paul to Corinthians: Result of the ministry not written on tablets but on human hearts - 2 Corinthians 3:2-3

If other people's spiritual growth is not our concern, it will never be our joy
If others are not our joy in this life, they will never be our crown after this life

What brought Jesus joy, brought Paul joy
Where do we get our joy in life?

Self-centeredness is the greatest roadblock of joy
We can not be concerned about the things of God if our own things get in the way

The Philippians were Paul's concern, his focus, his joy and his crown

2010-04-11 - Life to the Full - Macho Mist (part 1)

Worldliness = spiritual adultery
In the OT, Israel is called "adulterous" after going after idol

We are in the world but must not be of the world - John 17:14-18

Question to check to see if we are flirting with the world:

Am I tempted to miss church meetings?
Do I work overtime without a thought?
Do I cheat on my contribution?
Do I pretend to be more devoted that I am?
Do I take a second look at .....?
Do I grow sleepy during sermons?
Is there anything in the world that has a stronger grip on my heart, soul and strength than God, his word, or his will?

2010-04-17 - Life to the Full - Personal Life of Peter (part 2)

Peter steady increased in his faith:

Follower of Jesus - Mark 1:18
Apostle - Mark 3:14
Chief apostle - Matthew 16:18
Leader of Jerusalem church - Acts 2:14
Traveling mission evangelist - Acts 8:14
Martyr - John 21:19

Are you growing and taking it higher in your walk with God each day?

2010-04-25 - Heart of Friendship (part 1)

Preached by John Lusk (2005-01-23)

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

We need each other
Many books written about relationships - None seem to completely work

Christ is the key to having true friendships

Friendship with Christ

John 15:14-15

Amazing - God of the universe calls us a "friend"
Much like a maturing parent/child relationship - we grow from master/slave relationship to a friendship with the almighty God
Jesus meet many of our needs - Belonging and Security

Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus yoke is easy and he will give you rest

Hebrews 4:15-16 - Jesus understands and have been in your situation

2 Peter 1:3 - He given everything we need in life

2010-04-27 - 7 Habits of Highly Effective Children

Preached by Dan Rice (2005-06-26)

Mark 10:13 - We must have a child like heart to make it to heaven

Children Love Life
John 10:9 - Jesus says we can live life to the full

Children Want to Grow
2 Peter 3:18 - They were eager to learn

Children Change Fast - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Children Take Risk - Care less about what people think about them. John 12:42-43

Children are quick to trust
John 14:1-4 - Jesus has our best interest at heart
Numbers 20:12 - Moses and Aaron did not trust
Deuteronomy 1:29-35 - Israel did not trust
Psalms 20:7-8 Psalms 22:4-5 Psalms 44:16-17 Psalms 49:13-14 Proverbs 3:5

Children are Idealist - they dream; it is better than synical

Children are faithful - John 3:16 - They did not many reasons like we do.

2010-04-28 - Heart of Maturity (Motivation of Maturing)

Preached by John Lusk (2005-01-30)

How passionate are you about maturing?

Being a new Christian, it was easiler because everything was new. Now what?
We must have the correct motivation if we are to continue maturing in the long run.

Motivation of Maturing

1. To regain your identify

Genesis 1:26-27

We need to realize who we are suppose to be
Duck example
- First thing it sees when it is born it assumes is its mother and will follow it around
- If the baby duck follows something other than another duck, it will get frustrated because it can only do what duck do
Human example
- We were made to be like God
- We see other things and try to follow the world
- We also get frustrated because worldly persuits are not what were designed for

2. To remian in Jesus

1 John 2:3-4 - This is a expectation from God

3. To be effective and productive

2 Peter 1:4-8

Must make every effort
It would be sad to find out in the end we were ineffective and unproductive
Others need you to grow!
Your growth rate will determine how much you are effective, not where you are right now

4. Secure salvation

2 Peter 1:8-11 - We have been given a new start

Wrong motivation - Pleasing people, selfish ambition

2010-04-29 - Heart of Maturity (Methods of Maturing)

Methods of Maturing

Self-Training with the Word

Hebrews 5:11-14 - Constant use of the word - for direction, correction, and guidance

With each other

Colossians 1:28-29

It is our responsibility to grow
We need small groups, large groups, and one another times

Imiatating others

1 Corinthians 4:14-17

Follow the qualities in people which are best examples of Christ
Collectively the best qualities show an example of Christ

Perservering in trials

James 1:2-4

Whenever (that means anytime) the testing of your faith comes
Consider it a pure joy - Many Trials
Perservering is where you mature

2010-05-01 - I am Innocent of the Blood of all Men (part 2)

Acts 22:6-21

Paul had an encounter with Jesus
- Encounters with Jesus are significant
- Paul understood he was living in opposition to Jesus - killing Christians (people following Christ)
- Don't want to be on the opposite side of the battle from God
- Where are you at today? Do you know?
- Share
  - Grow up religious - Every Sunday - through High School
  - Ask to come to church, study the Bible
  - Saw life and heart wasn't matching; my sin was in opposition to God
  - Tried to make it personal - mean and angry (Hoping the standard would changed)
  - They were there to help
Paul had the humility to ask "What shall I do?" - v10
- Paul had a heart of humility to be taught - Bible
- Could have brought up his religiousness or accomplishments
- Opened himself up to anything, Not "I'm sorry, won't do that again"
Paul was religious all this life and had the heart to immediately obey and be baptized - v16
- Perhaps, God uses the life of Paul to prepare our hearts for surrender
- What have you been holding on to instead of Jesus? What is stopping you?

We/your friend would like to share "the whole will of God".

2010-07-10 - Desire's Journey - The Adventure Begins (part 2)

The first thing in the Bible is God working
The morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy - Job 38:7

Jesus said his Father is always at work to this very day and he too is working - John 5:17

Thunderclouds gather over the prairies
Plant grow or start to grow and lift heavenward
Maple leaves are woven
New stars are born every day
There is always a sunset and sunrise somewhere on the Earth

God loves his work
God delights in doing tall these things

2010-08-18 - Waking Dead - Point of all Living

Everything you love is what makes a life worth living

Action: Set down the book and make a list of all the things you love

People in your life
Things that bring you joy
Places that are dear to you

A life filled with loving is a life most like the one that God live - Ephesians 5:1-2

Jesus was asked what was most important
He boiled it down to loving God and loving others - everything else will fall into place

The heart is the connecting point; can not love without it
If we can truly love, be loved, and never lose love - we would be finally truly happy

If we worship efficiency, we can not grow in our love
Some try to master all sort of principles and and never know God intimately, heart to heart.
If do all sorts of Christian things without knowing God, he will say "I never knew you" - Matthew 7:22-23
The point is not the activity but intimacy with God

Taking a course on anatomy won't help you love you spouse
Taking a religion class will not help you love God
You will find God when you seek him with all of your heart - Jeremiah 29:13

2010-08-27 - Waking Dead - Guided

Narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few will find it - Matthew 7:14

Each day: do you wake to tackle a to do list or wake in the midst of a dangerous story?
If you are not pursuing a dangerous quest, then you do not need a guide
If you want the life Jesus offers, then you are going to need more than a handful of principles
Can not possibly prepare yourself for ever situation
We need God intimately and we need him desperately

You have made know the path of life - Psalms 16:11
There is a narrow path to life and we need help finding it

Example path from a church:

Become a member
Take a course on doctrine
Faithfully attend the Sunday morning service and small group fellowship
Complete a course on Christian growth
Live a life of Christian growth
Complete a course on evangelism
Consistently look for opportunities to evangelize
Complete a course on finances, marriage, and parenting
Complete a course on leadership
Complete a course on hermeneutics
Complete a course on spiritual gifts
Complete a course on missions
Complete a course on biblical counseling
Carry a significant local church ministry load

Program teaches you principles and how to apply them but not how to walk with God

All religions has principles to follow but only Christianity can teach you to walk with God
The most important thing of all is intimacy with God

Those who only do good things - Jesus will say I never knew you - Matthew 7:23

Teach a man to fish?
Teach a man to walk with God and you help him solve the rest of his life

2010-08-30 - Waking Dead - Pay Attention to our Heart

Most of us have not been trained to pay attention to our heart
It will take a little practice to tune in to it

Many understand how to play the beautiful instrument of the heart

Advertisers work on you to get you to buy their product
Your boss knows how to keep you moving
Devil is the master at manipulating the heart

The hairs of our head are easier to count than to understand the movement of the heart

The enemy to distress you by throwing all sorts of thoughts your way and blaming you for it
We must proceed with the assumption that your heart is good - Romans 7
Over time you will grow familiar with the movements of your heart

Just like if any counsel or word that presents itself as being from God - must be checked against his word

The flesh will try to use your freedom to get you to do things you shouldn't do
Any discouragement, condemnation (Romans 8:1), accusation, confusion is not from God

His conviction brings desire for repentance - 2 Corinthians 7:10

2010-10-01 - Contagious Christian - Benefits (part 1)

Ever had an idea only to find your enthusiasm fading when you realize the effort it would take?
The goal may be noble, the intentions sincere, the plan in place but we still do not take action
What is holding us back?
We must be convinced that it is worth the effort and expense

Business managers understand this and have developed process called cost/benefit analysis to help them see the whole picture
In Christianity, this is called counting the cost - Luke 14
While reaching out to irreligious people may sound great, it is the actual effort that will entail significant personal expense

Personal Benefits

Adventure
Purpose
Fulfillment
Spiritual Growth
Spiritual Confidence
Enduring Investments
Honor of being God's Agent

2010-10-03 - Contagious Christian - Benefits (part 3)

4. Spiritual Growth
If holding onto our faith and not advancing it much - it will become a chore and prayer a dry routine

Scripture reading becomes I have to read it to understand the gospel for others
Talking to God suddenly takes on a new purpose - passionate pleas for friends
Our desire to worship grows as your gratitude grows
Helps maintain a high standard of purity

5. Spiritual Confidence
It is ironic that the act of preparing to show others the gospel is often the cause for us to understand it better ourselves
In the face of opposition, we gain heightened sense of spiritual confidence
Imagine what happens when one of these people becomes a Christian

6. Enduring Investments
Jesus warned his followers to not store up treasures on earth - Matthew 6:19-20
Everything will be destroyed eventually - 2 Peter 3:10-11
It is a mistake to invest so much time and energy into things that won't last

7. Honor of Being God's Agent
This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit - John 15:8

2010-12-04 - Mission - Peter, From a Reed

Peter was a reed blowing in the wind who became a rock whom God could build great things
Jesus looked at Peter and saw what he could become
Perhaps for the first time in Peter's life someone believed in him and had a vision that he could be someone great

When we feel believed in, we feel loved
The only thing that counts if faith expressing itself through love - Galatians 5:6
God looks at us for what we will become - Jeremiah 29:11
Viewing our day to day struggles and failures as their growth process on the way to becoming what God wants
Peter was convinced of this It kept Peter coming back after his failures

When Peter was asked if he wanted to leave, he said 'Lord, to whom shall we go?" - John 6:68-69

Think of all of Peter's heartbreaking failures....

Stepped of the boat, only to sink - Matthew 14:31
Rebuked for his dullness - Matthew 15:15-16
Rebuked Jesus and got the rebuke of a lifetime - Matthew 16:22-23
Fell asleep when Jesus needed him most - Matthew 26:40
Denied knowing Jesus three times and wept bitterly - Matthew 26:75

2011-01-26 - Followup - Prayer (part I)

Introduction

We must understand who we are praying to: God, the Creator, All-powerful and Sovereign, and our Father.
Prayer is essential for spiritual growth.
Prayer is the key to deepening our relationship with God.
Prayer unleashes the power of God. - James 5:16
Prayer is not natural, it must be learned - Luke 11:1-4

Jesus’ Prayer Life

Mark 1:35 - Jesus, although very busy, found time to pray in a place and time free from distraction.
Luke 6:12 - Jesus spends all night praying to God.
Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus prays with loud cries and tears.

2011-02-11 - Fearing God - Parable of Awe

Marine Corp example

Solider learned to respect autority promptly and correctly by carrying out commands / seeing pure fear and humilation as punishment
Some actually learn to enjoy the challenge of the tough, disciplined life

Solider grows a personal relationship with the general but always conscious of the vast difference in rank between them
It was a different kind of awe - a greater sense of respect and admiration

Later he realizes how much the general cares for him by putting his life on the line for the solider

Jesus often spoke in parables, fictional stories that as if they really happened
Helps express more abstract spiritual concepts

Awe is defined as:

An emotion in which dread, veneration, and wonder are vairously mingled
Submissive and admiring fear inspired by authority
A fearful reverence inspired by deity

2011-08-22 - Fearing God - His Holiness and Ours

How should we respond to the holiness of God?
Above all we should fear him
And like Jesus we should delight to fear him

We should perfect our holiness in the fear of the Lord - 2 Corinthians 7:1
We are to pursue holiness as an expression of our fear of Him

God is holy, we also need to practice humility
Deep humility is the only proper response as we see our sin in the light of His holiness
Nothing produces humility in Christianity as much as our sense of one's own sinfulness
We also grow in our gratitude to God for His mercy through Christ

Had sin never entered the world it would still be fitting for us to fear God

2011-08-31 - Fearing God - Growing in Fear

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

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

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

Jeremiah 32:38-41

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

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

The Holy Spirit helps - it is our responsiblity to grow

2011-09-01 - Fearing God - Requirements for growth (part I)

The first requirement of growing in fear is having an undivided heart

Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name - Psalms 86:11

It dentoes singleness of purpose, aim, and affections
No one can have two masters

Second requirement is regular, consistent exposure of our minds and hearts to His Word:

Reading it for ourselves
Hearing it taught
Studying it for ourselves

Saul fell down in fear before Christ
"He asked Who are you, Lord?" and "What shall I do, Lord? - Acts 22:8,10

2011-09-02 - Fearing God - Requirements for growth (part II)

Another way we can grow in our fear of God is reading through the Bible

When a new king takes the throne - Deuteronomy 17:18-19

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

Regular reading through the OT, we see God's holiness and sovereignty
85,000 men killed without a shot fired - 2 Kings 19:35

And learn of his unfailing love and faithfulness
Psalms alone contains 25 references to the Lord's unfailing love

The NT has the message of mercy from God via Jesus
God made him who had no sin, be sin, so we would become righteous before God - 2 Corinthians 5:21

2011-09-05 - Fearing God - Great Thoughts About God

If you want to fear God - every aspect of your day-to-day must dominated by thoughts of God

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

The sophisticated discoveries comes from when man thinks using God's thoughts

Airplanes designed after birds
Lunar lander with ant-like legs
Solar panels use the sun's rays like plants

Having the habit of thinking great thoughts - will become aware of His unseen hand in daily events

Great thoughts about God will lead us to a realistic thoughts about ourselves

Realize how little we know
Realize how little we are in control

Few things block our growth of fearing God like feeling self-righteous and self-sufficiency

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

2011-09-11 - Followup: Humility II (part II)

What’s in store for the humble person?

Grace
“Lifted up” – growing and being blessed
Relief because his burdens and anxieties will be carried by God
Better relationships (God opposes the proud, so do other people)

When is it the hardest for you to be humble? Why?
Who is it hardest for you to be humble towards? Why?
Are you willing to change these things so you can please God? How can I help?

Isaiah 66:2 - God is excited about the humble person.

How to be humble when you sin:

Accept full responsibility (don’t blame others for your actions)
Make no excuses (don’t be defensive)
Apologize humbly and go on your way rejoicing.

What to do when others sin against you:

Tell them in a respectful way (don’t give in to faithlessness or fear)
Focus on your love for them and not on what they have done to you.
Forgive them (like Jesus did you) and move on being better friends.

Humility is a characteristic of a true follower of Jesus
To clothe yourself with Christ is to clothe yourself with humility.

2011-10-08 - Genesis 8 - The Flood (part III)

Summary

The flood abated. Noah sent out a raven and two doves. When the earth was dry God called them all out of the ark. Noah built an altar.

Observations

Genesis 8:1 - But God remembered Noah
God does not forget us. No matter how much He has going on, we are in the forefront of his mind. Noah may have been felt like he was all alone in an endless sea of water but this was not the case. We may also feel this way sometimes but God is always right there with us [Joshua 1:5].

Genesis 8:20 - Then Noah built an altar to the LORD
What is the first thing Noah does when Noah gets off an ark he has been on for about a year? Build an alter for the Lord. Would we do the same thing? DO we do the same thing. When we have face a prolonged trial and it finally ends, we go out and celebrate and forget the Lord? Or do take time to truly thank him for helping us through? Like God remembered Noah, Noah also remembered the Lord.

Genesis 8:21 - never again will I destroy all living creatures
God's promised that He will never destroy all living creatures again. Many worry about this through scientific studies or other ideas come up with ways the earth will be destroyed because of what man does. Whether that is true or not is not the point but we do know that God will not be the one doing it. When God promises something it happens.

Personal Application

I seem to forget the lessons of difficult times as soon as the pain has lifted. We go through tough times so our character can mature and grow but will I have to go through the same lessons again to learn the same lessons. I want to be grateful for God's discipline (does not come naturally) and change my character accordingly. God discipline the ones he loves, I need to remember why He is doing it [Hebrews 12:6].

2011-10-09 - Genesis 9 - The Rainbow & Capital Punishment

Summary

God blessed Noah and set the rainbow as a sign that he would never flood the earth again. Noah got drunk and cursed Ham's son Canaan.

Observations

Genesis 9:3 - Everything ... will be food for you; I now give you everything
Again God shows his willingness to everything to become eatable but meat that still had lifeblood. Many of our reactions would have given up on mankind. And if we had not given up, we would not have given as much freedom so there would less possibility of disobedience to occur. But God continues to give freedom to his people.

Genesis 9:17 - sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth
Freedom is not free. There was great pain for God [Genesis 6:6] to see the state of man's heart and how the only solution was to destroy all living things and start over again. Today, God is still grieving over how our hearts turn from him. This time - He had to pay the ultimate sacrifice of His only Son so that he and us may have a relationship. This is the only way, How have we responded?

Personal Application

I don't grow very well in the good times. It is the times of trials and difficulty when I forced by God's discipline to change. I want to change and grow while not under all circumstances. What does it show God when I move toward him only when pushed?

2011-10-10 - Genesis 10 - Genealogies (part II)

Summary

Japheth's line lived in the coastlands; Ham's included Nimrod and the Canaanites; Shem's lived in the East. These formed the nations.

Observations

Genesis 10:4 - peoples spread out ... each with its own language
These family was not only in not on the same page, in the same state. They each had a completely different language. Their words were likely not written down so changed easily because there was no reference point. Having different languages is not a bad thing but it illustrates when we do not have a reference point in our lives, our standards, direction, and our feelings of the day change we do things. Like God's written word, if we do not keep refering to it, we will live as if we are standing on shifting sand [[Matthew 7:26].

Genesis 10:6 - sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put and Canaan
From Ham's children, came the Jews and others like the Philistines [Genesis 10:14]. I am not sure if this separation came from the times these kids were growing up but does show how much we need unity in our family. Though in verse 6, they had different languages. Unity is very important in a family and godly unity only comes from God. We can be united in mind and heart from our relationship with God. It is never to early introduce God to your family - especially children.

Personal Application

I am convicted on how fast families can be divided by Satan. How things can change and a heart is no longer are responsive in a relationship. I need to start ASAP. I am going to make sure my children know God, his word and what it means to have an amazing relationship with Him.

2011-10-16 - Genesis 16 - Ishmael is Born

Summary

Sarai told Abram to have children with Hagar. Hagar conceived, then ran away, but an angel sent her back. Hagar's son was Ishmael.

Observations

Genesis 16:5 - You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering
At age 86 [Genesis 16:15] and 14 years too early, Abram had forgotten God's promise and was starting to make God's promise work for himself instead of waiting for God to fulfill his promise of making him a father of a great nation. Agreeing to Sarai's idea, he married Hagar and she became pregnant. This really complicated things between the three of them. The same thing happens with us. When we go about trying to do what we think God wants, things really get messed up.

Genesis 16:8 - where have you come from, and where are you going?
The angel that appeared asked about what direction Hagar was going. Both question are necessary in evaluating our spiritual growth. Like understanding your physical location, you must first understand the past and state of mind you came from. Not knowing the starting point, you can not give directions. If you just knew where you have been and have no direction to go, you can not grow either.

Personal Application

I know I have experience times where I think I am doing what God wants but it really comes from my impatience or my selfish desires to see things happens the way I want them and when I want them. I need to just be patient and ask "is this the Lord will?".

2011-10-19 - Genesis 19 - Sodom is destroyed

Summary

Angels took Lot out of Sodom. The city was destroyed by fire and Lot's wife was turned to salt. His daughters had children for him.

Observations

Genesis 19:14 - But his sons-in-law thought he was joking
What fatal mistake?!? When Lot urged his son-in-law to leave the city, they did not take him seriously. Lot was urgent, they were laid back. It cost them their lives. There are times to joke around but not in life and death situations. What are we not taking serious that we should? What are the cost(s) if we don't start taking these things seriously?

Genesis 19:22 - I cannot do anything until you reach it
God is love and love is patiently waiting on us to change. There is a time for judgement but God is holding on us to turn to him. Here God was holding back just long enough for Lot to leave the area before destroying it. One of the many ways God relates this idea to us is in the parable of the weeds. He explains that we grow among weeds and he tolerates the weeds only because of the harvest. Once the harvest comes, the wheat is harvested and the weeds are thrown into a fiery furnace [Matthew 13:42].

Personal Application

By nature, I am a jokester. I have love to laugh - there is a time for everything. I need to learn how to take the important things seriously. When I hear a call from God to repent, not sure my immediate reaction is to change. I make excuses about doing things in the near future or lie to myself that I am doing OK. The costs are too great not to hear and obey the call.

2011-11-17 - Mind Change - Never Quit

Never quit!

You may feel like quitting.

You may think there is no other option.

But there always is.

Decide now, and again and again, that you will never quit.

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Your labor is not in vain in the Lord
Galatians 6:9 - We must not grow weary in doing good
2 Corinthians 4:1,16 - We do not despair

2011-11-21 - Getting Advise (part I)

One of the greatest advantages you have as a disciple is the wealth of knowledge, insight and experience available from all the other disciples in the church. These individuals have experienced a lot personally or have helped many people through tough or challenging situations in life and want to be there to offer help (or advise) to you. We came to God by letting Him use others to help us see the truth, and we will grow stronger and closer to God by letting others continue to help us. Getting advise will be of tremendous help to you in your Christian walk. This study will help you see how God uses advise to help you grow and your best for Him.

Our feelings and emotions can often mislead us and hurt us

Proverbs 16:25 - What seem or feels right is not always right; others can help you see that
Proverbs 19:2 - Be zealous, but make sure you have the correct information

We need to realize our weaknesses and limitations

Proverbs 12:15 - Wise people let others in their lives and listen to input
Proverbs 12:1 - Getting advise and being corrected in your thinking is very wise

2011-11-30 - Growing (part I)

As a young disciple, your commitment to God must be solid and steady. However, in no way does this mean you will be perfect or a “super-disciple” in an instant. And thankfully, God doesn’t expect you to be. What He does expect is something you and everybody else can do – GROW!! This study will help you to better understand how important growing as a disciple is, and provide you with some helpful ways to ensure that growth.

Begin with the Bible

1 Peter 1:22-2:3 - Crave the Bible; it will show you what you need in your walk with God
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Bible will equip you and give you all you need to grow (Psalms 119)

Get help from your leaders

Ephesians 4:11-16 - God has put them in your life to help you grow; church, midweek, etc
Hebrews 13:7 - Watch you leaders and follow their example; ask lots of questions

Let your fellow-disciple help you

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 - All of us lack something in our faith; get together and help each other
Romans 15:14 - Other disciples may know the Bible better and can help you through your challenges

2011-12-01 - Growing (part II)

Take it upon yourself; don’t only rely on others

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

Keep you focus on Jesus

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

Never stop growing

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

God is a fair God!! He knows our every sin and weakness and is willing to forgive. But through it all, He expects all of us to grow and strive to be our best for Him. Decide on a few areas you need to grow the most in and develop a plan to attack those areas and turn them into strengths.

2011-12-06 - Day 3 - Growing Roots

Luke 8:13 - What happens to young disciples who don't grow roots?

Acts 2:41-47; Acts 4:32-37

What helped to keep these young disciples faithful?
Are you devoting yourself to the same things they did (2:42)?

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

What does it mean to have "deep conviction"? How can you develop conviction?
Who should you imitate? In what ways?
Are you becoming a "model" to others? How?

APPLICATION: Spend time this week with Christians you can imitate/encourage/learn from.

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