Quiet Times Search

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


Searching for "last" in the Quiet Time Archive
Displaying results from "25" to "50". (82 found)

2009-07-16 - A Life of Impact - Scout

Scout

Mark 8:14-21

  • 'Christian' denominations may offer the greatest opposition to a radical adherence to the teachings of Jesus
  • He protects his followers: warning them about the strength of their opponent and the types of activities to expect.
  • We cannot afford to neglect scouting the opposition and warning people who they are up against.

Rebuke

  • We need to be aware what others are saying to each other.
  • He asked embarrassingly simple questions to remind them and to help to see how stupid they had been to soon forget.
  • A willingness to be strong and forthright is a required characteristic of one who would have lasting influence.
  • Wounds from a friend can be trusted.


2009-08-05 - A Life of Impact - Cockiness

Cockiness

Mark 12:18-27

  • Every one of these phrases cut like a knife:
    • Are you not in error?
    • You do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
    • Have you not read?
  • He comfort the disturbed, he also made it his goal to disturbed the comfortable.
  • He was not afraid to rock the boat.
  • In order to have lasting impact it is necessary to be willing to challenge our opponents to their face.


2009-08-12 - A Life of Impact - Unconditional Love

Unconditional Love

Mark 14:17-26

  • Jesus knew yet did not treat Judas any different than he treated the other eleven.
  • Conditional love puts an unbearable strain on relationships
  • Unconditional gives security, wipes away fear, builds confidence, adds hope, teaches perseverance, and erases discouragement and doubt.
  • The key is not to love if or because of, but to love in spite of. In-spite-of love cannot fail to make a lasting impact.

The Memorial

  • Jesus died for us as individuals
  • It is the forgiveness of sins, my sins.
  • People need frequent reminders
  • We soon forget what is important.
  • The activities of life so easily distract us and we so quickly lose our convictions.


2009-08-18 - A Life of Impact - Mark 16
Proof

Mark 16:1-14
  • Jesus had more of an impact dead then alive.
  • Are we dead to ourselves?
  • If any of Jesus’ rebukes had a particularly lasting impact on their lives, this was the one
  • Disciples were probably convicted by just the sight of Jesus
His Lasting Words

Mark 16:15-20
  • What would your last words be? – Say them today!!!! 
  • “Repent and believe the good news.” – These were both the first and the last words from Jesus.


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

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

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

2009-09-25 - One Another - Making it Clear
1 Corinthians 1-3 2 Corinthians 1
The world's wisdom The world's wisdom
God's grace God's grace

Relationships that are conducted according to the world's wisdom - have some element of self in mind

Relationships in God's grace have in mind: God's grace to us and our need to pass grace on to others

World teaches to be independent / We belong to one another -  Romans 12:5
  • One on who be independent choose not to / he emptied himself and became a slave - Philippians 2
  • We are do be devoted to one another - philostorgos = like family - Romans 12:10
When we see the grace of God, we see one:
  • who brings into his circle of friends - John 15:13-15
  • who adopts us into his family - Hebrews 2:11
  • who vows he will never leave or forsake us - Hebrews 13:5
We are to admonish one another and speak the truth in love - Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 4:15

If living with worldly wisdom  then we will:
  1. Ignore the problem
  2. Gossip about it to other
  3. Blast a person with the truth
None of these actions show grace

2009-10-04 - One Another - Teaching One Another
With all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another - Colossians 3:16

Teaching translated from the word "didasko" = to give instruction, to impart information or wisdom

In Christianity to applies to spiritual development
  • How to study the Bible
  • How to pray
  • How to be more effective with sharing our faith
  • Principles for overcoming temptation
  • How to conduct godly relationships
Prerequisite - first let the word of Christ richly dwell in you
  • Not just or opinion - but from the Word
  • Not just our experience - must be based on the teachings of Christ
Jesus' last word in Matthew = we are to teach everything he commanded

2009-10-14 - Wild at Heart - Eve's Wound
Question for her is: Am I lovely?
She needs to know that she is exquisite and exotic and chosen.
This is core to her identity, the way she bears the image of God
Will you purse me? Do you delight in me? Will you fight for me?
Wound says - No, you are not beautiful and no one will really fight for you
Wound usually always comes from the hand of her father

He has the power to cripple or to bless is just as powerful to her as to the son
Her heart is violated and the message is driven father in – you are not desired, you will not be protected, no one will fight for you.

If the father is passive, a little girl will suffer a silent abandonment – not noticed or pursued
Like so many unloved young women, they will to turn to boys to hear what she never heard from her father
When a woman never hears she’s worth fighting for, she comes to believe that is the sort of treatment she deserves

A hesitant man is the last thing in the world a woman needs.
She needs a lover and a warrior, not a nice guy

Number one problem between men and women is that we men, when asked to truly fight for her, hesitate
We are still seeking to save ourselves, we have forgotten the deep pleasure of spilling our life for another

2009-11-01 - Repentance - The Prophets (part 3)
Prophets Promise Real Hope
  • False prophets preach “Peace, peace”
  • If we believe that we haven’t turned away from God, we won’t bother to return to him.
Prophets Instill Fruitful Fear
  • Fear clears our mind, reorients our will
  • Fruit from fear is not fruit that will last
Prophets Show The Tender Mercy of God
  • Our failures to repent only sadden him
  • Hear the loving calls of the prophets – they have likely risk their own lives to serve


2009-11-03 - Repentance - Jesus Opens Our Eyes (part 1)
No one comes to Jesus without a preconceived paradigm about God
Our only hope for overcoming our blindness is repentance – only way to see the kingdom

Cursed Be The Pride that Blinds
  • We can not change what we can not see
  • When was the last time you said the words, “I am wrong”?
  • Ask someone close, “Am I blinded in any way by pride?”
  • It was through pride, that the devil became the devil
  • It is the complete anti-God state of mind.
  • Why is Jesus so tough on Spiritual Blindness? It prevents us from seeing the good news.
The Kingdom of God is Real
  • Survey of modern sermons would be salvation
  • Jesus’ preaching was about the kingdom of God


2009-11-15 - Repentance - Godly Sorrow (part 3)
Zelos - Zeal
Zeal reject the “whatever…” attitude as it determines to do “Whatever to takes!”
Lack of surrender robs zeal
Completely denying all we are, path to God becomes clear and passionate
Questions
  1. Does Sandi’s story convict you about an unresolved sin in your life? If so, what should you do?
  2. What are some Biblical examples of individuals who exhibit godly sorrow? What are some Biblical examples of groups who exhibit godly sorrow?
  3. Consider William Law’s assertion that our “sins are due to the fact that we do not intend to please God in all the actions of our lives.” Is this true for you? How does godly sorrow reverse this condition?
  4. Why does sin require confession? Is confession only before God? To whom have you confessed sins besides God?
  5. What does a short list indicate?
  6. Do you believe Proverbs 28:13? Do you practice it? Why or why not?
  7. How does indignation promote repentance? When were you last indignant over sin?
  8. How does “fear” promote repentance? How does it work together with “longing” to produce repentance?
  9. Has anyone ever marveled at your zeal to repent – why or why not?
  10. Are you ready to completely the avenge the wrong caused by sin and self? What next steps will you take?


2010-01-22 - Kingdom First - Hungry and Humility (part 1)
Not "If you fast" but "When you fast" - Matthew 6:16-18

Quickest way to a man's heart is  through his stomach

Greek word for fasting is nesteno
ne = a negative prefix
esthio = to eat

When was the last time you fasted?

Why don't we fast more?

1. Fasting humbles us because it reminds us how frail we are

I have humbled myself with fasting - Psalms 35:15
It is associated with confession and repentance of sin

2. Fasting tests our earnestness to move God to action
Forcing us to admit that sometimes prayer alone may not suffice - Mark 9:29

Jesus talks about motivation for fasting
We must surpass the righteous of the Pharisees and fast for God and not men - Matthew 5:20
God asks the people "was it really for me that you fasted?" - Zechariah 7:5

2010-01-24 - Kingdom First - Wise Investing

Jesus is not interested in our obedience outwardly without having our hearts set on heaven
All the ancient were longing for a better country

Living a Christian life is more than living up to a standard of behavior
Meant to ask deeper questions of motivation and heart with an understanding a heart properly movtivated - actions will follow

We should develop a heart that does not store treasures in heaven
Jesus makes a case that does not make sense to store up treasures here because they will not even last here - Matthew 6:19-21

No moth, no rust, no thief, not even Satan himself can diminish our treasure in heaven
It is an incredible freeing feeling to let go of the "treasure" here on earth

Will you miss services to get overtime in?
Do your children see a joyful parent excited about the kingdom of God?

Invest all you have and all you are - Romans 12:1

 



2010-02-12 - First the Kingdom - Expectations
1. Jesus promised to judge us at the last day by his words - John 12:48
Ignorance is anything but bliss
Reliance on the teaching of the religious is dangerous

2. Jesus intends for us to act on his words once we have heard them
Knowing without doing is worse than not knowing in the first place - Luke 12:47-48
To hear the Word without obey is to be self-deceived - James 1:22-25

3. Storms of life are a reality
Disciples will in one way will have more storms because the persecution they face

4. The type of value system we have will be revealed
It will be revealed via the storms we face - our foundation (faith) will be tested - 1 Corinthians 3:11

2010-02-25 - One Another - Forgiving One Another (part 1)
Matters related to forgiveness:

Forgiveness often is not easy

Pain creates lasting memories
The more deliberate the sin or the more we have invested in a relationship, the greater the pain
Greater the pain = harder it is to forgive

Forgiveness may be hardest in the church

When we see sin in our brothers and sisters, there seems to be a much greater temptation of bitterness

Satan's top-ranked scheme may be to lead us not to forgive

Paul: I have forgiven in order that Satan might not outwit us - 2 Corinthians 2:9-11
If he can get us to forget the cross and create a different standard for our brothers and sister = victory for satan
Sin can blemish the church but there is no uglier blemish than one cause by the lack of forgiveness

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

2010-03-27 - Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 1)
James address Christians under pressure
Without pressure, the human body soon slows down and dies
Pressure keeps the blood flowing

James chooses to call himself servant rather than brother - James 1:1
He was a prominent leader in the early church but he kept a down-to-earth perspective
Anyone in a leadership role needs to have the same attitude

How are trials to be met? With pure joy - James 1:2-8
There are two options: continue in the process of becoming mature or walk away and do it our own way
Maturity is not just spiritual longevity - it is how you react under pressure

What do we do it we lack wisdom? Ask for it
Not IQ but for knowing what to do in tricky situations
It's a promise of God that he will enable you to live more intelligently

What is last big trial you faced? How did you react?

2010-05-28 - Desire's Journey - Hopeless without Desire
Peter tell us to be ready to give the reason for the hope that everyone one is asking us about - 1 Peter 3:15
When was the last time someone stopped you to ask about your hope?

Is there nothing about our lives that is worth asking about?
Our hopes are deeply tied to our real desires
Killing desire has meant a hopeless life for too many

People aren't exactly ripping the roofs of churches to get inside

The enemies ploy:
  • Drain life and beauty away from the church
  • Bury Christians in duty
  • Nobody will want to take a closer look
Wrong conclusion: Desire gets me into trouble and I must avoid it at all costs
Danger is not desire but disowning desire

2010-08-21 - Waking Dead - Last Adam
Paul refers to Jesus as the Last Adam and the Second Man - 1 Corinthians 15:45-47

Adam and Eve were rulers over all creation and glorious image bearers of God
Their choices would forever shape our lives - chose to disobey the one command they were given
Fruit does not fall far from the tree
Parents often wonder where their toddler learn how to be disobedient
It was taught to them - it is inherent to human nature
Through one man disobedience - many were made sinners - Romans 5:12

A man comes down from heaven, slips into the world unnoticed as:
  • Neo does in Matrix
  • Maximus does in Gladiator
  • Wallance does in Braveheart
Just as Adams' trespass had far reaching effects, Jesus, the Last Adam,  effects were much greater - Romans 5:17


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



2010-10-23 - Decisions
  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?


2010-10-28 - Contagious Christian - Strength of Sacrifice (part III)
Third major kind of sacrifice is a sustained, long term godly lifestyle
Spiritual cynicism runs deep in some people - Christians need to watch their life and doctrine closely to win them over

May times these are family member who have seen you go through phases before and think this is just another one

Offer your bodies as living sacrifices by being transformed with the renewing of your mind - Romans 12:1-2
History has seen rush of the Christianity starting blocks only to be on the side lines after a couple of laps
Time shows our faith to be genuine
Like in a marathon, we have to finish the race
We have to outlast other's objections

Are you going to be God's helper that is going to wear down every cynic, scoffer, and doubter in your life?

All three of the major sacrifices must be motivated by love
Love has no one greater than this - that on lay down his life for his friends - John 15:13

2010-11-03 - Contagious Christian - Finding the Approach
Besides talking to people you are ready know try contacting people you used to know
The curiosity factor comes into play
  • Because you contacted them out of blue
  • Both of you want to see all the changes that have happened since you last saw them
Call them out of curiosity and call them into fun
In the process, prayerfully watch for opportunities to share the way God has changed your life

There are also many opportunities where there people you would like to know
We all go to gas stations, stores, restaurants
With a little forethought, these errands can be turned into evangelistic opportunities
Change your thinking about the way you look at the employee who are serving you
These are people who matter to God and put in your path for you to meet
When we approach people with this attitude, with concern and respect - it is easy to get on a first name basis with them

2010-12-10 - Mission - With You Always
One of the last things Jesus said to assure his disciples, I am with you always - Matthew 28:20

Same message given to those who were:
  • "Too young"
  • "Not good speakers"
  • "Claimed weakness"
  • "Claimed faithlessness"
God's response is always the same: I will be with you
  • Peter: Do I know enough?
  • John: Will I be loved?
Jesus is on the front lines of salvation - we need to be where He is
Do you want to share because you will asked about it or because He will be with you?
If we could truely grasp the significance of Jesus being with you - radically change the face of evangelism

We are commanded to preach whether we want to or not - 1 Corinthians 9:17

Jesus reminded Paul that He was with him and that is all Paul needed
When we find ourselves timid, we need to remind ourselves who is with us 

2011-02-28 - Servant of God (part II)
The last will be first
Mark 9:33-35
  • The first must be last
  • This is not how it is in the work place
    • Go ahead take my promotion
    • Kiss up to the boss
    • Fighting to be the best
    • Spend long hours at work
If we don't see the needs around -> we should pray for Go to show us
What ways should you be serving?

It will take faith:
  • Who will take care of me?
  • They may not thank you
Matthew 23:11
  • The humble will be exalted
  • Servants can not be prideful; humility is the badge the slave
Luke 17:7-10 - Our attitude at the end of the day should be that we are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty

2011-03-26 - God Is (part VII)
Last day of this series on God's attributes:
  • The Creator - Isaiah 40:12, 22, 26
  • Truth - Psalms 117:2; Jeremiah 10:10
  • Unequaled - Isaiah 40:13-25
  • Without Limit - 1 Kings 8:27; Jeremiah 23:23-24
  • Works According To His Will - Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11


2011-03-31 - Old Testament - Messianic Prophecy

Scriptures about Messianic Prophecy

  • Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - His form was so marred he no longer looked human
  • Genesis 22:1-18 - Abraham did not withheld his son, your only son
  • Psalms 16:8-10 - He will you let your Holy One see decay
  • Psalms 2:7  - Messiah will be God's Son
  • Genesis 12:3 - All peoples on earth will be blessed through you
  • Deuteronomy 18:15 - The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you
  • Micah 5:2 - From Judah will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel
  • Isaiah 7:14 - The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel
  • Isaiah 9:1-2 - Future: people walking in darkness have seen a great light
  • Isaiah 9:6 - a son has been given to us: Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace


2011-04-11 - Names of Jesus (part V)
Names of Jesus (continued):
  • Emmanuel - Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23
  • Eternal life - 1 John 1:2; 5:20
  • Everlasting Father - Isaiah 9:6
  • Faithful witness - Revelation 1:5; 3:14
  • First and Last - Revelation 1:17; 2:8
  • Firstborn from the dead - Revelation 1:5; Colossians 1:18
  • First-born of every creature - Colossians 1:15


2011-04-24 - Names of Jesus (part XVIII)
Last day of Jesus' name study (Easter):
  • Witness - Isaiah 55:4
  • Wonderful - Isaiah 9:6
  • Word - John 1:1; 5:7
  • Word of God - Revelation 19:13
  • Word of Life - 1 John 1:1


2011-04-30 - Names of the Church (part VI)
Last day of the study of church names:
  1. Pillar and ground of the truth - 1 Timothy 3:15
  2. Sanctuary of God - Psalms 114:2
  3. Spiritual house - 1 Peter 2:5
  4. Spouse of Christ - Song of Solomon 4:12; 5:1
  5. Sought out, a city not forsaken - Isaiah 62:12
  6. Temple of God - 1 Corinthians 3:16,17
  7. Temple of the Living God - 2 Corinthians 6:16
  8. Vineyard - Jeremiah 12:10; Matthew 21:41


2011-05-13 - Names of the Believers (part XIII)
Last day for believers name study:
  • The Lord's freemen - 1 Corinthians 7:22
  • Trees of righteousness - Isaiah 61:3
  • Vessels to honor - 2 Timothy 2:21
  • Vessels of mercy - Romans 9:23
  • Witnesses for God - Isaiah 44:8


2011-05-19 - Names of Satan (part VI)
Last day (day six) of the Satan name study:
  • Serpent - Genesis 3:4,16; 2 Corinthians 11:3
  • Spirit that works in the children of disobedience - Ephesians 2:2
  • Tempter - Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5
  • The god of this world - 2 Corinthians 4:4
  • Unclean spirit - Matthew 12:43
  • Wicked-one - Matthew 13:19,38


2011-08-18 - Fearing God - Transcendent Majesty
Isaiah 6 - Repeats Holy 3x - "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty"
Hebrew language uses repetition to show emphasis

From time to time Jesus frequently add emphasis using "truely, truely" - John 3:3

We never read:
  • Wise, wise, wise is the Lord Almighty
  • Powerful, powerful, powerful is the Lord Almighty
Why is God's holiness so exalted?
  • God's perfection separates him from His creation
  • Attributes of mercy, might, power, love, purity are all within the meaning of holiness
  • His holiness is not just one of a number of attributes but the sum of all of them
  • God's name is has adjective 'holy'  next to it more than all other qualifiers combined
  • First and last son in the Both magnify the holiness of God
    • Moses crossing the Red Sea - Exodus 15:11
    • Those victorious over the beast - Revelation 15:4


2011-09-19 - Proverbs on Integrity (part II)
Examples of great integrity.
  1. Joseph - Genesis 39:8-10
    • Joseph did not give into the impure temptations that were put before him.
    • He honored God with his purity and he honored his master
  2. Jesus - Matthew 26:57-60
    • They couldn’t find anything against Jesus (false witnesses came forward “people started lying” but they didn’t make sense either)
    • Mark 7:36-37 - Jesus did everything well (integrity)
Today we need to be examples of men/women of integrity. -  Proverbs gives us a lot lessons on integrity

#1. Integrity last forever

Proverbs 12:19 - Truthful lips endure forever

Integrity last forever (people lie to escape something) but no one can run from the truth
  • People lie to appear better than they are
  • When we lie we feel clever and in control but one lie leads to other lies (then were like a dog chasing its tail)
  • Many times people lie and may not ever be discovered but remember no one can fool God
Hebrews 4:13 - Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.

Whenever we lie we ruin a part of our character.
  • The more we lie the easier it becomes thus it eventually becomes our nature.
  • You may escape the lie but you can not escape how it changes your character
Proverbs 28:13 - He who conceals his sins does not prosper

Men and take many things away from us but no one can take our integrity (its our choice).

2011-10-29 - Mind Change - Joy
Joy, not suffering, will be eternal.

Pain is bearable when it leads to something.

 We are on our way to everlasting joy.

“The toils of the road will seem nothing when we get to the end of the way.”

Isaiah 51:11 - Everlasting joy will crown their heads
Isaiah 61:7 - Everlasting joy will be theirs
Romans 8:20-21 - Creation itself will be liberated

2011-10-31 - Mind Change - Spiritual Truth
Spiritual truth is greater than physical circumstances

The physical is temporary; the spiritual is eternal.

More obvious does not mean more real.

The eternal is superior to the temporary.

Romans 8:17 - We suffer with him so we may also be glorified with him
Hebrews 10:32-34 - You knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession

2011-12-16 - Day 13 - Saved to Serve
Matthew 25:31-46
  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?
Deuteronomy 15:7-10
  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?
Matthew 10:40-42
  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?
James 1:27 - What is true religion in God's sight? Who does God have a special concern for?

Application: Who can you help today? Do it. Also, make plans with another disciple to help other needy people this week.

2012-01-01 - Day 29 - Jesus is Coming Soon
2 Peter 3:3-14
  1. Why do some people scoff (mock) at the promise of Christ's return?
  2. What will the "day of the Lord" be like?
  3. Are you living as though Jesus could come back TODAY?
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - Compare this passage to 2 Peter 3:7-10.
  1. Will there be any "second chance" for those who are not ready to meet the Lord?
  2. Why will this day be like "a thief in the night"?
  3. What does it mean to be alert and self-controlled?
2 Timothy 4:6-8
  1. How does Paul feel about facing the Lord on judgement day?
  2. Why is living for Jesus like fighting the good fight, finishing the race and keeping the faith?
  3. What kind of effort does it take to be this way to the end?
Application: Live each day like it is your last!

2012-01-17 - Ministry - The Heart of Gratitude
Luke 17:11-19, Psalms 100:4, 1 Thessalonians. 5:18

Jesus believed that if the heart of a man was healed and doing well, then that individual could really experience a complete healing from God. In Mark 2 the paralytic who was lowered through the roof by his friends in the middle of a crowded house for Jesus to heal did not hear the first words from the lips of Jesus, 'you are healed.' The first thing he heard was, "Your sins are forgiven." The obvious problem to everyone was his physical condition, yet Jesus saw the spiritual issues of the man's life and healed them first! The ten lepers came to Jesus and when he cleansed them only one came back, throwing himself at the feet of Jesus, overwhelmed with gratitude! Jesus wondered where the other nine were, but proclaimed to the man, "Your faith has made you well." Even though the other nine were cleansed of their leprosy, did they really 'get well?' The one who returned was made well-he was filled with gratitude! Many of us have been baptized, yet how many of us are filled with gratitude?

Questions:
  • Could this heart of gratitude be so powerful as to really heal me, heal my faith, heal my marriage, and heal my relationships?
  • Who do I need to be grateful for and have not really told them lately?
  • When was the last time I had a family devotional expressing gratefulness for each one?
Name three people you are grateful for and why you are, then this week express this to them.

2012-01-25 - Ministry - Jesus' Rescue Mission
Matthew 18:10-14 (Luke 15:3-10)

It is comforting to know we serve a God who is not only all-powerful and all-knowing, but also all-loving. Sometimes the spiritual battle gets so intense that we wonder if God really cares. This passage proves how deeply God cares about each individual "sheep". How we do spiritually does matter to God. He does not want any of his disciples to wander off and fall away.

Jesus is the perfect shepherd who will do whatever it takes to go after the one lost sheep. Each soul matters to God. Jesus' heart is to keep on searching, keep on hoping, and keep on loving until the sheep is found and returns home. We need to take on Jesus' heart and persevere in rescuing those who have given up on their relationship with God. Satan wants us to get hurt, get bitter and angry instead of being compassionate and determined to help those who have lost faith. Let's be inspired by Jesus' unfailing love and decide to be part of Jesus' rescue team!

Questions:
  • What is your attitude towards those who have fallen away from God?
  • When was the last time you reached out to someone who has stopped being a part of the fellowship?
Practical: Choose one person who you can rescue and encourage today. Make a card ; call them and invite them over for dinner; give them a gift of their "favorite."

2012-01-26 - Ministry - Producing a Harvest
Matthew 13:1-23

How fruitful have you been in the last year? Are the worries of this life making you unfruitful? There are so many things that we could worry about: our school, spouses, dating life, children, money, jobs, etc. Do we get so consumed with ourselves and our lives that we forget our purpose in life? Nothing will come of our efforts to save the lost if we are filled with stress and worry. We will choke out the power of the word and of God we focus on our worries. God wants us to have a fruitful life! When we really hear God's word and embrace it, we will produce a harvest beyond our wildest dreams.

Have you let stress and worry in your life choke out the word?

Make a prayer list of all the things you are worried about and pray through them.

Pray with faith and see how God moves in your life when you cast your anxieties on Him.

2012-02-10 - Ministry - The Shepherd's Touch
John 10:1-18

In verse 11 Jesus calls himself the good shepherd and says that the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. A shepherd is protective of his flock and a love for them. True shepherds do not want to lose even one single sheep. They stand between their sheep and danger. They are more concerned for the welfare of their sheep than they are for themselves. They are willing to go without so that their sheep might have their needs met.
The sheep are responsive to their master's voice. They trust him because of his heart for them. The world teaches us to look out for ourselves at the expense of others. It teaches us that we are the most important people and that our comfort and security comes first.

Finally, the measure of a shepherd's heart for the sheep will come when danger approaches. That is when the heart of the shepherd is the most exposed. Will the shepherd stay and fight and protect or run and hide and let the sheep fend for themselves?

What kind of "protective" phone call, card, or visit can you give to someone to keep them tied into the flock?
It doesn't take long to do something like this but the result will be everlasting.

2012-02-14 - Fear of Failure - If You Love, You Cannot Fail
Nic Thompson, San Francisco Church of Christ

1 Corinthians 13

Love never fails. So if we love, we won't either, no matter what our circumstances may be. Love is the reason Jesus lived and died on earth for you and me. Love is the gift that God gave us through his Son. We know that we are becoming like Jesus when we have love for one another. Love is not just a warm feeling, it is the qualities that Paul lists in 1 Corinthians 13. How does your heart measure up? Do you love the truth, do you put others first? Read through the list and see how you have demonstrated these qualities in the last 48 hours. Ask someone who knows you if they agree with your assessment!

Decisions:
  • Choose one characteristic of love and practice it each day.
  • Ask someone how to become more loving.
  • Demonstrate my love by serving someone today.


2012-02-17 - Fear of Failure - Openness Leads to Success
by Bernard Jones, San Francisco Church of Christ

1 John 1:5-9; Proverbs 28:13

One of my biggest fears as a disciple is being totally open with my life. I am afraid that if people know me they will not want to be around me. For the last two years I have been deceitful about the condition of my marriage, finances, and my life. This has led me to feel discouraged and despondent. Many times I tried to fix the problem by transferring balances on credit cards, discipling myself, etc. I did all this because I didn't want people to see the true me. Being in the ministry can be a temptation to pretend to be someone I am not. One decision I have made is to be completely open about everything that is going on. Like Proverbs 28:13 says, if you are open, you will prosper. Since I have become repentant, I have seen my marriage grow, have been personally fruitful three times, and have a plan to be totally debt free in four years. I have realized that when I am open and real, God can use me to do great things.

Is there anything you haven't been open about?

Make a decision to be open today so God can bring prosperity to your life!

2015-02-03 - Suffering with Benefits

Take pleasure in my weakness; when I am weak, I am strong - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Paul did much of his writting in prison and enduring arrests, beatings, threats against his life because of Jesus

People who take pleasure in suffering are usually the ones who need mental help.

Paul knew his suffering wouldn't last forever and that God had something better

He remembered his suffering would last a moment, while the glory to come would last forever

Suffering can:

  • build endurance
  • mature your faith
  • remind you of your own weakness
  • bring you to the point of complete dependance of him

 



2015-02-15 - Our Source of Joy

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation - Habakkuk 3:17-18

What we think about and focus on really does affect our attiutde - The Power of Positive Thinking

Habakkuk fortold:

  • The coming destruction of Jerusalem 
  • The Babylonian captivity that would follow

Habakkuk grieved over the coming destruction but he did sink into despair

Joy in God was a choice, Babylonians or no Babylonians

To maintain his joy, he counted two truths

  • His difficult times would not last forever
  • His source of joy lay in the God he loved

His loving God was the one constant in his life

 



2015-02-21 - Moving On

Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark; Paul did not - Acts 15:37-38

Edison tried several thousand time before creating the light bulb.

Reguarding failure as opportunity for growth encourages you to keeping going

John Mark returned home during the last trip because of possibly because he was frightened, discouraged, or homesick - Acts 13:13

Barnabas wanted to give him another chance; Paul disagreed and brought along Silas

John Mark matured and eventually Paul recongnized him as a effective minister of the gospel - 2 Timothy 4:11

Do you believe your past failures disqualify you from effective service in the church?



2015-03-05 - Negative Example

Diotresphes refuses to have anything to do with us and has evil accusation against us - 3 John 1:9-10

Diotresphes was a gifted man interested in moving himself up the church's pecking order

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant - Matthew 20:26

John did not beat around the bush: don't let this bad example influence you, only follow what is good - 3 John 1:11

Diotresphes' me-first mentality put him last in God's scheme of things



2015-05-11 - Shining Lamp

Full of the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God - Acts 7:55

Nothing prompts change likea man's courage in the face of potential personal loss. Stephen had that kind of courage.

Religous leaders hoped persecuting Christians would put a stop to this new religious movement, exactly the opposite happened

Stephen willingly died for what he believed in and he contributed greatly to the spread of the gospel message

At the scene of Stephen's murder stood a young Pharisee named Saul - the same Saul God miraculously converted

Stephen's courage and faith in the face of death apparently made a lasting impression

Pauls bold preaching would change the world forever - Acts 22:19-20

Lamps do not talk, but they do shine. Is your lamp shining today?



2015-05-22 - Infectious Enthusiasm

Phinehas has turned my anger away from the Isrealites by being as zealous among them as I was - Numbers 25:10

Phinehas had seen the immorality going on around him and could not stand idly by and allow his people tp defile themselves

Neither could he allow God judgement to continue without trying to bring it to an end

His last straw momenet was when he witnessed his Hebrew brother shamelessly taking a Midianite into his tent

Phinehas' zeal kicked in and passionately executed the man

From then on, he showed his willingness to take a stand and the people of Israel were spared and decendants received God's blessings - Numbers 25:12-13

When you are enthusiastic about your relationship with God, you are bound to affect the people around you 



Next 25 >>