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Searching for "relationships" in the Quiet Time Archive
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2009-10-05 - One Another - Admonishing One Another
"noutheteo" meaning to or counsel, translated admonish:
  1. To caution, advise or counsel against something
  2. To reprove or scold in a goodwilled manner
  3. To urge to a duty
  4. Not to rebuke
Noutheteo is used frequently involving one another
  • I did not cease to admonish each one with tears - Acts 20:31
  • We proclaim Him, admonishing every man - Colossians 1:28
  • Admonish one another - not just something for leaders - Romans 15:14
  • Admonish the unruly - 1 Thessalonians 5:14
More often admonish is the word couch
Not uncommon to pay to have a life couch
We should have a # of relationships with people who know us and can help
We must also realize that we can give others couching as well

2009-11-11 - Repentance - Worldly Sorrow (part 1)
Sorrow does not equal repentance
Nothing is more tragic than losing your eternal reward through popular yet readily avoidable errors
Two great misconceptions

Confusion that sorrow is repentance
Humble prayers and our sorrow pleases God – still not repentance

World Sorrow is neither Godly Sorrow Nor repentance
Worldly sorrow brings death

Five signs of world sorrow (pride)

1. Damage Control
  • Many call press conferences to get there side of the story our first
  • Once guilt is found, party than give a “heart-felt” apology – sorrow for getting caught
  • Sin is destructive. It ruins relationships, reputation, peace of mind and personal integrity
2. Self-Pity
  • Some believe the abundance of tears is repentance
    • Forgiven women (forgiven)
    • Peter, Paul vs Cain (became angry)
    • Esau (wailed loudly)
    • Judas (deeply regretted)
  • All three shed tear but not one repented
  • Claiming to be a victim doesn’t make one a victim
  • Tears can be self-affirming to one with self-pity (can become more sinful)
  • Ones mostly likely to enable and least likely to help you


2009-12-29 - First the Kingdom - Growing Meekness
Cultivating meekness is not some thing you do but a character change

Gentleness is a quality of meekness - Galatians 5:22

Meekness follows poverty of spirit and godly sorrow - there are no shortcuts

To stay meek you must confront sin and work through it

  1. Study the nature of God to develop more reverence before him'
  2. Study biblical passages on meekness
  3. Ask your closest relationships to help evaluate your humility
  4. Pray about what you see in the Bible about meekness
Do you want to be known as the meekest man?

Jesus was convicted about meekness

2010-01-21 - Kingdom First - Handle Prayerfully (part 3)
Lord's Prayer: A brief overview:
  1. Our Father in heaven - Set our minds on personal and intimate relationship we have with our God
  2. Hallowed be your name  - Praise and honor him
  3. Your Kingdom come  - Pray for his church, disciples, leaders, people whom the gospel has not reached
  4. Your will be done - Pray for a submissive heart toward will of God in our lives
  5. Give us this day our daily bread - Pray through today's schedule, needs, relying on God
  6. Forgive us our debts - Confess specific sin
  7. As we also have forgiven our debtors - Commit before God to resolve conflict, hurts, concerns in all relationships
  8. Lead us not into temptation - Wrestle with God to be submissive and repentant in areas of weakness
  9. Deliver us from the evil one - Pray that God to stop Satan and than God for victories in him


2010-01-30 - One Another - Confession Lessons
Sin is still a reality - even in Christ
God uses relationships to transform us
Everyone who seek these relationship will find themselves either being the one sinning or the one being sinned against

Christ has freed us to be real
We no longer have to prove anything
No longer have to pretend or conceal
Love of Christ compels us and reminds us and reassures us

We should not be shocked or disillusioned when someone confesses
Will we look down on others like the Pharisee did in Jesus' parable - Luke 18?
Or will we see we all are capable of bad things in need of grace?

Sooner we can walk in the light, the better
Longer something stays concealed, the more demons of darkness have time to work

2010-02-15 - One Another - Bearing With Another (part 2)
When helping each other likely not going to happen:
  • When relationships are superficial - deeper and consistent basis
  • When we feel our own burdens are quite enough - not hard for anyone to feel this
When will bearing with each other happen?

1. When relationships are real, open, and deep
When we know people, walk with them, feel with them, and pray with them - we will know when they are leaving the path
We need to care for them

2. When we feel our burdens, but live with a servant heart
Should look to the interest of others - Philippians 2:4-5

3. When we understand that we are responsible for one another and accept it

2010-03-02 - To Live is Christ - Partners in the Gospel
Philippians 1:16

Philippi was named for Philip of Macedon
It was a roman colony - not actually a place one would expect the message of Jesus to take hold
A roman jail is where you would expect Paul and Silas to be

Paul made a career of being with other and influencing their lives - reduced to visits from the guards
Through many hard times he had learned to overcome the most challenging of circumstances

Five lines into the letter, Paul remembers his relationship with God and other disciples:
  • First converts - Lydia and her household
  • The jailer and his house hold
  • God using an earthquake to bring unlikely people into the kingdom of God - Acts 16:22
Christianity is a personal experience but not a private one

Only when we have been in the trenches with others will we have relationships that are full of life

2010-03-29 - Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 3)
God does not work to ruin our lives but to improve us - James 1:16-18
Don't accuse God of wrong doing like Job did - Job 1:22

Our fate is in God's hands, not in the stars - v. 17

God's goodness is his gift of rebirth
Peter makes this clear - 1 Peter 1:23

James moves to relationships with one another
Don't retaliate when times are tough - James 1:19-21

James' wisdom would transform many a relationship if put into practice

Natural Reaction Jesus' action
Be quick to speak Be quick to listen
Don't listen Slow to speak
Be first to become angry Slow to become angry


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



2010-05-17 - Desire's Journey - The Beast Within
Years of living in an indifferent hostile world creates a deep sense of unsettledness with in us

Battle of good and evil within us - Romans 7:20-23
Sinful desires are contrary to the Spirit
They conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want - Galatians 5:17

There is a nagging awareness warning us not to feel our hunger too deeply or it will undo us
We wouldn't want to do anything crazy or desperate

We want what our unmet desire wants but our sinful nature wants what is contrary

We try everything - TV, sex, relationships, drugs, etc - going one to another
We don't know what we want because we're so unacquaninted with our desire

We try to keep a safe distance between our daily lives and our heart's desire - because it causes us too much trouble

Do we really want to open Pandora's box?

Dare we awaken our hears to their true desires?
Is it better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all?

Our dilemma is this: we can't seem to live with desire, and we can't live without it



2010-06-02 - Desire's Journey - Loneliness and Heartache

Even received a different curse from God - Genesis 3:16
It hits where it matters most - in her relationships
The curse every woman knows the reality of loneliness and heartache

More talk amoug women revolves more about relationships than work
Imposters pretend they do not need love

The worst fear of a women is abandonment

Some men refuse to play the man for fear of failing
Some women shun imtimacy in fear of rejection



2010-06-06 - Take the test (part 1)
By Curt Simmons in 2002

Test Time

Tests are given in many of life's situations:

  • driving test
  • drug test
  • citizen test
  • emission test
  • products test
  • work test
We need tests to see where we are.

 

Deuteronomy 8:1-2 - what is really in your heart?


Judges 2:20-FF

  • Your character needs to be tested
  • "I want to be molded"
2 Chronicles 29:14-17
  • Tested in how you give
  • Test in what makes you happy
Proverbs 17:3 - The Lord tests the heart

1 Peter 1:3-6

  • Prove to you and him that your faith genuine
  • We need to stop fighting God
  • We will have challenges with:
    • character
    • commitment
    • hurt
    • weakness in the church
    • close friends leaves
    • persecution
    • death
    • illness
    • finances
    • relationships
    • dating
    • family not open
    • spouse
    • happiness
    • children
    • friends


2010-07-21 - Desire's Journey - Deeper Desire (part 8)
Losing all sensitivity - the dullness that most people accept as normal - Ephesians 4:17-19

A deadened soul requires a greater and greater level of stimulation to arouse it
This is known as the downward spiral of any addiction

TV today would be consider shocking thirty years ago
This is why holiness is not numbness - it is sensitivity

God wants to be our perfect lover but instead we seek perfection in human relationships and are disappointed when our lovers cannot love us perfectly

The Law (Music sheet, if you will) is our help for guiding us
Our instrument is out of tune from years of misuse
We're not clear all the time on what it is we really want

2010-09-16 - Why can't we be friends?
Preached on 2003-01-26

Conflicts -Who are having problems? 1 John 4:20

- To love God, is to love our brothers

Three reason why we can not

1. Lack of spiritually (half-hearted)

Genesis 4:1
- God wants us to give your best
- First reaction: Anger and downcast
- Relationships - best to God, best to others

How could being close to God change things for you?

2. Selfish


Jacob and Esua

Genesis 25:27-35
- Only do things you like to do
- Waiting for them to come to you
- You make the first moved

3. Jealous/Anger

Genesis 37:1

- How is jealousy effecting you relationship?
- Focus on all the blessing you DO have
- Pray for them

2010-09-23 - Waking Dead - It Must Be Intimate
Most churches offer small group activities but they are usually short lived for two reasons:

1. Can't just throw a random group together and then it instantly become allies
Closeness takes time - playing, working, helping, living together develops relationships
All the believers were one in heart - Acts 4:32
  • They all love the same thing
  • They all wanted the same thing
  • They were bound together to find it come hell or high water
2. Small groups are anything but redemptive powerhouses

You can study til you are blue in the face but it will not heal a broken heart
A small fellowship needs to be a redemptive community and one that protects

Idea: In a group - write down 5 words or phrases that captures your life right now
Then find what stories or scenes or characters help you interpret those words

2010-09-26 - Waking Dead - Heart of Treasure
Above all else, guard your heart - Proverbs 4:23

Having so long believed our hearts are evil, we assume the warning is to keep us out of trouble
So we lock up our hearts and throw away the key and try to get on with our living
It does say guard your heart because it is criminal but because it is the wellspring of of life
It is treasure - everything else depends on it

Above all else?
We don't even do it once in a while - we careless with our hearts

What if we were careful?
Faith would be must deeper
Relationships so much better

We live completely backwards
"All else" is above our hearts

What do you do on a monthly basis to take care of your heart?

God intends that we treat our hearts as treasures
They were ransomed at a tremendous cost

2010-10-05 - Contagious Christian - Impacting Your World (part 1)

There are expectations everywhere, to have:

  • Strong marriages
  • Obedient children
  • Balanced budgets
  • Ethical business
  • Effective prayer lives
  • Meaningful relationships

Many times the "ought to" comes through louder than the "how to"
Especially true in the challenge of having an evangelist impact
God did not leave us in a state of confusion - What God expects, He enables

We need to focus on the important steps to have maximum impact
HP (High Potency) + CP (Close Proximity) + CC (Clear Communication)  = Maximum Impact (MI)

We are the salt of the world - Matthew 5:13

  • Salt makes us thristy
  • It spices things us
  • It preserves - holds back decay

Which did Jesus have in mind? We don't know
HP (High Potency) = means we need to have a strong concentration of Christ's influnce in our lives
CP (Close Proximity) = means we need to get close to people we're hoping to reach in order to allow His power to have its intended effect



2010-10-29 - Contagious Christian - Opportunities in Relationships
Developing friendships takes time and effort
We try to short-circuit the process sometimes by using the reason of there are too many people to reach

We are wise to start relationships on a natural, nonthreatening grounds
Then later, in the context of the relationship open up conversations to spiritual issues

Most of His interactions with the religious establishment involved challenging their attitudes

Jesus spent the majority of His time with those outside the religious establishment
He rubbed shoulders with tax collectors (thieves in that day), prostitutes, those with low spiritual reprobates
Because they mattered to Him and He wanted to lead them to the family of God
We love Him because He loved us first
Paul - "I have become all things to all men so I might same some" - 1 Corinthians 9:22



2010-10-30 - Contagious Christian - Barriers to Relationships (part I)
Biblical Issues with understanding what friendships are in the Bible can be barriers to relationships
Some feel that befriending people who are irreligious is questionable and maybe unbiblical

A look at a few examples of some verses misunderstood

James 4:4 - says not to be friends with the world
1 John 2:15-17 - world is referring to sin and evil that people commit, not to the people themselves
We need to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world

John 17:14 - we are not of this world is sometimes interpreted that we should not associate with people outside of God's family
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one - John 17:15-18
Jesus' purpose was to seek and save what is lost, he had to have relationships in the world to accomplish this - Luke 19:10

2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come out from them and be separate; avoid being yoked with unbelievers
Not referring to everyday friendships but more formal alliances
Paul in an earlier letter said that ordinary interactions with non-Christians is right and necessary - 1 Corinthians 5:9-10

Jesus was a friend of tax collectors and sinners - Luke 7:34

2010-11-02 - Contagious Christian - Throwing a Matthew Party

Throwing your own Matthew party fulfills a modest purposes

  • To provide a neutral setting where Christians can make a low-key contact with irreligious people
  • To strengthening existing relationships as well as cultivating new ones
  • To plant some spiritual seeds and strike up conversations about matters of faith

Good examples of Matthew parties:

  • Holiday parties
  • Events for kids on the block
  • Summer BBQs

Another misconception is that we have add a lot of new activities to our schedules

Examples of everyday activities to get people involved in:

  • Sharing a meal
  • Watching a game
  • Sporting activities
  • Babysitting and work exchanges

 



2010-11-08 - Contagious Christian - Matthew's Interpersonal Approach
After accepting Jesus' call, Matthew did whatever he could to bring along as many of his friends as possible
He put on big banquet for his tax collector buddies in our for them to meet Jesus - Luke 5:29
He did not confront, debate, or tell them what happened to him
He relied on the relationships he'd built with them and he sought to further develop their friendship

He genuinely cared about them and wanted to influence them toward considering Christ

People who specialize in this approach, tend to be warm and people-centered
Some people will never be reached until someone takes the time to build that kind of intimacy with them

Interpersonal evangelist enjoy:
  • Having people in their homes
  • Sharing a meal
  • Spending time in conversation


2010-11-15 - Power of the Cross
Preached by Maurice Hooks

Answers to life's question is @ the cross
Power struggles happen everyday
  • Money
  • Relationships
  • Control over resources
Jesus should be our true power source
We are at level ground at the foot of the cross

Wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
  • God is love but he also just and holy
  • There is no sin that can go unpunished
  • This the parents dilemma - should I punish or let it go?
  • God can not let anything go because of his nature
  • We do not have to have all the answers - not our "wisdom" but God's wisdom
When we take it to the cross, we are all equal
Are you impowered by the cross?

Colossians 1:15-20
  • In him all things hold together
  • How God can be just and for us to have salvation because of the blood of Jesus
  • It all comes through Jesus Christ
Power struggles in our lives:
  1. Age 4 - Going potty
  2. Age 12 - Having friends
  3. Age 17 - Having a car
  4. Age 35, 45, 55, 65 - Having Money
  5. Age 75 - Having a car
  6. Age 80 - Having friends
  7. Age 85 - Go potty
How the power of the cross needs to be seen in our lives

In our relationships
  • Deversity in the church
  • Strong Marriage
  • Unity
Overcoming our fears(1 John 4:7-21)
  • Acceptance
  • Future
  • What others think


2011-01-05 - Holy Spirit (part II)

Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Spirit is God’s mark of ownership on his children and a “deposit” of the
blessings of the age to come.

Ephesians 3:14-21 - We are strengthened with real power through the Spirit who dwells within us. We
cannot live the Christian life on our own strength, but God himself provides us with the power to live as
followers of Jesus. Understanding Jesus’ amazing love for us is a source of that strength.

Ephesians 4:29-32 - How do we “grieve” the Holy Spirit? Why is anger and anger-related sin so
devastating? How is disharmony in our relationships incompatible with having the Spirit of God in us?



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

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

They use examples: Jon/David, Ruth, Naomi

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

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

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

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

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

2011-02-22 - The Church - Kansas City (part II)
Cheerful Giver
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
  • 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)
Role in the Body
1 Corinthians 12:12-20
  • 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)


2011-02-23 - The Church - Kansas City (part III)
1 Corinthians 12:21-26
  • Each disciple is different but each disciple is valuable to God and the body
  • Just as your foot can't live without the body neither can a disciple live without the body
  • The relationships in the church are very important. You have an opportunity to be close to a lot of people
  • Question: How do you feel about the opportunity to be close friends with so many different types of people?
Proverbs 12:1 - It is important and smart for us to seek out and accept correction.

Proverbs 15:22
  • God wants us to be successful but it's up to us to seek advice and apply it to our lives
  • Question: What area in your life do you need to seek advice in?
  • Question: Why is it important to seek advice? So we don't give Satan a foothold.


2011-02-25 - Counting the Cost (part I)
Purpose: We want to review things with you to answer any questions or help with situations that could occur.

Luke 14:25-27
  • Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
  • Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
  • Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
  • Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
  • Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
  • v26 - Even his own life
    • What will you need to overcome?
James 4:7 - Temptations will come but you need to resist them - fighting for your life/salvation.

1 John 1:5-10
  • Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
  • We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
  • Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)


2011-03-16 - One Another (part II)
Some more scriptures about relationships:
  • Confess your sins to each other - James 5:16
  • Do not lie to each other - Colossians 3:9
  • Do not slander one another - James 4:11
  • Don’t grumble against each other - James 5:9
  • Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others - 1 Peter 4:10
  • Encourage each other - 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
  • Encourage one another - Hebrews 10:25
  • Encourage one another daily - Hebrews 3:13


2011-07-05 - Mind of Christ - Relationship with God (part VI)
For oneness with the Father, we must be of the same kind of person:
  • Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness
  • Colossians 3:10 - Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator
Oneness with the Father is a definable concept in our own personal lives.

What it does NOT mean:
  • It is not merely being a member of the church.
  • It is not merely being baptized.
  • It is not merely observing the Lord’s Supper each Sunday.
  • It is not merely the equivalent of quiet time each day.
  • It is not merely an involvement in one or more discipling relationships.
  • It is not merely being busy in “Church work”.
  • It is not merely being fruitful in evangelism.
What it DOES mean:
  • It means that I am continually conscious of God’s presence and that I desire such by seeking God’s face throughout the day
  • It means that His thoughts are becoming my thoughts, His ways are becoming my ways (this is a continual, never ending process)
  • It means that I truly love God and want to obey His will with more of my heart each day.


2011-08-06 - Daughter Needs - Sugar Daddy
It is the Father's duty to provide for the material needs - 1 Timothy 5:8
But if all we do as fathers i provide, we will miss other important parental responsibilities

A Sugar daddy is the one who spares no expense to but her toys and gifts
Her affection is his reward - likes the rush of her admiration and appreciation
Many times it comes from guilt after having spent too many hours on the job
Also comes from our emotional inability to give ourselves to our daughter

Daughters can begin to believe that the most important things in life are financial
They say "It is important to daddy, I like material things too"

Matter if adjusting our priorities
If she sees that he really values his relationship with her - she will value relationships
Give yourself to your daughter and you will teach her the value of real love

2011-09-11 - Followup: Humility II (part II)
What’s in store for the humble person?
  1. Grace
  2. “Lifted up” – growing and being blessed
  3. Relief because his burdens and anxieties will be carried by God
  4. 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:
  1. Accept full responsibility (don’t blame others for your actions)
  2. Make no excuses (don’t be defensive)
  3. Apologize humbly and go on your way rejoicing.
What to do when others sin against you:
  1. Tell them in a respectful way (don’t give in to faithlessness or fear)
  2. Focus on your love for them and not on what they have done to you.
  3. 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.

2011-09-23 - Proverbs on Pride (part III)
Proverbs 13:10 - wise men and women listen to each other's counsel

Proverbs 18:11 - The rich think their wealth protects them

Illustration:
  • I read that when a caterpillar exists in its lowly state it can get as close as it wants to other caterpillars.
  • They climb all over each other and share grounds selflessly.
  • But as soon as the caterpillar spreads its wings and takes flight, it can never again get close as it once did to other creatures.
  • The beauty of its wings is the very thing that prevents it from getting close.
  • When we puff ourselves up with pride, we cannot get close to people around us.
  • We beat our wings against theirs and we both are destroyed.
The most deadly attribute of pride in a relationship is selfishness.
  • It takes humility to have truly great relationships
  • When we are selfish we refuse to share what we have with others (time, possessions, self)
  • If we fail to share ourselves, then on one will really know us.
  • It is impossible to be really close to people and be selfish
#2. Pride kills self-esteem (Proverbs 26:12)
  • Pride blinds us to who we really are
  • We get a false image of ourselves and cling to that image instead of the truth
  • Underneath our arrogance and pride are feelings of self-loathing and extreme neediness
  • In order to overcome we puff ourselves up, we act as if we have it together
  • Unfortunately we only fool & hurt ourselves because others can see through it.
  • This shell of pride can also keep others away as we duck our heads back in (turtle)
  • As long as we stay in our shell we are prisoners of our own pride, destine to live a lonely life


2011-10-04 - Genesis 4 - Cain Murders Abel

Summary

Eve's sons made offerings to God. Only Abel's was acceptable, so Cain killed him. Abel's blood cried out and God sent Cain away.

Observations

Genesis 4:7 - if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door
The sins of omission are very related to the sins of commission. If you are sitting on the sidelines, you have time (maybe considered laziness) and you will give Satan time to put all sorts of temptations in your head. A lazy person bring is a good friend to the evil one and is considered a brother [Proverbs 18:9].

Genesis 4:9 - Am I my brother's keeper?
The Christian walk is more than God and us. It is also the people around us. We learn about relationships from others. We learn about ourselves and get feedback on how we are doing - and give it as well.  Without others we would have been pointed the way to God and we could not reach  others with the gospel.

Genesis 4:12 - You will be a restless wanderer on the earth
Without God in our lives, we are a restless wander. Our thoughts, emotions, and desires become our direction and we walk aimlessly - not knowing where we are, where we came from, or where we are going.

Genesis 4:26 - At that time men began to call on the name of the LORD
Since the beginning of time men began call for for God. It is built into the nature of our being. Time after time he has answered no matter how far away we go. But when he calls for us, will be answer? Will we let it go to voicemail? Are we screening our calls from Him and only answer the calls that are easy to take?

Personal Application

I wonder sometimes if I have my "ringer" loud enough for me to hear when God calls. A lot of times I look back on important events in my life and realize that I missed another lesson God was trying to teach me but I was not listening. I feel embarrassed  that I was so selfish during that times. I want to listen voice from God more intensely.



2011-10-13 - Genesis 13 - The Cowboy Conflict

Summary

Abram journeyed with his nephew Lot. Their servants argued, so Lot went to Sodom, Abram to Canaan. The LORD promised Abram the land.

Observations

Genesis 13:7 - So there were quarrels
When there are many things involved, sometimes because there are quarrels. Quarrels come from our evil desires within us [James 4:1]. It is not the amount of items but our heart toward them. In this day in age, there are many quarrel and we have many things. Right now Congress can not agree on much of anything. Are we fighting the good fight or just fighting each other?

Genesis 13:11 - Lot chose for himself the whole region of the Jordan
Lot had a choice, the better Lot wanted the "well-watered" land for himself but in the ended up with the land full of sin. When chose what is better for ourselves rather than others, we many times not get what we think we are getting. If Lot had the choice over again, he would have likely would chose to give the land to Abram but it instead cost him his life.

Personal Application

I have been very quarrelsome at work recently - there is a lot that frustrates me right now. I need to relax and count my blessings. It is not worth broken relationships or loss of life.



2011-10-14 - Genesis 14 - The Kidnapping of Lot

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.



2011-10-17 - Genesis 17 - Abram becomes Abraham

Summary

God made a covenant with Abram and renamed him Abraham. He renamed Sarai Sarah and promised them a son. The men were circumcised.

Observations

Genesis 17:9 - As for you, you must keep my covenant
First, God came to Abram and Abram fell facedown. God told him what His part of the covenant - the promises that Abram would be a father of many nations. But there are two sides to covenant - we have commitment too. Sometimes we just love to look at God's promises but ignore our side of the covenant. God freely gives and will always out give us but we must do our part as well. What parts of our relationship with God are one sided?

Genesis 17:17 - Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old?
Sometimes what He says to us are hard to believe or understand. But His ways are much higher than our ways [Isaiah 55:9]. Despite our understanding at the time, we need to trust what God says. What promises of promise of God are we not trusting? Why?

Personal Application

I know I can one-sided and stubborn in my thoughts and sometimes in my relationships. When I get my mind set to do something, that is the way it is. This can be a strength in some situations but a very big weakness if I am contrary to God's thinking. I need to be humble and allow God to change my thoughts and my ways.



2011-11-20 - Getting Started (part II)

Remember the battle you entered

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

Remember what you promised

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

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



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
  1. What helped to keep these young disciples faithful?
  2. Are you devoting yourself to the same things they did (2:42)?
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1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
  1. What does it mean to have "deep conviction"? How can you develop conviction?
  2. Who should you imitate? In what ways?
  3. Are you becoming a "model" to others? How?

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

2011-12-12 - Day 9 - Trials of Many Kinds
James 1:2-8
  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
  2. What should your attitude be about going through trials?
  3. What are the trials in your life right now?
James 1:12-15
  1. How can you persevere through trials and stand the test?
  2. Where do temptations come from? What things tempt you? Have you talked about your temptations with God and with another disciple?
1 Peter 1:3-9
  1. Why should we rejoice in trials?
  2. How can you know if your faith is genuine or not?
  3. Write a list of some of the tests that could come your way (financially, relationships, persecution, etc.)
  4. How can you prepare today for trials you may face later?
Application: Talk with another disciple today about the trials and temptations you face. Discuss your attitude about trials. Be happy!

2011-12-30 - Day 27 - Learning to be Loyal
What does loyalty mean to you?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
  1. Write out this passage substituting your name in place of the word love. Now read through it again, thinking about some specific relationships you have.
  2. What do you see about yourself that needs to change?
Ephesians 4:29
  1. What kind of talk is harmful to others?
  2. Have you been involved in talk that is unkind, slanderous or mocking?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
  1. Who is "over you in the Lord"?
  2. Is this based on how they live?
  3. Write some names of Christians who work hard among you. Do you respect them from your heart?
  4. What is your attitude toward Christians who are weak or slow to learn?
Application: Write a note of appreciation to someone you respect, who is over you in the Lord and also to someone who needs patient encouragement.

2012-01-02 - Day 30 - Joined Together in Love
Psalms 133:1-3 - What is unity and why is it so important to have it in the church?

Ephesians 4:1-3
  1. Explain verse 2 in your own words. What happens when we act the opposite of this?
  2. Why does it take every effort to keep unity?
Philippians 2:1-5
  1. What does it mean to be one in spirit and purpose?
  2. How can you consider others better that yourself?
  3. Whose interests have you been looking out for besides your own? What is the attitude of Jesus? Is yours the same?
Matthew 18:15-17 &  Matthew 5:23-24
  1. How does Jesus tell us to resolve conflicts and disagreements with one another?
  2. Who should go to whom first?
  3. Is there anyone in the church with whom you need to go and settle a problem?
Application: Think about your relationships today. Pray to be unified with all your brothers and sisters and reach out to and spend time with those you do not love as Jesus would.

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.

2012-02-02 - Ministry - The Wild Man
Mark 5:1-20

So often in our lives as disciples we can unfortunately relate to the wild demon-possessed man we see in the scriptures. In my own life there are times when I long to be able to meet and connect with Jesus and to go deeper in my relationship with God but have it cut short by anger, anxiety and frustration. It's at these times that I must examine the sin and the areas of my life that are out of control.

Areas to examine:
  • Finances, Discipline (Laziness), Purity
  • Eating and drinking habits over the holidays.
  • Relationships
The key to doing well spiritually is to realize that you need the help of Jesus (V6) through prayer and the help of relationships (V19).
V17- The people begged Jesus to leave, even after he performed such an amazing miracle.
Why? Jesus represented the light!
John 3:19-21 teaches us that the light has come into the world to expose darkness.
You will not want Jesus around if you do not welcome exposure.

Questions for thought:
  • Do I welcome spiritual relationships?
  • Do I confess sin and push my life into the light?
  • How do these sins affect my heart for people?
Be the light today for someone who is struggling or discouraged in their faith. Encourage them in some way.
Focus on the relationship, not on the sin. Learn how to love people in spite of the sin in their lives.

2012-02-05 - Ministry - Touching Faith
Mark 5:24b-34

This woman had been subject to a chronic disorder for 12 years of her life. Imagine for a minute the discouragement, doubt, devastation, and frustration of not being able to see this condition get better. In fact, it just got worse. Have you ever felt defeated about something in your life? Have you ever been discouraged for months about your marriage? Personal fruitfulness? Relationships? Then you can relate to this woman. One of the Satan's deadliest tactics is to keep people from being open about their lives. Sadly, many of us fall into this trap Satan has laid for us and we begin to live "double lives" in the Kingdom. We live a certain way in the world and a certain way at church. For a brief moment in her misery, she decided to have faith and touch him Jesus felt power leave him so he asked "Who touched me?" People stop, some get nervous, some put their heads down, some look at others. Everything is silent.

The woman's conscience perhaps was pricked and she had a decision to make. She knew what she did and she knew what the right thing to do was. So she fell to her feet, trembling with fear, she told him the whole truth. But what she thought Jesus would do, he didn't do because he is not like you or me. She learned Jesus wanted to her to be open and tell the truth not because he wanted to scold her, admonish her, or even take the miracle back. He actually wanted to honor her.

Question: What doubt or discouragement in your life is holding you back from being 100% sold out to God?

Talk to your discipleship partner today about it. Getting "in touch" with it is the first step to change.

2012-02-06 - Ministry - Compassion: The Heart of Jesus
John 11:33-35
In a world so full of pain, hardship and suffering the compassion of Jesus lights the world. It is a comfort to know that "our God is full of compassion".

Psalms 116:5
Jesus was deeply moved by people's suffering. Jesus sincerely cared and invested his heart in others. Does the hardship of others cause us to invest our hearts or harden them? Do we imitate Jesus' heart? We can learn to be compassionate only when we have allowed Jesus to comfort us.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7
  • Compassion causes us to act. Mark 1:40 - 42
  • Compassion compels us to invest emotionally. John 11: 33 - 35
  • Compassion inspires hope. Mark 5:25 - 34
Questions
  • Do we have compassion on all people? - Psalms 145:9
  • Do we restore people with compassion? - Zechariah 10:16
  • Do we show compassion to the weak? - Isaiah 42:3 & 4
  • Do we stifle compassion in our ministries? - Amos 1:11
  • Do you see the spiritual suffering of people?
Share with someone today about your faith, the church or the relationships you have that ease your suffering and give you hope

2012-02-11 - Ministry - Even While Suffering
John 19:17-27

As we read the passage, particularly v25-27, it is compelling the even in the throes of pain, Jesus is taking care of his relationships. It would have been easy for him to neglect this as he was busying suffering and dying. It is easy for us as we are in transition spiritually or physically to forget to care of our relationships. This can really hurt people make them feel as though we do not care. Why did not Jesus take care of all of this earlier? Why did he get this done before everything got more harried? The scriptures are silent on this but maybe Jesus wanted to see which of his followers
would remain near the cross right up until the end. Mary, formerly without her husband Joseph and now, witnessing the death of her eldest son, was sure to be hurting. Jesus saw in John the compassion and love that He knew his own mother really needed. I think he also knew that John would be for her the closest thing to her own son, Jesus. It is convicting about how much Jesus considered and thought about relationships, even while suffering on the cross.

Questions/Followup
  • Are you building and growing relationships?
  • Are they deepening through openness, prayer, and discipleship?
  • Pray for at least three people you want to build a deeper relationship with. Pray for them.


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

2 Corinthians 9:8

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

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


2012-02-23 - Fear of Failure - God Always Sees the Humble Heart
by Gene Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

1 Kings 21

Ahab really wanted Naboth's vineyard, and so he was willing to do anything to get it. He kept on sinning until he got the vineyard - discouragement, self-pity, anger, and eventually murder. There are "vineyards" in everyone's lives nowadays, jobs, relationships, or successes. Ahab was so consumed with what he wanted that his marriage was ungodly. I see how I don't lead my wife because I get consumed with my job and success, and my relationship with God goes the same way as my marriage. I get so guilty that I lose confidence in how God can use my life.
What encourages me about this scripture is how God uses people to confront others with the truth and how He is hoping for people to humble themselves and turn back to Him. Ahab was described as a man who "sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord" (v. 25). Elijah warned Ahab of the impending disaster because of his sin. Ahab took God's warning seriously and humbled himself before God, and the Lord noticed and blessed him! I can feel at times that I have messed up so much that God would never believe in me again, and yet God is merely looking for a heart that is humble, broken, and grateful. He hopes that I would have the courage to see my sin. God notices and moves on behalf of a humble heart!

2012-02-29 - Fear of Failure - Mistakes Build Character
by Kristi Henry - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Matt. 16:21-23, Matt. 26:31-35

Peter loved Jesus, he received some stinging rebukes from him. Imagine a firend saying, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me. You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." I would probably start crying or get prideful and mad. I don't like to look bad. Peter was always getting exposed! I know I have made many mistakes as a disciple: I have given bad advice, hurt people, lied to look good, not been open about sin, and destroyed relationships. I have had a lot of failures, challenges and struggles. I need to follow Peter. He grew and learned from the sin and mistakes he made. Peter never gave up. Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, not on himself and because of that was able to change and grow by accepting the teaching. When I look at Peter I see a man that Jesus loved, believed in, and knew would be a powerful leader in his church. I can decide to be like Peter and persevere through challenges, discipling, and rebukes. I can decide to fix my eyes on
Jesus and not on myself. I can believe that God has plans for me to do great things for his church and never give up.

Decide today to:
  1. Persevere through challenges, correction, and struggles.
  2. Allow failures to expose your character so that you can become all God wants you to be.
  3. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus, not on yourself and how you feel.


2012-10-31 - Losing Heart (part II)
Life has taught all of us to ignore and distrust the deepest yearnings of our heart
Teaches us to only live in an external world where efficiency and performance are everything
Very seldom are we ever invited to live out of our heart
We are most often wanted for what we can offer functionality

Our external story is where we carve out the identity most others know
  • Busyness substitutes for meaning
  • Efficiency substitutes for creativity
  • Functional relationships substitutes for love

We live doing the things we ought to do rather than from our desires

There is a step program for a happy marriage, become a Christian, success

Communication with God is then replaced by activity with God

Given the right plan, everything in life can be managed except for the heart



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