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Searching for "says" in the Quiet Time Archive
Displaying results from "25" to "50". (71 found)

2010-03-11 - To Live is Christ - Just Like Christ

In the midst of the discussion about unity, Paul continues by talking about having the mind of Jesus - Philippians 2:5-8

The only way to have unity is to be like Jesus

We were called to follow in his steps - 1 Peter 2:21

Jesus willingly because a servant
Greek literally says, "he emptied himself"'

  • He poured out his diviniy for us
  • He gave up his rights
  • Jesus was not just playing a role, he was showing us the depths of this heart

Jesus came not to be served but to serve - Matthew 20:28

 



2010-03-15 - To Live is Christ - No Confidence in Flesh
Paul describes people who do not appreciate what Jesus has done as dogs - Philippians 3:14

There are 2 options to approaching God:
  1. The performance model
  2. The grace model
One works; the other is a disaster

Man, in his pride, is drawn to the performance model
Paul refers to the people who acknowledge Jesus as Lord but would not let go of the performance model
These people held on to certain Jewish regulation that were made obsolete by Jesus

The grace model is revolutionary
Seems too easy to be true but too hard for our egos to accept

Grace model says:
  • There are never enough requirements we could meet
  • There are never enough rules we could keep
  • There is never enough rituals we could experience
  • Even if obedient to death, our only hope of salvation come from work from another


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.



2010-05-11 - World Hates Jesus (part 3)

The answer is out there

John 5:16-23

  • If this is true then there is nothing else
  • Religious are looking for answers. Why?
    • Easier
    • More followers
    • Do not want to look bad

You are in the right place

John 6:68-69

  • No where else to go
  • What are you looking for?
Jesus says those who obey are his disciples - John 8:31-32

What are you going to do?



2010-07-03 - Desire's Journey - Great Restoration (part 4)

Too many of us have placed eternity somewhere out there
We seem to forget that we will get the earth back as well

I will create new heavens and a new earth - Revelation 21:1
When he says he is making all things new, he includes the earth

Won't the whole earth be destroyed?
That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat - 2 Peter 3:12

Noah's day of the Lord
By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed - 2 Peter 3:6
World was destroyed in the sense that all wickedness and corruption of mankind - Genesis 6-7
Fire is also used for cleansing throughout the Scriptures



2010-07-26 - Desire's Journey - Letting Go (part 3)
Pleasure is often more about drugging ourselves that it is about enjoying ourselves
Avoiding the ache is always worse in the end than the ache itself
We want to predict what the Lord is going to do so that it does not hurt so bad when it happens

Whole creation has been groaning right up til the present time yet if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently - Romans 8:22-25

We live in hope and he says hoping is waiting and groaning

Ask yourself: What am I waiting for? Is there anything I desire that I am doing nothing to secure?

To wait is to learn the spiritual grace of detachment - the freedom of desire
Not the absence of desire but desire at rest

I have still and quieted my soul - Psalms 131:2


2010-08-04 - Waking Dead - Arm Yourselves (part 1)
What are God's intentions toward me? What is it I've come to believe?

Heard that God cares and has some glowing promises given to us in Scripture

The glory of God is man fully alive

Jesus says he came to give life
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full - John 10:10

Whoever believes in me - streams of living water will flow from within him - John 7:38

Life is all over the scriptures:
You have made known to me the path of life - Psalms 16:11
In him was life and that life was the light of men - John 1:4
Come to me to have life - John 5:40
Tell the people the full message of this new life - Acts 5:20


2010-08-24 - Waking Dead - Glory (part 1)
Our destiny is to come fully alive
To explain sin, some have gone to the point of saying "I am just a sinner, saved by grace" or "there sure isn't anything good in me"
But this is unbibical

They point to: "For I know that nothing good lives in me" - Romans 7:18
Notice he says " in my flesh" - there is a difference between the flesh (old heart) and the true you

Yes, we battle sin and crucify the flesh but we choose to live from the new heart
That sinful nature you battle is not who you are

"it is no longer I myself who do it"  X 2 - Romans 7:17-18; 20, 22
Paul opens the letter with "Paul, an apostle" not as a sinner

You should shine like stars - Philippians 2:15-16
Let your light shine before men - Matthew 5:16

Shame says - "I am nothing to look at. I am not capable of goodness"
Humility say - "I bear a glory for sure, but it is a reflected glory"

2010-08-29 - Waking Dead - Listening to His Voice
God is still speaking to us today

I have much more to say to you. The Spirit will guide you in all truth - John 16:12-13
There is much more than Jesus wants to say to you
Since the Spirit resides in you heart - the conversation can continue

Many good people never hear God because they have never been told  that he does
He who belongs to God hears what God says - John 8:47

His sheep follow him because they hear his voice. I am the good shpherd - John 10:4
He wants to speak to you and want to lead you to good pasture

When we ask, we need to hear what the true answer is - not what we want to hear

2010-09-07 - Waking Dead - Deep Restoration (part 4)
We need time in the presence of the Lord - Pslam 86:11-12
  • Teach me your way
  • I will walk in your truth
  • Give me an undivided heart
  • I will fear your name
  • I will praise you
  • With all of my heart
  • I will glory you
Remove yourself from distractions - will be able to hear more clearly

We declare the authority of Jesus over our hearts - he made our hearts - Psalms 33:15
He has redeemed our hearts - Romans 2:29

Sometimes he will take us back to a memory, a time and place where a shattering blow was given
Anytime someone says, "I feel like there's this part of me..." we need to listen - somewhere in the heart
Hidden many times because of a false comfort

2010-09-17 - Waking Dead - Spiritual Warfare (part 5)
The worldview has simply removed warfare as a practical category
We shouldn't be surprised - we can not see spiritual strongholds after we say they really don't exist

If you deny the battle raging against your heart, then the theif can just come and go as he pleases
Satan says there is not war

Lord Almighty = he who is sovereign over all the powers in heaven and on earth, especially over the armies of Israel
The God of angel armies
God is powerful and and in control but don't always think of of him taking up a sword and shield, breaking down gates to rescue us
Big difference: Joe the good man who is in control vs Joe the Naval Seal

2010-10-16 - Giving (Part II)
  1. It Takes Faith to Give - Malachi 3:8-11
    1. God wants us to test him in our giving (v. 10). All we need is the faith.
    2. God is waiting to pour out blessing when we trust Him. It is easy to say 'I'll give when God blesses me." God says, "Give and I win bless you."
  2. God's Promises - Malachi 3:10-11, Mark 10:29-31, 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
    1. We will not have enough room for God's blessings.
    2. We can never outgive God.
    3. God always gives back 100 times as much to us.
    4. God will continue to give to us so we in turn can give to others and meet their needs.
    5. Ultimate blessing: treasure in heaven.
  3. Depend on God - Philippians 4:14-19
    1. Our giving is a sacrifice pleasing to God.
    2. When we give, God will meet all our needs.

QUESTIONS

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


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

2010-12-07 - Mission - Cannot Help Proclaiming (part I)
We can help speaking about what we have seen and heard - Acts 4:20
Have you ever been so committed to something that you were unable to stop?
What would it take to stop you from sharing your faith?
What does it take to motivate you to share your faith?
Does it take accountability it invite people?

What compelled Peter and John?

1. We are overflowing with Jesus
The authorities took note that the disciples had been with Jesus - Acts 4:13
His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in - Jeremiah 20:9
Do we feel that we will burst if we don't open our moths

2. We need to be filled with gratitude
We so easily forget what God's grace has done for us
David says over and over again to tell and celebrate God's glory
Are we overflowing with gratitude for the wonders of God?

2010-12-09 - Mission - Cannot Fail
The harvest is plentiful; ask the Lord of the harvest - Luke 10:2
Those who have taken up the work must devote themselves to prayer
What they get from him is something they can not find in themselves

Prayer is not the only important thing needed, it is just the most important thing to the harvest
Obstacles are many for those working in the harvest
There is not one that cannot be overcome with prayer

Efforts to bring the harvest often stop because the workers run into problems or frustration
Problem begin to look larger than the mission
They lose their fire and joy

Jesus says there is a problem (workers are few) but there is not despair
The problem is an opportunity for perseverance and faith

Frustrations and challenges differ but two things remain the same
  1. In all places, the harvest is plentiful
  2. In all places, God hears and answers us
As we go prayerfully into the harvest, we can not fail

2010-12-16 - Word of God (part I)
2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • All Scripture is inspired by God, God-breathed
  • Should be applied to our lives so that we can be ready for every spiritual challenge
    • Word used to learn what God says by teaching
    • Word used to correct things we are not doing
    • Word used to warn us by rebuking us
    • Word used to put things into practice through training
  • Why should we go through this type of learning? Be thoroughly equipped for all good works
Hebrews 4:12-13
  • The word of God is relevant and can expose and convict us of sin in our lives - not collecting dust somewhere
  • It exposes us for what or who we are - Not everything in the Bible feels good at the time
  • Sharper than any double edged sword - It can cut us, but its purpose is to cut out the bad, so that we can be healed - just like a surgeon’s scalpel.
1 Timothy 4:16
  • We need to watch how we live and what we teach - both essential to salvation
  • Illustration: Which wing of an airplane is most important? So it is with what you teach and how you live out those beliefs.
  • What is the result of careful attention to our life and doctrine?


2010-12-17 - Word of God (part II)
John 8:31-32
  • Jesus teaches these Jews that intellectual belief is not enough.
  • He calls them to believe God enough to trust his will for their lives. This trust is demonstrated by the decision to live according to Jesus’ teaching.
  • True faith is seen in our obedience.
  • Notice when we will know the truth, after we obey.
2 Timothy 4:2-3
  • If the Bible is so powerful and helpful, why aren’t more people truly following what it says?
  • Bottom line, we can not live according to our own feelings and desires.
Matthew 15:1-9
  • What is another hindrance to following God’s word? Tradition
  • Religious tradition which takes precedence over the Word of God can result in worldly solutions to spiritual issues and make our worship of God empty and pointless.


2010-12-18 - Word of God (part III)
Acts 17:10-12
  • We are ultimately responsible for what we believe.
  • Religious leaders can be wrong, so we cannot be lazy.
  • Review in greater depth the lessons and sermons you hear to be sure about what you are being taught.
  • Are you willing to take personal responsibility for knowing what the Bible says?
Psalms 1, Psalms 19:7-11
  • The Bible is more than just words on a page.
  • We need to develop a thirst and devotion to the word of God.
  • How eager are you to regularly meditate on the Scriptures?
Isaiah 66:1-2
  • Our attitude should be one of humility, reverence and awe for God’s word.
  • Are you willing to live by the Bible, taking God at his Word in your relationship with him?
  • Are you willing to trust God’s Word above your own feelings, religious traditions or religious leaders?
  • Will you seek to understand God’s will and ways through his inspired Word?


2010-12-24 - Cross of Christ (part II)
Isaiah 53
  • Written about 700 years before Jesus, this chapter predicted what the Messiah would do at the cross and why. (Note: In Luke 22:37, Jesus quotes from Isaiah 53 and says it was about him.) Read entire chapter. Points of emphasis:
    • Verses 1-3 – despised and rejected
    • Verses 4-6 – pierced for our transgressions; crushed for our iniquities; by his wounds we are healed. Suggestion: read this passage again putting in your own name.
    • Verses 7-9 – like a lamb to the slaughter; for the transgressions of my people he was stricken. You may want to remind the person of the sins he/she described in earlier study.
    • Verses 10-12 – he is a guilt offering; but after the suffering of his soul, satisfaction (resurrection)
1 Peter 2:21-25
  • Why did Jesus die on the cross for us? So that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
  • This is our whole-hearted response to the cross.


2011-01-11 - Followup - Bible Study Application

How should we use God’s Word?

  1. James 1:22 - Do what it says!
  2. Acts 17:11 - Examine it daily
  3. Hebrews 4:12-13
    1. Use it to find what our hearts are really and change that which is not pleasing to God
    2. Use it as a “scalpel” to cut the sin in our lives and in the lives of others
  4. John 20:28, Romans 10:17 – Deepen our faith in Christ.


2011-01-18 - Followup - Balanced Attitude and Application
Attitude
How we should view God’s Word
  1. Matthew 4:4 - We need it to survive. Why do you eat every day? We need to “feed” ourselves daily on God’s Word
  2. Deuteronomy 33:44-47 - Not mere words but they are your life.
  3. John 12:47-48 - God will use it as the standard of judgment. Example: Final exam for college course - the test will be form the text.
Application
How should we use God’s Word?
  1. James 1:22 - Do what it says!
  2.  Acts 17:11 - Examine it daily
  3. Hebrews 4:12-13
    • Use it to find what our hearts are really and change that which is not pleasing to God
    • Use it as a “scalpel” to cut the sin in our lives and in the lives of others
  4. John 20:28, Romans 10:17 – Deepen our faith in Christ.


2011-02-02 - Word of God - Kansas City (part I)
Purpose: To gain conviction on the Bible being inspired by God, how and why we should apply the Bible to our lives

Question: How do you define a relationship with someone?
Keep that in mind as we have this study about God's Word.

2 Timothy 3:12-4:4
  • v12 - Everyone that want to live a Godly life will have to go through persecution
  • Question: What do you think that means - being persecuted for living a Godly life?
  • v14-15 - Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to continue to believe to believe in the scriptures because it is able to make you wise in the choices of life
  • v4:4 - Bible says that people will start to listen to and follow man (ideas and myths) rather than God
  • If we read the Bible daily then we will know God's will for our lives. If we don't we will start to follow what people say, think, and feel.
  • Question: How can reading the Bible daily change your life? What happens if you don't read daily?
  • Question: Why do you think God wants you to read his word daily? So you can know him!
John 8:31-36
  • Jesus is talking to the Jewish people and tells them that is they don't hold to his teachings, then they are not really his disciples
  • Just because someone acts religious or know a lot about the Bible does not mean they are following Jesus
  • Question: What does Jesus say it takes to be his disciple? Then you'll know what? Then what?
  • When you read someone's journal you get to know that person more and more each day - same goes for reading God's word
  • Question: How often do you read the Bible?
  • Challenge: Read the Bible daily and make one decision each day.


2011-03-11 - NT Commands (part IV)
More New Testament commands:
  • Do not store you treasures on earth - Matthew 6:19
  • Do good to all people - Galatians 6:10
  • Do good you know you ought to do - James 4:17
  • Do what the Word of God says - James 1:22
  • Do not fight - 2 Timothy 2:24
  • Do not cause anyone to stumble - 1 Corinthians 10:32
  • Do not fear man - Luke 12:4-5
  • Encourage daily - Hebrews 3:13


2011-05-23 - Righteousness over feelings
Righteousness over feelings

John 8:30-32

The Jews felt like they were being righteous.
  • They were the Jews - God’s holy people
  • They had faith in Him - vs. 30
  • They believe in Him - vs. 31
But Jesus said you must “hold to the truth” (obey) – this is what makes us righteous
When are we Jesus’ disciples? When we feel saved?
Jesus says that we must obey before we will know the truth. How?
What can we be set free from if we obey?

2011-06-12 - Mind of Christ - Intro (part V)
The heart is the source of obedience
  1. You wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted - Romans 6:17
  2. Obey masters is doing the will of God from your heart - Ephesians 6:6
The heart is the source of your character
  1. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you - Proverbs 23:7
  2. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart - Luke 6:43-46


2011-06-18 - Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


2011-07-28 - Fearing God - Infinitely Greater Than Nature
Isaiah 40:12

v40:12a - God measures the water in the hallow of his hand
We can probably hold about a tablespoon and not for very long
2/3 of the earth is covered in water and in places 6 miles deep
Yet God says He holds all that water in his hand

v40:12b - God marked off heaven with his breadth of his hand
Breadth = the distance from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your little finger, spread apart
Ours is somewhere eight inches
We can not even calculate the distance across the universe
Nearest star beside the sun is 26 trillion miles away

v40:12c - Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket? Weighted the mountains and hills?
Baskets measurement is around 1/4 of a gallon
He holds the dust in such a container and weighs the mountains on a set of scales

As we think about these truths we will more and more appreciate God's greatness

2011-09-03 - Fearing God - Going Deep (part I)
It is more than just reading the Bible, we need to study it

We can learn how to dig into the scriptures from the benefit of the insight of others
Bible study groups help also in our accountability toward reading, understanding, and living the Word

Avoid study groups where just have subjective impressions
Example: "What the passage says to me"
Look for groups that teaches objective study skill without promoting a particular doctrine

More than study skills, we must have the right mental attitude:
  1. Teachable spirit
  2. Spirit of dependance
  3. Diligence


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.



2012-02-03 - Ministry - A Righteous Response
Mark 11:15-17, John 2:15,16

How does Jesus deal with anger? I know many of us, consider Jesus' response to the temple being used for a marketplace as an example of righteous anger. However, I studied eight different translations and the scriptures never state "Jesus got angry. John records that Jesus "made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area. It is hard to imagine myself doing this without harshness and anger but I did not conclude that Jesus was harsh or mean. In Mark 11:17 it simply says that he next "taught them". In John, the disciples saw his actions as "zeal" and when confronted by the Pharisees he answered their questions with profound teaching. This was not a man out of control while responding to mistreatment of his Father's house. Jesus was very God-focused in the way he dealt with the emotion of anger. In Mark 3:5,6 the scripture points out that Jesus was angry "at their stubborn hearts" because they could not respond to his questions due to evil intentions in their hearts. Jesus was angry. How did he deal with it? Further study indicates Jesus combined anger with being/feeling: "deeply distressed. His next response was to heal a man with a shriveled hand and to teach us all an amazing lesson about how deeply God cares for us. WOW! I'm not like Jesus when I get angry, how about you?

Challenge:
  • Examine your heart and actions based on Jesus' example the next time you get angry.
  • Are you God-focused? Did you bring healing?
  • Did you care enough to control your anger and turn it into a victory for God by bringing teaching and discipling to the situation?
  • What could you have done differently to have Jesus' heart?


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.

2012-02-13 - Ministry - Are You Willing to Keep Praying?
Luke 18:1-8

Jesus tells this parable to show us something. The scriptures even go so far as to tell us exactly what that something is that we should always pray and not give up. Have you ever decided to pray about a specific situation and not stopped until it has changed? What if it took a year to change? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Jesus says to never give up! Too often we get discouraged and want to quit-even on God-because something doesn't change. Maybe we haven't been fruitful for a while or we don't have a dating relationship yet. Maybe things have not changed in our marriage fast enough or our job situation is still not working out. Maybe we are just not changing our hearts the way we should. The answer is not to give up but to keep on praying. Jesus ends the parable questioning whether there would still be faith on earth when he returns. Our lack of prayer is a sign of a lack of faith! To keep praying and not give up is a sign of great faith.

Write down three things you have quit praying about and recommit yourself to be faithful in prayer. Decide to trust.

God and be in the kingdom for the long haul-no matter how many decades of prayer it takes!!

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!

2012-03-04 - Fear of Failure - God Sticks By Us When We Fail
by Rhys Kiaaina - Region Leader: San Francisco Church of Christ

Isaiah 49:15

Whenever I fail, I feel like I am being left behind. That somehow God has left me. But Scripture says God remembers. He will not forget me. If we are separated, the reality is that I have left Him. Whenever I fail, I doubt God's motives. I think He is angry with me and disappointed in me. But God has you and I engraved on the palm of His hand. Isn't that incredible? He's got a tattoo of you and me on the palm of His hand! God made a decision a long time ago that He would stick by us for life! Whenever I experience failure, I get the 3-D's: Depressed, Distracted, and Discouraged. I focus on what I have failed to do, rather than what God is able to accomplish. God's love is deeper than a mother's for a child. There is no reason for me to get discouraged because God has always "got my back".

Decisions:
  1. I will remember that God is with me and do something for someone else to show I believe in them and I am with them.
  2. To trust in the Bible and read it every time I feel 2. like God is disappointed in me.
  3. To show love to a person in action and in truth if I feel like God doesn't love me.


2012-08-02 - Genesis 21 - The Birth of Isaac

Summary

As promised, Sarah had a son: Isaac. She had Hagar and Ishmael sent away but God preserved them. Abraham and Abimelech made a treaty.

Observations

Genesis 21:1 - The LORD visited Sarah just as he had said he would and did for Sarah what he had promised
God's fulfillment of his promises does not depend on us. God alone is faithful in what he says he will do. Neither should our vows change the on what others do or how our situation changes. Wheather that be our decision to become a Christian, our marriage, or commitment to the church or our kids. Jesus loved people to the core despite how others treated him.

Genesis 21:22 - God is with you in all that you do
God is all around us. His works and the evidence that he exists can not be denied. Which leads to the question: he is all around us but also with us?  God is watching us and he is with those who love him. [Romans 8:28]

Personal Application

I need to unmoved by the changing seas around me. I go all over the place on where I stand on giving to others without resolve. Need to be consistent as I faithfully follow the Lord.



2013-01-01 - Prayer of the Righeous - God is a Consuming Fire (part I)

God is a consuming fire who should be feared - Hebrews 12:29

He is God who wants us to love him and not idols - Deuteronomy 4:24

God is a blessed and only Ruler, king of kings and lord of Lords - 1 Timothy 6:15

Our problem is that we think God is like us
My thoughts are not your thoughts - Isaiah 55:8

Societies throughout history have developed their own relgions based off God's which human resemblance:

  • Greek methoology is full of sinful gods
  • Hinduism feature gods who remind of ourselves

Our Father is without blemish or stain
In fact many can say, if God is like my father, I want nothing to do with Him

God appeared to Ezekiel in blazing fire and he fell facedown - Ezekiel 1:27-28
John saw Jesus with eyes of blazing fire and fell at his feet as though he was dead - Revelation 1:14-16T

The paradox of God: He says to not be afraid but at the same time to have a humble, contrite spirit - Isaiah 66:2
When a holy God confronts sinful humans, the only result can be fear and trembling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



2013-08-27 - Hurtful Examples and Lies

For some, hurtful things your father did and said to you over the years
Others were wounded more by your father’s absence

The question is whether or not you will allow it to hinder you or help you.
Unresolved anger becomes a bitter cancer that poisons hearts.

We are to forgive like God forgives, completely - Ephesians 4:32
Unresolved bitterness is sin and it will distort your own fathering.

If you believe the same lies your father believed, you will also be bound by them.
For every lie that says you need to sin, lust, or feed an addiction to survive or be happy,
God says, "I will take care of you, will never leave you, and will meet all your needs" - 1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:19

Truth doesn’t set you free if you only hear it and mentally understand it.
Ask God to reveal the lies you have believed in the past and help you replace each one with His truth.

Consider memorizing verses that stand against any lies you have believed.



2014-03-04 - Heart to Heart time with our kids

Fathers, start spending more “heart to heart” time

ATTENTION

Get their attention, ask important questions like:

  • Tell me how you are doing.
  • What have you been up to lately?
  • What are you most excited about right now?

Make a little one-on-one time with Dad

AFFIRMATION

Kids, as well as adults, want the approval and praise from their dads

They want their father’s "blessing” in their lives.
To bless means "to speak well of"

God: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased” - Mark 1:11

It is important that you communicate to them, “You are my son (daughter) and I dearly love you. I am very pleased with you.”

Anytime you greet them or talk to them, your countenance, the look in your eyes, and your tone of voice either says, “You are a delight to me” or “You are an irritation to me.”

You should praise them privately, one-on-one, and publicly in front of others. “That is awesome! You are really good at that,” needs to come from your lips as their biggest cheerleader. Regardless of your past, step up to do this now!

AFFECTION

Father pours out His unconditional love on us (Romans 5:5), and so should we to our sons and daughters.

Interact with them in ways that make them fully see, hear, and feel your love.

not only the discipline of a father but also his warm affection and tender love.

Boys who feel loved by their dads are bolder, stronger, kinder to others, and more secure

Girls who feel valued by their dads are more radiant, less desperate for a boyfriend, and more careful whom they marry.

So invest in them, take them places, flood them with tender affection, leaving no question in their minds about your genuine love for them.



2015-01-08 - Genesis 25 - Death of Abraham (part I)

Summary

Abraham died and was buried with Sarah

Observations

Genesis 25:7 - lived a long and satisfying life
Don't we all want a long and satistying life? We all seek it but do not always find it. Because we are not searching for it correct place. We need seek God with all of our heart and we will find everything we need and some of what we want. In the end and after it is all finished, we want to hear great jobmy faithful servant [Matthew 25:23]

Genesis 25:18 - There they lived in open hostility toward all their relatives
Mentioned only for brief time, but the scripture says so much. Just because we are family, does not mean we just get along. Relationships - no matter who they are require work, patience, and understanding. There could be open hostility in our family but more likely hidden anger, hate, or bitterness toward one another. Just because others are family, it does not mean we should be an less kind



2015-02-05 - It's Not Over

Quick, get up! And the chains fell off his wrist - Acts 12:7

It is not over unitl God says it is over

Herod wanted Peter dead and had murdered other believers

Peter must have wondered how many hours were left. God had a different plan.

An angel appeared, awoke him, released hi, led him past 16 armed guard without notice

Peter couldn't fully understand what happened but God had set him free

The man of God is immortal until God chooses to take him home

What impossible situation are you facing? 



2015-04-16 - Godly Enthusiasm

It is not by force nor strength but by my Spirit, says the Lord - Zechariah 4:6

Zerubbabel oversaw the reconstruction of the Jerusalem Temple

Over a period of 16 years, the people's enthusiasm for the project waned, leaving it unfinished

Zerubbabel felt a deep sense of discouragement over the stalled work

Zechariah came with a vital message - Don't depend on your own strength. depend on God and his ability to empower you for the task

Zerubbabel's faith was renewed - He had a renewed sense of enthusiasm, united the people, and got back to work

No worthy project is about human force or strength, it must be about his mighty Spirit

Do you think that you or someone else has the key to success?

Do you genuinely believe that God's Spirit holds the key to your success?



2015-06-07 - Learn to Listen

Fools think their own way is right - Proverbs 12:15

David advised Solomon to observe the requirements of the Lord and follow all his ways - 1 Kings 2:3-4

Solomon may have spoken words of wisdom but his life ended in foolishness:

  • Took 700 wives
  • 300 mistresses
  • Some of the woman were from outside his nationality and religon

Solomon's failure to practice what he preached led to his downfall

His wives turned his heart away from God and toward idol worship

You will save yourself a lot of trouble by knowing the Word of God and doing what is says

 



2015-09-03 - Hit the Ground Running

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



2018-02-15 - Plain Truth

The people were shocked at the plainness of Jesus' words

Had he been silent or pretended to ignore matters he was fully aware of - he would have been a liar like the men with whom he was struggling

Was it not the duty of Jesus to inform them of their condition? What else could a sincere friend do?

There was no bitterness in Jesus' language? It was calm statements of a horrible fact

Jesus' unquestion loyalty to truth gives his words a value which no other person's words possess

Jesus holds nothing back - what is thinks, he says - what he feels, he declares

He declares all things as they are

This is the man we want. A man like this can be a refuge in the time of a storm

What he assers concerning the principles of a victorious life, we can act upon, never doubting

When he tells us to do something, we can do it knowing it is the best thing

When he warns us against a course of action, we can shun it, knowning that in that direction lies death



2020-01-14 - Unfettered Hope

Men had become cynical and pessimistic - Jesus still believed they could learn

They were convinced that many mortals could only expect nothing but damnation

To the religious, there were classes of people who were beyond redemption, no promise could be offered

Jesus' hope is as immeasurable as his love

  • He did not reject the refuse of society
  • He saw promise in those who were considered scum

Like scrooge, there was hope for the man whom men have doomed for destruction

You can not tell what is in a man just by what he says or does

By contrast, Jesus said:

  • The fields are ripe for harvest - John 4:35
  • Would draw all people to himself - John 12:32
     


2024-01-14 - Intro (part III)

Order of logic we will proceed

  1. Truth about reality is knowable
  2. The opposite of true is false
  3. It is true that God exist 
    • Beginning of the universe 
    • Design of the universe 
    • Design of life
    •  Moral law
  4. If God exists then miracles are possible
  5. Miracles can used to confirm the word of God
  6. The NT is historically reliable
    •     A. Early testimony
    •     B. Eye witness testimony
    •     C. Authentic testimony
    • Eye witnesses who were not decived
  7. The NT says Jesus claimed to be God
  8. Jesus' God was miraculously claimed
    • Fulfilment of the OT prophecies
    •  Sinless life and miracles performed
    • Prediction/Coming true of His resurrection
  9. Jesus is God
  10. Being God, whatever Jesus teaches is true
  11. Jesus taught the Bible is the Word of God
  12. Whatever is contrary to the Bible is false

All the above need to justified by evidence
Will start with the point with ultimate skepticism
Will ultimately get to to the reasoning: If something is contradicting Bible, then it is false


We should live our lives based on truth - Socrates famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

The examined faith is not worth believing



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