2010-03-27 - Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 1) James address Christians under pressure Without pressure, the human body soon slows down and dies Pressure keeps the blood flowing James chooses to call himself servant rather than brother - James 1:1 He was a prominent leader in the early church but he kept a down-to-earth perspective Anyone in a leadership role needs to have the same attitude How are trials to be met? With pure joy - James 1:2-8 There are two options: continue in the process of becoming mature or walk away and do it our own way Maturity is not just spiritual longevity - it is how you react under pressure What do we do it we lack wisdom? Ask for it Not IQ but for knowing what to do in tricky situations It's a promise of God that he will enable you to live more intelligently What is last big trial you faced? How did you react? | ||||||||||||||||||
2010-05-26 - Desire's Journey - Faith as Desire First two servant doubled their investment and were rewarded When we bury our desires, we saying to God = 'I don't dare desire because I fear you; I think you are hard-hearted" Is our obedience more out of love or out of carefulness? Persistent widow - won he case because she refused to let up When Jesus returns, will he find faith? - Luke 18 To live with desire means:
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2010-07-13 - Desire's Journey - The Adventure Begins (part 5) Creation awaits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed - Romans 8:19 The kingdom of God prepared for you since the creation of the world - Matthew 25:31-34 He will put the faithful and wise servant in charge of all his possessions - Matthew 24:47 They will reign forever and ever - Revelation 22:5 We will take the position for which we have uniquely made and will rule with him Much of the activity of God in our lives brings us to the place where we can be entrusted To each their own Each person will live out the passion of their heart - given by God The kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it - Revelation 21:24 Hard to believe that we can add anything to the splendor of God That is exactly what we are designed for and what our future involves | ||||||||||||||||||
2010-12-03 - Mission - First the Kingdom No one is ready to follow Jesus who is not ready to put the kingdom of God first above everything else in his life Take away the radicalness of the message and you take away the power of the message Compromise it and you have religion but not the church of Jesus Christ Every kingdom has a king God is the king of kings and the lord of lords - 2 Timothy 6:15 Jesus is known as both Lord and Christ, King and Savior - Acts 2:38 We are the servants, subjects, and even slaves of God - Romans 6:22 The centurion understood this authority - Luke 7:8 You will be given all the things you need when you seek first the kingdom - Matthew 6:33 Can you powerfully proclaim this message to others because it is so clearly your conviction? - Colossians 3:1-2 When making decisions, ask what is best for the kingdom. | ||||||||||||||||||
2011-01-30 - Followup - Servant (part I) Great Servant - Mark 10:41-45 1. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be great Jesus didn’t confront their desire to be great, only their method2. Greatness comes through being a servant Your greatness in the Kingdom is only limited by your willingness to be a slave to all! Selfless Servant - Philippians 2:5-7 1. Jesus set the pace for us by becoming a servant. He made himself nothing and had a lot further to go to become nothing than we do! Questions
Luke 9:23 - Must deny self daily - deny self = denying feelings | ||||||||||||||||||
2011-01-31 - Followup - Servant (part II) Humble Servant - Luke 17:7-10 Question: What should our attitude be while serving?
When we serve, we’ve done nothing special except our duty Excellent Servant - Mark 7:37 Jesus did all things well When we serve, we must do so with excellence Ephesians 6:7-8 - When we serve, we must serve as though Jesus himself had asked us to do it! | ||||||||||||||||||
2011-02-27 - Servant of God (part I) Jesus was the ultimate servant Mark 10:42-45
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2011-02-28 - Servant of God (part II) The last will be first Mark 9:33-35
What ways should you be serving? It will take faith:
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2011-04-21 - Names of Jesus (part XV) Jesus' name referenced in the Bible:
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2011-05-06 - Names of the Believers (part VI) Believer name scriptures:
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2011-05-12 - Names of the Believers (part XII) Alternative names for the church:
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2011-05-26 - Fearing God - Slave or Son Two types of fear:
He went out and hid his talent in the ground - Matthew 25:24-25 The devil is the author of servile fear - he uses it to haunt and disturb Christians to make our lives uncomfortable Filial fear is loving fear of a child toward his father A mixture of reference, pleasure, joy, and awe which fills our hearts when we realize who God is and what He has done for us There are 150 references to the fear of God, most in the Old Testament Ones in the New Testament convince us that fearing God is an attitude of the heart | ||||||||||||||||||
2011-06-20 - Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part V) Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship Jesus loved God with an unrivaled love
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2011-06-29 - Mind of Christ - Helping People (part IV) Words of Christ that teach us compassion
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2011-07-25 - Mind of Christ - Servant (part I) I. Jesus came to earth as a servant A. He is spoken of by the prophets as a servant.
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2011-07-26 - Mind of Christ - Servant (part II) The nature of a servant A. He is emptied of self interest
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2011-07-27 - Mind of Christ - Servant (part III) The nature of a servant (continued): C. His mind is focused on the work and interest of his master
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2011-07-31 - Mind of Christ - Servant, Washing Feet (part I) The washing of the disciples feet reveals many important truths about serving (John 13:1-17):
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2011-08-01 - Mind of Christ - Servant, Washing Feet (part II) The washing of the disciples feet was illustrative of Christ’s life and ministry
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2011-10-13 - Genesis 13 - The Cowboy Conflict SummaryAbram journeyed with his nephew Lot. Their servants argued, so Lot went to Sodom, Abram to Canaan. The LORD promised Abram the land. ObservationsGenesis 13:7 - So there were quarrels Personal ApplicationI 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. | ||||||||||||||||||
2011-12-22 - Day 19 - Powerful Prayers 1 Chronicles 17:15-22
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2012-01-18 - Ministry - The Heart of Humility Matt. 18:4, Luke 14:10, James 4:10, Phil. 2:5,7-8 Have you ever made a goal in your life to become a humble person? Have you ever prayed consistently over a period of time for God to give you a humble heart? Jesus shocked the crowds following him that day when he declared for all men to change and become like little children or they would not enter the kingdom of heaven! Then he lifts up the quality of humility in a child's heart and commands his disciples to have this heart! The world teaches us that humility is soft, weak, passive, no convictions. Jesus was certainly not this! He was a man of convictions, fearless with the opposition, and pressed on resolutely about his goals! However, he washed the disciples feet, touched the leper, served the crowds, and obeyed the Father in everything. One of the real tests comes in serving. Jesus made himself nothing, became a servant, and humbled himself on the cross for us! Do people know me to be a serving person? How do I feel when I am serving-awesome? Do I serve only when I want to serve and what I want to do if it serves my interests?Jesus came to serve and not to be served! He came to give his life as a ransom for many! Whoever wants to be great among you must be your slave! Matt. 20:26-28 Questions:
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2012-03-06 - Blessings In Christ (part II) Continue studying through the blessing of Jesus: 6. We get a heavenly citizenship - 2 Timothy 4:18 7. We become a servant - Romans 6:22 8. We are heirs of God, joint heirs with Jesus - Romans 8:17 9. We become a new creature - 2 Corinthians 5:17 10. We become priests - 1 Peter 2:9 | ||||||||||||||||||
2012-10-09 - Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part I) Wild Living of the Prodical Son Son became incredibly ungrateful toward his father - Luke 15:12-13 The sad situation became worse when be became greedy too - Wanted "his" part of the estate Consuming his thoughts and with no regard to what his father felt, he asked Amazingly, his father said yes From there the son wasted this money His life was full of sin - Luke 15:13,30 Then the economy collapsed and there was a severe famine - Luke 15:14 Life was so bad and he was so hungry, he became jealous of the pigs - Luke 15:15-16 The son was incredibly ashamed and reluctant to go home When he came to his senses, he remember his father and his generosity and kindness He thought as least as a servant, I would be better off than this - Luke 15:18-19 | ||||||||||||||||||
2012-10-20 - Prayer of the Righeous - Singing to Me Zephaniah 3:17
Nature rejoices in God's presence - Psalms 98:7-8 God promises that nature will rejoice in our presence - Isaiah 55:12 Faithful servants are invited to come share in the master's happiness - Matthew 25:23 The very nature of heaven is to share the happiness of God for all of eternity Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22 Our prayer needs to be an outpouring of joy and thanksgiving before a joyful, singing God He loves to hear us being happy My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song - Psalms 28:7 | ||||||||||||||||||
2013-09-12 - A Man Embraces Responsibility Men are happiest and at their best when they are responsible We must resolve to fully embrace all of our responsibilities before God Responsibility = you are being entrusted and empowered by a higher authority to care for something or someone The first thing God did after creating Adam, was to give him responsibilities. He placed him in the garden “to cultivate it and keep it” - Genesis 2:15 Sin makes men tend to resist responsibility, but embracing it is part of our manhood It is a relatively modern invention that establishes teen years as a moratorium on responsibility and prolongs childhood indefinitely. When a young man is passive and irresponsible, he greatly limits his freedoms, opportunities, and successes. Responsibility calls us to action and tests us. It reveals our character. The more maturity a man has, the more responsibility God can trust him with. Embrace responsibility! Love it. Live it. Teach it to your children. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward” - Luke 12:42-43 | ||||||||||||||||||
2013-10-10 - Resolve to Lead Your Marriage Do you realize that as the leader of your home? We must take courage and always be willing to make the first move, God has put something into men that longs to be courageous. The idea of 50/50 leadership is a farce that creates two heads and two directions. History is littered with self-centered men who have dominated, belittled, ignored, and abused their wives in the name of male leadership. Jesus, God’s Son was the most powerful leader of all time Lead your wife by serving her well. | ||||||||||||||||||
2014-05-30 - Genesis 24 - Search for the Bride of Isaac (part I)SummaryAbraham's servant went to Nahor to find a wife for Isaac. ObservationsGenesis 24:1 - The Lord blessed him every way Genesis 24:8 - But under no circumstances are you to take my son there ApplicationI am convicted by the way Abraham chose to approach challenging situations. He did not chose the easy way or the first way that sounded right. He chose to be faithful and had a conviction to allow God's promises to fulfilled in his life. I did not mediate and pray through the challenges set before very often. Many times I just say or do the first things that comes to my mind. Those are often thoughts of the easy way or only way to go about things. I need to think about the bigger picture when making decisions. PrayerPraying for heart of disernment and faithfulness in life's challenging situations. | ||||||||||||||||||
2014-05-31 - Genesis 24 - Search for the Bride of Isaac (part II)SummaryEliezer met Rebekah by the well exactly as he had prayed. ObservationsGenesis 24:12 - Please give me success today ApplicationI do not have the dependant prayer I need to have. I have many failures because I depend on myself and do not ask God. | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-01-08 - Genesis 25 - Death of Abraham (part I)SummaryAbraham died and was buried with Sarah ObservationsGenesis 25:7 - lived a long and satisfying life | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-02-06 - Racing for the Bottom What do you think you are doing, building a beautiful tomb for yourself - Isaiah 22:16 Some have a "do what ever it takes" attitude toward raising up the ranks Shebna discovered the quickest way to the bottom by using his high position to promote himself God gave him everything he needed to become a great servant but he used it for himself God wants to be the center of all your plans, God gave us gifts to exalt him not ourselves | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-02-22 - Dependent Attitude Must we bring you water from this rock? - Numbers 20:10 Sometimes we say "I did the best I could" but instead, we should say "I should have called you sooner" An independent spirit often keeps us from doing our best Moses became a humble, obedient servant yet in a moment he lost everything that he had worked so hard to gain
His prideful self-reliance cost him the opportunity to lead them to the promised land. What would it mean for you to rely on God? | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-03-05 - Negative Example Diotresphes refuses to have anything to do with us and has evil accusation against us - 3 John 1:9-10 Diotresphes was a gifted man interested in moving himself up the church's pecking order Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant - Matthew 20:26 John did not beat around the bush: don't let this bad example influence you, only follow what is good - 3 John 1:11 Diotresphes' me-first mentality put him last in God's scheme of things | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-03-13 - The Right Voice Speak, your servant is listening - 1 Samuel 3:10 Samuel is an example of a man who learned to hear the real voice of God 1st time God called - thought it was Eli's voice Samuel did what he was told and his Father gave him instructions for his first act as a prophet Samuel began a long and fruitful life of listening for God's voice How do you learn to hear from God?
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2015-03-16 - Going Golden Nabal Nabal was a crude and mean in all his dealings; his wife, Abigail, was a sensible and beatiful - 1 Samuel 25:3 Life will present you with countless opportunties to extend kindness David sent some men to ask for a few much-needed provisions Nabal: Who is this fellow David? Who does this son of Jesse think he is? - 1 Samuel 25:10 He proceeded to instul David's servants and sent them away. A few days after he refused to assist the Lord's servant David, Nabal died of an apparent heart attack | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-04-05 - Perfect Servant Unless I wash you, you won't belong to me - John 13:8 Jesus servered to the point of where the Jewish people considered demeaning even to the lowliest servant: He washed their feet Peter's protests were not going to stop him Jesus explained he whad set an example of how they were to treat one another and us too when he had returned to his Father God put us on the earth to server others, even if we do not know them personally Serving is a privilege because it builds up others and gives them to chance to see God's love in action. | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-04-23 - Use Your Gifts You gave me five bags of silver to invest and I have earned five more - Matthew 25:30 The Bible explains the importance of good strewardship Faithful handling of a small amount leads to more responsibility - Matthew 25:21 The wise and faithful servant understood the wealth he was using belonged to his master One reason God entrusts you with spiritual gifts is so you can produce fruit for him What make it difficult for you to see yourself as a steward? | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-05-25 - Suffering Servant All of us have strayed away - Isaiah 53:5 Jesus Christ was the perfect example of that kind of giving Isaiah saw this example of a humble, suffering servant from his own time He depicts a man who willingly subjected himslef to unspeakable suffering on the behalf of others How does Jesus' selfless giving motivate you? | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-06-13 - Second Chances Naaman became angry and stalked away - 2 Kinds 5:11 Naaman had a serious infectious skin disease He went to Eliasha for healing and he said to go the Jordan and wash 7 times Naaman was disappointed and angry with this but his servants encouraged him to do as Elisha said He obeyed and was healed - God of Israel is a God of second changes Because of Naaman's eventual humble obedience, he was healed and later found salvation - 2 Kings 5:15-18 | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-07-08 - Anticipation Rewarded Holy Spirit reveal to him that he woul not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah - Luke 2:26 Humans are creatures of anticipation. Serveral studies show expectation of something good benefits our health and sense of well-being Simon had lived a long life of such close fellowship with God and the Holy Spirit told him he would see the Messiah A voice told him to go to the Temple, this was his day When Simon saw baby Jesus, he knew immediately that this was the One he had been waiting for Simon: Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people - Luke 2:29-31 | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-07-10 - Man after God's own Heart I have sinned against the Lord - 2 Samuel 12:!3 King David in a space of a few weeks - lusted, commited adultery, lied, and murdered his lyal servant Uriah God called David a man after his own heart, not because he was perfect - 1 Samuel 13:14 God call him this because David humbly and brokenheartedly recongnized his own sin and knew what to do When the prophet Nathan confronted David about his sin, the king acknowledged he had sinned against the Lord | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-07-20 - Self-Fulfilling When Rehobam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the Lord - 2 Chronicles 12:1 There is a lot self-help books and programs teaching we can find fulfillment in our stength, mind, and soul True fulfillment and strength is found walking closely with God and humbly obeying his commands Rehoboam took a good look at all he had accomplished and becamse self-satisfied and abandoned God He crowded out God's place in his heart Rehoboam leading the way:
Rehoboam failed as a leader and as a man of God because he found strength and satisfaction in his own accomplishments | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-08-08 - Fatherly Love While he was still a long way off - Luke 15:20 It is not hard to imagine a father tears watching his son taking his inheritance and disappearing from view When the father saw his son appear on the horizen, he recongized Despite the shuffle and haggard appearance, he knew him He couldn't just stand and wait, so he ran The father saw him not as a servant or as damaged goods but as a much-loved son in good standing When you freely give yourself in this way, you heal your relationshops and set an example for others | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-08-12 - Access Only Moses is allowed to come near to the Lord - Exodus 24:2 At one time, only a few select people had direct access to God Moses was the servant God had choosen to lead his people out of Egyptian captivity Only Moses was permitted to:
In granting Moses such close access to him, God gave him a great responsibility and a great privilege Today the Bible promises with our faith in Jesus, we can boldly come to the throne of our gracious God - Hebrews 4:16 | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-08-21 - Credentials I'm not a professional prophet but the Lord called me away from my flock and told me, 'Go and prophesy to my people in Israel' - Amos 7:14-15 Willingness may not impress some personnel managers but it is exactly God looks for in a servant Amos was a humble shepherd who also tended a grove of sycamore-fig trees He had something God values about professional credentials - willingness to follow and obey God gave him a message to preach and he preached it with enthusiasm Most people believe that they need training credentials to minister to others God cares most about your willingness to faithfully serve him | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-08-28 - Basis of Confidence It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord - 2 Chronicles 26:17-18 Nothing keeps you from what God calls like self-doubt and fear Nothing gives you confidence like knowing you have God's full support King Uzziah of Judah was arguably one of the most powerful men in the world - few dared to say "no" to him Azariah, the high priest, knew Uzziah had been out of line by burning incense - a duty reserved for the priests alone He knew confronting the king of Judah entailed a great deal of risk Uzzuiah had the authority, temperament, and the inclination to end Azariah's life Azariah spoke out because he knew he had God's full support Uzziah flew into a rage but it ended up Azariah who continue to stand in the Temple as God's servant | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-09-21 - Ready to Follow Miraculous signs at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory - John 2:11 One day at a wedding party, Jesus performed his very first miracle when he changed water into wine In those days, running out of wine at a wedding was a major social faux pas Mary asked Jesus to fix the problem - servants filled six stone pots with water and wine began to one again - the best they ever tasted Headwaiter: why save the best wine for last? They never saw Jesus the same way again | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-09-23 - Change in Plans God changed his mind and did not carry out the destructionhe had threatened - Jonah 3:10 Jonah disliked God's command to warn Nineveh of its coming destruction and became angry with God for sparing the city after the Ninevites heard Jonah's preaching and repented I knew you were a merciful and compassionate God; you are eager to turn back from destroying people - Jonah 4:2 Jonah hated the Ninevties and wanted them killed because he saw them as a treat to his people God's deviated from Jonah's perfect plan Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city? - Jonah 4:11 Jonah was God's servant, not his advisor You will be more happy and peaceful when you simply do what God tells you to do and leave the results to him | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-10-04 - The Reward A faithful, sensible servant is the one who the master can give responsibility - Matthew 24:45 There are two people in the workplace:
Jesus told a story about a master's trust in a servant who demonstrated faithfulness in big and small issues That led the master to leave more important responsiblities to the faithful servant Are you faithful in serving God and your employer? He will reward your faithfulness | ||||||||||||||||||
2015-11-08 - Humbled You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's - Mark 8:33 Peter must have felt great when Jesus publicly blessed him from understanding Jesus' true identity Then it was shown that he needed to be knocked down a peg Jesus stunned his disciples about him going to Jersulem and Peter scolded Jesus because of it Peter was out of line and Jesus would not allow him or any other disciple to act as roadblocks to the path God set for him Jesus knew Peter had failed to see things from an eternal perspective Jesus was the conquering Kig but he was also the suffering Servant Peter was to play a big part in Jesus' mission but he first needed to humbly trust in the Lord's plan |