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

2009-12-20 - Master Plan - The Plan (part 3)
  • Keep them going
    • All of this is going to require supervision
    • When questions arise, they must be answered while the problem is still in their mind.
    • Setup a schedule of training and keep a record of their growth
    • Exercise patience: Growth is sometimes slow and with many setbacks (while honestly seeking truth)
    • Seldom put them out of our mind
    • They need to be in our prayers and dreams
    • Accept the burden of their immaturity until they can do it for themselves
  • We are not living primarily for the present.
  • Our satisfaction is in knowing that in generations to come from bearing fruit
  • World is desperately seeking someone to follow
    • Someone who is certain
    • Will be a man who knows the way of Christ
    • Or are one who is leading someone into greater darkness?
  • Destiny of many hangs on our decision.


2010-01-16 - Kingdom First - Above and Beyond (part 2)
If someone forces you to go one mile; go two - Matthew 5:41-42

3. Addressed going to the extra mile

Roman law said you were required to carry a certain amount of baggage to another place
Such a law and its frequent use of it cause great resentment among the Jews
Jesus said we should go beyond what our authorities required
Message condemns any resentment we may feel against a legitimate authority

If reform seems necessary, we should seek it - 1 Corinthians 7:21-23
Should be done with lawful means

God demonstrates his own love for us
He gave up revenge, rights, and his energy for us
While we were sinners, Christ died for us - Romans 5:6-7

2010-01-23 - Kingdom First - Hungry and Humility (part 2)
Men and women have fasted at various times for variety of ways
  • Jesus fasted for forty days - Matthew 4:2
    • Jesus did not eat but apparently did drink
  • Paul for 3 days - Acts 9:9
  • Ezra did not eat or drink - Ezra 10:6
  • Daniel ate no choice food (meat or wine) for three weeks - Daniel 10:3
  • Leaders in Antioch fasted before their mission - Acts 13:3
  • Moses (Exodus 34:28) and Daniel (Daniel 10:3) while receiving the word of God
Keep fasting spiced up with variety Call yourself higher.

2010-01-31 - One Another - Confession Questions (part 1)
While someone is confessing a sin, what if repentance is not in a person's heart?

a. Confession is never done from humility if it does not involve repentance
Confession without repentance is the same as faith without action - useless

b. Confession is self-focused and not God-focused if it does not seek to please him

Without repentance, confession is being done for a self-serving reason:
  • Gain sympathy
  • Appear open
  • Avoid a charge of hypocrisy
c. Confession of sin must involve forsaking sin

The opposite of concealing sin is confession AND forsaking sin
The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses them and forsakes them will find mercy - Proverbs 28:13

2010-03-05 - To Live is Christ - From Trials to Triumph

A successful life is not life from difficulty, trial, or tragedy - Philippians 1:12-14
While Paul was imprisoned, he learned how to live

He saw God the same - no matter what happened in his life

In an earlier letter he saw illness as an opportunity bring the gospel to the them - Galatians 4:13

He saw imprisonment for a chance to convert Romans
There became disciples is Caesar's household - Philippians 4:22
Something "not good" can be turned into the complete opposite when in God's larger pattern

Paul not giving up deepen their convictions - he emboldened them to share the message

Whatever happens in life can serve to advance the gospel when we are living by faith



2010-03-14 - To Live is Christ - Fellow Worker and Soldier
Epaphroditus was committed to Paul in the most difficult of circumstances - Philippians 2:25-30
Having a brother to encourage you and not be ashamed of you while in prision meant the world to Paul

Great friends are fellow worker - To accomplish a common goal
Great friends are fellow soldiers - a common enemy and a common plan to go make disciples

Easy to get wrapped up in our own needs
If we are selfless in our thinking and actions - do we think we will lose out in some way?
Paul was eager to send Epaphroditus - not reluctantly
Who we have been so generous?




2010-03-24 - To Live is Christ - Mind Change
Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable - think of such things - Philippians 4:8-9

It is all about the focus
Focus on the mess or you can change your mind and focus on:
  • Who God is
  • What God can do
  • The changes he can make
  • The victory he will most certainly achieve
Paul is not hopeful on what direction the world is going
Jesus saw the increase in wickedness - Matthew 24:12
While pessimistic about the world's chances, he was totally optimistic about the future with God

You will have trouble in this world but Jesus has overcome the world - John 16:33


2010-04-02 - Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 2)
While there is certain kinds of judging that is prohibited or discourage, there is also judging that is encouraged
  • Judging whether someone is receptive - Matthew 7:6
  • Coming to a correct conclusion - Luke 12:57
  • Spiritual judgments - 1 Corinthians 2:15
  • Church discipline - 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
  • Adjudicating in litigation - 1 Corinthians 6:5
  • Being convicted by spiritual worship - 1 Corinthians 14:24
And some judgment belonging only to God
  • Judgment regarding retribution - Hebrews 10:30
  • Final judgment - John 12:48


2010-04-08 - Life to the Full - Two Wisdoms (part 2)
Teaching is one of the few gifts mentioned in both in the lists of Ephesian 4 and 1 Corinthians 12

What exactly is a teacher?
  • Primary job is to teach the scriptures
  • They need to teach the truth
  • False teachers are always out there
    • OT = Jeremiah 8:7-8
    • NT = 2 Peter 2:1
  • Are need to arrange biblical themes - Ecclesiastes 12:9-10
  • Teacher are primary instructional while preachers are more inspirational
  • Teachers must have deep convictions - allow those without is dangerous
  • Teachers must be on the cutting edge - teacher not at their best -> teaching becomes effected


2010-05-14 - Desire's Journey - Taking Up the Quest
The only fatal error is to pretend that we have found the life we prize

The Shawshank Redemption
At first, these walls, you hate them. They make you crazy. After a while you get used to them, don't notice them anymore. Then comes the day you realize you need them.

Most tragic day of all - to prefer slavery to freedom, to prefer death to life
Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead - Ephesians 5:14

Bringing our heart among in our life's journey - the most important mission of our lives
To desire something and not to have it - is not this the source of nearly all our pain and sorrow?


2010-09-12 - Waking Dead - Spiritual Warfare (part 4)
Heads up. Satan can give us actions and words to say:
  • Satan incited David to take a census of Israel - 1 Chronicles 21:1
  • To Peter: "Get behind me Satan" - Matthew 16:21-23

Some trying to "work through" things are simply have agreements with the Enemy
Do you really think the source of that is just you? or God?

Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry - Ephesians 4:26-27
Not just anger  - it happens through all sorts of issues

Satan uses your wounds and unresolved emotional issues to pin your heart down under a spiritual stronghold
Wounds we take are not accidential

We must be careful not to make agreements with Satan to increase his dominion



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

2010-10-01 - Contagious Christian - Benefits (part 1)
Ever had an idea only to find your enthusiasm fading when you realize the effort it would take?
The goal may be noble, the intentions sincere, the plan in place but we still do not take action
What is holding us back?
We must be convinced that it is worth the effort and expense

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

Personal Benefits
  1. Adventure
  2. Purpose
  3. Fulfillment
  4. Spiritual Growth
  5. Spiritual Confidence
  6. Enduring Investments
  7. Honor of being God's Agent


2010-10-11 - God and Your Money
  1. Parable of the Shrewd Manager - Luke 16:1-15
    1. God expects us to be honest yet shrewd in the use of money (v. 1-8)
    2. Money is a tool to be used to gain friends (souls) (v. 9)
    3. If we are not trustworthy in handling money, God will not entrust us with true riches (people's souls) (v. 10-11). God will keep us from leadership if we are not trustworthy with finances (v. 10-11).
  2. Whose Money Is It? Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:1; Luke 14:33
    1. We are managers (stewards), not owners. An owner does what he pleases with his money/possessions, while a manager submits to the will of the owner.
    2. As disciples, our attitude must reflect a willingness to "give up everything" to advance God's kingdom.

QUESTIONS

  1. What ways am I not being shrewd honest, or trustworthy with my money/possessions?
    Examples:
    • Checkbook not balanced
    • Credit card debt - paying high monthly interest rates
    • Interest rates
    • Not paying bills on time
    • Writing bad checks
    • Not living by a budget
    • Borrowing from Christians or others and not repaying
  2. What ways can I use God's money to win souls rather than serve myself?
  3. How do I view my money/possessions? Who owns them? Do I have the attitude of "giving up everything for the kingdom?"


2010-10-13 - Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


2010-11-18 - Contagious Christian - Making the Message Clear (part III)
The Bridge Illustration



  • He made us
  • We matter to God
  • He wants to have a relationship with us
  • We rebelled against God
  • Our sins separate us from Him
  • Attempts to reach Him fall short - Romans 3:23
  • Our sins desire death - Romans 6:23
  • There is much trouble apart from God - people need to understand their lostness
  • Christ died so we have relationship restored - 1 Peter 3:18
A common response is to go back and think about it for a while
Other times God has prepared their hearts through someone else
We need to give them this freedom

2010-11-22 - Mission - Heart of Christ
Reading Luke 19:1-9
  • Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
  • Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
  • How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
  • The crowd was less than delighted
    • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
    • Failed to grasp his love
His outreach to sinners shocked people while destroying the false security of following laws and regulations
Jesus' love had a clear and defined purpose - to restore a broken relationship between the lost and God

To have the heart of Christ means to seek and to save what is lost

It is beyond:
  • Enjoying the fellowship
  • Benefiting from counseling
  • Learning how to change bad habits
Seeking these blessings first simply puts one at the same level as the Pharisees

2010-12-01 - Mission - Forgiveness
The message to Preach

2. Forgiveness of sins

Without this, there would be nothing else
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us - Romans 5:8
We first need to clearly teach people why forgiveness is possible
Happens only in the name of Jesus
It is only because God loves us and not because of anything we have done or will do
We must also make it clear that is when one is baptized in the name of Jesus that one is saved - Acts 2:38

As we preach, we must be careful, but not cautious
Be sensitive but not sentimental

We must preach the cross so powerfully that it cuts
No one will ever repent until they are brought to Godly sorrow - 2 Corinthians 7

2010-12-05 - Mission - Peter, To a Rock
Peter's talk with Jesus by the coals burned an incredible mark in the heart of Peter - John 21:9

At Pentecost, Peter is recorded by Luke to have
  • Heroic acts of wisdom - Acts 2:14
  • Boldness and courage
  • Healings - Acts 5:15-16
Peter had profoundly changed but sometimes rocks have rough edges
Paul was very angry with on an occasion - Galatians 2:11
But Peter grew to become a stronger disciple

While the world stagnates in, the Christian list is an exciting adventure in change

Peter was not only a hero because he changed but because he also persevered

2010-12-06 - Mission - John's Walk with Jesus
What disciples does not like the apostle John, the "apostle of love"?

Not everyone
  • Some apostles did not like his selfish ambition - Matthew 20:24
  • Some thought he was prideful describing himself as the beloved disciple of Jesus - John 21:7
  • After the resurrection, Peter still seems to have attitudes towards John - John 21:21
New John after walking with Jesus for a while - Mark 1:19

John stayed close to Jesus - Luke 9:28
He would never quit Jesus - Mark 14:32-34
John loved Jesus until the end - John 19:25-27

John changed:
  • Selfish ambition turned to kingdom ambition
  • Fits of rage changed to fits of love
  • Factiousness come together into a passion of unity
Only after walking with Jesus did John become the apostle of love, he wasn't that way naturally

How is our walk with Jesus?
Do we focus our energy on our walk with Jesus?

Only after walking with Jesus, can we change into the disciple Jesus' wants us to be

2010-12-26 - Saved by Grace through Faith (part II)
Ephesians 2:1-10
  • What condition are we all in? We are dead in sins and transgressions.
  • How much can a dead man do to improve his own condition? What then is the only way we can be saved?
  • What do you learn about God in his passage? His love? His mercy? His grace?
  • What is the condition of receiving what God has done on our behalf?
  • We are saved by grace through faith. Faith is obedient trust in God (James 2:14-18).
  • Here we trust what God has done in Jesus as the grounds of our salvation and commit our lives fully to him. While we can never do enough good works to save ourselves, what are we saved for?
  • Saving faith is “worked out” in ways that bring glory to God and attest to a Christ-centered life.

Romans 3:21-26
  • Having shown that Gentiles (non-Jews) are sinners in Romans 1 and Jews are no better off Romans 2, Paul summarizes his argument here.
  • Is it possible for anyone to be “good enough” to be saved?
  • Illustration: a plane goes down half way between Hawaii and California. Everyone must swim for the coast. Can some swim much further than others? But what eventually happens to them all? So with us, no one’s own efforts are enough. All fall short. So how are we saved?
  • God justifies those who “have faith in Jesus” (v26).
  • Saving faith is not in ourselves but “in his blood”—that is, in the death of Jesus on our behalf (v25).

Titus 3:3-8
  • When we humbly consider our own sinfulness, it becomes obvious that we are saved because of God’s mercy, not because of righteous things we have done.
  • Those who have trusted God for salvation, however, will devote themselves to doing his will.
  • God’s grace is AMAZING! He generously accepts us as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.
  • To enter into this saving relationship with God, we must be washed of our sins and renewed by the Holy Spirit.
  • We will look more at the conditions of accepting God’s grace in the coming studies.


2011-01-31 - Followup - Servant (part II)
Humble Servant - Luke 17:7-10

Question: What should our attitude be while serving?
  1. Grumbling servant - “I’ll serve, but I’m not going to like it.”
  2. Complaining servant - “Why do they always ask me to serve”
  3. Proud servant - “I serve more than anyone and deserve recognition”
We must be humble servants and serve daily
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!

2011-05-27 - Fearing God - Determines how we live (part I)

Fearing God is the most exalted endevors in our life

The highest reaches of becoming holy are realized only in the fear of God

Fearing God does not stop in the New Testament:

  • 1 Peter 2:17 - Fear God
  • Acts 9:31 - Live in the fear of the Lord
  • 2 Corinthians 7:1 - Cleanse ourselves in the fear of the God
  • Colossians 3:22 - Work should be done while fearing the Lord

The Spirit of God rested on the Messiah with the fear of the Lord and he delighted in it - Isaiah 11:1-3
If we would be like the Lord Jesus, we should delight in fearing the God




2011-06-04 - Fearing God - Jacob feared
Jacob had deceived his father and stolen the birthright from his brother

Genesis 28:12-15
While fleeing to his uncle's house, God promised him 5 things:
  • I will give the land to you and your descendants
  • You will spread out to the north, south, east and west
  • People on earth will be blessed through you
  • I am with you and will watch over you
  • I will not leave you
God said nothing in the dream about Jacob's deceitful character, threaten, or punishment

When Jacob awoke, he was afraid
His fear came from the realization that he had somehow been in the very presence of God
The fear was not from being conscious of his sin but from his sense of awe

The presence created a sense of being overwhelmed by his own nothingness in contrast to that which is supreme above all creatures
He is infinitely above the powerful human beings who have ever lived

2011-06-26 - Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


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):
  • While the 12 were thinking about who was the greatest in the kingdom, Jesus became their servant (King of Kings, Lord of Lords)
  • Jesus the Master reversed roles and washed the feet of those in a subordinate position.
  • He did this in full consciousness of his divine glory; (vs 1-3)
  • He washed all the disciples feet, including Judas Iscariot (vs 12)
The washing of the disciples feet is illustrative of the perfect servant.
  • He was empty of self interest. (vs 15)
  • He voluntarily humbled himself (vs 14)
  • His mind was focused on the works and interest of his master; (vs 3, 16)
  • He was motivated by his love for the disciples; (vs 1)


2011-08-21 - In Rememberence of Me
Jesus called the disciples to the Passover fest before would head to the cross to reflect and remember their time together

Luke 22:19-20 - Do this in remembrance of me

Why? because we forget both little things and big things

1. Disciples forgot while they were at the table -

v24 - Conversations they have had at the passover table:
  • Peter: Remember when walking on water
  • Thomas: But you doubted and fell into the water
  • Peter: Like you have any room to talk, doubting Thomas
  • James: Remember the transfiguration? Yeah, I was one of three disciples there. We saw Moses and Elijah.
  • Andrew: Yeah, you seem to miss the whole point when you fixated on getting them shelters
  • Matthew: We can take these guys anywhere
They had this lesson before (how many times?)
2. Peter forgot the very same day  the very same day and denied Jesus
v54 - He forgot that Jesus said and he had the power to raise the dead

I can relate:
  • Forgetting to the trash and why I was in the garage
  • Forgetting Juniper's shoes on the way to church
If  I can not remember the little things within the same few minutes, or hours - we need this time of communion
Our forgetfulness is not a reflection of its importance but a reflection our weakness in remembering

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

Summary

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

Observations

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

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

Personal Application

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



2011-10-14 - 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.



2011-11-25 - Grace (part I)
Sometimes, one of the most difficult truths to understand as a young disciple is grace. So much confusion exist in the religious world on this topic so it is critical that you have a correct, Biblical understanding of the this powerful truth. Obviously, God wants us to thoroughly enjoy the grace He has given us and will continue to give us as disciples. However, we must feel a responsibility to live for Him in response to His grace.

Grace allowed you to be spared when you weren’t pursuing God
  • Romans 5:6-8 - God was patient and loved us while we were enemies of His
  • Ephesians 2:1-5 - We were objects of wrath; deserving to be squished (cockroach example)
  • 1 Timothy 1:12-17 - We were shown unlimited patience, making it possible to have a chance
Grace was given to you at your baptism
  • Titus 3:3-7 - You were justified by grace at your baptism; nothing you did earned it
  • Hebrews 10:19-22 - Your baptism gave you full assurance of God’s grace
  • Acts 2:38-41 - You were forgiven, got the Holy Spirit, added to God’s kingdom – by grace


2011-11-26 - Grace (part II)
Grace continues to be yours after your baptism
  • Romans 5:9-11 - If God showed us patience while enemies, how much more now as friends?
  • 2 Peter 3:17-18 - You are now in a secure position; enjoy it immensely
Grace should inspire you to say no to temptation and sin
  • Romans 6:5-11 - God’s grace gave us a new life – why would we want to return to the old
  • Titus 2:11-14 - God’s grace teaches us t say no to sin (Cruise ship example)
  • Jude 3-5 - God’s grace is not license to sin, rather a license against sin


2011-12-11 - Day 8 - The Hope of Glory
1 Corinthians 15:19
  1. Why does your hope in Christ go beyond this earthly life?
  2. Why are we as Christians to be pitied if there is no eternal life?
1 Corinthians 15:42-58
  1. What is the mystery Paul tells us (vs.51)?
  2. Why do we normally fear death - and why should we no longer be afraid of dying?
  3. Why should we work for the Lord? What will happen when we give ourselves completely?
  Colossians 3:1-4
  1. When were you raised with Christ?
  2. What should you be thinking about from now on?
  3. What things should you stop thinking about so much?
Application: Think for a while about what heaven will be like. And don't forget to thank God every day for the opportunity to go to heaven!

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?


2012-02-11 - 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.


2012-02-13 - 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!!

2012-03-01 - Fear of Failure - Heart Failure
by Kent Burke - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Numbers 11

When I see all of the problems in my life and I hear all of the complaints of the people around me, I can quickly lose heart. I do not have the strength to sustain people's hearts. Moses felt the same way when he was faced with all the complaints of the Israelites while wandering in the desert. But when Moses stopped to pray, God took care of all the complaints. We must learn to rely on God's power when we face trials in our lives.

Practicals:
  1. When challenges come, I must be open with how I really feel (v.11-15).
  2. When challenges come, I need to turn to God in prayer (v. 2).
  3. When challenges come, I cannot lose faith in God's power (v.21-23).


2012-03-15 - Instilling Faith in Children (part I)

Not all the answers but I do know where get them along with advice from others

Going to share about 2-3 scriptures for use to discuss / feel free to be part of things

We need Jesus - Matthew 18:1-6

v1 - Side conversation while Jesus was doing miracles among them
Disciples we arguing about who was the greatest... maybe they were saying - I am the best parent or I have the best kid

v2 - God thoughts: The ones we are to teach are the ones who teach us the very lesson we need to teach them

v3 - It does not come naturally, we need to change

Starts with us - to get our relationship with God in order first - to be a child of God

Why is it so important to become childlike?

  • So we can have a relationship with God / welcome Jesus
  • Make it to heaven / considered the greatest
  • Not become a stumbling block
In what ways do we need to become like a child?
  • Humble ourselves
  • Rely on God
  • Seek out answers/advice from others
  • Earniestness to learn
  • Be relatable


2013-01-06 - Prayer of the Righeous - God is a Consuming Fire (part II)

We must totally aware of our own unworthiness

It took a while, but Job finally understood this: "My ears heard you but now my eyes...and repent in dust and ashes" - Job 42:5-6

This is the reaction we should have when sinful selfs meets a pure, holy and prefect God

David understood our unworthiness: "But who I am... Everything comes from you" - 1 Chonicles 29:14-15

Solomon aware of his own afflicions, asked God to hear men's prayers - 1 Kings 8:38

Jesus warned that we need to be careful to not be proud based off anything we have or done - Revelations 3:17
But to have the attitude of the tax collect who prayed "Have mercy on me, a sinner " - Luke 18:13

Our good deeds or possessions in no way make worthly of coming in the presence of the holy one



2013-06-19 - Why we need men of resolution (part I)

A story about a man falling asleep at the wheel while his family is in the car - illustrates where countless men are today

We have been lulled into a dream by our own passivity and laziness

Women are stressed out and longing for the man in their lives to wake up, rescue them.

God’s Word commands husbands and fathers to lovingly lead.

Men are being told they don’t have the permission or responsibility to lead.
 
If your wife has been calling all the shots in the family and has her hands on the wheel, then very likely it’s because you have not.

No man and no family is a lost cause when God gets involved.

Because you are the one in the driver’s seat, you can become the one He uses to steer your family back onto the path that will lead them to a place of safety, strength, and health.

Leadership determines direction.



2013-06-25 - Why we need men of resolution (part II)

Our relationship with our father is very telling as to why we are and who we are.

“What does my dad really think about me?” Lots of fathers don’t realize their vital role.

Many issues come from fathers having lost their sense of purpose.

Society is guiding boys to remain boys as long as possible— extending childhood into their thirties—while forcing girls to become women long before they are ready.

Millions of young men are staying single. They want the privileges and rewards of manhood but only the responsibilities and moral requirements of boys.

God has a special place in His heart for two specific groups of people: fatherless children and widows.
 
have in common? The most important man in the leadership role of their lives is gone.

Dad have good intention but there many things working against them:

  • Divorce - best thing for kids is to see their parents humble themselves, repent of their selfishness, forgive one another, and recommit to their marriage
  • Work - Before the industrial revolution, fathers primarily worked at home. When dad finally did get home, he was too tired to engage, and his family got the leftovers. Men need to set boundaries and learn to say “no,” his work priorities will constantly pull him away.
  • Entertainment - the television becomes their influence instead which is a terrible father.
  • Anti-father bias in media - dads on TV today are incompetent and constantly outwitted by their wives and disrespectful kids.
  • The church - many church programs separate families to the point that kids never see their fathers

Devil will never stop attacking what God prioritizes.



2013-09-11 - Men Leave Childhood Behind

We need to choose to let go of childishness and foolishness
When I became a man, I did away with childish things - 1 Corinthians 13:11

Clinging to childhood while growing into manhood is like trying to run in opposite directions at the same time aka the “Peter Pan Syndrome”

Teen years are often wasted and fathers have become silent.

Rather than initiating serious conversations with wiser men, they goof off with fools in sports bars

Too many men want the freedoms, rewards, and privileges of manhood but only the responsibilities of boyhood

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ - Ephesians 4:14-15

Do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature - 1 Corinthians 14:20

The noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands - Isaiah 32:8



2014-05-30 - Genesis 24 - Search for the Bride of Isaac (part I)

Summary

Abraham's servant went to Nahor to find a wife for Isaac.

Observations

Genesis 24:1 - The Lord blessed him every way
God blessed Abraham, as he promised [Genesis 12:2], more than he could have asked or imagined [Ephesians 3:20] because of his belief that He would be faithful in his promises. In the investment world, it is about making a return on managed risk. Sometimes in Wall Street you can yield a good return with analysis. Other times, no matter what, you can lose large amounts of captial.  But with God, you can bank on his promises through faithfulness. There is no guessing and changing out mind, we just need to be faithful.

Genesis 24:4 - Go instead to my homeland
His son was nearing 40 years old and Abraham was old himself. He was looked to pass the torch on the next generation. Abraham again was faced with the challege of age-related life changes [Genesis 21:2]. The easy way to find Isaac a spouse would be to just look around the local area. The rational here might be "well, they do not follow God now but we can convert them later". This idea rarely works out and can cause much harm spiritually. Abraham chose again to be faithfully and to take the path less traveled. That path for his servant was 450 miles away to Nahor.

Genesis 24:8 - But under no circumstances are you to take my son there
Abraham nor his son were going to leave Cannon. There must have been some faithful prayer involved to find a way out of this situation [1 Corinthians 10:13]. How was Abraham going to find a wife for his son in a different land without standing in the way of God's promise? For both of them to go would have been an express of their lack of faith in God's promise. Also, if Isaac went a alone, he may have not returned. If Abrham went a alone, Isaac may have found a wife among the Canaanites while he was gone. The solution was a highly improbable plan (without God) for Abraham was to send his servant to find his wife. This way would be at a high cost to old man Abraham because of amount of work extra work he would need to do to cover while the servant was gone.

Application

I 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.

Prayer

Praying for heart of disernment and faithfulness in life's challenging situations.



2015-02-03 - Suffering with Benefits

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

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

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

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

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

Suffering can:

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

 



2015-02-08 - Follow Instructions

Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him - Genesis 6:22

Good things come to men who fully and complete follow instructions

Noah followed God's instructions to the letter, leaving nothing undone

If Noah had missed just one of God's instructions while building the Ark, we would not be here today.

Noah obeyed because he was a righteous man and he was a righteous man because of his obedience

When you follow God's instructions in every day life, you position yourslef to receive good things from Him.

Think of an area in your life that God has given you some pretty clrear instruction. Can God say you "did everything exacly as God had commanded"?



2015-02-24 - Unwavering Faithful

How could I go home to wine and dine while my master's men are camping in the open field? - 2 Samuel 11:11

It is admireable when a friend remains loyal and faithful even when treated shamefully

Uriah had no knowledge that David wronged him by sleeping with his wife

David's take-it-easy comment was just a attempt to cover David's sin; he later killed Uriah in battle

Uriah did his duty and demonstrated the godly trait of faithfulness

His faithfulness and loyalty cost him his life on earth

God never fails to reward those honor him



2015-06-12 - It's about love

Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath or is it a day for doing evil? - Mark 3:4

Nothing gets the attention of a religous old guard faster than trying something new and different

Example: Jesus on earth with the Jewish leaders with so many rules and regulations

No one could keep all the rules and certainly not while joyfully serving God

Jesus' wisdom steered people back toward the spirit of the law - root in the love for God and neighbor

He healed a man in need and the leaders called it working therefore wrong

Are you legalist or do you enjoy the freedom Jesus came to give you?



2015-07-17 - Seeing Jesus

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead - Revelation 1:17

Throughout history, men have struggled with Jesus' identity

John had no doubts while worshipping God in exciled to the Greek island of Patmos

While listening to Jesus' words and turned to look, he was floored at the sight of the Son of Man - Revelation 1:13

John had the privelege of hearing and seeing Jesus as the King and reacted with both dread and fear



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



2015-09-11 - Face the Music

I am sending him back to you and with him comes my own heart - Philemon 1:12

Onesimus had dessert his master, Philemon, and headed home to find anonymity

While there, he met Paul, who probably brought him to faith in Christ

Now Onesimus made a tough decision: return back to his master despite his fears

It would have been easier to stay in Rome but he knew that God wanted him to return to Philemon and make amends for his actions

God always honors you when you go out of your way to seek another's forgiveness



2015-09-22 - Full Obedience

An angel gave me this command from the Lord .. but the old man was lying to him - 1 Kings 13:18

The prophet from Judah failure to fully obey God's instructions led to personal disaster:

  1. Travel to Bethel and confront King Jeroboam
  2. Do not eat or drink anything while in Bethel

The prophet excuted the first part perfectly:

  1. Personally rebuked Jeroboam
  2. Pronouned destruction of his alter
  3. Taught the king a thing or two about keeping his hands of a true prophet of God

But the second part he failed - when home with an eldery prophet from Bethel because "God told him to"

Partial obedience is really disobedience

The prophet listened and lost everything - 1 Kings 13



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