Friday - 3/30 - Read Malachi 4:4-6
Israel had the potential to reject Malachi and his message. Do we?
Why do you think God closed this book with relationships between dads (moms too?) and kids?
God is in the "heart turning" business. Is He open for business in your heart? In what ways?
How does God sending "a curse" relate to God loving Israel? And us?
Has God ever had to send "a curse" into your life to get your attention? Was it pleasant? Was it necessary?
Is God sending "a curse" now? What can you learn? How can your heart be turned by that?
As we have learned a lot from this book, what one thing have you learned the most?
What about your heart needs to be turned the most?
Are you willing to apply this?
Read Matthew 21:1-11 in preparation for Palm Sunday.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
A window of opportunity!
Thursday - 3/29 - Read Malachi 4:4-6
Elijah and John the Baptist were God's messengers. Who are God's messengers in your life? Write down their names and stop and thank God for them.
Are they sharing with you the need to adjust to God's view of reality? Are you?
Do you see their influence in your life as a window of opportunity? Could this window close?
If Jesus is to be the center of our lives, how are things in your life orbiting Him? Do some of the things in your life have an orbit that is a bit wobbly? Are some things way out of orbit?
Is your marriage in orbit around Jesus Christ? Your family? How about your retirement? Your life as a student in school?
How should you adjust your life to God's reality in your life?
Read Matthew 21:1-11 in preparation for Palm Sunday.
Elijah and John the Baptist were God's messengers. Who are God's messengers in your life? Write down their names and stop and thank God for them.
Are they sharing with you the need to adjust to God's view of reality? Are you?
Do you see their influence in your life as a window of opportunity? Could this window close?
If Jesus is to be the center of our lives, how are things in your life orbiting Him? Do some of the things in your life have an orbit that is a bit wobbly? Are some things way out of orbit?
Is your marriage in orbit around Jesus Christ? Your family? How about your retirement? Your life as a student in school?
How should you adjust your life to God's reality in your life?
Read Matthew 21:1-11 in preparation for Palm Sunday.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Screaming Eagle Christian Life
Wednesday - 3/28 - Read Malachi 4:4-6
On Sunday we talked about the Christian life being exciting and fulfilling if and only if we "get on the ride." I compared the Christian life to getting on the "Screaming Eagle" roller coaster at Six Flags over MidAmerica in St. Louis. Do you agree with this analogy?
Would you describe your life as "getting on the ride" or "standing on the sidelines?"
How important do you think it is for kids and grandkids to have parents and grandparents who "get on the ride?"
We looked at Luke 11:28. Jesus made it perfectly clear that blessing in life is about applying God's Word in our lives not just learning about it.
Do you think a lot of Christians struggle with applying God's Word? Do you?
Most people want to be "blessed" by God, who wouldn't? Why do we struggle with God's path of "blessing?"
As we learned different principles in Malachi, which principles are you already applying?
Which principles do you struggle applying? Which principles are you not applying at all?
Why?
Read Matthew 21:1-11 in preparation for Palm Sunday.
On Sunday we talked about the Christian life being exciting and fulfilling if and only if we "get on the ride." I compared the Christian life to getting on the "Screaming Eagle" roller coaster at Six Flags over MidAmerica in St. Louis. Do you agree with this analogy?
Would you describe your life as "getting on the ride" or "standing on the sidelines?"
How important do you think it is for kids and grandkids to have parents and grandparents who "get on the ride?"
We looked at Luke 11:28. Jesus made it perfectly clear that blessing in life is about applying God's Word in our lives not just learning about it.
Do you think a lot of Christians struggle with applying God's Word? Do you?
Most people want to be "blessed" by God, who wouldn't? Why do we struggle with God's path of "blessing?"
As we learned different principles in Malachi, which principles are you already applying?
Which principles do you struggle applying? Which principles are you not applying at all?
Why?
Read Matthew 21:1-11 in preparation for Palm Sunday.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Does God make a difference in your life?
Tuesday - 3/27 - Read Malachi 4:4-6
What difference is God making in your life?
What difference is what we have learned through Malachi making in your life?
Does God want us to just gain knowledge through the study of His Word or does He want our lives to change?
If you answered yes to the previous question, how has your life changed as a result of studying Malachi?
Do you feel that God's encouragement to Israel to "Remember the law!" was an expression of His covenantal love for them? In what ways?
1 John 5:3 states that to love God is to obey Him. If this is true, how much do you love God?
As we apply God's Word in our lives, do you believe that it will improve your life or hamper your ability to enjoy life?
Why, then do people struggle applying His Word in their lives?
Read Matthew 21:1-11 in preparation for Palm Sunday.
Wednesday - 3/28 - Read Malachi 4:4-6
On Sunday we talked about the Christian life being exciting and fulfilling if and only if we "get on the ride." I compared the Christian life to getting on the "Screaming Eagle" roller coaster at Six Flags over MidAmerica in St. Louis. Do you agree with this analogy?
Would you describe your life as "getting on the ride" or "standing on the sidelines?"
How important do you think it is for kids and grandkids to have parents and grandparents who "get on the ride?"
We looked at Luke 11:28. Jesus made it perfectly clear that blessing in life is about applying God's Word in our lives not just learning about it.
Do you think a lot of Christians struggle with applying God's Word? Do you?
Most people want to be "blessed" by God, who wouldn't? Why do we struggle with God's path of "blessing?"
As we learned different principles in Malachi, which principles are you already applying?
Which principles do you struggle applying? Which principles are you not applying at all?
Why?
Read Matthew 21:1-11 in preparation for Palm Sunday.
What difference is God making in your life?
What difference is what we have learned through Malachi making in your life?
Does God want us to just gain knowledge through the study of His Word or does He want our lives to change?
If you answered yes to the previous question, how has your life changed as a result of studying Malachi?
Do you feel that God's encouragement to Israel to "Remember the law!" was an expression of His covenantal love for them? In what ways?
1 John 5:3 states that to love God is to obey Him. If this is true, how much do you love God?
As we apply God's Word in our lives, do you believe that it will improve your life or hamper your ability to enjoy life?
Why, then do people struggle applying His Word in their lives?
Read Matthew 21:1-11 in preparation for Palm Sunday.
Wednesday - 3/28 - Read Malachi 4:4-6
On Sunday we talked about the Christian life being exciting and fulfilling if and only if we "get on the ride." I compared the Christian life to getting on the "Screaming Eagle" roller coaster at Six Flags over MidAmerica in St. Louis. Do you agree with this analogy?
Would you describe your life as "getting on the ride" or "standing on the sidelines?"
How important do you think it is for kids and grandkids to have parents and grandparents who "get on the ride?"
We looked at Luke 11:28. Jesus made it perfectly clear that blessing in life is about applying God's Word in our lives not just learning about it.
Do you think a lot of Christians struggle with applying God's Word? Do you?
Most people want to be "blessed" by God, who wouldn't? Why do we struggle with God's path of "blessing?"
As we learned different principles in Malachi, which principles are you already applying?
Which principles do you struggle applying? Which principles are you not applying at all?
Why?
Read Matthew 21:1-11 in preparation for Palm Sunday.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
What would happen?
Monday - 3/26 - Read Malachi 4:4-6
What would happen if we applied the principles we have learned in Malachi? Could we find our spiritual groove?
What would happen if we believed, truly believed that God loves us with an irrevocable & unchangeable love & chose us (1:1-5)?
What would happen if we gave to God our best in worship & made Him the audience in worship (1:6-14)?
What would happen if we provided leadership to one another & determined in our lives as parents, grandparents & friends to hold each other to giving God the best of our lives (2:1-9)?
What would happen if we recognized our marriages as covenants that God designed to be permanent (2:10-16)?
What would happen if we lived our lives every second knowing that Jesus is coming back and allow it to affect the way we live and hold us unaccountable (2:17-3:5)?
What would happen if we honored God with our finances & other resources He entrusts to us (3:6-12)
What would happen if we did the right things at the heart of our service to Him because it is good, noble, true and world changing (3:13-4:3)?
What would happen if we discovered and lived out the difference God makes in the lives of those who follow Him (4:4-6)?
The difference could be huge. Is it that way in your life?
Read Matthew 21:1-11 in preparation for Palm Sunday.
What would happen if we applied the principles we have learned in Malachi? Could we find our spiritual groove?
What would happen if we believed, truly believed that God loves us with an irrevocable & unchangeable love & chose us (1:1-5)?
What would happen if we gave to God our best in worship & made Him the audience in worship (1:6-14)?
What would happen if we provided leadership to one another & determined in our lives as parents, grandparents & friends to hold each other to giving God the best of our lives (2:1-9)?
What would happen if we recognized our marriages as covenants that God designed to be permanent (2:10-16)?
What would happen if we lived our lives every second knowing that Jesus is coming back and allow it to affect the way we live and hold us unaccountable (2:17-3:5)?
What would happen if we honored God with our finances & other resources He entrusts to us (3:6-12)
What would happen if we did the right things at the heart of our service to Him because it is good, noble, true and world changing (3:13-4:3)?
What would happen if we discovered and lived out the difference God makes in the lives of those who follow Him (4:4-6)?
The difference could be huge. Is it that way in your life?
Read Matthew 21:1-11 in preparation for Palm Sunday.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
They Will Be Mine
Friday - 3/23 - Read Malachi 3:13-4:3
When you think of living authentically for Jesus Christ in this world, how does "doing the right thing" fall into that picture?
Do we have the strength and power to do this ourselves?
How did that small band of believers in vv. 16-18 do it?
What does it mean to fear God?
How does God's covenantal love affect our fear of God?
Do you need to make any adjustments in your Christian life after studying Malachi 3:13-4:3?
Remember, God says, "They will be mine, in the day when I make up my treasured possession," about those who were doing the right thing.
Does this motivate you in your Christian life to make any adjustments or changes?
Read Malachi 4:4-6 in preparation for next Sunday.
When you think of living authentically for Jesus Christ in this world, how does "doing the right thing" fall into that picture?
Do we have the strength and power to do this ourselves?
How did that small band of believers in vv. 16-18 do it?
What does it mean to fear God?
How does God's covenantal love affect our fear of God?
Do you need to make any adjustments in your Christian life after studying Malachi 3:13-4:3?
Remember, God says, "They will be mine, in the day when I make up my treasured possession," about those who were doing the right thing.
Does this motivate you in your Christian life to make any adjustments or changes?
Read Malachi 4:4-6 in preparation for next Sunday.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Surely the day is coming!
Thursday - 3/22 - Read Malachi 3:13-4:3
Which is longer--this life, or eternity? Duh! Eternity is, of course! If so, then why are we so pressured to live for the temporary things of this world instead of the eternal things of heaven?
Does "swimming against the current" describe your daily environement?
Do you get tired of doing this?
Have you stopped swimming against the current from time to time? Where does this lead?
"Surely the day is coming!" What kind of impact does that phrase have on you?
If swimming against the current in a body of water, like I described in my sermon, is difficult, what does that mean about living in this world?
Have you accepted this reality as a permanent part of the Christian life, at least until we get to heaven?
Are you willing to swim against the current of this world?
Read Malachi 4:4-6 in preparation for next Sunday.
Which is longer--this life, or eternity? Duh! Eternity is, of course! If so, then why are we so pressured to live for the temporary things of this world instead of the eternal things of heaven?
Does "swimming against the current" describe your daily environement?
Do you get tired of doing this?
Have you stopped swimming against the current from time to time? Where does this lead?
"Surely the day is coming!" What kind of impact does that phrase have on you?
If swimming against the current in a body of water, like I described in my sermon, is difficult, what does that mean about living in this world?
Have you accepted this reality as a permanent part of the Christian life, at least until we get to heaven?
Are you willing to swim against the current of this world?
Read Malachi 4:4-6 in preparation for next Sunday.
Stand Alone - Hang Together!
Wednesday - 3/21 - Read Malachi 3:13-4:3
Have you found yourself in the minority recently because of your Christian world-view?
Did you find it difficult? How did you respond?
Do you have a small group of people you belong to that you can talk to and share these situations with?
Do you see the need to be a part of a small group if you aren't? What are you going to do if you feel you need to be but aren't? You could contact Helmut Welke, our Grace-Connections Small Group Coordinator @ 449-8111 (excuse the shameless plug for small groups).
Would you say you are listening to God's opinion poll or the public opinion polls around you?
What is the hardest thing for you in standing alone?
Can you think of an example when everyone around you disagreed with something you know was right or godly?
What got you through that situation successfully? Or, if you caved, why? Think back and analyze the situation.
What changes in your life need to be made, if any, to be able to stand alone successfully for Jesus Christ?
Read Malachi 4:4-6 in preparation for next Sunday.
Have you found yourself in the minority recently because of your Christian world-view?
Did you find it difficult? How did you respond?
Do you have a small group of people you belong to that you can talk to and share these situations with?
Do you see the need to be a part of a small group if you aren't? What are you going to do if you feel you need to be but aren't? You could contact Helmut Welke, our Grace-Connections Small Group Coordinator @ 449-8111 (excuse the shameless plug for small groups).
Would you say you are listening to God's opinion poll or the public opinion polls around you?
What is the hardest thing for you in standing alone?
Can you think of an example when everyone around you disagreed with something you know was right or godly?
What got you through that situation successfully? Or, if you caved, why? Think back and analyze the situation.
What changes in your life need to be made, if any, to be able to stand alone successfully for Jesus Christ?
Read Malachi 4:4-6 in preparation for next Sunday.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Cosmic Vending Machine OR Covenant Keeping God?
Tuesday - 3/20 - Read Malachi 3:13-4:3
Have you ever treated God like a "cosmic newspaper vending machine?" How?
Why?
In your understanding of Malachi 3:13-4:3 is this wrong? Why?
What drives your response to God's covenantal love--a God driven mentality or a consumer driven mentality?
How have you responded with a consumer driven mentality in the past?
How have you responded with a God driven mentality?
Because of circumstances you find yourself in, have you said to yourself, "What use is serving God?"
In your spiritual walk, what needs to be changed in your heart as your respond to God's love?
What changes need to be made in your actions or out-living of your faith?
Read Malachi 4:4-6 in preparation for next Sunday.
Have you ever treated God like a "cosmic newspaper vending machine?" How?
Why?
In your understanding of Malachi 3:13-4:3 is this wrong? Why?
What drives your response to God's covenantal love--a God driven mentality or a consumer driven mentality?
How have you responded with a consumer driven mentality in the past?
How have you responded with a God driven mentality?
Because of circumstances you find yourself in, have you said to yourself, "What use is serving God?"
In your spiritual walk, what needs to be changed in your heart as your respond to God's love?
What changes need to be made in your actions or out-living of your faith?
Read Malachi 4:4-6 in preparation for next Sunday.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Doing the right thing
Monday - 3/19 - Read Malachi 3:13-4:3
When you think about the heart of service, spiritually, what do you think about?
Is "doing the right thing" about you doing things for God in your own strength and power?
How does God's covenantal love for you (1:1-5, 3:6) make "doing the right thing" the heart of service?
What can you do that is more needful in this world that doing the right things from your heart as you respond to God's covenantal love?
What kind of an effect do Christians who are doing the right thing have on their families?
What kind of an effect do Christians who are doing the right thing have on their cities?
What kind of an effect do Christians who are doing the right thing have on their country?
What kind of an effect do Christians who are doing the right thing have on their world?
In your mind, is there any way you can have a greater impact in this world and on this world than doing the right thing for God in your marriage, family, school, business, job, etc.?
Read Malachi 4:4-6 in preparation for next Sunday.
When you think about the heart of service, spiritually, what do you think about?
Is "doing the right thing" about you doing things for God in your own strength and power?
How does God's covenantal love for you (1:1-5, 3:6) make "doing the right thing" the heart of service?
What can you do that is more needful in this world that doing the right things from your heart as you respond to God's covenantal love?
What kind of an effect do Christians who are doing the right thing have on their families?
What kind of an effect do Christians who are doing the right thing have on their cities?
What kind of an effect do Christians who are doing the right thing have on their country?
What kind of an effect do Christians who are doing the right thing have on their world?
In your mind, is there any way you can have a greater impact in this world and on this world than doing the right thing for God in your marriage, family, school, business, job, etc.?
Read Malachi 4:4-6 in preparation for next Sunday.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Open the Floodgates!!!
Friday - 3/16 - Read Malachi 3:6-12
Do you believe Malachi 3:10-12?
Are the "floodgates of heaven" open in your life? Does that mean that God is always going to flood you with physical blessings? What other blessings might God flood you with?
Meditate for a couple of seconds what it means when God says, "Test me in this!"
Why is God asking us to test Him?
God calls the place they were to live in "a delightful land." Could you name the spiritual place you're living in "a delightful land?" If so, why? If not, why?
What affect does living in "a delightful land" have on those around us who are outside Christ?
God cannot prove Himself to you until you are willing to part with what is precious to you.
What are you unwilling to part with right now in your life? Money? Time? Family? Career?
Do you feel led by God to make some major decisions about that area of your life, right now?
If God cannot prove Himself if we hold onto these areas, do you really have any hope of finding your spiritual groove?
If you give this area of your life to God and He begins to pour out His blessings what can you expect for your spiritual groove?
Interact with Sylvia Ronsvalle's statement about the state of Christians' giving patterns: "If you want to know what I learned in 25 words or less, giving is down because we don't love God as much as we love a lot of other stuff."
Compare her statement with Malachi 1:1-5. Why would we love anything or anyone more than God?
Read Malachi 3:13-4:3 in preparation for next Sunday.
Do you believe Malachi 3:10-12?
Are the "floodgates of heaven" open in your life? Does that mean that God is always going to flood you with physical blessings? What other blessings might God flood you with?
Meditate for a couple of seconds what it means when God says, "Test me in this!"
Why is God asking us to test Him?
God calls the place they were to live in "a delightful land." Could you name the spiritual place you're living in "a delightful land?" If so, why? If not, why?
What affect does living in "a delightful land" have on those around us who are outside Christ?
God cannot prove Himself to you until you are willing to part with what is precious to you.
What are you unwilling to part with right now in your life? Money? Time? Family? Career?
Do you feel led by God to make some major decisions about that area of your life, right now?
If God cannot prove Himself if we hold onto these areas, do you really have any hope of finding your spiritual groove?
If you give this area of your life to God and He begins to pour out His blessings what can you expect for your spiritual groove?
Interact with Sylvia Ronsvalle's statement about the state of Christians' giving patterns: "If you want to know what I learned in 25 words or less, giving is down because we don't love God as much as we love a lot of other stuff."
Compare her statement with Malachi 1:1-5. Why would we love anything or anyone more than God?
Read Malachi 3:13-4:3 in preparation for next Sunday.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Each One of You
Thursday - 3/15 - Read Malachi 3:6-12
Read 1 Cor. 16:2.
Are you giving on a regular, punctual basis? What is keeping you from doing so? Can this be changed or avoided?
This verse includes the concept of "each one of you." Would that, in your mind, include you? Who is this between? You and ?????
Paul calls on the Corinthians to give "a sum of money in keeping with his income." How does this differ with Old Testament giving, if at all?
Are you going through a financially difficult time? How would 1 Cor. 16:2 instruct you to give?
Are you going through a financially blessed time? How would 1 Cor. 16:2 instruct you to give?
Are you holding back from God? How do you know?
Does your giving in any area of your life cost you something? Is there an element of sacrifice in your giving?
Are you willing to pay this price?
Read Malachi 3:13-4:3 in preparation for next Sunday.
Read 1 Cor. 16:2.
Are you giving on a regular, punctual basis? What is keeping you from doing so? Can this be changed or avoided?
This verse includes the concept of "each one of you." Would that, in your mind, include you? Who is this between? You and ?????
Paul calls on the Corinthians to give "a sum of money in keeping with his income." How does this differ with Old Testament giving, if at all?
Are you going through a financially difficult time? How would 1 Cor. 16:2 instruct you to give?
Are you going through a financially blessed time? How would 1 Cor. 16:2 instruct you to give?
Are you holding back from God? How do you know?
Does your giving in any area of your life cost you something? Is there an element of sacrifice in your giving?
Are you willing to pay this price?
Read Malachi 3:13-4:3 in preparation for next Sunday.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Me? A Thief?
Wednesday - 3/14 - Read Malachi 3:6-12
Robbing God (v. 8) is a serious charge.
How were the Israelites robbing God (v. 8b)?
How can we be guilty of robbing God today?
Is it always about withholding a monetary tithe from God?
Take time to read Deut. 10:14. What in your life doesn't God own?
What are some other resources you struggle withholding from God?
Has God asked you to give something to Him recently (time, talents, skills, money, initiative, resources, energy, ?????) that you withheld from Him?
Will you determine before God to commit that resource or area of your life to God?
Read Luke 11:42. What is God really after in our life? Money, resources or your heart?
Read Malachi 3:13-4:3 in preparation for next Sunday.
Robbing God (v. 8) is a serious charge.
How were the Israelites robbing God (v. 8b)?
How can we be guilty of robbing God today?
Is it always about withholding a monetary tithe from God?
Take time to read Deut. 10:14. What in your life doesn't God own?
What are some other resources you struggle withholding from God?
Has God asked you to give something to Him recently (time, talents, skills, money, initiative, resources, energy, ?????) that you withheld from Him?
Will you determine before God to commit that resource or area of your life to God?
Read Luke 11:42. What is God really after in our life? Money, resources or your heart?
Read Malachi 3:13-4:3 in preparation for next Sunday.
An unchanging God!
Tuesday - 3/13 - Read Malachi 3:6-12
How does Malachi 1:1-5 fit with Malachi 3:6-7?
What does it mean to you that the LORD doesn't change?
Why do you think God wanted the Israelites in Malachi's day to know this, even though they were under a curse?
What area(s) of your life do you find hardest to give to God? Marriage? Time management? Use of talents or skills? Money? ___________________?
Line that/those area(s) up alongside how well you really know God. Honestly ask yourself what you're doing to get to know God better on a daily basis.
Do you spend time with God daily?
What competes with spending time with God? Which should be a priority?
Could you re-arrange your schedule to fit a time with God into your life?
If you do spend time with God, is it the kind of time you need to really get to know Him?
On a scale of 1-10, how important do you think knowing God is, as far as, being willing to be a good steward of the things God has entrusted to you?
Read Malachi 3:13-4:3 in preparation for next Sunday.
How does Malachi 1:1-5 fit with Malachi 3:6-7?
What does it mean to you that the LORD doesn't change?
Why do you think God wanted the Israelites in Malachi's day to know this, even though they were under a curse?
What area(s) of your life do you find hardest to give to God? Marriage? Time management? Use of talents or skills? Money? ___________________?
Line that/those area(s) up alongside how well you really know God. Honestly ask yourself what you're doing to get to know God better on a daily basis.
Do you spend time with God daily?
What competes with spending time with God? Which should be a priority?
Could you re-arrange your schedule to fit a time with God into your life?
If you do spend time with God, is it the kind of time you need to really get to know Him?
On a scale of 1-10, how important do you think knowing God is, as far as, being willing to be a good steward of the things God has entrusted to you?
Read Malachi 3:13-4:3 in preparation for next Sunday.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Stewards of what?
Monday - 3/12 - Read Malachi 3:6-12
Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you? Spiritually, that's what happens when we hold back from God.
Read Matt. 16:45 and surrounding verses. How can this paradox be true? How are you practicing it in your life? What areas of your life are out of sorts with this seeming paradox?
Look up the word "stewardship" in a dictionary. Right down the definition.
List what God has entrusted to you as a steward. Are your finances part of what God has entrusted to you as a steward? How are you doing with this area of stewardship?
How does holding back from God affect your ability to be a good steward?
List three things you can do to be a better steward of three things God has entrusted to you. Make sure one of these three things is your finances.
Read Malachi 3:13-4:3 in preparation for next Sunday.
Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you? Spiritually, that's what happens when we hold back from God.
Read Matt. 16:45 and surrounding verses. How can this paradox be true? How are you practicing it in your life? What areas of your life are out of sorts with this seeming paradox?
Look up the word "stewardship" in a dictionary. Right down the definition.
List what God has entrusted to you as a steward. Are your finances part of what God has entrusted to you as a steward? How are you doing with this area of stewardship?
How does holding back from God affect your ability to be a good steward?
List three things you can do to be a better steward of three things God has entrusted to you. Make sure one of these three things is your finances.
Read Malachi 3:13-4:3 in preparation for next Sunday.
Friday, March 9, 2007
When "No" means God's best.
Many of us have had to say "No" to our children. Sometimes they want to do something that you know isn't the best for them and so, because you love them, you say "No."
Does God, our heavenly Father do that with us?
He did it with His own Son. Jesus prayed that if there was any possible way, the Father would change His plan of salvation. The Father said "No," and the plan proceeded.
If you pinned one of the requests that God has been saying "No" about in your life on the Cross last Sunday, is it still pinned there? It's so hard, at times, to understand why God says "No."
Are you having a hard time understanding why God has been saying "No?" It's OK to be honest with God because He knows your heart anyway, doesn't He?
Has God ever said "No" to you, and at the moment He did so, it didn't make sense, but later, maybe years later, it all became crystal clear why He did say "No?"
Could it be that sometimes when God says "No," it won't makes sense until you get to heaven? Are you willing to wait in faith until then?
God's best for your life might mean "No!" Are you willing to trust God?
Don't forget sometimes God's "No's" change into "Yes." God reserves the right to be God, doesn't He?
There is a place of peace and rest for those who are willing to say, "Not my will, but your's" to God.
Does God, our heavenly Father do that with us?
He did it with His own Son. Jesus prayed that if there was any possible way, the Father would change His plan of salvation. The Father said "No," and the plan proceeded.
If you pinned one of the requests that God has been saying "No" about in your life on the Cross last Sunday, is it still pinned there? It's so hard, at times, to understand why God says "No."
Are you having a hard time understanding why God has been saying "No?" It's OK to be honest with God because He knows your heart anyway, doesn't He?
Has God ever said "No" to you, and at the moment He did so, it didn't make sense, but later, maybe years later, it all became crystal clear why He did say "No?"
Could it be that sometimes when God says "No," it won't makes sense until you get to heaven? Are you willing to wait in faith until then?
God's best for your life might mean "No!" Are you willing to trust God?
Don't forget sometimes God's "No's" change into "Yes." God reserves the right to be God, doesn't He?
There is a place of peace and rest for those who are willing to say, "Not my will, but your's" to God.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
In a Fog? Pray!
Matt. 26:38 is a comfort to me. Jesus asked his disciples to "keep watch" with Him in prayer. Yet, notice Jesus prayed in such a way that He was asking His Father to change the plan, if at all possible.
I am comforted by this because many times when I pray, "keeping watch," as it were over my own soul or my family, or the church, I don't always know exactly what to pray about. But, like Jesus, I can be honest in my soul with God. Aren't you glad about that? God doesn't require us to know exactly how to pray or even exactly what to pray about. If He did, I think 99% of my prayers would be a lost cause.
Do you need to "keep watch" over your life or the lives of others around you? Of course! Do you need to know what God's will is every time? No! Jesus' example in Matt 26 shows us that sometimes you won't. So, go ahead and ask, even though God's will in a certain direction in your life is foggy. Jesus did!
What are you praying about that you're kind of foggy about?
What was the key for Jesus' prayer? "Not as I will, but as you will." He came asking, but He ultimately yielded to God's final say!
Can you submit your request to God that way? If it's a health problem, how would you pray the way Jesus did?
Finances, relationships, job or career, school, whatever, we can bring our requests before God and just ask...just the way our heart feels about it...but ultimately submitting to however God wants to answer it.
Will you pray this way?
I am comforted by this because many times when I pray, "keeping watch," as it were over my own soul or my family, or the church, I don't always know exactly what to pray about. But, like Jesus, I can be honest in my soul with God. Aren't you glad about that? God doesn't require us to know exactly how to pray or even exactly what to pray about. If He did, I think 99% of my prayers would be a lost cause.
Do you need to "keep watch" over your life or the lives of others around you? Of course! Do you need to know what God's will is every time? No! Jesus' example in Matt 26 shows us that sometimes you won't. So, go ahead and ask, even though God's will in a certain direction in your life is foggy. Jesus did!
What are you praying about that you're kind of foggy about?
What was the key for Jesus' prayer? "Not as I will, but as you will." He came asking, but He ultimately yielded to God's final say!
Can you submit your request to God that way? If it's a health problem, how would you pray the way Jesus did?
Finances, relationships, job or career, school, whatever, we can bring our requests before God and just ask...just the way our heart feels about it...but ultimately submitting to however God wants to answer it.
Will you pray this way?
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Turn on a Dime
On Sunday we looked at Matt. 16:13-23. We discovered that when Jesus asked the disciples who they thought he was, Peter got it right with help from God. He confessed that Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
However, when Jesus started talking about what He, as the Christ, was going to do (suffer, die and rise from the dead - Mt. 16:21), Peter rebuked Jesus.
Can you imagine this? Peter got things so right and seconds later he got them so wrong. What happened?
What happens when we try to figure out God's will for our lives through our finite, human understanding like Peter?
In verse 23 the Lord calls Peter "Satan." What did He mean by this? Did Peter become Satan?
What does this mean for us when we try to figure out God's will for our lives in our own understanding?
According to vv. 24,25, how does the Lord want us to approach life?
Are you holding onto life in any way? To what degree?
What about when God says "no" to you and your prayer requests?
Peter turned on a dime, so to speak. He had it right, and then just like that, he had it wrong. Why?
Have you ever "turned on a dime" and had it right and then all of a sudden had it wrong?
According to verse 25 what might you need to do right now if you are holding onto your understanding of a situation or circumstance in your life instead of yielding it to the Lord?
However, when Jesus started talking about what He, as the Christ, was going to do (suffer, die and rise from the dead - Mt. 16:21), Peter rebuked Jesus.
Can you imagine this? Peter got things so right and seconds later he got them so wrong. What happened?
What happens when we try to figure out God's will for our lives through our finite, human understanding like Peter?
In verse 23 the Lord calls Peter "Satan." What did He mean by this? Did Peter become Satan?
What does this mean for us when we try to figure out God's will for our lives in our own understanding?
According to vv. 24,25, how does the Lord want us to approach life?
Are you holding onto life in any way? To what degree?
What about when God says "no" to you and your prayer requests?
Peter turned on a dime, so to speak. He had it right, and then just like that, he had it wrong. Why?
Have you ever "turned on a dime" and had it right and then all of a sudden had it wrong?
According to verse 25 what might you need to do right now if you are holding onto your understanding of a situation or circumstance in your life instead of yielding it to the Lord?
What does "NO" mean to you?
God said "No" to Peter and the rest of the disciples. Did the disciples want Jesus to be arrested and seemingly dash their hopes that He would be the kind of Messiah they wanted Him to be?
How did they react? Read Matt. 26:56.
How did Peter react? cp. Matt. 26:31-35 with 26:69-75
How do you react when God says "No" to you?
On Sunday you pinned a prayer request that up to this point God has been saying "No" to. Consider how you will respond to God if He continues saying "No."
Your faith in Jesus Christ can grow to the next level if you respond to God's "No's" the right way. What is the right way? What kind of response will help you to grow to the next level? Think about that question.
Where did Peter go wrong in the verses you looked at above? What do you need to avoid as you look at Peter's example?
Lastly, if Jesus is Lord of our lives, should we expect Him to say "No" at times? If He does say "No" how will you respond to Him? Will you yield to His will or not? Are you in the midst of a decision like that right now?
Your spiritual journey depends on your decision.
How did they react? Read Matt. 26:56.
How did Peter react? cp. Matt. 26:31-35 with 26:69-75
How do you react when God says "No" to you?
On Sunday you pinned a prayer request that up to this point God has been saying "No" to. Consider how you will respond to God if He continues saying "No."
Your faith in Jesus Christ can grow to the next level if you respond to God's "No's" the right way. What is the right way? What kind of response will help you to grow to the next level? Think about that question.
Where did Peter go wrong in the verses you looked at above? What do you need to avoid as you look at Peter's example?
Lastly, if Jesus is Lord of our lives, should we expect Him to say "No" at times? If He does say "No" how will you respond to Him? Will you yield to His will or not? Are you in the midst of a decision like that right now?
Your spiritual journey depends on your decision.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Sorrowful unto death
My attention is drawn to Matt. 26:38. Jesus said he was overwhelmed. I find this remarkable. The Son of God. The second person of the Trinity is overwhelmed.
What do you think He was overwhelmed by?
Can we really comprehend the intimacy and closeness the Father and Son enjoyed? Unbroken fellowship and communion for all eternity past was about to be broken. How do you feel this played into Jesus' feelings of being overwhelmed?
It says He was overwhelmed to the point of death. What do you think this means?
Have you ever been so overwhelmed by a situation that it is difficult to catch your breath or you feel like your heart is pounding out of your chest?
Why was Jesus facing this separation from His Father?
Do we really comprehend the horror Jesus faced bearing our sins and the resulting separation from His Father?
As you consider what this means, I want to encourage you to realize that in Jesus' prayer for deliverance, if at all possible, from the cross (v. 39), God the Father denied His own Son the answer to this prayer for you and me!
Why?
As you face another week, with the ups and downs you'll face, keep the answer to this "Why?" question in mind.
What do you think He was overwhelmed by?
Can we really comprehend the intimacy and closeness the Father and Son enjoyed? Unbroken fellowship and communion for all eternity past was about to be broken. How do you feel this played into Jesus' feelings of being overwhelmed?
It says He was overwhelmed to the point of death. What do you think this means?
Have you ever been so overwhelmed by a situation that it is difficult to catch your breath or you feel like your heart is pounding out of your chest?
Why was Jesus facing this separation from His Father?
Do we really comprehend the horror Jesus faced bearing our sins and the resulting separation from His Father?
As you consider what this means, I want to encourage you to realize that in Jesus' prayer for deliverance, if at all possible, from the cross (v. 39), God the Father denied His own Son the answer to this prayer for you and me!
Why?
As you face another week, with the ups and downs you'll face, keep the answer to this "Why?" question in mind.
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