Good Friday afternoon! Hope you all have had a good week! (Don't you get a kick out of how I talk to you as if there are hundreds. Seeing things as though they were!)
Grab your Bibles and let's get to lookin!
1. Look up the following three verses and read them. What is the topic of all three?
Matthew 4:19
Mark1:17
Luke 5:10
I am going to use the scripture from Mark for our study purposes. The main reason for this is because it says "become". I think if we look through the gospels, we can safely say that few of the disciples, if any of them, immediately became fishers of men.They were trained and taught. Every day, every opportunity, every parable was intended to teach them and us about the Lord Jesus Christ. The Sermon on the Mount, the Lord's Prayer, the Last Supper, all intended to teach and train us in the ways of God. One of the Holy Spirit's many jobs is to teach us (John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:13).
In week 2 we talked about training the children we have influence over. We also go through training. I think we can try to follow God and miss the training. My children can follow me but that does mean they are trained to do what I do when they are on their own. Training takes time and effort. Training is painful at times.
2. Look up Hebrews 12:11. Restate it in your own words.
Remember the other day when we were talking about the fruit? Fruit vines require training to grow in a manner that maximizes the yield. We raised watermelons every summer when I was a kid. We planted the seeds in rows. However, the plants tried to grow in a big circle, encompassing the whole area. We had to go back and place the watermelon vines within the row. Those vines had to be trained as to where to go. If they were out of the row, they would be damaged when my dad plowed around them or when we tried to harvest them.
We need to be trained as to the narrow way to walk (Matt. 7:13-14). When the ground around us gets stirred up a little we don't want to get torn up. When the harvest comes, we want to have yielded the most fruit we could have for the Kingdom.
So how do we do that?
3. List some ideas on your paper as to how we can be trained.
Christ trained Himself in the ways of the Father. He trained the twelve to know His methods and how to utilize them to draw others. From your list today, pick a couple of things you are going to do to up your training. Circle them and write out beside them your plan to implement them.
Have a great weekend and a great time in the Lord!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
DAY IN AND DAY OUT - Part 2
I hope you let who you are in Christ Jesus sink deep down into your soul. It is a battle to remember who we are in Him, but a battle well worth fighting.
Here we go for part 2.
1. Look up Hebrews 12:1. Summarize it on your paper.
Running with endurance. The term endurance implies a long race, not a sprint. A lifetime of choices, not just on Sunday or Wednesday, but every day and to the best of our ability.
I will tell you right now my ability won't get me very far. The Holy Spirit is here to help us (Ephesians 3:15). Am I drawing from that well to fill me up? Am I tending the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness. generosity, and self-control?
2. Look up Galatians 6:9. What are some things that are making you weary? What fruit are you most in need of harvesting today?
After you have answered those two questions, write out a short prayer asking the Lord to help you in those areas. At the end of the day write down ANY victories, big or small, He has provided today! Have a great one!
Here we go for part 2.
1. Look up Hebrews 12:1. Summarize it on your paper.
Running with endurance. The term endurance implies a long race, not a sprint. A lifetime of choices, not just on Sunday or Wednesday, but every day and to the best of our ability.
I will tell you right now my ability won't get me very far. The Holy Spirit is here to help us (Ephesians 3:15). Am I drawing from that well to fill me up? Am I tending the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness. generosity, and self-control?
2. Look up Galatians 6:9. What are some things that are making you weary? What fruit are you most in need of harvesting today?
After you have answered those two questions, write out a short prayer asking the Lord to help you in those areas. At the end of the day write down ANY victories, big or small, He has provided today! Have a great one!
Hebrews 12:3 (NKJV)
"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
THE HEIR
Day In and Day Out
* Okay before we even start, let me tell you upfront that this week is more for me than for anyone else. Knowing what is about and where I am right now and what I saw today on Life Today, I know He is about to deal with me and get me back on track.
So if at any point in time you feel it is too hard for you then know that is was probably meant just as much for me.
No condemnation .....Just conviction to get it straightened back out:o)
Okay here we go!
This week we are going to look at the life of Christ. What did He choose to do? How did He choose to live?
1. Look up Luke 2:51-52. What do these verses say about Jesus while He was growing up?
The Bible does not tell us a lot about the childhood of Jesus, very little to be truthful. These verses, however, give us a small glimpse. He submitted to His earthly parents. He must have respected authority - I don't know many disrespectful people who "increase in favor with God and men".
What I would like to present to you is that while Christ was growing up - He did what He was supposed to do-day in and day out. Christ obviously knew who He was. Verse 50 of the same chapter finds Him as a 12 year old, in the temple, both listening and asking questions. When Mary and Joseph found Him. He made the statement that He was "about His Father's business". At any point in time He could have called down the heavens to do His bidding, yet He chose to continue the path laid out for Him.
The question is two fold:
First, are we confident in who we are in Christ? Do we know who we are in the family of God?
Second, are we doing what we need to do both day in and day out?
We are going to address the first one today. I am going to give you some scriptures to look up. I want you to jot them down and meditate (think about them) today as you go through the day. As you go to bed tonight, pray them as a prayer.
Romans 8: 16-17
Romans 8:37-39
Enjoy your day thinking over these and solidifying in your heart who You are in Christ Jesus!
* Okay before we even start, let me tell you upfront that this week is more for me than for anyone else. Knowing what is about and where I am right now and what I saw today on Life Today, I know He is about to deal with me and get me back on track.
So if at any point in time you feel it is too hard for you then know that is was probably meant just as much for me.
No condemnation .....Just conviction to get it straightened back out:o)
Okay here we go!
This week we are going to look at the life of Christ. What did He choose to do? How did He choose to live?
1. Look up Luke 2:51-52. What do these verses say about Jesus while He was growing up?
The Bible does not tell us a lot about the childhood of Jesus, very little to be truthful. These verses, however, give us a small glimpse. He submitted to His earthly parents. He must have respected authority - I don't know many disrespectful people who "increase in favor with God and men".
What I would like to present to you is that while Christ was growing up - He did what He was supposed to do-day in and day out. Christ obviously knew who He was. Verse 50 of the same chapter finds Him as a 12 year old, in the temple, both listening and asking questions. When Mary and Joseph found Him. He made the statement that He was "about His Father's business". At any point in time He could have called down the heavens to do His bidding, yet He chose to continue the path laid out for Him.
The question is two fold:
First, are we confident in who we are in Christ? Do we know who we are in the family of God?
Second, are we doing what we need to do both day in and day out?
We are going to address the first one today. I am going to give you some scriptures to look up. I want you to jot them down and meditate (think about them) today as you go through the day. As you go to bed tonight, pray them as a prayer.
Romans 8: 16-17
Romans 8:37-39
Enjoy your day thinking over these and solidifying in your heart who You are in Christ Jesus!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
THE SINFUL WOMAN WRAP UP
Just a few points for you to meditate on today.
1. Look up the definition of restore.
2. With that definition in mind please look up Job 33:26. Knowing the definition of restore, what does this verse mean to you?
3. I am going to help you on this one.
Soul - soul, self, person, mind, personality, inner desires & feelings.
(That covers a lot of territory!)
4. Look up Psalm 23:3. Knowing both the definition for restore and soul, how does the verse apply to your life today?
5. What one thing did you take from this week, if anything? I would love to hear from you in the comments.
He is in the business of restoration. Let Him do His job:o)
1. Look up the definition of restore.
2. With that definition in mind please look up Job 33:26. Knowing the definition of restore, what does this verse mean to you?
3. I am going to help you on this one.
Soul - soul, self, person, mind, personality, inner desires & feelings.
(That covers a lot of territory!)
4. Look up Psalm 23:3. Knowing both the definition for restore and soul, how does the verse apply to your life today?
5. What one thing did you take from this week, if anything? I would love to hear from you in the comments.
He is in the business of restoration. Let Him do His job:o)
Monday, August 17, 2009
RESTORED
You have just humiliated yourself in front of a large crowd. Instead of anyone addressing you, they begin to talk as if you are not even in the room.
1. Read Luke 7:39-50
Imagine that is you. Lying on the floor, kissing the feet of a stranger, crying your eyes out, and the two main party guests are talking about you. I bet no one spoke during that time. I bet her sobs echoed throughout that room. I'll bet nobody moved and nobody spoke.
I am going to make the stretch that this conversation has overtones of the one that is spoken over our lives.
2. Reread verse 39 and jot down what Simon thinks to himself.
3. Now look up Revelation 12:10. Who has been cast down? How is he referred to in this verse?
Day and night our accuser brings up our sin, shame, and humiliation before the throne of God.
4. Reread verses 48-50 of Luke chapter 7. What did Christ tell her?
5. Now look up the following verses and summarize them on you paper:
Our God is the God of restoration. Christ came to restore us. He lives even now to restore us (Hebrews 7:25). If tears come, they fall on the feet of a Savior who catches them (Psalm 56:8). If sobs come, they fall not on deaf ears (2 Chronicles 7:14). Just as in the restoration process of a house or a car, we have to be stripped down to the bare bones. Our woman cut through all the religious stuff and knelt her bare bones before Christ. He told her to arise and go in peace. We have that same opportunity. Do this so you may arise RESTORED!
It is your choice.
It is my choice.
Let us stand before Christ after out tears, empty handed, holding on to nothing, ready to follow His calling.
1. Read Luke 7:39-50
Imagine that is you. Lying on the floor, kissing the feet of a stranger, crying your eyes out, and the two main party guests are talking about you. I bet no one spoke during that time. I bet her sobs echoed throughout that room. I'll bet nobody moved and nobody spoke.
I am going to make the stretch that this conversation has overtones of the one that is spoken over our lives.
2. Reread verse 39 and jot down what Simon thinks to himself.
3. Now look up Revelation 12:10. Who has been cast down? How is he referred to in this verse?
Day and night our accuser brings up our sin, shame, and humiliation before the throne of God.
4. Reread verses 48-50 of Luke chapter 7. What did Christ tell her?
5. Now look up the following verses and summarize them on you paper:
Ruth 4:15
Jeremiah 30:17
Joel 2:25
Our God is the God of restoration. Christ came to restore us. He lives even now to restore us (Hebrews 7:25). If tears come, they fall on the feet of a Savior who catches them (Psalm 56:8). If sobs come, they fall not on deaf ears (2 Chronicles 7:14). Just as in the restoration process of a house or a car, we have to be stripped down to the bare bones. Our woman cut through all the religious stuff and knelt her bare bones before Christ. He told her to arise and go in peace. We have that same opportunity. Do this so you may arise RESTORED!
It is your choice.
It is my choice.
Let us stand before Christ after out tears, empty handed, holding on to nothing, ready to follow His calling.
Friday, August 14, 2009
SHOWTIME - day 2
Good Friday morning! Hope this finds you well. Isn't God good? He really, really is! Jesus Christ is King and we are co-heirs with Him! Only a good God would do that for us!
Okay back to our study...
1. Read Luke 7:38 as a refresher. Jot down or draw out what you see in your mind's eye.
Utter humility. No regard as to what people thought or said. Focused on the one and only man in the room who could change her life forever. She chose to lay her past, present and future at the feet of the man she had heard so much about. The one man who could be and would be the lifter of her head.
How about us? How about you? Have you chosen to lay it all down? Have you chosen to allow Christ to be the lifter of your head?
For me, the past is a whole lot easier than the future. The present I pickup often, try to fix it, and then lay it down as past when I have messed it up.
2. Look up Revelation 1:4. Summarize it on your paper.
I think that pretty well covers it all. Again, it is our choice. Christ has been where we were, He is where we are, and He has gone where we have yet to go. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). We just need to hand the luggage we have been dragging around with us over to Him.
3. On you paper, draw 3 good sized boxes and label them past, present and future. In the boxes write down things from your past, things you are dealing with now, and things you are worried about in the future.
4. Now give those boxes to Jesus. Refuse to pick them up again. Walk in the freedom that is the yoke of Christ and find rest for your soul.
Okay back to our study...
1. Read Luke 7:38 as a refresher. Jot down or draw out what you see in your mind's eye.
Utter humility. No regard as to what people thought or said. Focused on the one and only man in the room who could change her life forever. She chose to lay her past, present and future at the feet of the man she had heard so much about. The one man who could be and would be the lifter of her head.
How about us? How about you? Have you chosen to lay it all down? Have you chosen to allow Christ to be the lifter of your head?
For me, the past is a whole lot easier than the future. The present I pickup often, try to fix it, and then lay it down as past when I have messed it up.
2. Look up Revelation 1:4. Summarize it on your paper.
I think that pretty well covers it all. Again, it is our choice. Christ has been where we were, He is where we are, and He has gone where we have yet to go. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). We just need to hand the luggage we have been dragging around with us over to Him.
3. On you paper, draw 3 good sized boxes and label them past, present and future. In the boxes write down things from your past, things you are dealing with now, and things you are worried about in the future.
4. Now give those boxes to Jesus. Refuse to pick them up again. Walk in the freedom that is the yoke of Christ and find rest for your soul.
" Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. "
Matthew 11:29-30 (NKJV)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
SHOWTIME
Yesterday we visited our woman preparing to bring her gift to Jesus. Today we are going to try to experience walking in the room with her.
1. Read Luke 7:36-38
She has heard Jesus is in town. She knew He was dining with the Pharisee. She has gone home, gathered her flask and her nerve. Now she is outside the door to the Pharisee's house waiting to go in.
Have you ever been in a school production? A band concert, a play or an athletic event? Remember what it felt like waiting to come out? Anxious, nervous, and excited are the tip of the iceberg. We talked yesterday about her emotions while deciding what she would do. I would like to believe that as she walked toward the Pharisee's house she became more confident in her decision. Each step gave her more confidence in this Jesus. Boldness to walk through those doors welled up within her.
I have felt like that at times with Christ. When I have chosen to follow what I believed God was calling me to do, I got a little bolder on His behalf with each step I took (writing this is a prime example).
2. Write down a description of a time when you experienced a boldness coming upon you as a result of walking in faith?
The curtain is up, the stage lights are on, and you have run through the tunnel. Now you stand exposed to all who came to see. This is our girl. She made her move. Although no one came to see her, you can bet the saw her! They took notice of her the moment she moved.
Now according to Christ, she moved when He arrived (verse 45). She had a one track mind. I know if it were me I'd be telling myself:
1. Read Luke 7:36-38
She has heard Jesus is in town. She knew He was dining with the Pharisee. She has gone home, gathered her flask and her nerve. Now she is outside the door to the Pharisee's house waiting to go in.
Have you ever been in a school production? A band concert, a play or an athletic event? Remember what it felt like waiting to come out? Anxious, nervous, and excited are the tip of the iceberg. We talked yesterday about her emotions while deciding what she would do. I would like to believe that as she walked toward the Pharisee's house she became more confident in her decision. Each step gave her more confidence in this Jesus. Boldness to walk through those doors welled up within her.
I have felt like that at times with Christ. When I have chosen to follow what I believed God was calling me to do, I got a little bolder on His behalf with each step I took (writing this is a prime example).
2. Write down a description of a time when you experienced a boldness coming upon you as a result of walking in faith?
The curtain is up, the stage lights are on, and you have run through the tunnel. Now you stand exposed to all who came to see. This is our girl. She made her move. Although no one came to see her, you can bet the saw her! They took notice of her the moment she moved.
Now according to Christ, she moved when He arrived (verse 45). She had a one track mind. I know if it were me I'd be telling myself:
just look at Him
just look at Him
I know if I looked at anyone else my nerve would be shot! Their condemning glances would drive me right back to the darkness I was trying to escape. These were, after all, the religious leaders of the day, important people that knew what was right and proper.
Praise God she never backed down. She walked right up to Christ, and then the floodgates opened.
* Because of the length of today's section, I am going to break it up into two parts. Just let your mind dance around the picture we have so far.
See you tomorrow:)
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