Matthew 11:29 - Jesus is in the jails

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Observation

Last night I went to the Newton jail with my friend Polly to minister. This was my first time and I was nervous.  I kept praying over and over that the girls would see Jesus when they looked at me. I prayed this verse and Philippians 4:5 throughout the day to prepare my heart.  I truly hope they did see Jesus in me; but what was even more amazing was that I saw Jesus in them. 

The yoke of gentleness and humility was on them.  In their disappointment and affliction they had turned to God. And with spiritual eyes you could see God's shield of favor around them, holding them, and giving them rest.  They told me that at night there are reading the bibles together before they go to sleep so that they can help each other understand what it is saying.  Through prayer and encouragement of the word, they have developed a deep bond, a sisterhood of believers in the darkest of circumstances.

I have seen this before on mission trips and at the homeless shelter.  Anytime that you go meet people in the midst of their affliction you see God already there ministering His love and tender mercy.

I chose to take the yoke of Jesus upon me yesterday and go into a jail to love on those who had been abandoned and given up on. I was scared, weak, and totally reliant on the strength of Jesus.  But Jesus was there, singing over each of us, and for a moment you could reach out and touch heaven.  Beautiful!

Application

I just want to do this again, and again, and again; I am on such a high!  I want to go meet people where they are at, in their mess. But God say's "slow down there Skippy and wait on me".  So my challenge is to not run ahead and try to minister in my own might, but to wait and rely on God completely.

Prayer

Jehovah-Nissi, You are the banner over us.  You are a strong tower and the righteous run to You for salvation and are kept safe. You lift up the humble and the outcast finds a home in You.  Father, I pray for the ladies at the jail today; I pray that they would stay resolved to seek Your face each day, even when they get out of jail. I pray that You would provide a community of believers that will encourage, pray for, and instruct them in Your word.  I pray that they would know who they are in You, and that the labels of the past would be cast off. They are a new creation in You, Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Please keep the lies far from their ears, minds, and lips (Proverbs 30:7), and hold them close to Your heart always.  I pray that each night they would hear the love song that You sing over them (Zephaniah 3:17) and they would find rest and peace that surpasses their understanding.  I pray that You would protect them from the evil that lurks around every turn (1 Peter 5:8). You are our Salvation, we boast in You, my King.

Elena Bible Study - Week 4 (Fruit of the Spirit - Peace)

Scripture Memorization

Philippians  4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication and thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Monday

S -  Read Psalm 139:16

Your eyes saw my unformed body;  all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

O -

1. Who created you?

2. Does God know what is going to happen to you tomorrow?

3. Who is in control of all things?

A -

When you start to think or ask questions about tomorrow, stop and tell yourself that God is in control and that He knows your tomorrows.

P -

Thank God for making you and writing your story.

Tuesday

S - Read Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

O -

1. Do you love God?

2. Do you believe He has a plan for your life?

3. What is His promise for those who love Him and who He has called?

4. Does God use all things for good in your life, or just some of them?

A - What are some mistakes that you have made that God has used for good? Talk with them to your mom and ask her to help you find the good that God has already done through those mistakes.

P -

Thank God loving you and for having a great plan for your life.

Wednesday

S - Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication and thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

O -

1. What does the word anxious mean?

2. What makes you anxious?

3. How does knowing that God is in control of your life help you not be anxious?

P - Thank God today that He is in control today, even of the stuff that causes you to be anxious.

Thursday

S - Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication and thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

O -

1. What does the word supplication mean?  (Look the word up in a dictionary or in the back or your bible and write the definition here).

2. How do you feel when you are thanking God or others?

3. If you were to praise God all the time how would you feel?

A-

Make a list of the things that make you anxious.  Tear each one apart in little strips of paper.  Find or make a small or can.  Decorate the box or can and write God is in control on one side and God is working all for good on the other.

P -

Tell God each of the things that make you anxious, then put the piece of paper in the box. As you do thank God for being in control and for being good.

Friday

S - Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication and thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

O -

1. Have you ever been at peace about something, even though everyone else was worried?

2. Do you think this was the peace of God?

3. How can peace guard your heart?
4. How can peace guard your mind?

A -

Continue to bring anything you are anxious about to God in prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving.  Then put them in the box or can you made.

P - Thank God for His peace and ask that He continue to guard your heart and mind with His peace.

Philippians 4:5 - Gentleness

Scripture

Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Observation

I am studying gentleness because it is one of my favorite attributes of the Holy Spirit.  I didn't use to be gentle at all.  I had a critical spirit and spent most of my time belittling others.  But God got ahold of my heart and I have seen such a huge transformation in this area.

The most common definition of gentleness is kindness. This scripture is saying be kind to others, because God is near.  The Lord is near is a two fold meaning to me.  One, the Lord is watching; He is keeping account of how you treat others.  The second is that the Lord is coming soon to reconcile men unto Himself.  The Message bible interprets Philippians 4:6 this way, Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! (emphasis mine).  Jesus is my advocate and He is on my side. A great way to show Jesus to others is to be on their side as well.

Application

I can't wake up in the morning and claim to be gentle.  I can, however, ask for more of the Spirit of God to fall on me and display in my life (Luke 11:13).  Gentleness is a fruit; proof of God's anointing on Your life (Galatians 5:22). As I serve and disciple this week I pray that God's gentleness in my life would be evident to all.

Prayer

EL-ROI You are the strong One that see's all and hears all.  You are near and Your nearness is good.  You have paved the way of righteousness and You cause celebration of praise to burst forth from churches all over this world.  In this moment there are people who are lifting their hands in praise to You, exalting Your name.  May Your praise always be on my lips and may others see You when they see me.  I rebuke my flesh today and ask for more Your Spirit to fall on me.  Anoint me with the gentleness that only You can give.  Today let those who have turned away from Your leading draw near to You, may they case their cares upon You and find rest in Your arms.  Give me wisdom to comfort the weary (Isaiah 50:4) and let Your gentleness in my life be evident to all.

Natalie Merchant-Kind And Generous

Colossians 3:15 - Thanksgiving and Peace

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Observation

What rules my heart?  When I wake up in the morning what is the first thing I think about? I am a task driven individual, so sometimes, it is tasks; and when the tasks are many I start my day out being overwhelmed.  In ministry, I would be gone most nights and when I would come home, my thoughts would be swarming with tasks and concerns.  I would spend most of the night processing those thoughts, while peace and, many times, sleep eluded me. 

I believe thankfulness is a huge key to peace. Like yesterday's verse in Philippians 4:6-7, we are to present our requests with thanksgiving and the peace of Christ will guard our hearts.  Again today in Colossians 3:15, peace and thankfulness are found together. 

I want to be thankful. I want to develop a habit where the first words from my lips are those of thankfulness; where the first thoughts in my head as a wake up are thankfulness, and I desire that gratitude dominate my thoughts as I go to bed at night.

Moreover, I need to thank others, believing the best in them.  What a great way to make peace with others and preserve the unity of the spirit (Eph. 4:3.).  Like Ephesians 5:4 say's, there should be no filthiness or silly talk, but only giving of thanks.  Even with those who don't like me would be at peace with me, because my gentleness would be evident to all (Philippians 4:5).

Then I think about my kids and how I want them to be more thankful.  I can't think of a better way to instruct them in thankfulness then to live it out loud.  I want to be a "glass half full" kind of gal.  And my reward will surely be peace. 

Application

My goal today is to lose count of how many times I say thank you to God and others. How fun! I think I will try to do this everyday :)

Prayer

Jehovah Shalom, You are the peace that guards my heart. How incredibly grateful I am to be found in You this day.  To wake up to Your voice singing over me (Zephaniah 3:17), to sit at Your gates waiting for Your word (Proverbs 8:34).  I'm grateful to serve You this day with joyful thanksgiving.  For You have put a song in my heart, and You have set my feet to dancing.  You are my beloved, my One and Only.  My heart seeks Your face and my soul thirsts for You. Thank You for Your incredible love that overwhelms and sustains me.  Please keep my heart turned towards You, so that I may walk in thankfulness at all times.

City On Our Knees

Philippians 4:6-7 - The Power of Prayer

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication and thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Observation

Worry is a common battle for women and I am no exception.  Yet Christ tells us not to worry about anything for who can add a day to their life by worrying (Matthew 6:25-34). Jesus said to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

If I combine these two teachings on anxiety, Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:6-7, I can conclude that through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving I am to seek the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness; I am to share all my needs with Him according to the outline He provides here.  God's promise to me is that my heart will be guarded by a peace that surpasses all understanding.

In seeking God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving I take off my world glasses and put on Kingdom glasses.  Everything I see will be through the lens of a Sovereign God; nothing is out of His control and His plans and purposes will prevail.  And if I believe He is truly sovereign, then I must also conclude that He is not surprised by my mistakes, those who hurt me, the chaos of this world, or a lack of funds; but in fact He is using all of those things to draw me closer to Him.

Application

Jesus would get up early in the morning and pray (Mark 1:35) and God would prepare Him for His day.  If Jesus, the son of God, made prayer an important part of His lifestyle, then how much more should I be in prayer.  Ephesians 6:18 say's to pray all times in the Spirit...all times. Yes, that is my desire, to be a woman devoted to prayer, God's word, and fellowship with the body (Acts 2:42)

Prayer

Jehovah Jireh, You are my provider.  You are my Supply and my Portion.  Thank You for providing for my physical needs like this house, food, cars, and utilities.  Thank You for providing for my spiritual needs through Your word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.  Thank You for providing for the needs of my heart with a devoted husband, children, and the affections of family and friends.  Thank You for providing energy each day through Your Spirit.  More than all of this though, thank You for providing a way for me to have an intimate relationship with You through Your Son Jesus Christ. I ask for Your help in persevering in prayer; I desire to have an attitude of prayer and praise at all times.  I know this to be Your will for me also.  Father, You know my needs and are more generous beyond all that I can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Praise be to You my King for Your mindfulness of me.

When I Think About The Lord

Psalm 86:11 Great is Your faithfulness O God

Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name

Observation

I have learned that relying on God's faithfulness is the only way to stay faithful during seasons of affliction.  When my relationship with Christ began I entered a season of affliction I have never felt since. I did not know of God's faithfulness and believed Him just to be a cruel God punishing me. One night I shook my fist at Him and traded in my faithfulness for immediate gratification and relief. 

But God, in His faithfulness, stood close by, keeping me secluded and protected, even though I was trying desperately to destroy myself. One day the affliction ceased, the storm had passed by and I got up the nerve to take a look within myself. Going to the inward mirror of my soul, I half expected to see a 24 year old face weathered by the hail and fire of this terrible season, but what I saw was so different.  The image was softer, not harder.  The harsh winds and hail storm had stripped away the dead and I found new life growing from my soul. People that I worked with noticed the change.  One day a person at work, that had been my arch enemy, asked me what had happened to me. He said that I didn't walk around angry anymore thinking everyone was out to get me. Although I hadn't noticed the transition like he had, he was right, I had changed.

The encounter of God's faithfulness in that season, has helped me to rely on God's faithfulness through many more.  And through each season of affliction, I come out changed...better. I'm learning to embrace affliction and disappointment , so that like Paul I can boast, "I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10)."

Application

Praise God for His past faithfulness.  Journal His past faithfulness so that you can reflect on them when you feel your heart is becoming divided and your flesh wants to guide your steps into fear.

Prayer

JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU, Your righteousness is what clothes me.  In Your presence I find myself being knit into a beautiful tapestry.  You use disappointments to refine me and make me into a reflection of You.  Teach me Your ways, O LORD, that I may rely on Your faithfulness and not my own works.  Show me Your glory in all situations.  Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground, that I would not be double-minded, but walk securely in the light of Your presence.  Father, if there is any part of my heart that is not committed to You, I ask that Your healing hand fix it and give me an undivided heart that solely seeks Your face.

Voice Of Truth - Casting Crowns

2 Corinthians 12:9 - My Weakness

2 Corinthians. 12:9 - "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Observation

Yesterday morning when I sat down to study the bible verse this bible verse, it didn't really grab me.  I had picked it out Monday, but my anxious heart on Tuesday was longing for a scripture that brought me peace.  Certainly this scripture couldn't do that, so I moved on.  I studied peace, but still anxiety.  I praised and thanked God, "ah peace at last", but when I was done praising Him, the anxiety came back.  I prayed and rebuked the spirit of fear, claiming 2 Timothy 1:7 over myself.  For a moment I felt bold as a Lion, but alas, the boldness shifted into weakness.

However, during a call with my mom later in the afternoon, I was reminded of the scripture I was supposed to study that morning.  And He said to me "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." I then praised God for revealing my weakness and His sovereignty to me, as well as for drawing me to His grace and for His perfect power in my failings.  I had reconciled that if God has given me a Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, how better to show of His power than in the midst of my weakness.

During that revelation God's grace enveloped me and with it, the springs of peace began to wash me of all anxiety and fear.  As the winds of the storm blew heavy last night, I sat on my couch and sang love songs to my King.  I boast of my timidity today, because in doing so, I can boast of my God's grace and His precious love for me.

Application

This verse was applied in my life yesterday and I hope every day from here on out.  Fear is a chain that has been in my family for generations; certainly not everyone of my family members struggle with fear, but enough for me to know where this thorn comes from.  Nevertheless, God's grace is sufficient, and I praise Him for pushing me out of my comfort zone and into great adventures.  I may never get rid of these feelings of fear, and everyday I may have to push myself to talk to people, leave my house, and try something new.  But God's grace is sufficient. By His power I can respond to fear with power, love, and a sound mind.

Prayer

How amazing is your grace Father.  In the light of Your truth I find myself held securely in Your hand.  Please continue to make us one, I in You, and You in me.  That we would always dwell together.  Although I know that I can not lose Your love for me, I can miss seeing it in my everyday life.  I ask You to continue to work Your power into my life.  That I would submit to You in every way and in submission I would take Your yoke upon me, for Your yoke is easy and Your burden light (Matthew 11:30).

Like Incense / Sometimes By Step Lyrics

 This song is my anthem right now.  I hope it blesses you also.


[Verse 1]
May my prayer like incense rise before You
M'm lifting up my hands as sacrifice
Oh Lord Jesus turn Your eyes upon me
For I know there is mercy in Your sight

[Chorus]
Oh God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
Oh God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You

[Verse 2]
To all creation I can see a limit
But Your commands are boundless and have none
So Your Word is my joy and meditation
From the rising to the setting of the sun

All Your ways are loving and are faithful
The road is narrow but Your burden light
Because You gladly lean to lead the humble
I shall gladly kneel to leave my pride

[Chorus]

[Selah]

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
I will seek You in the morning
I will look to walk in Your ways
And step by step You'll lead me
And I will follow You all of my days

Hillsong LIVE: "Like Incense / Sometimes By Step" featuring Brooke Frase...

Philippians 3:8-9 - Being found in Him

Philippians 3:8-9 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

Observation

I hold many people dear in my life, my husband and children making the top of the list.  I even hold ministry and RiverPoint church dear.  Is Paul saying I'm missing it, because I hold these things dear?  Well it depends, is my hope in them?  Are they more dear to me then Christ?  Am I distracted by them and therefore not drawing unto Christ?

This verse makes me stop and think about what and who I am afraid of losing. I would like to boast that I am not afraid of losing anyone or anything, but that would be a lie. 

I also wonder, if I really counted all as lost for the sake of Christ, how much more would I be found in Him?  I have a friend who is a widow and she is such a reflection of Christ in my life.  Every time I see her, I find her "in Him".

I gave up a ministry and a church family that I held dear for the sake of Christ.  Although, Christ had every reason to take the ministry away from me, due to my pride and flawed nature, I know that is not why He did it. He did it so that I may be found "in Him". 

The only thing righteous about me is Christ. My driven personality would like to make salvation about works, but I'm humbled when I realize that no matter how good I am I will never be good enough to receive an eternal relationship with my maker. My heart breaks when I see my self-righteousness come out, for I know how disgusting that is to God and how it belittles others.  I know in me, I could easily be a Pharisee. 

However, I believe that God will complete the good work He has begun in me; that even when He takes away all that I hold dear, it is only so that I can be found more "in Him".

Prayer

Father I confess that selfish ambition and vain conceit have driven me to self-righteous actions.  I repent and ask that in all circumstances I would consider others better then myself (Philippians 2:3-4). I humble myself before You and praise You as the great Refiner of my life.  Wash me in the river of Your sacrifice.  Purify me with hyssop.  Become more in me, so that I will be less (John 3:30). 

Devin Bible Study - Psalm 1 Week 3

Becoming Righteous

Scripture Memorization

Psalm 1:5-6. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Monday

S - Read Luke 18:9-14

O -

1. Why did the Pharisee see himself as righteous?
2. Why was the Pharisee not considered righteous?
3. Why did the Pharisee think of himself better than the tax collector?
4. Why did tax collectors have such a bad reputation?  (Research on the Internet)
5. Why was the tax collector proved righteous?

A -

Journal ways in which you try to earn righteousness by your own works.

P -

Come before God in humility asking God for forgiveness for trying to earn righteousness through works.

Tuesday

S - Read Psalm 139:1-5

O -

1. How familiar is God with the details of your life?
2. How does knowing that God is watching your every move and every thought effect how you act?
3. How does this information reassure you?

A - God knows all about you.  What do you know about God?  List some of His character traits in your journal.

P - Thank God for His intimate knowledge and mindfulness of you.

Wednesday

S - Read Ephesians 2:8

O -

1. What saves us from eternity in hell?
2. How is this gift of grace received?
3. How are you aware of this generous gift today?

A -

Review your list of friends/family who are not saved.  Pray for them now.

P -

It is not our righteousness that saves us, but by humbling accepting God's salvation and knowing Him, we are compelled to make right choices in life.  Thank God today for His grace and continue to pray for those who do not know Him as their Lord and Savior.

Thursday

S - Read Philippians 3:9

O -

1. List what you believe self-righteousness to mean and then look it up in the back of your bible or in a dictionary.  Do you have any self-righteous attitudes?

2. How does righteousness come from God?

3. How is faith in God the basis of righteousness?

A -

Reflect on times where you argued your own righteousness, either to God or others, ask God and/or others to forgive you.

P -

Humbly come before God thanking Him once again for His grace.

Friday

S - Read Psalm 84:11

O -

1. What are way's in which the LORD is a sun and shield in your life?

2. How has God given you both grace and glory?
3. What good things do you have in your life right now that you are thankful for?
4. What are some things you thought were good, but God did not give you? Looking back do you still think those things were good for you at that time?

A -

Salvation comes through humbly accepting God's grace through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and allowing Jesus to be the leader of you life while you follow. Reflect and journal what you have learned from Psalm 1.  Write your own definition of righteousness and wicked.

P -

Ask God to plant His word deep within your heart, thanking Him once again for His grace and mercy.

Elena Bible Study – Week 3 (Fruit of the Spirit - Joy)

Scripture Memorization

Psalm 51:8a Make me hear joy and gladness

Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad the spirit is broken.

John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

Monday

S -  Read 1 Chronicles 16:32-34

Let the sea roar, and all it contains; let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD; for He is coming to judge the earth.  O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

O -

1. Look up the word exult in the back of your bible and write the definition.

2. How do the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD?
3. How is God judging the earth?
4. What are two things we learn about God's personality from this passage?

A - Take a walk with your mom, notice how nature is singing for joy before the LORD.

P - Thank God for His judgment and lovingkindness.

Tuesday

S - Read Psalm 51:8

Make me to hear joy and gladness

O -

1. How can you hear joy and gladness?

2. Name 5 things that bring joy to your heart when you hear them.

A - Think of some nice things that you can say to people that will make them joyful and glad, then go tell them.

P - Tell God some of the things you love about Him.

Wednesday

S - Proverbs 15:13

A joyful heart makes a cheerful face

O -

1. What are some ways you can tell someone is joyful?
2. How do you have a joyful heart?

3. Being thankful at all times creates a joyful heart. List some things you are thankful for.

A -Tomorrow try to spend the whole day with a smile on your face being thankful.  Talk with your mom on how things went.

P - Thank God for the list of things you are thankful for.

Thursday

S - Luke 15:10

"In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

O -

1. What does the word repent mean?  Look it up in the dictionary or the back of your bible to see.
2. Why would someone repenting cause angels joy?
3. Is there anything you need to repent of?

A - Tell your mom or dad the thing (s) that you need to repent of.

P - Have your parents pray with you as you confess your sins.

Friday

S - John 15:11

" These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

O -

1. Who is speaking in this verse?

2. What are some things He has spoken to you?

3. How does that make you joyful?

4. What do you think it means when Jesus say's that your joy will be made full?

A - Practice your memory verses for the week

P - Ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember all that Jesus has taught you.

My Bible Study - Week 1 (Obedient Thoughts)

Monday

Scripture Memorization

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 The weapons that we fight with are not of this world.  On the contrary they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Observation

1.  As Christians what weapons are you given to fight with?

2. What strongholds does the enemy have in your mind right now?

3. How are you to demolish arguments and pretenses that set itself up against the knowledge of God?
4. How do you know the real truth of God and not lies masquerading as the truth of God?

Application

Scripture memorization is a key to holding thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.  Memorize, all five scriptures for this weeks bible study.

Prayer

Ask God to sanctify you with His truth and to shine His light on any areas in your heart where you are walking in a lie.

Tuesday

Scripture Memorization

James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good fruit, impartial, and sincere.  Peace makers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness

Observation

1. How can you use this verse to test your thoughts?
2. Jesus is the word of God made flesh (John 1:4), how does this scripture about the wisdom from heaven reflect the attributes of Jesus Christ?
3. When your apply the wisdom from heaven in your thought life, what seeds are you sowing and what harvest will you reap?

4. How can these seeds be nurtured each day?

Application

Make a book mark of the 8 attributes of wisdom that comes from heaven.

Prayer

Ask God to give you the wisdom that comes from heaven, so that the meditations of your heart will be pleasing to Him (Psalm 19:14).  God gives wisdom to all who ask for it without finding fault (James 1:5)

Wednesday

Scripture Memorization

James 2:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves, do what it say's.

Observation

1. How can you be deceived by just listening to the word?

2. Why is applying the word through action so important?

3. What are areas in your life right now where you are not doing what God's say's.

Application

Praise God with song, O Lord, You're beautiful.

Prayer

Thank God for His word and ask Him to shine His light in your heart.  Ask Him to keep deceit far from Your mind (Proverbs 30:7), so that You can walk in His truth always.

Thursday

Scripture Memorization

Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not let use your freedom to indulge in the sinful nature, rather serve one another in love.

Observation

1. What freedom is Paul talking about?
2. What are the differences between slavery and freedom?
3. Are you walking in freedom in your thought life?

4. Are there areas where you are indulging the sinful nature?

5. How is serving a tool in which to demolish strongholds?

Application

Think of ways to serve those around you today and do it. When pretensions and arguments set itself up against the knowledge of God, choose to serve someone.

Prayer

Praise God for the freedom in which He has given to you.  Although it was free to you, Jesus paid the price with His life. 

Friday

Scripture Memorization

Colossians 4:6 Be wise in the way that you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Observation

1. What are attributes of wisdom? (see bookmark or Tuesday)
2. How does heavenly wisdom govern how you act?

3. Why is it so important to reflect heavenly wisdom to outsiders?

4. What are some ways in which your conversations can be full of grace?

5. What does it mean to have your conversation seasoned with salt?

6. How does this salt help you be prepared to answer everyone?

Application

The application is in this verse, make the most of every opportunity to be the aroma of Christ.

Prayer

Ask God to open your eyes to the divine appointments that He has for you throughout the day.  Surrender your daily agenda and plans and keep your eyes on Him.

Devin Bible Study - Psalm 1 Week 2

Psalm 1 - Week 2 (A Tree Planted Firmly)

Scripture Memorization

Psalm 1:3-4  He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.  The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away.

Monday

S - Read Jeremiah 17:5-6

O -

1. What are some way's that you can trust in mankind?
2. Are there areas of your life where you are trusting in mankind and/or relying on your own strength?

3. Why would trusting in man or yourself cause you to miss prosperity when it comes?
4. What does the word mean that this man "will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant"?

A -

Journal the ways in which you trust your own strength or the strength of others and not God. Let your accountability partner know that these are areas that you would like to begin trusting God more.

P -

Thank God for His word of truth and ask Him to forgive and cleanse you of trusting in yourself and in mankind.

Tuesday

S - Read Jeremiah 17:7-8

O -

1. What are the promises listed for those who trust in the LORD?
2. What does it mean that you won't fear when heat comes?
3. Are there areas in your life that you are anxious about? Would you say you are trusting God in these areas, if God promises that you will not have anxiety when heat comes?
4. How would your life be if your leaves were always green nor cease to yield fruit?

A -

Make a list of the promises God makes when you trust Him.  Repeat these promises and the scripture address where it can be found three times every day this week.

P -

Praise God for the promises He has given you today in His word, ask His help in trusting Him more in all areas of Your life.

Wednesday

S - Read Proverbs 11:30

O -

1. Why does righteousness yield?

2. Is this passage referring to spiritual or physical life?
3. What does spiritual life look like?
4. Why is winning souls considered wise?
5. How does winning souls relate to the tree of life?

A -

Who are some people you know who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  List their names in your journal and pray for them daily.

P -

Ask God to draw those you listed in journal closer to Him today.

Thursday

S - Read Matthew 7:23

O -

1. What is a false prophet?
2. According to this scripture how can you tell if you should listen to someone's advice or not?
3. How will people know you are a follower of Christ?  How will you know they are?
4. What happens to those who do not bear the fruit of God?

A -

List the ways that you bear the fruit of Christ right now. 

P -

Praise God for His powerful work in your life. 

Friday

S - Read Luke 13:6-7

O -

1. What is God's purpose for you?
2. How does your fruit reflect whether you are living out that purpose?
3. What happens to those who don't fulfill their purpose?
4. What are some way's that you can stay focused on God's purpose in your life?

A -

Apply one of the ways in which you can stay focused on God's purpose in your life.  Let your accountability partner know how you are going to stay focused on God's purpose for your life, so that he can hold you accountable.

P -

Praise God for fearfully and wonderfully making you (Psalm 139:14).  Thank Him for continuing His work in you and through you each day.