Revive Me (Jeremy Camp)

Ephesians 4:22-24 - Getting Dressed

Scripture

Ephesians 4:22-24 - you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness and truth.(Emphasis mine)

Observation

Every day you get dressed both physically and spiritually.  If you are like me, you take time to pick an outfit that best expresses how you feel for the day. Comfy clothes say that I'm a little tired and refuse to entertain you with my apparel.  A skirt implies that I have a little extra spunk in my step and am feeling carefree today. I'm sure men think less about such things, but I know I am not the only woman out there that selects here clothing based on how she feels.

But what about spiritual clothing?  Do you get dressed spiritually based on how you feel?  I do sometimes. If I am feeling forgotten or neglected, I dress in a pouty "no one loves me" spirit.  If  I am feeling discouraged, I put on the ever-ready whiney/critical garment.

However, we are called to put on a new spiritual self each day.  One that was created in the righteousness, holiness, and truth of God. I can just imagine God sewing my spiritual garment right now.  Layering color after beautiful color, interweaving righteousness and holiness, and hemming it all in with truth.  All the while He is smiling, knowing that when I put this hand-crafted garment on I will be the bell of the ball.   Reminds me of Cinderella.  The torn rags I used to wear as a slave to sin, is beautifully transformed into an evening gown that makes those around me stop and stare.

Hmm, what to wear?  Yes, I think it's an evening gown kind of day!

Application

I have to get in the word each morning.  My mind needs to be renewed in Christ.  Once my mind has been set on His righteousness, holiness, and truth, I can choose to wear it.

Prayer

Father, You have taken the tattered fabric of my life and woven it into a beautiful masterpiece.  In a world where only a size 0 is considered skinny, and face lifts punch your card for the fountain of youth, You have given me a new fountain, one that never runs dry.  I choose today to send out my roots to Your living water (Psalm 1:3).  Renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).  Dress me in Your humility and righteousness, and tie kindness and truth around my neck (Proverbs 3:3).  With all my heart, I thank You for making me this beautiful garment and I hope wearing it today brings a smile to Your face.

Hold Fast - Mercy Me

Philippians 3:13-14 - Press On

Scripture

Philippians 3:13-14 ...but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.  I press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus.

Observation

Sometimes it can be so hard to press forward. The mountain in front of you seems so big and the road so rough each step you take is a miracle from heaven.  Your mind replays condemning thoughts about why you haven't gotten farther. Certainly when people look at you, they don't see success in Christ, but failure.

I love that Paul used the word press. Oh this word is filled with so much life. The word press means to act upon or steadily apply force; to compress or squeeze, as to alter shape or size (Dictionary.com).

But how can we press forward if we are constantly looking behind?  There is a great scripture in Isaiah 43:18 that say's "Do not call to mind the former things or ponder things of the past. " Why would God tell us to stop looking back?  Because you can't walk forward, turning your head back, without falling flat on your face. Moreover, you can't press forward if your carrying the baggage of the past.  We are a new creation in Christ, each day we put on the new self that is in the likeness of God, created in all righteousness, holiness, and truth (Ephesians 4:22-24).

When you turn your eyes on Jesus instead of past circumstances, God will use the pressures of life to press you forward into life, life and more life.  Just makes you want to shout Hallelujah!

Application

Don't get worried when it seems like you are giving it all you got, but only taking baby steps.  Your spiritual muscles are being strengthened. The prize at the end is for those we continue to press forward, not for those who go the farthest or the fastest.

Prayer

Father, those You call, You equip.  You walk beside us, holding us by the hand and watching over each step (Isaiah 42:6). I cast my cares of the past and anxieties of the future at your feet (1 Peter 5:7).  I trust You and believe in Your goodness and faithfulness.  Please continue to perfect Your love in me so that I do not walk in fear, but in power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).  I choose the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus; through Your strength help me press on.

You are Good - Nichole Nordeman

Philippians 3:3 - Putting confidence in Christ and not in the flesh

Philippians 3:3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and the glory of Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh.

Observation

Jesus said, the Father seeks worshipers who worship in Spirit and Truth (John 4:23) and Paul goes on to define that a little more in Philippians 3:3. Being faced with sect of Christians who were pushing for physical circumcision, Paul argues back with the sign of true Christ followers.

This verse challenges us to dig deep into our how we define being a Christian.  Paul say's to put no confidence in the flesh.  Yet so many times we judge someone's walk with Christ by fleshly standards.

We might judge their walk by church attendance, how often they are serving,  how many Christian friends they have,  etc. Or perhaps we hold ourselves up to these standards.  I know I have felt guilty about not serving as much as the next person, or attending church faithfully.  However, Paul and Jesus both challenge this way of thinking.

God wants the genuinely broken, God wants those who are diligently seeking Him and waiting for Him (Lamentations 3:25), God wants those who want Him.  It is hard to be broken, seek Him, and want Him, when you believe that through your actions you have it all together. Sometimes as Christians we can forget our absolute need for Christ while doing the very work of Christ.  However, at our lowest, Christ shows up and well, He shows out.  In our humble state, we know there is no one else that should receive glory for our redemption but Him.

Application

This verse is especially encouraging to me.  Sometimes I feel like I have been placed on a shelf. I look at my works and they seem so small compared to others. But that is putting confidence in the flesh and not in the redeeming power of Christ. I praise God for His plans for me. He has given me a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Even if I can't see it, I believe it to be true. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the assurance of things not yet seen (Hebrews 11:1).

Prayer

Father, You created the heavens and the earth, as well as formed my inward being. You alone have redeemed me; You alone have set me free from sin. You have given me a devoted husband and children.  You take time each day to teach me Your word.  With one word You both encourage and strengthen me. I can't do anything without You, but all things with You (Philippians 4:13). Please uphold me with Your righteous right hand this day (Isaiah 41:10).  May You receive maximum glory with every breath I take today.

Elena Bible Study - Fruit of the Spirit Week 10 (Self-Control)

Scripture Memorization

Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

Monday

S - Read Proverbs 25:16

Proverbs 25:16 Have you found honey? Eat only what you need, that you not have it in excess and vomit it.

O -

1. Have you ever eaten too much of a good thing and gotten sick?
2. What would have been a better portion for you too eat?
3. What things do you like that think you could never have too much of?
4. According to this scripture what happens when we have too much of a good thing?

A - Make a list of the things that you really like and think you could never have too much of.

P - In prayer read your list aloud to God. Ask Him to show you the perfect portion for you and to help you be disciplined to sticking to that portion.

Tuesday

S - Read Proverbs 25:27-28

Proverbs 25:27-28 It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glory to seek out ones own glory.  Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control of over his spirit.

O -

1. What do you think it means to have control over your own spirit?
2. What are some bad things that can happen when you don't have control over your own spirit?

3. What are some areas that you have a lot of self-control?

4. What are some areas that you do not have a lot of self-control?

A - Ask someone to hold you accountable for the areas that you do not have self-control over.

P - Thank God for giving You His Spirit of self-control and ask Him to continue to work in the areas of your life where you struggle with self-control.

Wednesday

S - Read Proverbs 16:32

Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

O -

1. Do you think you can choose how you feel?

2. Can you find joy in a bad day?

3. What are some situations that cause you to feel bad?  Could you choose a better emotion for these situations.

A - When you feel negative emotions try to choose a positive emotion instead.

P - Keeping your emotions in check can be hard, ask God for help with this.

Thursday

S - Read Proverbs 11:13

Proverbs 11:13 he who goes about as a tail bearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

Proverbs 20:19 he who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip

Proverbs 25:9 Argue your case with your neighbor, and do not reveal the secret of another.

O -

1. What are you considered if you can keep a secret?

2. Why shouldn't you hang out with someone who gossips?

3. If you have a problem with someone, should you talk about with them or tell others about it instead?  Why?
4. Have you ever gossiped?

A - Ask your parents what are appropriate things to share with others or even them, and what should be kept a secret.

P - Ask God to forgive you for the time you gossiped. 

Friday

S - Read 2 Peter 1:5

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

O -

1. What are things you should be adding to your faith daily?
2. How does knowledge help you increase in self-control?

3. What does perseverance mean?

4. How does self-control help you increase your perseverance?

A - List how you have increased in knowledge of God and His ways

P - Praise God for who He is; He is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Ask Him to make you more like Him every day.

Casting Crowns - What If His People Prayed (Live)

Devin's Bible Study - 1 Kings 8:10-66

Scripture Memorization

2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My people, who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will heal from heaven, will forgive their sin, and heal their land.

Monday  - The glory of the LORD

S - Read 1 kings 8:10-11, Isaiah 6:1-7

O -

1. What filled the house of the LORD?
2. What did the glory of the LORD cause to happen?
3. What did Solomon do once the glory of the LORD filled the temple?
4. What filled the house of the LORD, when Isaiah came to minister at the temple?
5. Was Isaiah able to minister?  What does it mean to be ruined?
6. Have you ever experienced a time when the presence of the LORD was so heavy that you felt ruined?  Describe.

A - List some of the walls that stand in the way of you experiencing the glory of the LORD on your life.

P - Ask God to ruin you with His presence today and knock down any walls that are in the way of Him ministering in you and through you.

Tuesday - Blessing God

S - Read 1 Kings 12-27, Proverbs 13:22

• Circle all references to God's promise
• Underline attributes of God

O -

1. What had God promised David about building a temple?
2. What had God promised King David about his descendants being kings over Israel?
3. For this promise, what did God ask of David's descendants?
4. How did Solomon know about God's promise to David?
5. Why is it important to pass on God's promises to the next generation?

6. What attributes of God did you find in these passages?

7. According to verse 27, what can hold the LORD?
8. Do you ever try to fit God in a box?

A - Search out God's promises in His word this week.  Find 10 promises and journal them.

P - Thank God for His promises and ask that He continue to reveal them to you.

Wednesday - Supplication

S - Read 1 Kings 12:28-54, Romans 3:23

O -

1. What was Solomon's first request to the LORD?

2. His second?

3. His third?

4. His fourth?

5. His fifth?
6. His sixth?
7. According to verse 46 and Romans 3:23, who sins and who needs to confess their sins?

8. Do you think Solomon was praying according to God's will?  Why or why not?

A - confess any sin in your heart to God and ask for forgiveness.  Journal those sins.

P - Praise God for His forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

Thursday - Blessing the people

S - Read 1 Kings 8:56 - 63

O -

1. How did Solomon ask God to bless the people of Israel?

2. Why would they need God's help to keep His ordinances, commands, and statutes?
3. Why did Solomon ask God to remember his prayer and for his prayer to be near God?  Do you think God forgets our prayers?
4. What did Solomon do after he blessed the people?
5. Why would offering sacrifices bless God?

6. What sacrifices could you offer to God today?

A - Offer a sacrifice to God today

P - Praise God that His love does not depend on your sacrifice, but is unfailing in every way.  Ask that this sacrifice be a sweet aroma to Him and cause Him to smile upon you this day.

Friday - Celebration

S - Read 1 Kings 8:64-66, 2 Chronicles 7:14

• Make a green clock around all time references

O -

1. How long did Israel celebrate?
2. Why do you think the celebration lasted longer than intended?
3. Why did they celebrate?
4. When have you been a part of a corporate celebration of God's goodness?
5. What are some prayer requests that you have seen answered?

A - Praise God today in all you do and tell others about His goodness.

P - Thank and praise God for who He is and all He has done.

Mandisa - He Is With You

Isaiah 41:10 He is with you

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my right hand.

Observation

Do you ever wonder where God is in your situation? Maybe you feel that since your Christian performance has been less then commendable that God has left you.  This is a common lie from the enemy.  We have heard that God's love is unconditional, but we somehow believe we are the exception.

In studying Isaiah, Israel has received an ominous message from the LORD (Isaiah 30; 39:6-7), one filled with consequences for their behavior.  However, God encourages them in chapters 40 and 41 by reassuring them of His faithful presence. 

We don't have to be anxious about whether or not God is with us. We don't have to worry if we have pushed or even driven Him away. God doesn't throw His hands up in the air in frustration over our performance.  As a child of God we have the promise of His continued presence. 

God isn't just an onlooker in our day to day activities, He is a participator.  As we walk, He is strengthening us, helping us, and holding us up. Many times it isn't until after the storm has passed that we have realized that He was carrying us all the way through.

Application

I have been overcome with regret over my heart condition these last few weeks.  My critical spirit and selfish attitude have been less then becoming. As I knelt down to confess my sin this morning, I asked God to show me His presence. My heart yearned for the reassurance that He was with me and that He hadn't given up on me. In His goodness, He revealed Himself in His word, providing the very morsels of nutrition that I needed today.

Prayer

God, You are the Creator of the universe. You are the Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28). You are my strength, You are my portion, You are my help and salvation. You are my everything. I praise You for the healing and comforting power of Your word today.  May Your people be reassured of Your mindfulness of them this day.  I praise You for Your love and faithful care.

By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North

Philippians 2:19-22 A friend that sticks closer than a brother

Scripture

Philippians 2:19-22 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, and not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.

Observations

Proverbs 18:24 say's "A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother".  As I read Philippians 2:19-22 today that verse came to mind.  God is so good to give each of us a friend that sticks by you and is genuinely concerned about the things that weigh on your heart. They want to serve you and bless you, not idolizing you, but truly loving you.

I think we all want that special friend; the person you don't have to clean your house for, or put make up on for. The friend that can see you with a snot bubble and love you anyway. The person that would leave their home in the middle of the night to comfort you while you cried.   The friend that would lay down his life for you (John 15:13).

Timothy's motivation for friendship was centered and powered through his relationship with Christ. Timothy was seeking what was on the heart of Jesus Christ and drawing from the abundant love found only in Him.

For more background on Timothy check out the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

http://www.searchgodsword.org/enc/isb/view.cgi?number=T8794

Application

Who is that friend to you? When there are lots of friends around, that person may be hard to see. However after trials and tribulations pass that friend can sometimes becomes more evident, as we see with Paul's prison experience.  God doesn't want us to be mad at those who don't turn out to be that friend to us, because that friend is rare and if we had lots of them we could come to ruin (see Proverbs 18:24).  Let's seek out that friend today and bless them.

Prayer

Father, there is no friend greater than You.  You have seen me at my worst and Your love has believed, endured, and hoped in me (1 Corinthians 13:7). How can I thank You enough for Your perfect provision of friendship.  I know that I have fallen short in the friendship area so many times, but Your grace is ever so sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). You bless me despite of my weakness. Thank You for calling me Your friend (John 15:14-14). I love You so much.

Leeland - Follow You with special guest Brandon Heath (official video)

Philippians 2:17-18 Getting Uncomortable

Scripture

Philippians 2:17-18 But even as I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and I share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Observation

What would you be willing to do so that others would grow in faith? How uncomfortable would you let yourself get? Paul allowed himself to get as uncomfortable as imprisonment with the threat of death. He didn't complain or brag, he instead chose to rejoice.

I had to ask these same questions of myself, how uncomfortable would I get to serve the LORD? Would I go without indoor plumbing? Would I give up all frivolous purchases for myself for a year so that I could give to those in need?  Would I help someone with yard work in 107 degree temperature?   I was saddened to see that my spiritual pain threshold is very low.  But I know I am not the only one.  I want to serve others when it is convenient for me. Perhaps when I "feel" like it. Yet in this verse Paul is pouring himself out for others the way that his God has poured Himself out for him.

Paul then asks that they share joy with him.  I think it is because when you pour yourself out to the point of severe discomfort you need to hear some encouraging news, you need to know you are making a difference. I get that.  It seems like people are ever ready to share bad news, but the good news seems to go by the waist side. I can tell you that I get a lot more prayer request then I do praises. 

Some of the most amazing "God" moments in my life have come when I went wayyyyy outside my comfort zone to serve others. Right now I am uncomfortable in many ways. I can't wait to see what "God" moments await.  

Application

The application is to share joy with someone (or many someone's) today. We are redeemed, set free from sin, and carry the Spirit of God within us. Now that is good news!

Prayer

Father, You have given me everything I need. You are the very God of hope. I praise You for taking me out of my comfort zone and for expanding my thoughts. I am grateful for the adventure that You are giving me everyday.  May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart bless your name today (Psalm 19:14).  Please fill me with joy and peace as I trust in You today, so that by the power of Your Holy Spirit hope within me would abound still more and more (Romans 15:13). I choose to get out of my comfort zone and follow You today.

Devin's Bible Study - 1 Kings 7 & 8:1-9 (Solomon's Temple Cont'd)

Scripture Memorization

Proverbs 24:3-4 By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

Monday - Foundation

S - Read 1 Kings 7:1-12, Proverbs 24:3-4, James 3:17-18

• Mark time phrases with a green clock

O -

1. How long did Solomon take to build his house? And what were some of the rooms in his house?

2. What did Solomon use for the foundation of the house?
3. According to Proverbs 24:3-4 how is a house built?
4. Where does wisdom come from according to James 3:17-18?
5. What are some attributes of wisdom?
6. Think about your house, what are some precious and pleasant riches that fill your house by the grace of God?

P - Ask God for more wisdom to discern the things that are excellent, and grow in knowledge and revelation of Him.

Tuesday - Skilled work

S - Read 1 Kings 7:13-22, Proverbs 22:29

O -

1. Who did Solomon call to help with the building of the temple? Why?
2. According to proverbs 22:29, what promise does God make to those who discipline themselves to be skilled at their work?

3. What skills has God given you?

4. Are you diligent in becoming excellent at them?

A - Examine how you are investing your time.  Are you investing your time in the things that are excellent and where your skills lie?  Or are you investing your time in so many things that you cannot be excellent at anything?   Try to narrow your focus to include more time on the things that you are skilled at.

P - Thank God for giving you gifts and talents and ask Him to discipline you in these areas.

Wednesday  - The bronze laver

S - Read 7:22-51, Exodus 30:17-21, John 13:12-17

O -

1. What was the bronze laver on oxen used for?
2. Where was it kept?
3. How did Jesus perform this function to the disciples according to John 13:12-17?
4. How were your spiritual feet dirty from picking up junk from the outside?
5. Has Jesus washed your feet?

6. What does Jesus call us to do?

A - Serve someone out of love today

P - Ask God to cleanse you of any junk that you have picked up lately and to help you in serving others through His love.

Thursday - Lampstands

S - Read 1 Kings 7:48-51, Exodus 25:31-40, Matthew 5:14-16

O -

1. How many lampstands were in the temple?

2. Why were lampstands used?
3. What does Jesus call us?

4. What are we to do?

5. How does the light of Christ through us help others to know God?

6. Do you see similarities between the light needed in the temple of God and why your light is needed to minister at the temple of God?

P - Ask God how you can serve His people and pray that His light shine through you.

Friday - Ark of the covenant

S - Read 1 Kings 8:1-9, Exodus 25:10-22

O -

1. Where was the ark of the covenant located and where is was it going?

2. Who was to take up the ark of the covenant?
3. What offerings were made? How much?
4. What covered the ark of the covenant once it was put in the temple?
5. What was in the ark of the covenant?
6. What of God is in you?

A - Decide how to be generous to the LORD and make an abundant offering to Him this week.

P - Thank God for His presence within you and pray that your offering would be pleasing to Him.

Elena Bible Study - Fruit of the Spirit Week 9 (Gentleness)

Scripture Memorization

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

Monday

S - Read

Psalm 37:11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

O -

1. Look up the word meek and write down what it means.
2. What blessings will you enjoy if you are meek?

3. Look up the word prosperity and write what it means.

4. Who are some people that you know are meek?

5. Would you like to be more meek?

A - Tell your dad about the things you are thankful for and thank him for being apart of them.

P - Thank God for blessing you and ask Him to continue to make you meek.

Tuesday

S - Read

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.
O -

1. Look up the word yoke and write down what it means.

2. Why should we take the yoke of Jesus on us?
3. How can you learn from Jesus?
4. What will Jesus give us if we take His yoke upon us?

P - Thank Jesus for teaching you and ask for His yoke to be upon you.

Wednesday

S - Read

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

O -

1. Do you like to be near those who are gentle?

2. What promise can you find in this scripture?
3. How do you get gentleness?
4. How can that gentleness be evident to all?
5. Why would God want others to see your gentleness?

A - Take some of your answers to question number four today and apply them.

P - Praise God that He is near you and ask that He grown His gentleness in you so that others can see it.

Thursday

S - Read

Colossian 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

O -

1. List some clothing that you put on each day.  What are clothes that you can absolutely not go without?
2. Imagine you had a spiritual closet. What spiritual clothes could you absolutely not go without according to this scripture?
3. List one way that you can show each of these articles of spiritual clothing.
4. How are all of these attributes similar?

A - Draw a picture of you, then draw each article of spiritual clothing.

P - Ask God to get you spiritually dressed today.

Friday

S - Read

1 Peter 3:15 Put in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

O -

1. What are we supposed to put in our hearts?
2. What should we always be prepared to do?

3. How should we do this?

4. What does the word respect mean?
5. Do you treat others with gentleness and respect?
6. How does how you treat others reflect how you revere the Lord?

A - Treat all those around you with gentleness and respect?

P - Thank God today for His gentleness and ask for more of His Spirit to fall upon your life.

Devin's Bible Study - 1 Kings 6 (Solomon's Temple)

Scripture Memorization

Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Monday

S - Read 1 Kings 6, Mark 1:35

• Mark all time phrases with a green clock.

O -

1. When did King Solomon begin building the house of the LORD?
2. Where were the stones prepared (see verse 7 )? Why do you think there was no hammer, axe, or iron tool allowed to be heart in the house of the LORD?
3. Why do you think Jesus got up early in the morning to find a quiet place to pray?

4. How does this time in quietness with the LORD, help prepare your day for you?

5. Do you have a quiet place that you can go to pray?

A - 1 Peter 3:4 say's that a gentle and quiet spirit is precious in the sight of the LORD. Go to your quiet place and be still before the LORD today.  Hear what He has to say.

P - Praise God for revealing Himself to you today.

Tuesday

S - Review 1 Kings 6, read Psalm 1:3

O -

1. Note verse 6, what was the smallest layer of the temple?
2. What was the largest?
3. How is this opposite to how we build our houses today?
4. How is this setting similar to how a tree grows?
5. Do you think the lowest layer was stronger than the top layer even though it was smaller?
6. What similarities can you see in your spiritual growth?

A - Reflect on when you first accepted Christ and the layers that God has built in you from that small seed.  Note your feelings in your journal.

Wednesday

S - Review 1 Kings 6, Psalm 1

• Mark Promises in verse 12 and 13 with a P next to the verse. 

O -

1. In Verse 12 there are 3 actions from Solomon that God required, what are they?

2. What are the differences and similarities of these requests?

3. Compare and contrast those three actions with the three actions of disobedience in Psalm 1:1.
4. What promises did God give to Solomon if he performed the 3 actions required?
5. How are these three actions important in the building of your spiritual temple?

A -  Think about specific ways that you can apply the following actions:  Be deliberate about doing these each day.

1. Following God's statutes -

2. Executing God's ordinances -
3. Keeping God's commandments -

P - Take any disobedience in your heart before the LORD today.  Ask Him to cleanse you from all unrighteousness and help you walk according to His commands.

Thursday

S - Review 1 Kings 6, read 1 Peter 1:7

O -

1. What did Solomon use to overlay the inside of the house of the LORD?
2. Verse 21 notes this gold as pure gold, how is gold purified? (See 1 Peter 1:7)
3. What do we have that is of greater worth than gold?
4. How is faith refined the same way?
5. How does our faith reflect the beauty of God?

A - Think about how God has purified your faith through fire and journal those ways. Also, think about how your faith in Christ adorns you like the gold of Solomon's temple and journal your thoughts.

P - Praise God for the painful moments of your life and how He has used them to make you more into His image.

Friday

S - Review 1 Kings 6, read 1 Corinthians 10:19 & Philippians 1:6

O -

1. How long did the temple take to complete?  (See verse 37 & 38)?
2. Do you think that is a long time?
3. What are you according to 1 Corinthians 10:19?
4. How long has it been since you gave your life to Christ?
5. What reassurance do we have in Philippians 1:6 that God will complete the work that He has begun in building our temple?

A - Reflect on what you have learned about Solomon's temple and the temple that you are. Journal similarities and differences.

P - Praise God for His promise to complete the good work that He has begun in you.

Hillsong UNITED - Hosanna ft. Brooke Ligertwood

Philippians 2:3-4 - One Purpose

Scripture

Philippians 2:2-4 Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit, but humility in mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but the interests of others.

Observation

Paul starts off the second chapter of Philippians with a plea to the church of Philippi  to be united. In Philippians 2:1 he reminds the church that they have seen life change in Jesus Christ.  Possibly diverting their attention from their opponents (Philippians 1:28) to the strength of Christ.  But more than that, the church of Philippi has seen the miraculous power that comes from uniting together in one voice.

In Acts 16:22-40, Paul and Silas are imprisoned and began to sing hymns and praise to God; a great earthquake happens, chains are broken, and all the prisoners are set free.  But Paul and Silas stayed to encourage and share the good news with the jailor. Not only did the Jailor receive Christ that night, but also his family.

Here is a great example of the Matthew 18:20 promise.  Jesus said "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am in their midst".  I believe this is the "one purpose" Paul is talking about. I have been in places ranging from church buildings to the jail, where the power of Christ was evident and you knew where you were standing was holy ground.

What does it take to see this manifestation? We have to lay ourselves aside and let our hearts turn to Christ.  Then when you meet someone whose heart is also turned to Christ, you can be sure that Christ is there with you. 

In Proverbs 6:19, God say's He hates the one who spreads strife among brothers, but when we are united in one heart turned toward God, we please God (Psalm 133:1).  And what a great feeling to know that you are pleasing God, you can almost feel His supernatural smile when you are being diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit and the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).

Application

Hurt feelings and disagreements over leadership decisions are two main culprits for dividing a family in Christ. When faced with my own sin, I know that I have been tempted to break the bond of unity over the very same things. Moreover, praying for unity in the body of Christ has not been a top priority of mine. Each day the world moves closer and closer to its destruction, and my time here draws closer and closer to its end.  I want to know that when I meet Jesus Christ, face to face, I will hear "well done, good and faithful servant".

Prayer

Father, Son, Holy Spirit, You are the perfect example of unity. Father, I confess that I have not lived in unity with others, nor have I been diligent about seeking peace. My heart breaks for the division of Your body. Please forgive me for being slack in prayer and keeping peace.  LORD, please restore Your body to perfect unity.  That we would lay aside our own selfish ambitions and we would be quick to forgive one another. Father, I ask that You begin with me.