Practice #1: Relationship #1 - September 5, 2010

Discipling Relationships
There’s No Place Like Home

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 (NIV)
 1 These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.

 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Christians can experience lasting discipleship in their homes by relying upon four key relationships that God created in families.

Heart Relationship
-   We cannot give what we do not possess
-   We are handing off a relationship with God to others
-   Our heart is the executive center of our very being
-   Focus on behavior can miss the heart entirely

Spontaneous Relationships
-   Jesus used teachable moments often
-   Teachable moments occur when hearts are open and curious
-   Spontaneous relationships have to be spotted and accessed
-   Quality relationships spring out of time spent together

Routine Relationships
-   Routines are not bad
-   Routines build life rhythms
-   Routines can serve as memorials
-   Routine investments outweigh crash courses in anything

Community Relationships
-   Discipling the generation that is yet to come
-   Supportive relationships reinforce faith
-   Supportive relationships provide alternate modeling
-   The church is God’s family – Generations


Questions to Ponder

1.  What relationships do I think are essential for me to grow as a follower of Christ?
2.  When I think of disciple making do I think more program, system, class, or way of life? Why?
3.  How could my “home” make one step to become more of a relational environment for making disciples?
4.  Which of the four relationships am I growing in? Which of the four am I struggling with?

Practice: Multiply 9.5 - May 30, 2010

Practice #9 – Multiply
9.5 – Legacy

2 Timothy 4:1-8 (New International Version)
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
 
What legacy do you want to leave?  What do you want said of you? 
1.    Our legacy should be God-CenteredPhilippians 3:7-11 (New International Version)
 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
 
2.    Our legacy should be Kingdom-Centered
Ephesians 4:11-13 (New International Version)
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

3.    Our legacy should be Others-Centered
1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 (New International Version)
But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan stopped us. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Today: take some time and write down what you want to be remembered for.  Is that consistent with the values of the early church?  Is it consistent with the Bible?  How can you gain alignment with those things?

Practice: Server 8.3 - April 18, 2010

Practice #8 – Serve
8.3 – People Value

Review: The mission – Luke 19:10; Our responsibility – 2 Corinthians 5 – we must take on the mission

What does God care about?
 
Deuteronomy 6:5 (New International Version)
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Deuteronomy 30:2 (New International Version)
and when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today,
 
Joshua 22:5 (New International Version)
But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."
 
Proverbs 3:5 (New International Version)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Jeremiah 29:13 (New International Version)
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Joel 2:12 (New International Version)
"Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."

Zephaniah 3:14 (New International Version)
Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem!

Matthew 22:36-40 (New International Version)
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Romans 13:8-10 (New International Version)
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

1 John 1:7 (New International Version)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Jesus tells a story about how this looks:
Luke 10:25-37 (New International Version)
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

1.    If we are going to be on God’s mission, people have to matter.
Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
 
2.    Many people, when trying to love God, decide to study the Word.
John 5:39-40 (New International Version)
You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
 
3.    If you are going to love God, you have to care about what He cares about.
Matthew 25:31-46 (New International Version)
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.” They also will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” He will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

Practice: Encourage 6.4 - February 28, 2010

Practice #6 – Encourage
2.4 – A Community of Encouragement

Acts 4:36-37 (New International Version)
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 11:19-23 (New International Version)
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Acts 11:24-30 (New International Version)
He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 13:1-3 (New International Version)
In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 15:36-41 (New International Version)
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

What Can We Learn From the “Son of” Encouragement?
Encouragers Call out of People What God has Already Put in Them.

What keeps us from encouraging others?

1.    Lies from Satan.
Ephesians 2:10 (New International Version)
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2.    Pride.
 Proverbs 11:2 (New International Version)
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 (New International Version)
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proverbs 16:18 (New International Version)
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23 (New International Version)
A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

Proverbs 16:5 (New International Version)
The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

James 4:6 (New International Version)
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

3.    Fear
2 Timothy 1:7 (New International Version)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Hebrews 10:39 (New International Version)
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

Practice: Giving 5.5 - January 31, 2010

Practice #5 – Give
5.5 – Protection

1 Chronicles 21:1-7 (NIV)
Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are.” But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply his troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all my lord’s subjects? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” The king’s word, however, overruled Joab; so Joab left and went throughout Israel and then came back to Jerusalem.  Joab reported the number of the fighting men to David: In all Israel there were one million one hundred thousand men who could handle a sword, including four hundred and seventy thousand in Judah. But Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, because the king’s command was repulsive to him. This command was also evil in the sight of God; so he punished Israel.

Here is what David had to learn:
Psalm 20:6-8 (NIV)
Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

Deuteronomy 10:17-19 (New International Version)
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt.
 
Isaiah 1:17 (New International Version)
learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.
 Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
 
James 1:27 (New International Version)
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Why? Because they cannot help themselves.  God is their protection too, but He uses His church to provide for those in need.
 
Hebrews 13:1-3 (New International Version)
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
 
Matthew 25:31-40 (New International Version)
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

How do we do this?
Go back and look at James 1:27…
 
James 1:27 (New International Version)
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Practice: Give 5.4 - January 24, 2010

Practice # 5 – Give
5.4 – What could be done?

Acts 4:32-35 (New International Version)
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
 
Some things that we can know about the early church:
•    They were unified
•    They owned their obligation to help one another
•    They were willing to sacrifice to make sure that everyone had enough
•    As a result, the message was preached with great power
•    As a result, much grace was upon them all

If we adopted this mindset, what could be done?

1.    People in our church would be blessed
We have an obligation to care for our church family first… this is biblical.
 1 John 3:17 (New International Version)
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

2.    People in the community would be blessed
Hebrews 10:24 (New International Version)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

1 Peter 2:12 (New International Version)
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
•    This is so much more than moral correctness.
•    The question that we have to wrestle with is: Are we good to the people around us?
•    You don’t love people unless they know you love them.
 
Some real things that could happen:
•    Feeding the hungry
•    Giving a hand
•    Local Improvement
•    A building that is a launching pad into the community

Where does it start?

Proverbs 18:16 (New International Version)
A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.

Do we want to be a good church that people can feel comfortable coming to?  Or do we want to be a part of something great?

Practice: Give 5.3 - January 17, 2010

The Blessing of Giving

Introduction
Warren Hiersche tells of “America’s Greatest Miser, Hetty Green”

Acts 20:34-35
Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Acts 20:34-35 (Da Jesus Book, Hawaii Pidgin)
You guys know dat I wen work fo all da stuff me an my friends need. I do all dat fo show you guys dat by dis kine hard work we gotta help da guys dat no stay strong inside. I rememba wat da Boss Jesus wen say, “Da guy who give, he stay mo good inside den da guy who get.”

“Givers sleep well
takers eat well”

I.    Giving is a blessing to the recipient

  a.    Provides a sense of nurture emotionally – literally make them happier

    i.    Pidgin translation: “. . . feel mo good inside . . .”

    ii.    The Elder worth honor –

I Timothy 5:17
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

     iii.    The gift of a quilt

  b.    Provides nurture physically

    i.    Needs are met

    ii.    Careful not to enable

    iii.    Rich are to share

I Timothy 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

  c.    Blessing to Jesus

Matthew 25:34-40
Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

II.    Giving is a blessing to the giver when motives are right

  a.    Opposite (hoarding)

  b.    Philanthropists

  c.    Re-affirms our worthfulness

    i.    Dissipates selfishness

    ii.    Bolsters self esteem (“mo good inside”)

III.    Givers are blessed when nothing is expected in return

  a.    We are tempted to give in order to get back

    i.    Jesus: “Don’t let your left hand know . . .”

Matthew 6:3
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

    ii.    Mature leaders stop expecting to be rewarded for their giving

  b.    Generosity of God’s people are how the less-fortunate are taken care of

    i.    Haiti . . . Hospitals – food banks – care centers

   ii.    James 1:27
        Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

    iii.    Ephesians 1:22-23
        And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
 
Why God is counting on us to be givers:
1.    Caring for the less-fortunate
2.    His church is cared for and is empowered to reach the world
3.    He knows we will experience joy that comes from giving
4.    We allow the world to see Jesus’ compassion

January 10, 2009 - Practice: Give 5.2

Practice #5 – Give
The Pursuit of Sovereignty

Luke 12:13-34 (New International Version)
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”  Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Some Questions to ask of this passage:
1.  Is it wrong for this man to want his inheritance?
Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.

2.  Why does Jesus call this greed?
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

3.  What is the cure for greed?
Jesus tells a story about what it looks like from God’s perspective to not trust in the Sovereignty of God…
 
God blesses a certain man:
Luke 12:16-17 (New International Version)
And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ ”

The man has to figure out how to handle God’s blessing:
Luke 12:18-19 (New International Version)
Then he said, “This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’ ”

The man doesn’t trust in God’s Sovereignty:

Luke 12:20-21 (New International Version)
But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.

Then Jesus makes a promise for those who do trust:
Luke 12:22-34 (New International Version)
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

When we are givers, we never have to worry about having enough.  When we are hoarders, we always worry and never have enough.
 
Leviticus 26:3-17 (New International Version)
If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land. I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country. You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. You will still be eating last year's harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new. I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.  I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high. But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and drain away your life. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you.

January 3, 2010 - Practice: Give 5.1

Practice #5 – Give
Who is your God?

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (New International Version)
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

We are most like God when we give.

John 3:16 (New International Version)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

•    God so loved, that He gave
•    You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.

Some lessons from 2 Corinthians 9…
 
1.  There is a generosity principle.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

2.  God not only supplies the increase, but also the seed itself.
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”

3.  God blesses us so that we can be generous.
“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

James 4:2-3 (New International Version)
You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

4.  There are both tangible and intangible results to giving.

“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.”

•    Some tangible results:
o    The needs of God’s people are met.
o    Men will praise God because of your obedience.
 
•    Some intangible results:
o    You are confessing the Gospel of Christ.
o    People’s hearts go out to you.  You are given God’s favor with others.

December 27, 2009 - Practice: Obey 4.4

Practices #4 – Obey

4.4 – Obedience Brass Tacks

 Genesis 3:1-8 (New International Version)
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' " "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

God pronounces the consequences, and Adam Names Eve…

Genesis 3:20-23 (New International Version)
Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living. The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.

Genesis 4:1-2 (New International Version)
Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, "With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man." Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil.
    •    Qanithi ish et yaweh should be structured different.

Genesis 4:3-5 (New International Version)
In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Genesis 4:8 (New International Version)
Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 4:11-12 (New International Version)
Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.

Trace the Lineage of Cain…
The last of Cain’s lineage is a man named Lamech…

Genesis 4:23-24 (New International Version)
Lamech said to his wives, "Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times."

We see that Eve ultimately figures things out… But the damage was already done.

Genesis 4:25 (New International Version)
Adam lay with his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, "God has granted (established for me) me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him."

Question: Where did it start?

Forgiveness is a fundamental requirement of the Christian existence.

Matthew 6:14-15 (New International Version)
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Forgiveness is giving up our right to be angry.  It is not a foolish choice to allow another to hurt you over and over and over.

Luke 17:3-4 (New International Version)
So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."

Practice: Study 3.5 - November 29, 2009

The Practices #3 – Study
3.5 – What is the result of study?

In Study, we learn the rules.  But righteousness is not found in the rules alone.
Chapter 1 & 2 – Paul puts everyone in the same boat concerning sin and separation from God.
 
Romans 3:1-2 (New International Version)
What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
 
Why did God give us the law?
Romans 3:19-20 (New International Version)
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
 
Romans 3:21-26 (New International Version)
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
 
We are not righteous just because of what we do.
 
Proverbs 16:2 (New International Version)
All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
 
What does Study produce in us?
 
1.    A Change of Attitude.
Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
 
2.    A Change of Perspective.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (New International Version)
For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
 
3.    A Change of Approach.
Colossians 4:6 (New International Version)
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
 
Our hope for Study…
2 Timothy 4:2 (New International Version)
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Practice: Study 3.4 - November 22, 2009

The Practices #3 – Study
3.4 – The Lessons Learned

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 (NIV)
The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.

The Bible shows us the mistakes of the past so that we can learn form them. The questions is whether or not we will let them teach us…

Matthew 13:13-15 (New International Version)
This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: 
"'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'

What lessons does the Bible teach us?

1. What is true reality?
1 Corinthians 15:19 (New International Version)
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

Psalm 17:13-15 (New International Version)
Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword. O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

2. What is our purpose in life?
Deuteronomy 6:13 (New International Version)
Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.

1 Samuel 7:3 (New International Version)
And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

Matthew 4:10 (New International Version)
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' "

Matthew 22:36-39 (New International Version)
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

3. What do we have to be thankful for?
Philippians 4:11-13 (New International Version)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

1 Timothy 6:6-9 (New International Version)
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

Thankfulness comes when we focus on how much we have. A Lack of thankfulness comes when we focus on what we don’t have. The question is which do you choose to focus on?

How do we get to that place?

Psalm 119:9-11 (New International Version)
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; 
do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart 
that I might not sin against you.

Practice: Study 3.2 - November 8, 2009

The Practices #3 - Study

3.2 – Boundaries

Anytime someone tries to tell us what to do, our first response is to do something different…

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The Bible gives us boundaries by which we live the best life possible.

Why does God give us the boundaries that He does?:

1.    To show us who He is. 
Exodus 18:20 (NIV)
Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.

Exodus 20:1-17 (NIV)
And God spoke all these words:
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

2.    To show us how to love Him.
It is a wrong perspective to worry about God zapping us for doing wrong.  This is not about “Do right or you will get a spanking!”

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (New International Version)
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

John 14:15 (New International Version)
If you love me, you will obey what I command.
Scripture defines the perimeters of a truly loving relationship.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Practice: Study 3.1 - November 1, 2009

Practices #3 - Study
3.1 – Where does faith come from?

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
We live by faith, not by sight.
 
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
 
Romans 14:23 (NIV)
But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
 
Faith is hard to define because we live in a culture of feelings. 

Some definitions of faith:
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) 
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Where does that kind of faith come from?  

Romans 10:14-17 (NIV) 
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
 
How do I get the Bible in me?
Read
Listen to the Bible on CD
Surround yourself with Friends that will help
Watch the Bible in DVD’s
Listen to sermons
Listen to the radio
Listen to Christian music
Attend a CARE Group
Attend another type of small group

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
 
3 Critical Phrases in this verse:
 
1. “Do your best…”
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men
 
2.  “…a workman who does not need to be ashamed…”
Ezra 9:6
and prayed: “O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens.”
 
Leviticus 26:14-17 (NIV)
But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and drain away your life. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you.
 
3.  “…who correctly handles the word of truth.” 
John 8:32 (NIV)
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
What does faith look like?
 
Psalm 15 (NIV)
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Practice: Prayer 2.1 - October 4, 2009

Practice #2 – Pray
2.1 – The Discipline of Emptying

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

2 Divergent Worldviews:
 
1.    What Do I Want?
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV)
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

2.    What Does God Want?
2 Timothy 2:4 (NIV)
No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.

Romans 14:4 (NIV)
Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
 
John 3:36 (ESV)
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
Prayer is the process of EMPTYING myself that allows the transition to a different worldview. 

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Genesis 2:25-3:7
The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ” “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
If we understand prayer as an emptying of ourselves of our own agenda, then it changes how we read passages about prayer.

Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
How do we let go of our agenda and align with God’s?
 
John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
 
Prayer is a constant conversation with God in which we submit our agenda to Him in every moment of every day.  And in turn, we rely on His replying to us with what His agenda is for each moment.
 
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)
Pray without ceasing.
 
Where do I start?
1.    A decision to make God’s agenda more important than my own.
2.    Knock out the major stuff…
3.    Surround yourself with the right influences…

Practice: Relationship 1.3 - September 20, 2009

Practice #1 – Relationship
1.3 – Wisdom’s Desire

We are to pursue Wisdom:
Proverbs 24:14 (New International Version)
Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 4:7 (New International Version)
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Proverbs 8:10-13 (New International Version)
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”

Solomon defines Wisdom:
Wisdom = Knowledge + Prudence + Discretion

Matthew 22:37-40 (New International Version)
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

How does Wisdom Stay Wise?

1.    Listen to Others 
Proverbs 13:1 (New International Version)
A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 12:15 (New International Version)
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 15:31 (New International Version)
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.

2.    Learn from Others
Proverbs 15:12 (New International Version)
A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.

Proverbs 19:20 (New International Version)
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

3.    Invest in Others
Proverbs 15:7 (New International Version)
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

Proverbs 16:21 (New International Version)
The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.

Proverbs 16:23 (New International Version)
A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.
Where do I start?

Practice: Relationship 1.1 - September 6, 2009

Practice #1 – Relationship
What is Intentional, Spiritual Relationship?

Colossians 3:12-14 (New International Version)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

What are the keys to spiritual relationship?

1. Encourage one another – toward spiritual realities.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (New International Version)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (New International Version)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

God told Moses to encourage Joshua as the change of leadership happened…

Deuteronomy 1:38 (New International Version)
But your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it.

Deuteronomy 3:28 (New International Version)
But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.

2. Serve one another – modeling Christ’s love.
Galatians 5:13-14 (New International Version)
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

James 1:27 (New International Version)
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

3. Protect one another – Pastoring those who need help.
John 13:34-35 (New International Version)
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Romans 12:9-11 (New International Version)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

James 2:15-17 (New International Version)
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

We Model Christ’s Love to the World in Our Relationships…

Ephesians 1:5-6 (New International Version)
He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.