Can you believe it is already March of 2019? It is hard to believe that we have already seen two months pass by this year. Time is sure moving faster. (By the way, time stays the same, we just miss it because we get so busy.)
How are you doing on your spiritual goals?
Some people set spiritual goals at the beginning of the year, were you one of them? If so, how much progress are you making towards your spiritual success?
Whether you are making progress or you simply need a reset, allow me to offer a few suggestions to get you back on track for this year. Below are a few simple suggestions to help you continue on the track of spiritual success. Take a moment and see which one will help you.
A Proverb a Day – Did you know that Proverbs has 31 chapters and several months have a total of 31 days? Take time and read a chapter of proverbs a day. (Example: on day 1 read Proverbs 1; day 2 read Proverbs 2)
Make Service A Priority – To really grow as a Christian, you will find that attending services will help you grow in two ways: (1) Closer to God and (2) closer to your brothers and sisters. The Hebrews writer says that brethren can “stir up one another.” (Hebrews 10:24)
Pray like Daniel – Reading through Daniel, you find that Daniel prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10). As a result of his prayer life, you see the benefits of strength. Schedule sometime to pray at least twice a day and make it a goal to achieve at least three.
Teach the Young Ones – From the beginning, the Lord wants us to teach the young people about Him and the riches of His blessings. Teaching the young of the blessings, begins in our daily conversations. Take a moment and read Deuteronomy 6:1- 9. Make it a goal to mention God daily.
Remember to Teach Others – One of the goals for every Christians should be to teach others the lifestyle of Christ. Paul mentions to Titus that the younger should teach the older in Titus 2 and this is a great pattern to learn about the walk of a mature Christian.
Be Thankful – As the Lord blesses us each day, let us thank Him for His continual blessings. The blessings we have come from the Father (James 1.5). Remember to thank God daily in everything He has provided. (Colossians 3:17)
What other suggestions would you add to the list?
Just some thoughts,
The future of our young people is bright. Despite what is in the news and in various media outlets, the future of our children is bright. Over our young people’s lifetime, they have seen advances in the field of medicine, technology, and industry quicker than any other generation.
The advances are happening quickly and major events are being planned and funded. In the middle part of last century, a man walked on the moon and plans are being made through the private industry to land a manned spacecraft on Mars. The future is excellent.
However, just because advances are being made, does not mean one should forget about the basics. While one can carry 20 different Bible versions on their phones, are they being used? Each advance can be a wonderful blessing, if they are being used properly.
What does the Bible say about teaching young people?
- Are young people taught to love their families? (Titus 2.4)
- Are young people taught to be self-controlled? (Titus 2.5)
- Are young people taught to be kind? (Titus 2.5)
- Are young people taught respect? (Titus 2.7)
There is more listed in Titus 2 worth reading and being reminded of every day.
As advances through the world are taking place, are young people still mindful of the basics? Is part of their education the basics?
Are young people being educated in the blessings of God?
Just some thoughts?
Have you always wanted to study the Bible, but did not know exactly where to begin?
The outlines below are simple outlines to being your personal study. You will notice the outlines are not complete. Use them as a guide to help you study.
Preachers, feel free to use these as a help to kick start our sermon on Sunday.
Outline #1 – Attitude Determines Altitude
- Why is Attitude Important?
- Attitudes are always forming
- Attitudes are formed when we are young
- Attitude problems are the result of heart problems
- What must My Attitude be?
- Not as the rich young ruler.
- The Attitude of Christ
- We need an attitude of “Yes! We can!”
- How is your attitude?
- Is it Christ-like?
- Since attitude problems are heart problems, where is your heart?
- Have you learned to be content?
Outline #2 – Do Not Mumble or Grumble
- The Dangerous Attitude of Complaining
- How can we be blameless and shining as lights in the world, if we complain?
- Complainers bring others down.
- The Dangerous Attitude of Disputing
- Some people try to dispute, stir up anger and arguments
- “All that is needed to make a mountain out of a molehill is a little dirt.”
- Our Attitudes and Words
- Words affect people?
- Replace complaining and disputing with good things (i.e. – thankfulness, faith, kindness, etc)
- What will your words do today
Outline #3 – Taking it all in and letting none of it out
- The Most Followed command?
- Matthew 8:4 – “See that you tell no one…”
- Why did Jesus say that phrase?
- Do many people follow it today?
- Why do many follow those words today?
- Fear
- Specifically, fear of rejection
- Some are afraid they will be wrong
- We need to get off our “buts.” (ex. – I really know I should but…)
- Isaiah 6:8 – “Here am I, send me”
Outline #4 – Simply Trusting God
- Simply trusting God means you are like Joseph
- Remember Joseph’s words to his brothers? (Genesis 45:5)
- Joseph kept confidence by relying on God’s providence
- Simply trusting in God means you are like Daniel
- Daniel was a man of principles
- He refused the kings food.
- He refused not to pray.
- God admires principles. (Psalm 15:1-5)
Outline #5 – Christian Repentance
- Why would a Christian need to repent?
- Christians can stray away
- Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)
- Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:13; 18-23)
- What is your reaction to sin?
- Do you deny it?
- Do you try to cover it up?
- Do you justify it?
- Do you take responsibility?
- You must live a life of action
- “Faith without works is dead.”
- You are salt and light
- Christian’s Change
- They change as they grow
- Psalm 51
Outline #6 – “Lord I believe. Help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:34)
- The situation: the disciples were not able to cast out a spirit of a boy, so the Father appealed to Jesus.
- “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”
- Note the verse is not a contradiction.
- It may be better rendered, “Lord, I believe. Help my unfaithfulness.”
- Do you believe but lack faith?
- Are you in need of an increase of faith?
- The father had belief, but he needed more faith.
- How can you increase your faith?
- Romans 10:17
- Start now. (Matthew 4:18-20)
- Attend uplifting events. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- Find contentment and joy in God. (Philippians 4)
- When in doubt, pray. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Remember to use these outlines are a guide for further study.
Check back next Wednesday for a few more outlines.
Just my thoughts,
