Reading the title of this week's lesson I thought "I don't consider myself greedy, but I'm going to do the lesson anyway." Well, just like the first week about the complaining attitude, my eyes were opened and I see that I am greedy or covetous. It doesn't have to be about large things like promotions, houses, etc. This sin can take over your life just by coveting little things, like an outfit someone is wearing, pets, electronics (iPods, video games, etc.) and a million other things.
When the desire to have something that someone else has takes over your life and becomes the one and only thing you think about, you have a major problem. Take a look around your house. Is there a place for everything and everything in it's place? If you are like me, the answer is NO. I have too many things taking control of my house. Obviously, a lot of things in your house are needed so your household or job can function properly; but, consider all of the things we just "wanted", either purchased on impulse or you saw someone else have one and saved until you got it. Were they needed items or can you find them buried under a pile of clothes somewhere in the house?
The Bible says we are to be content with what we have. Everything we need, the Lord gives us. If we do not have it, it's not needed right now. This hits me today because just yesterday I was coveting a washer/dryer combo I saw. I've wanted one for a long time, but I realize I should be content with the ones I have and be happy they are working properly. That may seem simple to you, but this is where this sin starts, in the simple things. Before long, if you continue to give into this sin, you are either so far in debt you can't see out, or you are miserable because you think you need more and more things to be happy. In reality, if we are saved, we have everything we need to be happy in Christ.
First and foremost, He died for us. He took all of our sins upon Himself and died so we wouldn't have to. Second, He provides for our needs. We have clothes on our backs (maybe not the latest fashions, but we are clothed). We have food on the table (maybe we can't eat out everyday, but we are not going hungry).
This ties into last week's lesson on a thankful attitude. If we are truly thankful for what the Lord has given us, we will be content with what we have. This is an underestimated sin. I pray God will open our eyes this week to how important it is to be content and not be greedy or covet what others have.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Week Two - ...With A Thankful Attitude
Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 5:18
Last week we learned about replacing a complaining attitude; but, what do we replace it with...a thankful attitude. If we were to write a list of things we complain about vs. things we should be thankful for, the thankful list should far out way the complaints.
God has given us so much to be thankful for! No matter where we are in our lives or what situation we are in, there is always something to be thankful for. We are alive and breathing, aren't we? Every day that God gives us and allows us to wake up is a gift from Him. I witnessed this firsthand yesterday at church. In the back of my mind I knew this was the subject of the lesson this week, but I didn't really connect the two until today. Yesterday, I heard a man say "I want to thank the Lord for all of His blessings to me and my family. He has truly blessed us." Now, that may not seem like a profound statement to you, but as an outsider looking in I saw lots of reasons for this person to complain and doubt God, but he chose to be thankful instead. I truly admire this person for the testimony he has to the others around him.
Can we say that? Do people around us see that we are thankful and not complainers? The best way to witness to someone is to live in a way that shows Christ. When we know Jesus lives in our hearts people can tell by our fruit. This is off subject a little bit, but it ties together in the end. Here is one way to remember that others should be able to tell if we are saved by our fruit.
Focus - Is our focus on ourselves or on God?
Repentance - Have we truly repented of our sins and chosen to live for Christ?
Understanding - Do we understand why we are right with God? Because of Jesus' death on the cross
Invitation - When were you saved? We are not saved by works. We should remember a time where we humbled ourselves before God and allowed Him into our lives.
Thankfulness - For what God has done for us.
I would encourage everyone to do the two exercises at the end of today's lesson (pages 36-37). I believe God will bless those who are truly grateful for everything He give us and allows to happen in our lives(even things we think are bad at the time).
I pray this week we will all put into practice replacing our complaining attitude with a thankful attitude.
Last week we learned about replacing a complaining attitude; but, what do we replace it with...a thankful attitude. If we were to write a list of things we complain about vs. things we should be thankful for, the thankful list should far out way the complaints.
God has given us so much to be thankful for! No matter where we are in our lives or what situation we are in, there is always something to be thankful for. We are alive and breathing, aren't we? Every day that God gives us and allows us to wake up is a gift from Him. I witnessed this firsthand yesterday at church. In the back of my mind I knew this was the subject of the lesson this week, but I didn't really connect the two until today. Yesterday, I heard a man say "I want to thank the Lord for all of His blessings to me and my family. He has truly blessed us." Now, that may not seem like a profound statement to you, but as an outsider looking in I saw lots of reasons for this person to complain and doubt God, but he chose to be thankful instead. I truly admire this person for the testimony he has to the others around him.
Can we say that? Do people around us see that we are thankful and not complainers? The best way to witness to someone is to live in a way that shows Christ. When we know Jesus lives in our hearts people can tell by our fruit. This is off subject a little bit, but it ties together in the end. Here is one way to remember that others should be able to tell if we are saved by our fruit.
Focus - Is our focus on ourselves or on God?
Repentance - Have we truly repented of our sins and chosen to live for Christ?
Understanding - Do we understand why we are right with God? Because of Jesus' death on the cross
Invitation - When were you saved? We are not saved by works. We should remember a time where we humbled ourselves before God and allowed Him into our lives.
Thankfulness - For what God has done for us.
I would encourage everyone to do the two exercises at the end of today's lesson (pages 36-37). I believe God will bless those who are truly grateful for everything He give us and allows to happen in our lives(even things we think are bad at the time).
I pray this week we will all put into practice replacing our complaining attitude with a thankful attitude.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Week One - Closing
Thank you for joining us for the study of Lord Change my Attitude. It's not too late to ask your friends and family to join us.
This study is about the attitudes that affect our growth in Christ and, boy, were our toes stepped on this week?! I hope that each of us takes this study very seriously and works to apply the truths learned and also to change our attitudes. With that said, let me ask you each some questions to cause you to think.
Question One: Are you open to considering what the Lord has to say about changing your attitude?
This is not a self-help book. This is a study on what God has to say about our attitudes.
Question Two: Are you willing to be changed?
If change was easy, everyone would be doing it; but the fact is most people are just staying the same.
Question Three: Are you willing to change your attitude?
This study is about attitudes. It's not about our actions or circumstances.
Question Four: Are you willing to focus exclusively on YOUR attitude?
It is so easy to point out someone else's bad attitude and never even see that we also have a bad attitude.
This week's lesson about a complaining attitude really hit home with me. I've never really considered myself a complainer, or least I always thought I had a reason to complain, if I did. Well, now I see that God doesn't like complaining, no matter what the reason. When we complain we are basically telling God that He is not giving us what we want, when we want it, and we want Him to cater to us. This lesson was a wake-up call to me. Complaining and a negative attitude toward people and things around us is SIN and God HATES sin!
Changing something that is a habit that we have had for years is not easy. Attitudes are patterns of thinking formed over a long period of time. You can't change your attitudes in a few minutes. Hopefully, this study will help us identify the attitudes we need to change and give us the tools we need to being that change process. I pray that God will use this study and that we will give our attitudes to God to allow Him to change us to be more like Him.
This study is about the attitudes that affect our growth in Christ and, boy, were our toes stepped on this week?! I hope that each of us takes this study very seriously and works to apply the truths learned and also to change our attitudes. With that said, let me ask you each some questions to cause you to think.
Question One: Are you open to considering what the Lord has to say about changing your attitude?
This is not a self-help book. This is a study on what God has to say about our attitudes.
Question Two: Are you willing to be changed?
If change was easy, everyone would be doing it; but the fact is most people are just staying the same.
Question Three: Are you willing to change your attitude?
This study is about attitudes. It's not about our actions or circumstances.
Question Four: Are you willing to focus exclusively on YOUR attitude?
It is so easy to point out someone else's bad attitude and never even see that we also have a bad attitude.
This week's lesson about a complaining attitude really hit home with me. I've never really considered myself a complainer, or least I always thought I had a reason to complain, if I did. Well, now I see that God doesn't like complaining, no matter what the reason. When we complain we are basically telling God that He is not giving us what we want, when we want it, and we want Him to cater to us. This lesson was a wake-up call to me. Complaining and a negative attitude toward people and things around us is SIN and God HATES sin!
Changing something that is a habit that we have had for years is not easy. Attitudes are patterns of thinking formed over a long period of time. You can't change your attitudes in a few minutes. Hopefully, this study will help us identify the attitudes we need to change and give us the tools we need to being that change process. I pray that God will use this study and that we will give our attitudes to God to allow Him to change us to be more like Him.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Week 1 - Replace a Complaining Attitude
This week we are beginning our new Bible study..."Lord, Change My Attitude". Take a look at the table of contents, you will see there are 5 positive and 5 negative attitudes. The one we are going to look at in more detail this week is a complaining attitude.
The author, James MacDonald, suggests a memory verse for each weeks lesson. This week it is Philippians 2:14-15. This is a wonderful verse to commit to memory to remind us on a daily basis that we should not complain.
I have found, just today, that it is really amazing at how much complaining goes on around us. Whether it is us complaining or those around us, it's everywhere. I've tried to watch everything I've said today, so as not to complain, and I know I caught myself probably a dozen times. If you have a complaining spirit, it becomes part of your life and eventually you don't notice it anymore, it just happens. Unfortunately, everyone else around you does notice. Not only are you dragging them down with your complaints, you (in the long run) are dragging yourself down.
The author said "In the short term, complaining separates us from God; in the long term it becomes a lifestyle that sends us to the wilderness". Complaining is a sin. No matter how big or small the complaint, it is SIN. Sin means "missing the mark, failing in regard to God's holy standard and just demands."
What we put in our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. If we think on things that are pure, just, righteous, etc., these things will show in the way we talk to others and in our actions. If we surround ourselves with the negativity of this world, we will show that to others by complaining.
Complaining about things as simple as traffic or the weather seem so commonplace today, but they are wrong. This has truly been a challenge to me. I pray God will use this study in all of our lives to show us how to grow closer to Him in all aspects of our lives.
The author, James MacDonald, suggests a memory verse for each weeks lesson. This week it is Philippians 2:14-15. This is a wonderful verse to commit to memory to remind us on a daily basis that we should not complain.
I have found, just today, that it is really amazing at how much complaining goes on around us. Whether it is us complaining or those around us, it's everywhere. I've tried to watch everything I've said today, so as not to complain, and I know I caught myself probably a dozen times. If you have a complaining spirit, it becomes part of your life and eventually you don't notice it anymore, it just happens. Unfortunately, everyone else around you does notice. Not only are you dragging them down with your complaints, you (in the long run) are dragging yourself down.
The author said "In the short term, complaining separates us from God; in the long term it becomes a lifestyle that sends us to the wilderness". Complaining is a sin. No matter how big or small the complaint, it is SIN. Sin means "missing the mark, failing in regard to God's holy standard and just demands."
What we put in our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. If we think on things that are pure, just, righteous, etc., these things will show in the way we talk to others and in our actions. If we surround ourselves with the negativity of this world, we will show that to others by complaining.
Complaining about things as simple as traffic or the weather seem so commonplace today, but they are wrong. This has truly been a challenge to me. I pray God will use this study in all of our lives to show us how to grow closer to Him in all aspects of our lives.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Day Five
Walking In The Truth By Glorifying God - pgs 262-265
Realize
Rewrite each of the five truths listed on pages 262-265. Then look up the corresponding verses and describe how the verses confirm the truth.
Truth #18: Ephesians 5:25-27
Truth #19: Romans 8:29
Truth #20: 1 Peter 5:10
Truth #21: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Truth #22: Colossians 1:16-18; Revelation 4:11
Reflect
Complete this sentence: The truth that I most need to claim today is the truth that...
Respond
I surrender to that truth and will make the following changes in order to act upon the truth...
Prayer of the Day
Lord, thank You that this life is a whole lot bigger than just me. I admit that often I am at the center of my own little world. The truth is, however, that I am not on this earth for You to make me happy; I am here to glorify You and bring You pleasure. That is what I want to do, Lord, today and every day of my life. As I do, You have promised that I will experience fullness of joy and the delights of Your pleasures. I claim the truth today that ______________ and surrender to that truth today by ___________. Amen.
Realize
Rewrite each of the five truths listed on pages 262-265. Then look up the corresponding verses and describe how the verses confirm the truth.
Truth #18: Ephesians 5:25-27
Truth #19: Romans 8:29
Truth #20: 1 Peter 5:10
Truth #21: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Truth #22: Colossians 1:16-18; Revelation 4:11
Reflect
Complete this sentence: The truth that I most need to claim today is the truth that...
Respond
I surrender to that truth and will make the following changes in order to act upon the truth...
Prayer of the Day
Lord, thank You that this life is a whole lot bigger than just me. I admit that often I am at the center of my own little world. The truth is, however, that I am not on this earth for You to make me happy; I am here to glorify You and bring You pleasure. That is what I want to do, Lord, today and every day of my life. As I do, You have promised that I will experience fullness of joy and the delights of Your pleasures. I claim the truth today that ______________ and surrender to that truth today by ___________. Amen.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Day Four
Walking In The Truth By Relinquishing Control - pgs 259-262
Realize
Rewrite each of the six truths listed on pages 259-262. Then look up the corresponding verses and describe how the verses confirm the truth.
Truth #12: Philippians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Truth #13: Ezekiel 18:19-22
Truth #14: Galatians 6:7-8
Truth #15: Matthew 16:25; Luke 1:38
Truth #16: Ephesians 5:21
Truth #17: Titus 2:4-5
Reflect
Complete the sentence: The truth that I most need to claim today is the truth that...
Respond
I surrender to that truth and will make the following changes in order to act upon the truth...
Prayer of the Day
Lord, thank You that I can find joy and freedom by relinquishing control of my life to You. I understand that true freedom is found by submitting to You. I claim the truth today that __________ and surrender to that truth today by ___________________. Amen.
Realize
Rewrite each of the six truths listed on pages 259-262. Then look up the corresponding verses and describe how the verses confirm the truth.
Truth #12: Philippians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Truth #13: Ezekiel 18:19-22
Truth #14: Galatians 6:7-8
Truth #15: Matthew 16:25; Luke 1:38
Truth #16: Ephesians 5:21
Truth #17: Titus 2:4-5
Reflect
Complete the sentence: The truth that I most need to claim today is the truth that...
Respond
I surrender to that truth and will make the following changes in order to act upon the truth...
Prayer of the Day
Lord, thank You that I can find joy and freedom by relinquishing control of my life to You. I understand that true freedom is found by submitting to You. I claim the truth today that __________ and surrender to that truth today by ___________________. Amen.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Day Three
Walking In The Truth of Christ's Sufficiency - pgs 256-259
Okay, the new study is going to be (drum roll)....."Lord Help Me Change My Attitude Before It's Too Late" by James MacDonald. This study will begin on Monday, April 13th. Invite your friends to join us. The book can be purchased at most Christian book stores.
Realize
Rewrite each of the five truths listed on pages 256-259. Then look up the corresponding verses and describe how the verses confirm the truth.
Truth #7: 2 Corinthians 12:9
Truth #8: 1 John 1:7
Truth #9: Romans 6:6-7
Truth #10: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Truth #11: Psalm 107:20; 119:105
Reflect
Complete the sentence: The truth that I most need to claim today is the truth that...
Respond
I surrender to that truth and will make the following changes in order to act upon the truth...
Prayer of the Day
Lord, thank You that Your grace is sufficient to help me even in my deepest need or strongest bondage. I claim the truth today that __________ and surrender to that truth today by ___________________. Amen.
Okay, the new study is going to be (drum roll)....."Lord Help Me Change My Attitude Before It's Too Late" by James MacDonald. This study will begin on Monday, April 13th. Invite your friends to join us. The book can be purchased at most Christian book stores.
Realize
Rewrite each of the five truths listed on pages 256-259. Then look up the corresponding verses and describe how the verses confirm the truth.
Truth #7: 2 Corinthians 12:9
Truth #8: 1 John 1:7
Truth #9: Romans 6:6-7
Truth #10: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Truth #11: Psalm 107:20; 119:105
Reflect
Complete the sentence: The truth that I most need to claim today is the truth that...
Respond
I surrender to that truth and will make the following changes in order to act upon the truth...
Prayer of the Day
Lord, thank You that Your grace is sufficient to help me even in my deepest need or strongest bondage. I claim the truth today that __________ and surrender to that truth today by ___________________. Amen.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Day Two
Walking In The Truth About God - pgs 253-256
Realize
Rewrite each of the six truths listed on pages 254-256. Then look up the corresponding verses and describe how the verses confirm the truth.
Truth #1: Psalm 119:68; 136:1
Truth #2: Romans 8:32, 38-39
Truth #3: Ephesians 1:4-6
Truth #4: Psalm 23:1
Truth #5: Isaiah 28:16
Truth #6: Isaiah 46:10
Reflect
Complete this sentence: The truth that I most need to claim today is the truth that...
Respond
I surrender to that truth and will make the following changes in order to act upon the truth...
Prayer of the Day
Lord, thank You for Your Word that tells me the truth about who You are, what You have done for me, and how much You love me. I claim the truth today that __________ and surrender to that truth today by ____________. Amen.
Realize
Rewrite each of the six truths listed on pages 254-256. Then look up the corresponding verses and describe how the verses confirm the truth.
Truth #1: Psalm 119:68; 136:1
Truth #2: Romans 8:32, 38-39
Truth #3: Ephesians 1:4-6
Truth #4: Psalm 23:1
Truth #5: Isaiah 28:16
Truth #6: Isaiah 46:10
Reflect
Complete this sentence: The truth that I most need to claim today is the truth that...
Respond
I surrender to that truth and will make the following changes in order to act upon the truth...
Prayer of the Day
Lord, thank You for Your Word that tells me the truth about who You are, what You have done for me, and how much You love me. I claim the truth today that __________ and surrender to that truth today by ____________. Amen.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Walking In Freedom - Day One
Surrendering To The Truth - pgs 243-252
Well, here we are again. It's the last week of this Bible study and time to choose a new one. The only suggestion I have received is "Lord Help Me Change My Attitude Before It's Too Late" by James MacDonald. This study is fine with me. If anyone else has a suggestion, please comment on this post. We need to make a decision ASAP so everyone can get the new book to begin on Monday, April 13th. I'll let everyone know on Wednesday (8th) what the new lesson will be for sure. Because this new book has the study guide build in, we will go back to the old format of posting on the blog on Mondays and Fridays, not everyday.
Realize
1. Look through the forty lies listed in the table of contents. During the course of this study, has the Lord shown you any specific areas where you have been deceived? List one or more lies that you realize now you have believed.
2. Illustrate how believing those lies has put you in bondage.
Reflect
3. What corresponding truth from God's Word counters each lie you listed above? Write the truths below, and note where you can find them in the Bible.
4. How can the truths you have identified set you free from bondage and sanctify you?
Respond
5. Just knowing the Truth is not enough. You must surrender to the Truth. What do you need to change in your thinking or your lifestyle that is not currently in line with the Truth of God's Word?
Prayer of the Day
Lord, thank You for showing me the lies that have held me in bondage and the Truth that can set me free. Please help me to surrender to and act on the Truth every time a lie presents itself. Amen.
Well, here we are again. It's the last week of this Bible study and time to choose a new one. The only suggestion I have received is "Lord Help Me Change My Attitude Before It's Too Late" by James MacDonald. This study is fine with me. If anyone else has a suggestion, please comment on this post. We need to make a decision ASAP so everyone can get the new book to begin on Monday, April 13th. I'll let everyone know on Wednesday (8th) what the new lesson will be for sure. Because this new book has the study guide build in, we will go back to the old format of posting on the blog on Mondays and Fridays, not everyday.
Realize
1. Look through the forty lies listed in the table of contents. During the course of this study, has the Lord shown you any specific areas where you have been deceived? List one or more lies that you realize now you have believed.
2. Illustrate how believing those lies has put you in bondage.
Reflect
3. What corresponding truth from God's Word counters each lie you listed above? Write the truths below, and note where you can find them in the Bible.
4. How can the truths you have identified set you free from bondage and sanctify you?
Respond
5. Just knowing the Truth is not enough. You must surrender to the Truth. What do you need to change in your thinking or your lifestyle that is not currently in line with the Truth of God's Word?
Prayer of the Day
Lord, thank You for showing me the lies that have held me in bondage and the Truth that can set me free. Please help me to surrender to and act on the Truth every time a lie presents itself. Amen.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Day Five
Living A God-Centered Life - pgs 228-235
Realize
1. Why are you alive? If you had to write a short life purpose statement, what would you say?
Reflect
2. According to Revelation 4:11, why were we created?
3. Read Philippians 1:21-24; 3:7-16. How would Paul answer the question, "Why are you alive?"
4. Read Acts 20:22-24. How did Paul's passion to fulfill God's purpose for his life enable him to endure and press on in spite of adversity?
Respond
5. What gets in the way of your being full abandoned to Christ and His agenda in the world (e.g., particular people, goals, possessions, desires, etc.)?
6. Write a prayer confessing any areas of your life where you have been looking out for yourself and your own interests, and express your desire to live a life that is wholly centered on God.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I confess that my natural tendency is to look out for myself, my interests, and my happiness. But I realize that it's not about me-it's all about You and Your kingdom, You will, Your glory. I do not exist so You can make me happy. I was created to bring pleasure and glory to You and to reflect the light of Christ. I know that I will only find true joy as I lay down my life to that end. Amen.
Realize
1. Why are you alive? If you had to write a short life purpose statement, what would you say?
Reflect
2. According to Revelation 4:11, why were we created?
3. Read Philippians 1:21-24; 3:7-16. How would Paul answer the question, "Why are you alive?"
4. Read Acts 20:22-24. How did Paul's passion to fulfill God's purpose for his life enable him to endure and press on in spite of adversity?
Respond
5. What gets in the way of your being full abandoned to Christ and His agenda in the world (e.g., particular people, goals, possessions, desires, etc.)?
6. Write a prayer confessing any areas of your life where you have been looking out for yourself and your own interests, and express your desire to live a life that is wholly centered on God.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I confess that my natural tendency is to look out for myself, my interests, and my happiness. But I realize that it's not about me-it's all about You and Your kingdom, You will, Your glory. I do not exist so You can make me happy. I was created to bring pleasure and glory to You and to reflect the light of Christ. I know that I will only find true joy as I lay down my life to that end. Amen.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Day Four
God's Grace Is Sufficient - pgs 226-228
Realize
1. Why do you think many people choose to just give up - on their marriages, their jobs, their children?
2. Describe a time when you were tempted to give up, throw in the towel, and say, "I just can't take any more." What caused you to feel that way? What did you do?
Reflect
3. Read 2 Corinthians 11:22-30. Do you think Paul ever felt like he just couldn't take any more? What do you think kept him going?
4. Now read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. In what ways do you think Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was used by God? What did he learn about God's grace that he might not have learned any other way?
Respond
5. List two or three circumstances in your life that you cannot handle on your own. Then, write these words next to each circumstance: "Your grace is sufficient for me."
Prayer of the Day
Lord, at times I feel that I simply can't take any more. I feel so very weak. Yet You promise that Your grace is sufficient for me and that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Help me to walk in Your grace and Your strength today. Thank You that, by Your grace, I can go on. Amen.
Realize
1. Why do you think many people choose to just give up - on their marriages, their jobs, their children?
2. Describe a time when you were tempted to give up, throw in the towel, and say, "I just can't take any more." What caused you to feel that way? What did you do?
Reflect
3. Read 2 Corinthians 11:22-30. Do you think Paul ever felt like he just couldn't take any more? What do you think kept him going?
4. Now read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. In what ways do you think Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was used by God? What did he learn about God's grace that he might not have learned any other way?
Respond
5. List two or three circumstances in your life that you cannot handle on your own. Then, write these words next to each circumstance: "Your grace is sufficient for me."
Prayer of the Day
Lord, at times I feel that I simply can't take any more. I feel so very weak. Yet You promise that Your grace is sufficient for me and that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Help me to walk in Your grace and Your strength today. Thank You that, by Your grace, I can go on. Amen.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Day Three
Gaining An Eternal Perspective - pgs 223-226
Realize
1. Describe a time when you prayed for something, and it took God a long time to answer. (Or describe a prayer request you have been praying for a long time and are still awaiting God's answer.)
2. What do we learn from the following Bible characters?
*God promised to end Sarah's barrenness and give her and Abraham a child. How long did they wait for that promise to come true? (Genesis 12:4-5; 21:5)
* How long was Joseph in prison (for a crime he didn't commit) after the cupbearer promised to bring Joseph's case to Pharaoh? (Genesis 40:23-41:1)
* Joshua prayed for victory over his enemies. How quickly did God answer his request? (Joshua 10:12-14)
*Mary and Martha knew that Jesus could heal their sick brother, Lazarus. How long did they wait before Jesus returned to them? (John 11:17)
Reflect
3. What purposes might God have for not solving our problem or not changing our difficult circumstance as quickly as we wish? In what ways does God's waiting to answer our requests achieve His hold, eternal purposes in our lives?
4. According to Revelation 21:1-7, what do we have to look forward to? How can this vision help us to endure pain and suffering in this life here on earth?
Respond
5. Read Psalm 130:5. Waiting is a deliberate action that often requires more courage than taking matters into our own hands. It requires trust, obedience, hope and perseverance. What is one current situation in your life where you need to simply and quietly wait on the Lord?
Prayer of the Day
Father, sometimes it is so hard to endure when it seems like nothing is changing in my circumstances. Help me to wait for Your timing, Lord, knowing that You will act at the right time. Until then, teach me to trust, obey, hope and persevere. Be glorified in my life, Lord. Amen.
Realize
1. Describe a time when you prayed for something, and it took God a long time to answer. (Or describe a prayer request you have been praying for a long time and are still awaiting God's answer.)
2. What do we learn from the following Bible characters?
*God promised to end Sarah's barrenness and give her and Abraham a child. How long did they wait for that promise to come true? (Genesis 12:4-5; 21:5)
* How long was Joseph in prison (for a crime he didn't commit) after the cupbearer promised to bring Joseph's case to Pharaoh? (Genesis 40:23-41:1)
* Joshua prayed for victory over his enemies. How quickly did God answer his request? (Joshua 10:12-14)
*Mary and Martha knew that Jesus could heal their sick brother, Lazarus. How long did they wait before Jesus returned to them? (John 11:17)
Reflect
3. What purposes might God have for not solving our problem or not changing our difficult circumstance as quickly as we wish? In what ways does God's waiting to answer our requests achieve His hold, eternal purposes in our lives?
4. According to Revelation 21:1-7, what do we have to look forward to? How can this vision help us to endure pain and suffering in this life here on earth?
Respond
5. Read Psalm 130:5. Waiting is a deliberate action that often requires more courage than taking matters into our own hands. It requires trust, obedience, hope and perseverance. What is one current situation in your life where you need to simply and quietly wait on the Lord?
Prayer of the Day
Father, sometimes it is so hard to endure when it seems like nothing is changing in my circumstances. Help me to wait for Your timing, Lord, knowing that You will act at the right time. Until then, teach me to trust, obey, hope and persevere. Be glorified in my life, Lord. Amen.
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