Treasures to do good, future oriented, experience true life

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 NLT
Ecclesiastes 11:2;1 Timothy 6:18-19 ;James 1:2-4 ; 1 Peter 4:1;Matthew 11:28-30

• Divide your investments among many places (Ecc 11:2-1)
• Doing good with money, ready to share with others is a good foundation for true life (1 Tim 6:18-19)
• Account for trials with joy, see the value in faith that endures (James 1:2-4)
• Be ready to suffer as Christ did, with real pain - death means sin has ceased (1 Peter 4:1)
• Come to Jesus with weariness, heavy burdens - he gives rest like a yoke, learn to be in step with him, exchange weariness with ease and heavy burdens with light ones (Matt 11:28-30)

Father, today - let your word dwell in me richly. Forgive me for my foolishness, I've not had my ear towards you. I do now, keep me from the influences that work to take me away from your goodness. Amen. 

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When we give we are blessed, principles on giving

2 Cor 9:6-7;Luke 6:38; Malachi 3:9-10; Gal 6:6; Deut 15:11; Proverbs 3:9-10; Luke 12:48

Why, where, when should we give? What does God expect from those he has blessed?

AIM: Because our hope is in God, we enjoy a rich life, fully invested in people

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. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV

Principles on Giving:

• Planting generously yields generously. Decide in your heart how much to give - not reluctantly or in response to pressure (God loves a cheerful giver - Prov 22:8) - 2 Cor 9:6-7
• Give and you will receive. The amount you give determines what you get back (Luke 6:38)
• Our lack of faithfulness brings a curse to our community Malachi 3:9
• Our faithfulness in giving to God brings blessings from heaven we can't contain Malachi 3:10

Where should we give?

• Students share good things with teachers of God's word Gal 6:6
• Share freely with the poor and others in need Deut 15:11

When should we give?

• Honor Lord with your wealth, the best part of everything you produce, you'll be blessed - overflowing Prov 3:9-10

God's gifts and our commitment are bonded by love (Romans 12:1-21)

What does God expect from those He has blessed?

• Given much, much is required in return, entrusted with much - even more so (Luke 12:48

Peter's letters explain how faith, grace, and hope work in our lives

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God gives grace to be successful to fulfill the covenant (Deut 8:1-18)

Deut 8:1-18;psalm 49:16-20;1 john 3:15-20;ecc 2:3-11

Be careful to obey all the commands, then live and multiply
 - Lord's promise
 - Lord your God led you (through wilderness 40 years)
     * humbled and tested to prove your character
Am I ready to obey?
 - Lord let me be hungry, then feeds me with manna
Thank you, Lord, for taking care of me (Deut 8:4) because you love us like a father disciplines his child (Deut 8:5, Heb 12)
 - to teach me to live not by bread alone but every word that comes from the Lord (Matt 4:4, Deut 8:3)
As with Jesus, it can be 40 days or with Israel 40 years (Matthew 4:1-2, Deut 8:2)

When Jesus was tempted to take a headline-grabbing leap from the temple, he responded by going back deeper into scripture, You must not test the Lord your God  (Deut 6:16).

What does it mean to obey?
 - by walking in his ways and fearing him
 - Lord your God IS BRINGING YOU into a good land (water, farms, plentiful, rich natural resources to mine)
 - THEN be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land HE HAS GIVEN YOU
 - In riches, remember, be careful, beware not to forget the Lord your God and disobey

How to be careful not to disobey when I'm rich?
 - Do not become proud, it was God who rescued me from slavery
 - He led me through the great and terrifying wilderness, snakes and scorpions
 - I was nearly dead, but he gave water from the rock (John 4), Jesus teaches about Living Water at Festival of Tabernacles!
 - He humbles me, tests me for my own good
 - Never say I'm rich by my doing, God has given me everything to fulfill his confirmed covenant

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Leadership mandates for men in the home

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Ephesians 5:25

It is my privilege, to show my love for Jesus by caring for my wife—to love her, show her honor, try to understand her and to give up my life and rights for her.
My Marriage Commitment
John 14:21, Ephesians 5:25 1 Peter 3:7

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Peter 4:19

You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. NASB
1 Peter 3:7

Three Biblical principles for raising children: It is the father’s God given responsibility to
train his children Ephesians 6:4
Children get their self image from what they
believe dad thinks about them Proverbs 17:6
The words spoken to a child will determine his
destiny Proverbs 18:21

Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead,
bring them up in the training and instruction of the
Lord.
Ephesians 6:4

The tongue has the power of life and death.....
Proverbs 18:21

He who answers before listening, that is his folly and
his shame.
Proverbs 18:13

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9

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When we struggle with the meaning of life, conversations help

I was talking with my "spiritual but not religious" friend about family life and our responsibilities that last a lifetime. The idea was is spending your life to bring people into this world really worth it? He brought up Gene Theory and we talked about how really good it is to give your life for the benefit of another. Contrasted with living selfishly, where the end result is loneliness, shame and a series of "guilty pleasures".

Then later in the day, I was talking with another friend about homosexuality and drug abuse in the church - both of which he was struggling with.  He was saying that condemning a gay person to a life of singleness seems unbearable, essentially shutting the door of heaven in their face. When we are vulnerable to temptations, it seems unbearable. However, this is where fellowship with other believers and being connected in Christ, fed by His word and active in prayer comes in to save us. We talked until 8pm, having not eaten - but both felt enriched (Jesus demonstrates how bringing people to faith can nourish us). The awesome truth is that God has made the way, in Jesus Christ to save even people who have traveled down a different road for so much of their life.

Another friend put it this way,

 The New Testament is full of stories where Jesus, the Disciples and others engaged lost people in gracious and loving conversation. Lost people do lost people things. That should never surprise us.
It’s important to remember that Jesus died and rose again to change our NATURE, not our BEHAVIOR. When we focus on behaviors, activities and actions that we call sin, we miss the key principle of redemption....

• We become a NEW CREATION
• We have a NEW FATHER
• We have a NEW IDENTITY 

Focusing on sinful behaviors causes division among Christians and is a non starter when trying to engage a lost person. 

The idea of holding each other to God's standard in the church is actually better for us, however, ministry in the nursery is not the same as a ministry to missionaries. 

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Fathers bring children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4)

Ephesians 6:4;Proverbs 17:6;18:21

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but BRING THEM up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord - Ephesians 6:4 NASB

A friend once said this truth, your children will have many friends but only one dad. These verses came to me as three Biblical principles on raising children. I have no children of my own but I can see the wisdom in the "bringing them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord", reminds me of how the Holy Spirit "guides us in all truth". Discipline and instruction are in the context of a relationship.
 - Deuteronomy 6:7,8, Deuteronomy 11:19: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up"..."Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. "
 - the same words are two bookends, I'd like to do a study on Deut 6-Deut11:19 as this area is often quoted by Jesus "Love the Lord your God with all your heart", I see I missed this opportunity when we did Life of Mose in BSF

Here's the rest of the Biblical Principles of raising children from EMAW:

Old people are distinguished by grandchildren;

    children take pride in their parents. Proverbs 17:6 MSG

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 NASB

 - said another way -

Words kill, words give life;

    they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. Proverbs 18:21 MSG

Looking forward to visiting my dad this weekend.

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Language reveals truth that saves lives (sets prisoners free to live righteously) - Luke 4:18

Isaiah 61:1-3;Luke 4:16-21; 2 Cor 1:1-11; 1 Peter 4:19
Jesus came proclaiming liberty, recovery our sight, and granting us freedom. While we suffering greatly we are comforted greatly. Our affliction is for the comfort and salvation of YOU - we don't hide this truth from you - we've despaired even of living another day, and know our time is short. Yet we've trusted in God who raises the dead and he delivered us here and now and will in the future. Jesus taught us to pray and prayer is something we can do right now to receive God's help in our time of need.

Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. - 1 Peter 4:19

Luke 4:18 has some words that aren't in Isaiah 61:1, "recovery of sight to the blind" is nestled in between "To proclaim liberty to captives" and "And freedom to prisoners;"
 - Reminds me of being blind in a dark cold cave. Recovery of sight, description of sunlight, the warmth, and pointing the way out is how freedom is given to prisoners.
 - I was studying "History of color" from great courses. Recovery of sight has to do with language and definition. In cultures that don't have a word for "blue" when asked to draw the sky, they'll use black crayon even while the blue crayon is present.
 - 1 John 3:2 explains sight restoration: "Jesus Christ...we will see him as he really is."
 - Restoring sight to the blind is a huge theme in scriptures: (Matt 11:4-5 (NIV), Isaiah 35:5 (NIV), Isaiah 29:18 (NIV), Isaiah 42:6-7 (NIV), Isaiah 42:16 (NIV),  Psalm 146:8 (NIV),  Isaiah 6:9-10 (NIV),  Isaiah 42:18-20 (NIV),  Isaiah 44:9 (NIV), Isaiah 56:10 (NIV), Isaiah 59:9-10 (NIV)
 - Blessed will see God (Matt 5)

Isaiah 61:3
When we have clear vision, understanding it's a grant or gift, it's physically life-changing. Like oil is physical but gladness is an abstract idea. A mantle of praise is clothing ourselves in praise instead of a "spirit of fainting". All this results in being called "oak of righteousness" the "planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified". In a previous study I saw new context around this scripture:

Lord God is "clothed" in righteousness, bringing justice and salvation for his own

• Isaiah 59:17; The Lord put on righteousness as his armor, wore the helmet of salvation and clothed himself with robe of vengeance and wrapped himself in a cloak of divine passion (to bring justice)
• Isaiah 61:10; Overwhelming joy in the Lord God! He dressed me with clothing of salvation and a robe of righteousness
• Isaiah 63:1-3 The Lord's clothing stained red, announcing your salvation - the Lord has power to save! (Revelation 19:13)

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How the Bible defines "Love your wife" (Col 3:19)

I'm enjoying Every Man a Warrior (EMAW) and our small group had some great insight into the scriptures. I've been fascinated by the wisdom in the Bible and how good it is at solving problems in the world. The classic example is "when is a thief no longer a thief?" The world says when they stop stealing but the Bible says,

"Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Eph 4:28)"

The cure for thieves is to be hardworking and generous.

So when asking different people how to obey the command "Love your wife", you'd hear a variety of answers. Colossians 3:19 says,
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. NIV
 - How? Start with Jesus: Jesus teaches about Living Water at Festival of Tabernacles
Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. NASB
 - Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with ever form of malice (Eph 4:31)
A husband must love his wife and not abuse her. CEV
 - Be like Christ who gave Himself up for the her (Eph 5:25,  1 Peter 3:7)

Clearly roles matter, "Husbands" - "Love your wife" by not being harsh, embittered or abusive.

Or to be put positively Husbands love your wife by being gentle, encouragingly engaged, enduring to honor.
 - Think of wedding vows;
"I, Ben, take thee, Kim, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith."

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Christ changes me, my relationships benefit (Col 3)

col 3:1-14; 15-25;eph 4:25-32; Phil 2:1-16

A) Christ set me on a right and true path enabling me to give my life for others
Col 3:1-4) I've been raised up in Christ, keep seeking, set mind on, things above, where he is. My life is hidden with Christ to be revealed with Him in glory.

Application: Where am I resisting Christ in me? What does Col 3:1-4 say is my responsibility in this relationship I have with God, what have I been neglecting? How has this neglect impacted me personally as I look at my personal life, family life and work life?

5-11) My old selfish, godless, devilish ways are dead - I'm new, being renewed to true knowledge/righteouness equal.

 - and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— a renewal in which there is no distinction between (people groups) Col 3:10-11

Application: "there's a hole in my sidewalk" --
"....I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in. It's a habit. 

My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault. I get out immediately. 

walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it. 

I walk down another street.” 

12-14) Chosen by God, holy, beloved we put on a heart of love which binds us together

B) Every relationship impacted by Christ in me

15-17) Personal-life ruled by peace/word of Christ, heartful, thankful, helpful for others in every way in the name of Jesus

18-21) Family life marked by loving-kindness

22-25) Work-life marked by sincerity and vigorous craftsmanship. 

Eph 4:25-32) My thoughts lead to words leading to actions. The Holy Spirit shows me where I'm wrong and guides me in the truth of the Bible to show me the right way to live in harmony with others. 

Phil 2:1-16) Fellowship in the Spirit brings complete joy, unity, humble service - looking out for others, honoring God with our thoughts, words, and actions

Application: My thoughts lead to words (to myself and others), my words lead to actions, my actions becomes habits, my habits become my character, my character becomes my destiny.

Prayer: Lord, lead me on the new path today. I repent of my foolishness, I commit this day to you. I'll walk in your grace, mercy, and promises. Letting my light shine so that others may see and praise you. Amen.

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My Marriage Commitment

It is my privilege to show my love for Jesus by caring for my wife-to love her, show her honor, try to understand her, and to give up my life and rights for her.
John 14:21; Eph 5:25; 1 Peter 3:7
It is my privilege to show my love for Jesus - John 14:21, Jesus gave commandments so that I would keep them because I love him John 14:15. It's a privilege because when I do, Jesus will disclose Himself to me.
by caring for my wife-to love her, - Eph 5:25 Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, he models the love I have for my wife
show her honor, try to understand her, and to give up my life and rights for her. - 1 Peter 3:7, live with her in an understanding way, honor as fellow heir of grace so my prayers won't be hindered.

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Everyone's choice: sacrilege or coram Deo

God's work in my life is harmonious, bringing clarity to my soul

• Last Friday: Bob C at church gave me a shirt to promote men's ministry. "If we believe what we believe TO BE TRUE, how will we live our lives - and if we don't live it out, do we really believe it?"
• During Christmas worship on Sunday as we sang "Gloria, in Excelsis Deo", my friend James asked me to look up coram Deo, he had forgotten it's meaning. 
• On Monday I saw James (beggar with one foot), he remembered my name but I had forgotten his
• Later Monday I met with James C, who surprises me with how "stuck" he is in his thinking.
• Then Tuesday I met with Josh, who I haven't seen in a long time but support his CRU mission at St Thomas. It was great to catch up with him.

The big idea of the Christian life is coram Deo. 

To live all of life coram Deo is to live a life of integrity. It is a life of wholeness that finds its unity and coherency in the majesty of God. A fragmented life is a life of disintegration. It is marked by inconsistency, disharmony, confusion, conflict, contradiction, and chaos. 

The Christian who compartmentalizes his or her life into two sections of the religious and the nonreligious has failed to grasp the big idea. The big idea is that all of life is religious or none of life is religious. To divide life between the religious and the nonreligious is itself a sacrilege (violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred). 

“The big idea of the Christian life is coram Deo. Coram Deocaptures the essence of the Christian life.” 

This phrase literally refers to something that takes place in the presence of, or before the face of, God. To live coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.

So last night my friend Josh was telling me about thefour and how so many Christians feel that they have to work for God or do penance before contributing the kingdom. This reminded of a journey the Lord has traveled with me on, Lord, wash my feet and I got to share my testimony about a recent time I got real with God and he immediately set my path straight. God used this testimony to help Seth flush his drugs down the toilet a few weeks ago.

Application:
Why am I on the fence with drinking alcohol and falling back into old habits of thinking and behavior? It's like God tells me to do something and I say, yeah but God you made me this way... The fact remains God made me for greater things, so why aren't I walking the righteous path. My friend Bob C at church gave me a shirt to promote men's ministry. "If we believe what we believe to be true, how will we live our lives - and if we don't live it out, do we really believe it?"

Bible Verses About Vision
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. (Eph 1:3)

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Jesus demonstrates complete commitment in loving service for others (John 12,13)

John 12:23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.”

John 13:2-15 New Living Translation (NLT)
John 2-6, Jesus washes disciples feet, says to Peter:
7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”
John 13:8 Peter refuses and Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”

9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”

10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
 - Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit,
Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Mattew 20:20-24 (mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee - glory/honor to my boys)
Mathew 20:25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Cor 13:Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

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Few small "unnatural" but "on-target" behavioral adjustments

The difference between average and winning is a few small unnatural but on-target behavioral adjustments. Die a little to live a lot (Luke 9:23,24; Matthew 10:38,39).

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. - Titus 2:11-13

A few non-negotiable daily routines:
1. Have a quiet time, meditating on scripture, prayer and apply God's word
2. Deepen love relationships with God and others

God changes us through people, in-spite of our shortcomings
We need people in authentic relationship, accountable together (Ecc 4:9-10)

Putting it all together here's what it looked like in my life recently:
God's judgment and grace displayed in Jericho, AI and Gibeon (Joshua 5:13-9:27)

Last night I had the pleasure of hearing David Horsager founder of the https://trustedge.com/, he gave an excellent talk about the 8 pillars of trust and gave his book to all attendees of the diner. Excited to learn more today. As he was talking I could tell by his passion for people that the love of God was close to him - so I sent him an encouraging email after wards.

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Prayer benefits and conditions

You don't have because you don't ask God. Ask for anything in Jesus name and you will receive and your joy will be complete. Ask, Seek and knock - God gives good gifts, don't give up.
James 4:2; John 16:24; Matt 7:7-11; Luke 18:1

Benefits of Prayer
Psalm 62:8;34:4;Phil 4:6-7
 - Trust Him with your heart
 - seek the Lord and He'lll answer you, deliver you from your fears
 - Don't be anxious, but with prayers and petitions present your request to God and the Peace of God that transcends understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus

Conditions for answered prayer
1 John 5:14-15; Psalm 66:18-20; James 4:3; John 15:7
 - Ask according to God's will
 - Without wicked heart, (confess sin, ask for forgiveness)
 - Not for selfish motives
 - Abide in Christ, follow his teaching in all things

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Being a man of the Word

col 3:16; 2 tim 2:15; john 8:31-32; romans 15:4
What we dwell on, impacts who we are before God and how we work. God's word is instructions and example for us to live by. When we walk in the truths that Jesus put forth we always see it's proved true and can live in freedom, harmony, with thanksgiving to God for all that he's done. Dwelling on the word of Christ is exactly like having a song in your heart that puts a smile on your face and a tear in your eye. God's word brings hope to all who believe and follow what it says.

What we pour into our minds via song has huge implications: Colossians 3:16 (NASB)
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
 - We let the word of Christ richly dwell within
 - With all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another, via psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
 - singing with thankfulness in heart to God

Like Isaiah said, "I'm a man of unclean lips" - then God changed his mouth: 2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
 - We are diligent to present ourselves approved to God as workmen who don't need to be ashamed
 - Accurately handling the word of truth

Faith, Persevering in Christ's instruction results in knowing truth and freedom: John 8:31-32 (NASB)
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
 - We listen to Jesus, believing Him
 - Continue in His word, true disciples
 - know the truth and truth makes me free

Scripture brings hope through perseverance and encouragement: Romans 15:4 (NASB)
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
 - Knowing scripture was written for our instruction
 - So that through perseverance and encouragement of Scriptures we might have hope

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Simple devotion to Christ, brings wisdom, protects against deceit and regret

2 Cor 11:3; Proverbs 5:11-14; 2:1-10
A) Simple, pure devotion to Christ is all that's needed
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. - 2 Cor 11:3

B) Regret:  A life lived well comes from listening to instruction and reproof
And you groan at your final end,
When your flesh and your body are consumed;
And you say, “How I have hated instruction!
And my heart spurned reproof!
“I have not listened to the voice of my teachers,
Nor inclined my ear to my instructors!
“I was almost in utter ruin
In the midst of the assembly and congregation.” - Proverbs 5:11-14

C) If we're receptive to wisdom and ask for it, Lord reveals it to us
My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the Lord
And discover the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.
For wisdom will enter your heart
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; - Proverbs 2:1-10

Lord, you have made my soul still and refreshed my heart. I haven't been sleeping well thinking of all the big items in my work life and conversations I'll be having. But today I rest in you and I'm listening to your instruction and reproof. 

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We need people in authentic relationship, accountable together (Ecc 4:9-10)

SPECK Bible study method

• Sin to avoid
• Promise to claim
• Example to follow
• Command to obey
• Knowledge about God

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NASB)

9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

Yesterday I was talking with my friends at work about how I approach new teams. I put God first, then family, then people, then work. I help them understand that I care about them first and I've found that great work, flows from happy, healthy relationships. In EMAW, I'm seeing this concept reinforced in a triangle:

Building Blocks of Discipleship:

• The foundation is a true love relationship with God (Matt 22:34-38)
• The Word: Memorize, Meditate, Read, Study, Hear, Apply and Obey + Prayer: Worship, Admit, Request (WAR)

Life Issues Men face

• Marriage, children + Money, work
• Going through hard times + moral purity (great connection)
• Making your life count

The top is God's Specific Calling on your life

WAR: Father, thank you that you are the God who sees me. You know me completely and lovingly correct me (Heb 12). My heart is yours, I'm willing to trust and obey your call on my life today. Give me the strength to follow where you lead. To be the son that brings honor to your family name. Thank you for my brothers on Monday - bless each one richly today as we've asked. For SALT and Light today (Jim, James, Jason, Meghan, Guy). For JPAY (Jason), let your grace protect, restore and develop him this week - heal his body for your glory. For my family, healing, and restoration - new beginnings, new mercies. For our Alpha group (Andrew, Eric, Dawyne, Curtis, Wade, Chuck, James, Tony, Riley, Dylan). For each leader on Saturday, thank you for Chris, Randy, Andy, Rich - may you enable us to grow closer and more genuinely together in our training time. Yes lord, as you've said, as you desire may it be so. In Jesus name. AMEN

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Fields of hope in which I sow are harvested in heaven (Psalm 62)

SPECK Bible study method

• Sin to avoid
• Promise to claim
• Example to follow
• Command to obey
• Knowledge about God

Psalm 62:1-12 NASB

My soul waits in silence for God only;

From Him is my salvation.

He only is my rock and my salvation,

My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.

How long will you assail a man,

That you may murder him, all of you,

Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?

They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position;

They delight in falsehood;

They bless with their mouth,

But inwardly they curse. Selah.

My soul, wait in silence for God only,

For my hope is from Him.

He only is my rock and my salvation,

My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

On God my salvation and my glory rest;

The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.

Trust in Him at all times, O people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie;

In the balances they go up;

They are together lighter than breath.

Do not trust in oppression

And do not vainly hope in robbery;

If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.

Once God has spoken;

Twice I have heard this:

That power belongs to God;

And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord,

For You recompense a man according to his work.

http://www.worshiptogether.com/songs/psalm-62/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcMv3m0CMiM

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All or nothing with Jesus (John 15:4-8)

Ask Questions about Scripture

• Sin to avoid
• Promise to claim
• Example to follow
• Command to obey
• Knowledge about God

John 15:4-8 (NASB)
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

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