November 12, 2006 How Can I Change?
November 19, 2006 How Can I Be Consistent?
November 26, 2006 Doing Christmas Better: Develop Your Generosity

 

November 12, 2006
How Can I Change?

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24

Consider …

1. One problem at a time

An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.
Proverbs 17:24 Today’s English Version

2. One day at a time

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

Focus on …

1. Your desires

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8

2. God’s power

Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil. Jeremiah 13:23

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Concentrate on doing good, not feeling good

Find people who will help me, not hinder me

Seek progress not perfection

… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

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November 19, 2006
How Can I Become Consistent?

Problems of inconsistency

David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! … Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! 2 Samuel 12:5, 7

" Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. Titus 1:16

1. Don’t trust yourself

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9

… the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God Romans 8:7-8

2. Get single minded

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: … Psalms 27:4

3. Remain connected

… that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, Psalm 27:4

Remain in me John 15:4

4. Be reflective

… to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5

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November 26, 2006
Doing Christmas Better: Develop Your Generosity

 

II Corinthians 9:1 - 14

When I Give I …

1. Become more like God

For God so loved the world that He gave... John 3:16

2. Get closer to God

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34

3. Fight materialism

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

4. Strengthen my faith

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 3:10-11

5. Make an eternal investment

… so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. I Timothy 6: 19

6. Get blessed

A generous man will prosper. But he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

I will give …

1. Willingly

For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. II Corinthians 8:12

2. Thankfully

How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me. Psalm 116:12

3. Joyfully

4. Weekly

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income I Corinthians 16:2

5. Expectantly

Give and it will be given to you. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

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