PRICELESS:

Finding Your Value in God

This is our study unit for seven weeks. 

Remember this??

2 tickets to the BIG Game: $50

2 hot dogs, 2 popcorns, 2 sodas: $27

1 autographed baseball: $50

1 real conversation with your child: PRICELESS

There are some things money can not buy!

That raises an interesting question: what gives something value?

Your value as a human being is determined by God. Your worth is based on the fact that God created you, loves you, and gives you value. Unlike items that go up or down in value and worth based on the opinions of others, your value does not change.

How can you know you are highly valued by God? This study will examine seven things that God has done for you that prove your worth to Him. Remember, you are PRICELESS!!!!

THIS WEEK'S LESSON PREVIEW
Lesson 4
December 27th
Strengthened by God's Power
Ephesians 3:14-21

Introduction:

Many of us have experienced the challenge of stepping into a new job with little or no training; we were left on our own to do the work. Parents often feel the same way when they are first handed their newborn child. Our experience in the Christian life is different. Jesus Christ has done everything to bring us salvation, but He does not leave us alone to figure out how to live for Him. He empowers us with His very presence—His Holy Spirit!

This week’s study focus is on the Holy Spirit as God’s empowering agent who lives inside each believer and when it comes to living the Christian life, the Holy Spirit is absolutely someone we can’t live without.

Setting:

Paul likely wrote his letter to the church at Ephesus while he was imprisoned at the city of Rome, around AD 60—62. One of his big themes in this letter was the unity of the church. Jewish and Gentile Christians shared together in the body of Christ, the church. Paul stressed that all Christians are saved by grace through faith unto good works (Eph. 2:8-10).  Paul also noted that God has clear expectations about how we should live for Him. The second half of the letter focuses on the Christian life, especially Christian ethics. In chapter 3 Paul reported his prayer for the Ephesian Christians. Paul prayed that God would provide them His power in their lives and that they would understand the depth of His love for the church. Paul mentioned all three persons of the Trinity in his prayer, highlighting the way God empowers His people to bring glory to Him.

Conclusion:

The Christian life is not static but dynamic. God does not leave us on our own but empowers, enriches, and fills us through His Holy Spirit. What we know of Him and have experienced in Him, as wonderful as it is, is not the limit of God’s ability. He is able to bring so much more to our lives when we seek Him and open ourselves up before Him. Thus, to pray as Paul prayed is always appropriate for us. We are to pray daily to be strengthened so that we may know the love of Christ and we may be filled with His fullness.

As you reflect on this session, how does your understanding of the Trinity help you live for Christ? What has been the role of God’s Holy Spirit in your daily life? How do you utilize the power of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? Do you request His Holy Spirit to empower you for your daily walk, or do you request His power only when you feel you can’t handle the situation yourself? Have you ever felt that you didn’t want to bother God with such a pitiful request for help? Or just plain ignored engaging the power of the Holy Spirit to help you in a specific situation? Or until you messed it up and finally turned to God for help?

So, where do you stand with respect to God’s Holy Spirit? On a scale of 1 (rarely) to 10 (frequently throughout the day), how would you rate your reliance on God’s Holy Spirit to empower you for whatever is before you? Is your reliance on the Holy Spirit a habit in your daily life.  If not, do you want to improve on your reliance on Him? If so, ask God to help you to seek the Spirit’s help on whatever is before you during each day? The Holy Spirit stands ready to step in. All you have to do is ask!   

What are the implications of these truths for your life?  THE CHOICE IS YOURS, ISN’T IT!

Make sure you read "Redemption Is the Reason for the Season" 
located in Something Extra 

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SOMETHING EXTRA!!!!!!

Redemption is the Reason for the Season!
Dr. Jay Wolf

Most people have heard or sung the soaring music of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus." The majestic oratorio proclaims, "For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth and He shall reign forever and ever, King of kings! And Lord of lords. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!"

The composer of the "Hallelujah Chorus" was the legendary musician George Frederick Handel who lived from 1685 until 1759. But did you know that late in his life, everything went south and turned sour for the great composer? He lost the HANDLE - so to speak. Handel lost his fortune, his health, and nearly his hope. His critics claimed, he was burned out and outdated. In the darkest part of his valley, he faced bankruptcy and the embarrassing threat of debtor's prison seemed unavoidable.

In God's gracious timing, Charles Jennings a wealthy patron and true friend, asked Handel to compose music and orchestration that would capture the Bible's theme of redemption. Jennings proposed that the text would be completely Scripture. Handel had grown old, tired and emotionally defeated-but he mustered just enough courage and faith to embrace the assignment. He began writing the oratorio that is known as Handel's Messiah. He projected that it would take a year to compose; but God inspired him. He wrote day and night and completed the 260 page manuscript in 24 days. God enabled Handel to fight back from failure and make his greatest contribution to the music world. You might even say that Handel made a remarkable come Bach!

Next time you hear the "Hallelujah Chorus" be reminded of a man who had lost his song, but he found restoration and redemption as he tapped into God's help and hope to write some of the greatest music ever shared. The miracle of the Messiah continues in these days before Christmas because God is still in the business of changing lives, by moving people from ruin to redemption and from dark despair to bright hope!

The Pat Howard Sunday School Class

PRICELESS:

Finding Your Value in God

This is our study unit for seven weeks. 

Remember this??

2 tickets to the BIG Game: $50

2 hot dogs, 2 popcorns, 2 sodas: $27

1 autographed baseball: $50

1 real conversation with your child: PRICELESS

There are some things money can not buy!

That raises an interesting question: what gives something value?

Your value as a human being is determined by God. Your worth is based on the fact that God created you, loves you, and gives you value. Unlike items that go up or down in value and worth based on the opinions of others, your value does not change.

How can you know you are highly valued by God? This study will examine seven things that God has done for you that prove your worth to Him. Remember, you are PRICELESS!!!!

THIS WEEK'S LESSON

Lesson 3

December 20th

Saved by God's Son

John 1:1-5,9-14

For this week’s study we remain in the Gospel of John as we see Jesus introduced as both the eternal, preexistence of the Word of God and the incarnate Word become flesh.

During the Christmas season, our attention turns to Jesus as a baby.  Even non-Christians may display nativity scenes in their homes.  In their midst of gifts, parties, and an emphasis on Santa Claus, they may also acknowledge the birth of Jesus as the reason for Christmas.  Unfortunately, they may not have a clear understanding of why He was born.  And, how could they?  Most probably never read the story of Jesus’ birth, or His early ministry to know just why Christians really celebrate Christmas.

Genesis 3:23-24, tells us that God drove Adam and Eve out of His presence in the Garden of Eden because of their disobedience. Thus, mankind was evermore, separated from God. However, God, in His infinite mercy, provided for our reconciliation with Him through the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus Christ.  This provision for our salvation is the reason we Christians celebrate Christmas.  The New Testament gives us the record of Jesus’ coming to earth for the salvation of mankind.  The Gospel of John begins with the focus on Jesus as God who came to earth for our salvation.

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RECAP FOR

Lesson 1

December 6th
Adopted into God's Family
1 John 3:1-10

              

With the start of a new study theme the first lesson’s focus is on the fact that God is reaching out in love to us through Christ. He wants us to become a part of His adopted family

One of the hardest things for us to do is to love unconditionally. Even within families, our ability to love freely can be impacted by the hurts or disappointments we experience. It’s easier to love when love is returned. God is not like that. Regardless of what we’ve done, He loves us. And He loves us so much He made it possible for us to be adopted as His children.

Reading a letter in the New Testament has been compared to hearing one side of a telephone conversation.  We typically understand what letter authors such as Paul, James, or John wrote, but we do not always know what the first-century reader knew or said on the other side of the conversation.  For example, John wrote to assure his readers that they had eternal life through Jesus (1 John 5:13).  He also wrote, however, to warn them about some heretics who wanted to deceive them (2:26).  Bible scholars have considered several possible ways to identify the heresy John opposed.  These heretics had left the church, but they still tried to influence the believers (2:19).  Among their false teachings was their denial of Jesus being the Messiah and God’s Son (2:22; 4:15; 5:`).  They especially denied that Jesus was God in human flesh (4:2-3).  The traditional belief, called the incarnation, was based on texts such as John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and took up residence among us.”  These heretics also rejected the value of Jesus’ atoning death as the basis for our eternal life (1 John 5:6-13).  John clearly affirmed that Jesus is the “propitiation for our sins” (2:2; 4:10).

Many readers will study this text during the Christmas season.  Although John did not tell the traditional Christmas story, including the shepherds, angels, and wise men, he highlighted Jesus’ unique role as our Savior.  Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, we can be adopted into God’s family.  We are God’s children because God’s love prompted His sending Jesus to save us from our sins (4:10).

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RECAP FOR

Lesson 2

December 13th

Freed by God's Forgiveness

John 8:2-11

The second lesson in the start of this new study theme: Priceless: Finding Your Value in God, is drawn from a familiar story from the Gospel of John that should reminds us that when others condemn us, and even when we condemn ourselves, we can experience mercy from a forgiving God.

When we see reports about crime and violence, we want justice to be served and punishment appropriately meted out. When it comes to our own sins, we want mercy. We deserve punishment, but who would willingly seek it? God offers us an alternative to punishment: full forgiveness. Jesus extended forgiveness to a woman caught in adultery. She deserved punishment but experienced mercy.

The account of the woman caught in adultery is the story of an amazing act of acceptance on Jesus’ part.  It also reminds us that we stand before Him just as we are in our sin, that we deserve judgment and punishment.  Instead, Jesus extends mercy and grants forgiveness.  Once again, we see how valuable we are in His sight.  Not trash to be destroyed, but a treasure to be reclaimed.  Therefore, we are set free, not to do what we choose, but to live as those who have been changed to become trophies of His grace.  

How does seeing Jesus deal with this woman in her sin help you face your own sin?  What lesson do you learn from this story about how to treat others who have fallen in sin?  In what ways does your life demonstrate what it means to live free from condemnation?  So how would you rate how do you deal with your own sin?  On a scale of 1(very slow) to 10 (immediately), how would you rate the quickness with which you confess your sin/s and seek forgiveness?  What does the slowness in your seeking forgiveness tell you about yourself?  Are you in need of instant forgiveness?  If so, ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you immediately seek His forgiveness when you are convicted of any sin.  He will provide you will all you need!

The implications show us that God places a high value upon His children. Enough to forgive us!

REMEMBER, the safest place for a believer is in the center of God’s will.

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SOMETHING EXTRA!!!!!!

Fighting Your Fears!

Dr. Jay Wolf

Virtually every encounter with an Angel that is recorded in the Bible began with that awe-inspiring messenger bringing the reassuring admonition of, "Fear not!" On that famous star-studded night in Bethlehem, that became the birth date of Jesus, the Angel announced the ultimate good news but preceded his proclamation with the calming words "Do not be afraid." Regardless of the source or size of the fears that you are fighting, God's Word functions as a calming agent to steady your heartbeat and lift the fog of apprehension and confusion. 

Isaiah 41:13 reassures our anxious spirits, "For I, the Lord your God, will uphold your right hand. I say to you 'Fear not, I will help you." The Bible repeats the encouraging admonition of "fear not" 365 times which covers your whole calendar with God's presence, power and perspective.

Corrie ten Boom was God's great warrior who modeled forgiveness and vividly illustrated how to redeem vicious suffering. She endured the ravages of Hitler's death camp for the crime of helping her Jewish neighbors. Corrie ten Boom experienced many fear-generating experiences. Yet, her mantra became "There is no panic in Heaven, only plans." Dear friend, God never operates in panic mode. There has never been an emergency meeting of the Holy Trinity! God has never vacated His throne in terror – He is large and in charge! Invite the love of Christ to reach through your fog of fear and set you free because His love possesses the unique power to "cast out fear." (1 John 4:18) Stand on the protective, calm-generating truth that God is in control; He wins; you are in His family now and forever; and His love will shield His child until you reach heaven's bright shore! Even now, listen carefully and you will hear God's message of good news echo across the ages straight to your racing heart and call you to "fear not!"

The Pat Howard Sunday School Class

Brunch

Sunday, December 6, 2015

9:15 AM - Fellowship Hall

Bring your favorite dish and a BIG appetite!!!!

See You Sunday!

In this issue:

"Gratitude Motivators" by Dr. Jay Wolf

"When Opposition Strikes" - This week's lesson

IT IS TIME TO BE THANKFUL AND RE-CLAIM

GOD'S BLESSINGS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Gratitude Motivators

Dr. Jay Wolf

The season of THANKSGIVING is highly necessary and well timed because we all tend to be forgetful. For instance, I have a photographic memory but I keep forgetting where I put the film! So we need gratitude motivators. Let me share three that work for me.

First, God’s Word Calls us to an attitude of Gratitude. “In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes. 5:18) “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him.” (Psalm 100:4) Expressing gratitude for every season and circumstance indicates we trust our gracious heavenly Father and believe He is the origin of our blessing and His power is bigger than our problem.

Secondly, our American Heritage invites us be grateful. America was founded as a Christian nation and the Pilgrims set the pace. Those brave first settlers experienced terrible adversity that took the lives of half of their group but they declared a time of thanksgiving to count their blessings instead of their losses. In 1789, as a reflection of our collective Christian faith, George Washington called our Nation to gratitude, “Whereas, it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor…I recommend to the people of the United States a day of Public Thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many favors of Almighty God.”

Third, I am motivated to gratitude by my personal list of blessings. My relationship to King Jesus pardons the past, empowers the present and illumines the future. Now I am part of the beautiful Body of Christ. God has given me a fabulous wife and a wonderful life. I am enriched by a healthy, stable, Christ-following, growing and productive family. God has gifted me with abundant material resources, physical capabilities and nurturing friendships. The assets greatly outweigh the liabilities!

When we add it up, there are compelling motivations to move beyond our natural proclivity to be grumbly hateful and become humbly grateful!

This Week's Lesson

"When Opposition Strikes"

Acts 4:23-31

At one time Christians in America only knew about opposition to Christianity from what they heard was happening in other countries. No longer is that the case. Increasingly, American culture has allowed—even supported—opposition to Christian faith. How we respond to such spiritual opposition says as much about our faith as our beliefs do. However, opposition to Christianity is nothing new. From the very beginning the early church experienced opposition from the leaders of the established religion of the day—Judaism!  The response of the early church provides a model for how we, too, can stand strong for Christ during those times of persecutions we may be called upon to endure.

The news almost daily includes some story wherein Christian values and convictions are being criticized and challenged.  In some places around the world the numbers of lives lost on account of the stand of people for their Christian faith is shocking.  In the United States, the challenges to faith come primarily in the form of laws and policies that promote values and lifestyles that stand in opposition to Christian truth as taught in Scripture.  So what are believers to do?  At times we need to engage in the political processes that are available to us to elect leaders and endorse laws and policies that support our convictions.  At other times we may need to stand strong even when it means facing threats and loss.  To do so will require a boldness beyond what we can muster up for ourselves.  It comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

So, when it comes to boldness in standing for Christian principles, how do you stand?  On a scale of 1 (weak) to 10 (very bold), how would you rate the boldness you demonstrate in standing for Christian principles?  Does you boldness need the strengthening hand of the indwelling Holy Spirit applied to your boldness rating?  God’s indwelling Holy Spirit stands ready to be applied to each of our lives, when we truly want and ask for it?

Our Teaching Unit:

Game Changer: How to Impact Your World

A Study of the Book of Daniel

The Lesson for This Week

Lesson 6 

"Act Faithfully"

The Point: " God is greater than those who oppose you."

Daniel 6:6-10, 13-16, 19-22

The Way Up Is Down

Dr. James MacDonald

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:14–15, ESV).

Jesus Christ, Son of God, second person of the Trinity, Lord of the universe, humbled Himself and washed His disciples’ feet. This wasn’t a seminar on foot washing. It was an example of service. “For I have given you an example,” Jesus said, “that you also should do just as I have done to you” (13:15).

So what does that mean? Let’s not let the applications slip into something retouched and generic. Let’s be specific and consider five, necessary brands of humility—actual things we can do. What are the verbs that should be flowing out of our lives?

FIVE BRANDS OF HUMILITY

1. Choose a difficult obedience. You’ve got your run-of-the-mill obedience, things that may feel easy to you. These are everyday, entry-level actions. But there are actually some difficult obediences, choices that require sacrifice. We obey for Jesus Christ. He deserves everything, and it should cost us, it must cost us, and it will cost us. What is the difficult obedience right in front of you? Run to it, wrap your arms around it, humble yourself, and obey Jesus. It will be good for your soul.

2. Own it all to reconcile. Generally where there’s friction in relationships, there’s fault on both sides. But maybe you’re in a conflict with someone who can’t see his own fault and who won’t listen to you anymore, so you can’t reason with the person. If you want to work that out, humble yourself and own it all. Take everything you want to say, all your rightness and accuracy, and permanently file it under G for garbage. Forego any opportunity to clarify your position. Lay it all down, and humble yourself. “I’m sorry that I hurt you. I never wanted you to feel this way. I know that I have responsibility in that, and I want to own it, tell you how sorry I am, and ask you to forgive me.” Grace will rush like a river upon you. Even if the person refuses you, grace will flow into your life. God loves humility. He doesn’t like it. He loves it. With God, the way up is down. That’s how it is in the family of God.

3. Serve in total secrecy. Find ways to do things no one will know about. A few years ago, I felt an urge to serve somewhere anonymously, where no one knew my name or even recognized me. That experience was so good for my own soul. Find a way to serve in total secrecy.

4. Lay down a liberty. Too often we think the continuum runs between legalism and liberty. But legalism is a lie, so we don’t need to react against legalism by flaunting our liberty. For the followers of Jesus, the continuum is between liberty and the forgoing of our liberties. In Christ, we have freedom and liberty, but when our liberty becomes an obstacle to the gospel, we need to forgo our liberty. We lay down our liberty for the sake of Christ’s kingdom. We don’t glory in our liberties. We don’t fail to love our weaker brothers and sisters. We live in liberty, but we gladly and willingly forsake freedoms for the sake of our influence over others.

5. Refuse to be offended. It’s so easy to take things personally. I can't believe what she said about me. How dare he treat me that way! Instead of taking offense, we can simply refuse to be offended. My mom used to recite these lines from an anonymous poem:

             “I’ve asked the Lord to take from me

             the super-sensitivity

             that robs the soul of joy and peace

             and causes fellowship to cease.”

Do nothing when you’re hurt. Hurting people hurt people. If you want to break that cycle, get low. Humble yourself, and refuse to be offended.

Jesus gave us an example that we would go do for others as He’s done for us. Which brand of humility do you need to practice today?

Journal

• Review the five brands of humility. Which strikes a chord with you?
• How can you follow the example of the Master and humble yourself today?

Pray

My Lord and Teacher, You have shown me what to do, and I want to do just as You have done. How can I serve others today? Teach me to wrap my arms around a difficult obedience, to own it all to reconcile, to serve You in total secrecy, to lay down a liberty, and to refuse to be offended. “It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master” (Matthew 10:25). Make me more like Jesus—that’s enough for me. In His name, amen.

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Lesson 5

"Confront Sin"

The Point: "Call sin what it is and point to what God says about it."

Daniel 5:17-28

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Lesson 4

"Live Humbly"

The Point: "Pride Leads to Downfall, but God Honors Humility"

Daniel 4:28-35

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Lesson 3

"Stand Courageously"

The Point: "Be Ready and Willing to Stand for God"
Daniel 3:13-18, 26-28

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Lesson 2

"Pray Fervently"

The Point: "Our Prayers Connect Us With God's Plan"

Daniel 2:13-21, 26-28a

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Lesson 1

"Develop Conviction"

The Point: "Live Your Life With Uncompromising Conviction"

Daniel 1:3-5,8-13,17-19

THANK YOU VETERANS!!!!

THANK YOU 

This is a wonderful video... Performed by The Goads, a brothers and sister Christian Group. 

I hope you enjoy it!

Click on the picture

REMEMBER!!!!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Our Teaching Unit:

Game Changer: How to Impact Your World

A Study of the Book of Daniel

The Lesson for This Week

"Live Humbly"

The Point: "Pride Leads to Downfall, but God Honors Humility"

Daniel 4:28-35

 "Until Sunday, Something To Hang Your Hat On... "

The Writing in the Sand

Dr. James MacDonald

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground (John 8:6, ESV).

In John 8, a woman caught in adultery was dragged before Jesus by an angry, self-righteous mob. The woman in the story was a pawn. How awful that her very life was at stake when this wasn’t even about her. The religious leaders weren’t concerned about her sin, her life, or her heart. They were using her to test Jesus, which refers to their obvious, evil intent. But before they could trap Jesus, they first had to trap her.

Think about that..................Which is more shocking—the fact that a woman committed adultery or that the religious leaders were there to see it? 

• The woman was caught in the very act of adultery. How?
• Did the religious leaders have spies?
•  Was it like a witch hunt?
• Did someone send a group text? “Get over here now! We have a live one!”
• How many watchmen set out to find this one woman?
• How many women did they track in order to catch one in the act of adultery?
• How many windows did they peer through to make this arrest?
• How many laws in Scripture did they blindly break to find someone breaking the law?

They whipped themselves into a self-righteous frenzy and arrived at Jesus’ feet with an ultimatum. I’ve found the Lord very unresponsive to my ultimatums. The leaders thought they had Jesus cornered and demanded, “So what do you say” (8:5)?

Silence.........

Picture the scene: The Pharisees were high and mighty, towering over the broken woman. They pressed on each other’s shoulders, trying to peer over the mob to gloat over the fallen prey.

And the Son of God said nothing and got down below them all. They got high; He got low. “Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground” (8:6). 

What did He write in the sand? We don’t know. We’re not supposed to know. If God wanted us to know, He would have included it in the Bible text. Perhaps we’re not supposed to know so we can think of some possibilities.

·       Whatever He wrote, it was convicting. 

• Maybe Jesus wrote the names of the leaders who had engineered this trap and shamed this woman: “Ananias, Caiaphas, Gamaliel . . 
• Maybe Jesus drew arrows to the people standing in the crowd.
• Maybe Jesus wrote specific sins. 
• Maybe He wrote the sins the leaders were committing in order to expose this woman’s sin.
•  Maybe Jesus was just kneeling down to hide His tears and the grief that He feels for the pain that His children cause one another.

We don’t know. We aren’t meant to know. We’re meant to see that when the self-righteous got high, the Son of God got low.

Maybe instead of towering high over sinners (with the Pharisees), we should kneel beside them.

Pray

Lord God, when the religious leaders towered high, Jesus could have gotten higher. All authority in heaven and earth belongs to Him. He’s the second person of the Trinity, enthroned on high, ruling the universe. Yet He knelt before this broken woman and the angry mob. He got low. He responded to ultimatums with silence. He showed such power, such restraint, such humility, such love. Teach me to get low, and make me more like my Savior, Jesus, in whose name I pray, amen. 

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Lesson 3

"Stand Courageously"

The Point: "Be Ready and Willing to Stand for God"
Daniel 3:13-18, 26-28

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Lesson 2

"Pray Fervently"

The Point: "Our Prayers Connect Us With God's Plan"

Daniel 2:13-21, 26-28a

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Lesson 1

"Develop Conviction"

The Point: "Live Your Life With Uncompromising Conviction"

Daniel 1:3-5,8-13,17-19

Remember This Sunday Is First Sunday!!!!
Breakfast Sunday!!!!

REMEMBER !!!!
CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS



Checkout Today's Devotion 
by Dr James MacDonald
(at the bottom)

Our Teaching Unit:

Game Changer: How to Impact Your World

A Study of the Book of Daniel

The Lesson for This Week:

"Stand Courageously"

The Point: "Be Ready and Willing to Stand for God"
Daniel 3:13-18, 26-28

Lesson 2

"Pray Fervently"

The Point: "Our Prayers Connect Us With God's Plan"

Daniel 2:13-21, 26-28a

Lesson 1

"Develop Conviction"

The Point: "Live Your Life With Uncompromising Conviction"

Daniel 1:3-5,8-13,17-19

Blueprint

Dr. James MacDonald

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. . . . and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:11, 17, ESV)

In the construction world, nothing good is built without a blueprint. The necessity of a plan is universally accepted. Any time a problem or question comes up, builders examine the blueprint. For every uncertainty or perplexity, they go back to the blueprint.

Interestingly, the principle is not just true in the construction world. It also holds true in life.

You can’t build your finances without a blueprint.

You can’t build your family without a blueprint.

You can’t build your future without a blueprint.

You can’t build your faith without a blueprint.

Professionals in the construction trades would never try to build anything of value without a blueprint, yet all the time, people try to slap together a sort of life without a pattern or a plan. They reach for materials, cut without measuring, and hurriedly nail a bunch of pieces together at random. Bang, bang, cut, cut—and up goes all kinds of craziness in their lives. Even when things go wrong, and life starts to shift or crumble, they never go back to the blueprint, because they don’t have one. Even as they gaze in horror at what they’re building, many never realize, I need a clear plan for my life. I have to consult the blueprint.

Don’t Christians get that concept? Sadly, most people—even a lot of Christians—don’t grasp the importance of operating from a blueprint, much less God’s blueprint, as they build their lives. Christians create extra problems because they know they have a blueprint but refuse or forget to check it for direction.

God wrote the blueprint for human life. God Himself authored all the manufacturer’s specifications for your happiness. He knows how you’re put together. He knows how you work. He knows what will make you happy or miserable. He knows what will satisfy you and bring you joy. He wrote the blueprint for your complete happiness: the Bible.

The blueprint protects us. When we’re confronted with a temptation, we should immediately reference the blueprint. “I feel tempted to do _______________, but God’s Word says I should do _______________. I choose to follow the blueprint.” The power to say no to temptation is the power of the Word of God. If you find yourself in a situation where some temptation is being pressed upon you, don’t even try to stand against it yourself. You don’t have the power to resist it in your own strength. Use the only offensive weapon in your arsenal: “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The power to dismiss the enemy is the power of the Word of God. Satan whispers lies to us, such as, “Does God really love you? If He really loved you, then He would let you have _______________. That would make you happy.” Our response should be, “Let me check God’s Word, because it’s the blueprint for human happiness. You want me to do _______________, but God’s Word says _______________.” Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44); lying is all he ever does. When James 4:7 tells us to “resist the devil,” that doesn’t mean to get out your boxing gloves. It means to draw your sword, God’s Word. Apply truth to the error that’s clouding your thinking.

Want to make a choice that will change your life forever? Commit afresh to God’s Word as the blueprint for your life.

Pray
God, You didn’t leave me here, lost and alone and wondering and wandering. You gave me a blueprint for life. Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for how it guides my choices. Thank You for its power to defeat temptation and every scheme of the enemy. I choose to build my life according to Your Word. By faith I believe that Your way is best, and a life built on You, with You, will satisfy my deepest longings. In the name of Jesus, amen.