GEMS May 15, 2012
Self-Control
2 Peter 1:1-10
2. Vs 2:
a. Grace – God’s favor.
b. Peace - Tranquility in your life.
c. Knowledge: (2 Greek words for knowledge in this passage)
Epígnosis: You are actively growing/acquiring
information about who your God is.
information about who your God is.
3. Vs 3: His power gives you everything you need to live like Him.
a. Glory – Thought or opinion
b. Goodness – God’s moral excellence
4. Vs. 4: The bad you want to do leads to corruption. God gives a way out.
5. Vv 5-7: Here is the way
a. Faith
b. Goodness
c. Knowledge: gnosis: Knowing about your faith and
your Savior
your Savior
d. Self-Control: We need self-control over pleasures.
Patience is the ability to endure when circumstances are difficult.
Self-control has to do with handling the pleasures of life, while patience
relates primarily to the pressures and problems of life. (The ability to
endure problem people is “long-suffering.”) Often, the person who “gives
in” to pleasures is not disciplined enough to handle pressures either, so he
“gives up.” Warren W Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary
e. Perseverance
f . Godliness
g. Mutual Affection
h. Love
6. What do you love that isn’t good for you?
7. Self-control is a discipline and a choice.
What will you lay on the altar?
8. 3 Simple Words: Just Say NO
Because Jesus Says So
9. Vv 8-10: What’s in it for you? You’ll never stumble.
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GEMS ~ May 1, 2012 ~ Patience
Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience.
The two most powerful warriors are patience and time. ~Tolstoy
Patience is the companion of wisdom. ~St Augustin
God bestows upon one man genius without patience and upon another man patience without genius. The relative achievements of the two are often surprising. ~Walter C. Klein
Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears. ~Barbara Johnson
The two most powerful warriors are patience and time. ~Tolstoy
Patience is the companion of wisdom. ~St Augustin
God bestows upon one man genius without patience and upon another man patience without genius. The relative achievements of the two are often surprising. ~Walter C. Klein
Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears. ~Barbara Johnson
1. God knows we have to be patient with people.
Romans 9:22-24 ~ 2 Peter 3:9 ~ 1 Timothy 1:16
2. Why do we have to be patient? We either point toward God or away from Him.
3. God knows we have to be patient with circumstances.
Revelation 2:2-3 ~ James 1:2-4
4. Without trials, we cannot become amazing.
5. Trials can turn into trails to greatness.
How Do I grow in patience?
1. PRAY
2. Don’t be afraid of your trials.
3. What are your triggers for impatience?
What can you do about them?
What can you do about them?
4. Don’t act during a HALT moment.
Hurt, Angry, Lonely. Tired
5. Remember:
Choosing to be patient is doing something
6. Practice patience for a day.
GEMS ~ April 17, 2012
Forgiveness GEMS ~ April 17, 2012
1 John 1:5-2:11
Forgiveness is God’s gift to us in a world that is not fair ~ Sheila Walsh 1. 1:5-72 2 Camps: Camp of Light
Camp of Darkness
Which camp are you in?
2. 1:8-10: You are forgiven.
What does God want you to do as a forgiven person?
3. Camp Rules!
A. 2:3-6 Obey God’s commands.
What does the Bible call a Christian who does not obey? (v4)
B. 2:9-11
1. Rule for Camp Darkness
Choose Hate
2. Rule for Camp Light
Choose Love
4. The question is not, "Can I…Will I forgive?" It’s, "Will I obey?"
Matthew 6:14-15
5. Rules for Camp Freedom:
Choose forgiveness
Trust that God is the God of justice
Capture every thought that pulls you toward darkness.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 -------------------------------------------------------------
GEMS ~ April 3, 2012 ~ Grace
1 Timothy 1:12-17
1. What is Grace?
*The free expression of God’s loving kindness to man; His favor – unearned and
unmerited.
2. Grace in our lives
a. Initial saving
b. Continual help
3. How did God show this grace?
- Sunday School answer ~ Jesus!
4. Holy Week seen through the filter of Grace
a. Sunday – Triumphal entry – Mistaken View – Matthew 21:8-11
b. Monday – Cleared Temple – Don’t disrespect God’s grace – Matthew 21:12-13
c. Tuesday –Big teaching day – God’s grace equips us – Matthew 21 & 22
d. Wednesday – Final appeal to non-believers – God never gives up – John 12:23-50
e. Thursday – Jesus arrested – By His obedience, you have access to His grace – John
18:12
f. Friday – Jesus suffers and dies – For you – Romans 5:8, John 3:16
g. Saturday – Jesus in the tomb – Maybe you have doubts – Matthew 27:62-66
h. Sunday – He is alive! – Faith in this story, this Savior=Grace in your life – Matthew
28:5-10
5. Amazing Grace ~ How do you respond?
a. Accept it
b. Teach it
c. Live it
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HOLY WEEK - devotions for Moms and kids
April 1- Palm Sunday: Praising the King Jesus
Question: Imagine for a minute that Jesus is coming to spend the day with you tomorrow. What would you change about your day? Would you start your day differently? Would you go to different places or talk to different people?
Read: Matthew 21:1-9
April 2: - Monday: Jesus Cleanses the Temple
Thoughts: What made Jesus angry? People came from many miles away to worship God at the Temple in Jerusalem during the Passover celebration. Money changers were in the Temple exchanging the people’s local currency for the proper currency to pay the Temple tax. There were also vendors selling animals for the people to use as sacrifices. The merchants and money changers were cheating the people. The Court of the Gentiles, where all this buying and selling was taking place, was supposed t be a place for the Gentiles to worship and pray to God. Instead, it had become a wild and noisy place filled with dishonesty.
Read: Matthew 21:12-17
April 3 - Tuesday: Questioning Jesus
Read: Matthew 22:34-46
April 4 - Wednesday: The Anointing of Jesus
Question: What are some of the ways that you try to show your devotion to Jesus?
Read: Mark 14:3-11
Write out a prayer to God expressing your feelings.
April 5 - Thursday: The Last Supper
Read: John 13:1-5, John 13:12-17, John13:34 and Matthew 26:26-30
During the Last Supper, Jesus demonstrated a beautiful example of service to His disciples when He washed their feet. What ways do you serve each other as a family? What new ways can you think of to serve each other better?
April 6 - Friday: Good Friday, The Crucifixion
Read: John 19:17-30
Read: 1 John 1:9
Have each person pray aloud or silently, asking God for forgiveness.
April 7 - Saturday: In the Tomb
Make the Resurrection Rolls—Recipe below.
April 8 - Easter Sunday: The ResurrectionThought: John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”
Read: John 20:1-31
Resurrection Rolls:
Crescent rolls
melted butter
large marshmallows
cinnamon
sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Give each child a triangle of crescent rolls. The crescent roll represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in.
Give each child a marshmallow, this represents Jesus. Have them dip the marshmallow in melted butter, which represents the oils of embalming. Then dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar which represent the spices used to anoint the body.
Then wrap the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll (not like a typical crescent roll up, but bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside.) This represents the wrapping of Jesus' body after death.
Place in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. The oven represents the tomb.
When the rolls have cooled slightly, the children can open their rolls (cloth) and discover that Jesus is no longer there, He is risen.
(The marshmallow and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty.)
NOTE about Resurrection Rolls for better success: Cut the large marshmallow in half. Then instead of baking them on a cookie sheet, put them into cupcake papers and bake them in the muffin tin. They work MUCH better and they are hollow inside.
(When done as recipe with the whole marshmallow and on a cookie sheet, they oozed marshmallow everywhere and were not hollow).
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GEMS ~ March 20, 2012 ~ Armor of God
1. God has called us to
conquer and not just cope (throwing up our hands in surrender to the devil).
The battle is all around us whether we want to
acknowledge it or not. Why do you think God would have us to deal with being in
warfare rather than just fight this battle for us? According to Psalms 84:5-7
we go from strength to strength—could spiritual warfare build our strength just
like lifting weights makes our physical bodies stronger?
Is it possible that God knows that we are weak and that
we can get stronger but lifting our spiritual weights of prayer, Bible study,
fellowship with other believers and obeying His word? Every year we should be
stronger in our faith and as we do so—many times the battles become greater.
But we have the final victory in Jesus Christ.
2. Every piece of the armor
is necessary. Neglect of any one of them can allow the enemy a fatal blow.
Read Ephesians 6:11 and 6:13…what type of armor are we to
put on? Full armor. God expects every piece to be in place. What piece of armor
is for the back? There isn’t a piece of armor for the back…why not? What does
Isaiah 58: 8 reveal to us about our rear guard? This could reveal two things:
one is that God never expects us to turn our backs and run from the enemy and
two is that God has our backs. We don’t have to worry if our hope and trust is
in the strength of the Lord and not that of ourselves.
3. Warfare prep: build your
strength, stand your ground, resist the enemy
We need to be strong in the
Lord and stand firm if we are to be battle ready. What are some ways you can
build your strength spiritually? How does fear and discouragement weaken our
strength in the Lord?
In order to be ready for
battle, we need first make sure that our strength comes from the Lord and not
relying on ourselves. According to Isaiah 40:31 what happens to those who put
their trust in the Lord?
We also need to make sure
that we have the stance of a soldier—that we are standing firm on the Rock of
salvation that is Jesus Christ. We are told to stand against the schemes of the
devil. He is a tricky one and can gain a foothold in our lives. Read 2
Corinthians 2:11 and Ephesians 4: 26-27. What two ways can the devil cause you
to loose your standing? Not forgiving those who have offended us and holding on
to unresolved anger—these two can give Satan a foothold and cause believers to
lose their footing.
Lastly we must recognize our
enemy—not be scared of him, but rather that we are aware of his presence in the
lives of those who sometimes make us frustrated. We can be tempted to see
people as our enemy and not the real culprit—the devil. Read Ephesians 6:12. What
do we learn about the enemy? We recognize that Satan’s troops are organized and
well-trained in causing problems in the believer’s life. Why don’t we have to
be afraid of Satan according to 1 John 4:4 and Colossians 2:15. Greater is the
God in us than the devil in the world and Christ disarmed the devil so that he
doesn’t have power over death.
4. We must have all the
pieces of our armor.
a. Buckle your belt…why is
being truthful necessary? (John 8:44)
b. Set your breastplate…how
does living right help us in spiritual warfare? (Romans
2:23-24)
c. Ready your feet…how are
you prepared to tell others about Jesus? (1 Peter 3:15)
d. Take up your shield…how
does your faith quench Satan’s attacks? (Hebrews 11:6)
e. Put on the helmet…what can
keep you assured of your salvation? (John 10:27-29)
f. Wield the sword…how did
Jesus deal with the devil and what did the devil have to
do? (Luke 4:4,8,
12-13)
g. Pray in the spirit…how can
we pray in the Spirit? (Romans 8:26-7)
5. Red alert and battle plans
Read 1 Peter 5:8…how can you
be on alert in spiritual warfare?
____________________________________GEMS ~ March 6, 2012 ~ Is there such a thing as Absolute Truth?
Galatians 2:4-5
3 Points about Absolute Truth:
A. There is such a thing as Absolute Truth.
B. Absolute Truth leads to Freedom.
C. How is Absolute Truth attacked?
A. There is such a thing as absolute truth: Who, What, Where, Why?
1. WHAT: Absolute truth is the certainty that there are facts and governing
principles which classify people’s actions as right or wrong.
2. WHO: Who established these principles? God
• John 17:17, Psalm 119:144, 151-152
3. WHERE: Where do I find the guidelines for Absolute Truth? Bible
• Galatians 2:5, Psalm 19:7
4. WHY: We want to live a life that is free and full of love that keeps us on
the right path.
• 1 Corinthians 13:6, Psalm 119:105
B. Absolute Truth leads to Freedom
5. Truth sets you free. John 8:32
6. Free from what? sin and its strangling hold. Romans 6:16-187. Our best shot at living with peace, power, purpose and direction is to live
in these boundaries. Psalm 119:35
C. How is Absolute Truth Attacked?
8. God knew there would be non - believers. 1 John 5:9-11
9. Why do people attack God’s truth? 2 Timothy 4:3-410. How do we handle people who attack what we believe? 2 Timothy 2:24-26
11. Sometimes, the person you have to stand the most firmly against is yourself.
D. How can I know Absolute Truth?
12. Take a specific situation you want to know about.
13. Look it up in God’s Word. (Use a concordance)
14. Study, read, make notes15. No matter if you like the answer or not, do what it says.
It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 4
You can listen to podcasts of GEMS messages and find all the handouts at
www.eastviewchurch.net/media/gems-podcasts
Don’t forget to visit our blogwww.singlemomsateastview.blogspot.com
GEMS ~ February 21, 2012 ~ How can I know God’s will for my Life?
2. God has total control.
a. Paul’s understanding of this:
i. Ephesians 1:8-9: With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the
mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.
ii. Ephesians 1:11-12: according to the plan of him who works out everything in
conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put
our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory
b. We make our choices, but the results of those choices are absolutely controlled by
God. (Tim Keller)
c. Have you given God your trust? He is worthy. Psalm 33:10-11~ The LORD foils the
plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the
LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
3. God expects us to submit our plans to Him.
a. Paul understanding of this:
i. Romans 1:10 – Only if it’s God’s Will
ii. Acts 16:6-7 – He did not go where the Lord prevented him from going.
b. The spiritually mature will do what the Lord says.
i. Psalm 40:8 - I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart
ii. Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s
purpose that prevails.
iii. Proverbs 16:9 - In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes
their steps.
iv. Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your
plans.
4. How can I know God’s will for my life?
a. Ask for guidance
i. Psalm 119:33-40
ii. Paul understood this: Acts 13:2-4. He asked before doing
b. Trust that He has plans for you.
i. Jeremiah 29:11-14: 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will
seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,”
declares the LORD.
Our lives are a series of decisions....not just One Big One
c. Got an idea?
i. Test it against God's Word
ii. Make a decision
1. Paul – He acted (Acts 16:11-15)
iii. What if I am seeing more than 1 good thing that I could do????
1. Good question: Which thing will bring God the most glory?
iv. What if I do something but it’s not in alignment with God’s will for my life????
1. In alignment with Gods’ Word? If yes, God will use it for your good
and His glory.
2. Paul – He acted (Acts 16:11-15) – God redirected.
v. Worst thing to do: Stay paralyzed in fear. (Romans 8:28)GEMS ~ February 7th
How can I know when God is talking to Me?
Psalm 119
Ways that God spoke to others
2 Questions to consider:
• Why doesn’t God still speak like that?
• How can I know when God is “speaking” to me?....How can I know if it’s me or if it’s God?
Why doesn’t God still speak out loud so we can hear Him?
1. God reveals Himself to us through The Bible.
(Psalm 119 4-9, 13-16)
2. God speaks to us through the life and example of Jesus Christ. (Gospels)
3. God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39; Romans 8:9).
How can I know when God is speaking to me….Is it me or is it God?
1. Begin in prayer
2. Stay wide open on timing
3. When you have something in mind, see what God’s Word already says about it
4. God will never speak something that contradicts His Word.
5. Cast your situation out for Godly counsel.
6. Open your eyes – open your heart to be sure you are not missing what He is speaking all around you.
GEMS ~ January 24th
Our sexual relationships
Here are the articles that Lisa mentioned Tuesday evening.
Dating Jesus: While I like (most of) the practical ideas the author suggests on ways to spend time with Jesus - in no way do I think the Lord expects singles to find the exact same type of human relationship fulfillment through these means.(I agree with points in the second article in Christianity Today). However, as you wait and watch for who God is bringing to be your spouse, it is your time to be solidly planted with God -- so that no man can knock you off track because he temporarily fills a hole in you. Use this time to get filled up with assurance and confidence in who you are through Christ's eyes. The Dating Jesus article gives some practical ways you can enjoy spending time with God.
http://www.crosswalk.com/family/singles/dating-jesus-the-single-cure-for-loneliness-11567469.html?p=2
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/december/17.56.html
GEMS ~ January 10, 2012
Our Relationship with Others
A good and godly friend is:
1. Trustworthy / FaithfulDiscussion Questions:
A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. PROVERBS 11:13
Like a bad tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble. PROVERBS 25:19
Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you. Proverbs 3:29
2. Not Gossiping
A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. PROVERBS 11:13
He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. PROVERBS 17:9
Without wood a fire goes out;
without gossip a quarrel dies down. PROVERBS 26:20
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man’s inmost parts. PROVERBS 26:22
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
PSALM 15:1-3
3. Has her friend's back
He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. PROVERBS 17:9
A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. PROVERBS18:24
If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off,
be sure to take it back to him.
If you see the donkey of someone who hates you
fallen down under its load,
do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it.
EXODUS 23:4-5
4. Loving
He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. PROVERBS 17:9
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Friends love through all kinds of weather,
and families stick together in all kinds of trouble-
The Message PROVERBS 17:17
The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,”
“Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be,
are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
ROMANS 13:9-10
5. Not easily angered
Make no friends with those given to anger,
and do not associate with hotheads,
or you may learn their ways
and entangle yourself in a snare. PROVERBS 22:24-25
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others,
you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention
to the plank in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when
all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take
the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly
to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
MATTHEW 7:1-5
6. Speak the truth in love
Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses. PROVERBS 27:6
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel. PROVERBS 27:9
As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another. PROVERBS 27:17
Do not hate your brother in your heart.
Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.
LEVITICUS 19:17
LOVE ALL YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to
you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
LUKE 6:27-36
Go back and read the verses in blue to see how we should treat our neighbors.
1. Do you find it easy to have friends – or is it challenging to you to have friends?
2. What are some other characteristics of being a good friend that are important to you that did not get discussed in the message?
3. Which of the 6 characteristics discussed in the message is the easiest/most natural for you to do as a friend? Which one is the most difficult for you?
4. A “neighbor” is anyone we interact with: Actual neighbors, co-workers, teachers, fellow students, our kids’ friends and their parents, etc. Do you struggle to have good relationships with your “neighbors”? I bet it’s always their fault…. Talk together and come up with specific ways you can be praying for the Holy Spirit to shape your character so you can be great in your relationships with others.
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GEMS ~ December 20, 2011
Our Relationship with Ourselves
Psalm 18:19. 30-35; Psalm 65:1-4; Psalm 56:4, 10-11
1. My best shot at _feeling_____ ___amazing______________________ about
myself is to fully accept the truths from God and know them so deeply in my spirit
that no one can shake how I feel about me.
2. Psalm 18:19: He ___delights________________ in me.
• Key #1 to having a great relationship with yourself: Know that you are a woman
in whom _God______ __delights____________.
3. Psalm 65:1-4: He _forgives__________ and __chooses_______________ me.
• Key #2 to having a great relationship with yourself: Know that you are a woman
who is __forgiven____________________ and __chosen_________________.
4. Psalm 18:30-34: He gives me everything I __need________ to do my life.
• Key #3 to having a great relationship with yourself: Know that God gives you
_everything______ you __need______ to do your life.
5. Psalm 56:4, 10-11: God is _for_________ me; who can ___stand__________
against me?
• Key #4 to having a great relationship with yourself: Know that _God______is for
you – and _no______ __one_______ can stand against you.
6. Psalm 18:35: I am __great________________ because He is _great______!
• Key #5 to having a great relationship with yourself: Know that you are great
because God __makes__________ you great.
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November 8th, 2011
Strongholds
Discussion Questions:
1. Let’s start off easy – let’s talk about other people List some strongholds that you see in others that you know are holding them down. Let’s try not to name people’s names. Just talk in general terms about some things you’ve observed in other people and how those strongholds have caused them to act.
2. Do you think these people are blind to their strongholds? If not, why do you think they continue to choose to live that way? If yes, what can be done to reveal it to them? (hint: It starts with P and rhymes with scare…)
3. What is the biggest stronghold that keeps you from living in victory?
4. How confident are you that the Holy Spirit can change you? Do you want to be changed?
5. Do you see any strongholds in your children? Is there any chance those strongholds got passed down as they have watched how you (or other adults in their lives) deal with situations?
6. Are you ready to make a commitment to work on partnering with the Lord and seeing Him demolish strongholds in your life? If you are comfortable, partner up in groups of 3 or 4 and pray…asking God for new thoughts, new ways of acting, the Holy Spirit empowering you to become an amazing woman of God.
October 11th
Raising Godly Kids - Psalm 78:1-8
To raise Godly kids, you first of all have to understand what that means --then you have to agree that it is what you want before you can decide you are going to do it.
1. What does "Godly" look like? -- Understanding what this means (Romans 1:20)
- invisible qualities; divine nature
- Galatians 5: 22,23
2. Why be godly? --Agreeing that it is what you want
3. How do we get Godly results from our kids - no matter what age they are?
a. It starts with you.
b. Pray
c. Read God's Word
d. Identify
e. Teach your child
God's Love is Like a Circle (to the tune of Puff the Magic Dragon)
God's love is like a circle, a circle big and round
And when you see a circle, no ending can be found
And so the love of Jesus goes on eternally
Forever and forever, I know that He loves me.
In the following list: Put a circle around those characteristics you want your child to have and put a square around the characteristics you don't want to see:
Loving Self-Centered Not trustworthy Judgmental Honest Kind Selfish Liar
Generous Other-Centered Stubborn Patient Whiny Hateful Down Obedient
Respectful Mouthy Good Out of Control Mean Helpful Chaos Spoiled
Drama Responsible Disrespectful Faithful Joyful Impatient Gentle Hitter
Dependable Disobedient Truthful Accepting Peaceful Self-controlled
September 27th
Psalm 89
The more we are like the perfect Heavenly Father, the more perfectly we parent.
Who God Is: His Character Attributes
• Great Love (1,14)
• Faithful (1,2,5,8,14)
• Firm in love forever (2)
• Wonderful creator (5)
• Holy (7,18)
• Greatly feared/respected (7)
• Awesome (7)
• Almighty (8)
• Mighty (8)
• Strong (13,17)
• Exalted (13)
• Righteous (14)
• Just/fair (14)
• Glory (17)
• Shield (18)
• King (18)
• Faithful love (24)
• Great name (24)
What God Does: How He Acts
• Makes a covenant/promise (3)
• Never is unfaithful (33)
• Never breaks trust first (34)
• What He says stands (34)
• Punishes when things are not done His way (32)
• Establishes His people (4,29)
• Rules (9)
• Stills/calms (9)
• Crushes enemies (10, 23)
• Scatters enemies (10)
• Strikes down enemies (23)
• Grants favor (17)
• Bestows strength to His chosen (19)
• Exalts His people (19)
• Searches/finds His people (20)
• Anoints (20)
• Sustains (21)
• Strengthens (21)
• Gives responsibility (25)
• Gives territory (25)
• Appoints to special jobs (27)
• Maintains unending love (28,33)
• Swears to be holy (35)
• Does not lie (35)
The results in the lives of God’s children:
• Blessed (15)
• Walk in the light of Father’s presence (15)
• Rejoice all the time (16)
• Enemies can’t conquer (22)
• Cannot be oppressed (22)
• Exalted in strength (24)
• Knows that God is His Father (26)
• Knows that God is His God (26)
• Knows that God is His Rock (26)
• Knows that God is His Savior (26)
• Knows God forever (36, 37)
• Is used as a witness for God (37)
September 13th
Ever feel like you're being pulled in so many directions that you're unsure of which way to go? HELLO...? You're a single mom -- isn't that, like, the definition of being a single mom!?!?!?!?!?!?
This week at GEMS we are going to unpack a message about having direction - about being intentional about which way you go - and how to get where you need to go in life.
Most of us don't do the splits too well...so we are going to get centered on how to have both feet going the same direction - toward the peace that only comes through walking toward God.
GEMS – September 13, 2010
Where are your feet?
Psalm 1
1. Law: __teaching __2. Wicked: People who are hostile to __God__.
3. Righteous: A person who tries her best to __fulfill__ the commands of God.
4. Righteous:
a. Stays _close_ to __God__; __away__ from __wickedness__
b. Delights in _reading_ and _applying_ God’s Word to her life.
c. Has deep roots
5. Pathway to Pain
a. ____Walks____ with wicked
b. ___Stands____ in the presence of the wicked
c. _____Sits_____ with wicked.
i. So __tired__ you can’t move
ii. No ___Christian___ __community__ there
6. Good News: It’s not _____permanent____! To turn it around:
a. Confession: Saying, “_I’m__ __sorry___” to God
b. Repentance: Saying, “_I__ __won’t__ _do_ _that__again_” to God.
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
7. How do I become more like God?
a. Choose Him - Salvation
b. Study Him – Read, apply the Bible; pray; get a good community around you
c. Pray – Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what needs to go
d. Commit to walking with Him and turning from wickedness
8. Where are your feet?
a. Both feet in the World?
b. Struggling to have one foot in the World/One with God?
c. Both feet walking with God?
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