A God’s Eye View of Spiritual Leadership

 

Spiritual leadership is living out and leading others in the things of God. Aspects of spiritual leadership include modeling Jesus’ example of servanthood, prioritizing the needs of others, equipping God’s people, building up the body of Christ, and being concerned with the spiritual growth of others. To live this role out, one must first know the God deigned principles He uses to guide His leaders. The Holy Spirit who gives us our spiritual gifts and fruit, is the one that will guide and strengthen God’s people to obey all that God commands and desires.

Also, The Holy Spirit is the key Agent of transformation in our lives that teaches us, sanctifies us, refines our character, guides us and strengthen us to live out the calling, will and purpose of God.

 

As followers of Jesus, we will face the everyday struggle to be on top of our spiritual leadership game. Our everyday struggle is how we can navigate around our sin nature and a desire to live life in our own way for our own purpose. How can we lead others if God is not leading us?

 

So, we must surrender our will and desire for God’s. And we must stay connected to Jesus in order to bear fruit for His kingdom. We know this because Jesus Himself told us so.

 

John 15:4-5 New International Version

⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

 

When we act in accordance to the will of God He will direct our path. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

 

There are many areas where we can be spiritual leaders

At home, at work, at church, coaching of a team, leading a Bible study

mentoring others just to name a few.

 

So, where do we start?

 

There is a great deal of instruction in God’s Word we can appropriate to help us grow spiritually. We can also be led by and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

1, The Holy Spirit in us will work through us: 

John 14:26 New International Version

²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

 

Romans 8:26-27 New International Version

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

 

Galatians 5:16-18 New International Version

¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[a] you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

 

So, as you see, The Holy Spirit plays a very important role in Spiritual leadership.

 

We also depend on the Holy Spirit for the spiritual gifts we use for God’s kingdom:

 

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 New International Version

⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸ To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,^[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.^[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

 

So, our spiritual leadership will incorporate the spiritual gifts we have as well as the way God is transforming us into the image of Christ.

 

On top of that, there are many principles we can follow for leadership that will be beneficial in all our areas of leadership.

 

2. We Can Study God’s Word and put His leadership principles into Practice (Read the scripture on your sheet and discuss with your group the questions about Spiritual Leadership.

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

 

1 Timothy 3:2 ESV 

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

 

1 Timothy 3:1-2 ESV 

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

 

1 Corinthians 11:3 ESV

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.

 

1 Peter 3:7 ESV 

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

  

Hebrews 13:17 ESV 

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

 

Hebrews 13:7 ESV 

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith

 

Ephesians 6:4 ESV 

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

 

Philippians 2:3 ESV 

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

 

John 3:30 ESV 

He must increase, but I must decrease.”

 

Matthew 7:12 ESV 

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

 

James 4:10 ESV 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

 

Titus 1:9 ESV 

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

 

Titus 1:7 ESV

For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

  

1 Timothy 4:16 ESV

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

 

Ephesians 5:21 ESV

Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

 

Acts 2:42 ESV 

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

 

Mark 10:42-45 New International Version

⁴² Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ⁴³ Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

Mark 9:35 New International Version

³⁵ Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

 

Hebrews 13:7 New International Version

⁷ Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

 

Matthew 20:28 New International Version

²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

Acts 20:28 New International Version

²⁸ Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,^[a] which he bought with his own blood.^[b]

 

Matthew 28:18-20 New International Version

¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

 

 

Questions:

·         What do you think you need to do to be a better Christ centered spiritual leader?

 

·         What is God calling you to do right now as a follower of Jesus?

 

·         What can you share with others how God is growing you spiritually right now?

 

·         Is there someone from the past or in your life right now that is an example of good spiritual leadership? Explain why you trust their leadership.

 

·         Where do you seek wisdom?

 

·         Do you have a biblical worldview? (excerpts from Got Questions below)

 

A biblical worldview (or a Christian worldview) is a worldview based on God’s unchanging Word. Since God is the Creator of everything in heaven and earth, He is the standard for truth. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and unchanging. The Bible contains the words of God, and God is Truth.

 

A Christian worldview answers the three questions:

1)     We are God’s creation, designed to govern the world and fellowship with Him                (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:15).

2) We sinned against God and subjected the whole world to a curse (Genesis 3).     

3) God Himself has redeemed the world through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus            Christ (Genesis 3:15; Luke 19:10), and will one day restore creation to its former perfect state (Isaiah 65:17-25). A Christian worldview leads us to believe in moral absolutes, miracles, human dignity, and the possibility of redemption.

 

The Big Question:

 

Do you want to be a spiritual leader that stands firm on the truth of God?

If yes, what do you need to do to keep God’s truth and principles in your mind and in your heart?

 

 

 

The Best Christmas Gift

There is no better gift in all the world than the free gift of salvation. 

This Gift consists of forgiveness of sin and eternal life.  We can receive this gift through belief and by faith in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. This gift of salvation (Deliverance from sin and its consequences) has been given purely through God's grace stemming out of God's supernatural love for us all. 

Ephesians 2:8 New International Version 1984  

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves
it is the gift of God—

John 3:16 New International Version 1984  
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Appropriating this gift restores us back in a right relationship back to God, adopts us into His family, and assures us of being in His presence in heaven for all eternity. Again, Jesus made this possible through His atoning work on the cross.

We have all been at one time separated from God, and we all still have a sin nature. Yet, God in in His great desire for none to perish, has a made a way for us to be saved from the consequences of our sin. Jesus is that way. For those who receive Jesus' free gift of salvation are now considered His friends and His followers and through Him we can come to the Father. Here is what Jesus tells us about love and friendship:

 

John 15:12-14 New Living Translation 

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 
You are my friends if you do what I command.

 Jesus is the only way to salvation:

Acts 4:12

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under 
heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
 
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

The reason why it is so important for us to know about God's free gift is the fact that sin separates us from Him, and unless this sin is covered and paid for, we will remain separated from God for all eternity. For those who reject Christ and continue on in sin will experience spiritual death.

The Bible explains it this way:

Romans 6:23 New Living Translation  
For the wages of sin is death 

Romans 8:6 New Living Translation (NLT)
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. 

Isaiah 59:2 New Living Translation
It’s your sins that have cut you off from God.  Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.

The Good News:

Jesus laid down His life, He paid the price for us sinners. This was part of God's plan before the beginning of the world. So if the wages of sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life. If a sinful nature that controls you leads to death then, the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. This is God's good plan to redeem us and adopt us into His family.

 

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, 
Christ died for us.

Mark 10:45 New International Version 1984  
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life 
as a ransom for many.”

Ephesians 1:4-5 NIV

For he chose us in him (Jesus) before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  In love  he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

Why celebrate Christmas?

The birth of our Savior (the incarnation of the second person of the Trinity) is at the heart of each  years Christmas celebration. This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate as well as remember why Jesus was sent by God to come into this world. Please take the time to read Isaiah 53 to get a fuller understanding why many people refer to Jesus as the “Suffering Servant”. Then read Matthew 26:36-42 along with Matthew 27 which reinforces the idea that Jesus not only came to save us but to suffer for us as well. When I think about idea of Jesus suffering, I view Christmas not only as a celebration of His birth, but the recognition of Jesus’ willingness to suffer to carry out God’s plan of salvation. He carried out God’s plan even though He was well aware of the pain He was going to have to endure leading up to and then culminating at the Cross. To me this powerfully enhances the meaning of Christmas to the point of an unmatched heartfelt gratitude toward Jesus for His sacrifice.

 

Christmas is a special time of year and carries with it a purpose for us as well. When I see all the Christmas lights I am reminded that Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus also tells us to be a light to the world so others can hear about God’s wonderful plan of salvation. We are called to spread Jesus'  message of Hope to all who have “ears to hear”.  

 

The Bible speaks about this light in Jesus and in us as well:

 

John 8:12 NIV

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. 
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 9:4-5 NIV

As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.  While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

 

John 12:46 NIV

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should 
stay in darkness.

Matthew 5:14-16 

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

 

Isaiah 42:6 NIV
"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles

 

Acts 13:47 NIV
For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' [ Isaiah 49:6] "

 

Here is what we are commanded to do:

 

Matthew 28:18-20 New Living Translation  

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

 

The Good News:

 Romans 10:13    

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 

 More good news: Once we are saved - Nothing can separate us from the love of God!

Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] 
neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, 
nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of 
God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord

 

So even within all the activities we get involved with during this Christmas holiday, 
let’s always remember to share the good news, the joy we have, and always give an 
answer for the hope we have in Jesus

  

Let’s remember to be the light of world.  

 

1 Peter 3:15 NIV 
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an 
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an 
answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 
But do this with gentleness and respect

 

Jesus paid the price for our sin, let's receive it in gratitude and give all the glory to God.

 

 

 

Merry Christmas.....................Dave

 

Living With a Firm Foundation in Christ

 

Questions:

How firm is your foundation in Christ?

Are you shaken by your feelings or doubt God will keep His promises?

Do you stand firm by the principles laid out to you in God’s Word?

Are your principles more in line with God or the culture?

 

A Believers firm foundation is their Unshakeable faith and trust in Jesus and the gospel.

I love the passage from proverbs which says:

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

 

The idea that we don’t lean on our own understanding resonates with me because

We have a supernatural God that can accomplish things that I can’t even imagine

So, trusting in God firmly plants my faith and trust in what He has already done, what He has the ability to do, and what He will do based on His promises. We have assurance of salvation and eternal life that that cannot be snatched away. This assurance is not based on our feelings but what God’s eternal Word tells us. We can easily be shaken by local, national and world events. There are many people in various media, and social media, who spread fear to manipulate our thoughts and emotions and could in some cases effectively influence us to listen to their voices more so than what God has already said and promised.  We cannot give in to worldly prognosticators and purveyors of lies. Instead, we have to stay firmly planted in God’s Word, and promises.

 

So why is God’s Word so important:

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

They key is that Scripture is God breathed and equips us to serve God and live set apart to Him. The key to a God centered life is believing the Scripture and doing what it says. A firm foundation can be strengthened when we effectively distinguish God’s truth over the worlds lies, and when we are led by the Holy Spirit and not our own limited emotional roller coaster.  Let’s keep it simple:

 

James 1:22-25 New International Version

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

 

If we want to strengthen our foundation in Christ, let’s do what the Word says.

If we wake up every day and acknowledge God but forget to live as devoted followers of Jesus, we could cause ourselves and others to stumble.  With a strong faith and foundation, we can attest to living as a new creation and model that new creation for others to see.

 

There are good reasons for us to put on and live out the new self. Not only are we encouraged to do so, but our lives can impact the lives of others who need good examples of what it looks like to follow Jesus.

 

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

²² 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; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

 

I love the encouraging lyrics from this Hymn because it reminds me that God will help us live out our faith. As followers of Jesus, we will experience His love and grace. He is our refuge and strength. His Word and deeds are part of the firm foundation we stand upon.

 

How A Firm Foundation (Anonymous/Unknown, pub.1787):

1. How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
   Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
   What more can He say than to you He hath said—
   To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
2. “Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
   For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
   I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
   Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.
3. “When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
   The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
   For I will be with thee thy trouble to bless,
   And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
4. “When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
   My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
   The flame shall not harm thee; I only design
   Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
5. “The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose,
   I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
   That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
   I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”

We are blessed to have God’s Word, Songs of praise, Hymns, the Holy Spirit, and Godly men to help us with our walk with God. We have the words, the works, and life of Jesus to model How we are to live and work for God and shape our perspective.

I mentioned earlier about the importance of having a God-centered life. When our lives revolve around God, when we are Spirit led, and we follow Jesus, our Lord and Savoir, God will, like the proverb alluded to, make our paths straight. 

 

When we get caught up and shook up by the surrounding political environment, wars,

Natural disasters. Job concerns, difficult family situations, sickness, discontent, loss, hurt feelings, and broken relationships, we need to rely on God’s eternal perspective so that we don’t start living in fear and begin to seriously doubt whether God is still in control or that maybe He has decided to abandon His people.

 

Listen to these words from Jesus:

 

John 10:27-29 NIV

²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all^[a]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

 

God gives us the Holy Spirit, His Word, Godly counsel, and eternal perspective to help us navigate the turbulence we will experience in this world. Jesus clearly states that that we will experience trouble in in this world but to take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).  As believers we have assurance that God is still present, active and in control, even though we may not initially see it that way. Our solid ground is partly based on our hearts and minds remembering all that God has done in us and through us, and how all that He has promised has and will come to pass. We can gratefully acknowledge that the Holy Spirit was given to us to be our helper who will remind us of those words that Jesus spoke.

 

John 14:26 English Standard Version

²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

 

Jesus’ Words will deepen our understanding of mission and purpose. With a firm foundation in Christ, we can effectively share the Gospel and go and make disciples.  Our obedience to the Word and to the desires of God will draw us closer to Him and through the power of the Holy Spirit to become more like our Lord and Savior Jesus. As we firmly rest in Christ, we will experience His peace and love even when we are in the midst of difficulty. Here is another encouragement from Jesus:

 

John 14:27 NIV

²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

Let’s face it, we need daily help and strength from God to stand firm in our faith. That help from the Lord can give us the right perspective and discernment to ward off outside forces trying to distract us and pull us away from Him and from our mission and purpose in this world.

 

Remember:

 

Psalm 46:1 NIV

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

 

Psalm 119:105 ESV 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

 

Isaiah 33:5-6 New International Version

⁵ The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness.
⁶ He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.^[a]

 

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Discussion Time:

Let’s now take a look at some passages of scripture that can help us strengthen our foundation in Christ. Take a few moments to read through them and then look at the question section below. If you so desire, share your thoughts with your group from some of the questions you have read.

 

1 Corinthians 3:11 New International Version

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

 

Matthew 7:24-27 New International Version

The Wise and Foolish Builders

²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

 

Psalm 63:8 New International Version

I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.

 

Luke 19:10 NIV

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

 

John 8:12 NIV

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

 

2 Corinthians 1:3-11 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 

 

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

Joshua 1:9 NIV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

 

Joshua 24:15 NIV

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

 

Ephesians 2:8-9 New International Version

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

Questions:

·        What daily spiritual disciplines help in connecting you with God and support your foundation in Jesus?

·        What verse or passage of scripture reminds you of your foundation in Christ?

·        Do you believe Jesus’ work is the only way to salvation or are you trying to earn it?

·        When your world starts to fall apart who do you turn to first?

·        What things or situations in your life affect your spiritual condition?

·        How are you allowing the Holy Spirit to lead your life and filter your thoughts?

·        Are you willing to identify and deal with the sin in your life?

·        What other things in your daily life affect your relationship with God?

·        Will you pray for God to make changes in your life that will lead to being closer to Him?

·        Is Jesus the foundation in your life?

·        What does it mean to stand on solid ground?

·        Where in your life is your foundation like sinking sand?