At the end of each year, we look over the past 365 days and see what has happened in our lives, what did we do, have we accomplished anything, did we have a good or bad year, etc. It is good to take inventory of life once in a while, especially our spiritual life. Are we growing in sanctification? Where is God leading us? What is he revealing to us? Have we had victory over sin?
I take my paper bible, pen and journal to church every Sunday. I have a short memory so when I hear God speaking from the Word, I want to record it. I encourage you to do so also. You will leave your children a spiritual legacy. I thought I would look back at this past year and see what the Lord has say to me this year from his Word. Let me share with you.....
Jan 11 Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your won understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Trust God. Whether I trust God or not, he is still faithful.
Jan 18 Romans 7:15-18 For I do not understand my won actions....So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
Sin is a reality in my Christian life. I cannot be healed (spiritually speaking, not physical) if I don't confess what I need healing from.
Jan 25 Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
God's path of comfort is mourning over my sin.
Feb 1 Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Commit everything that I have and am to God on a daily basis.
Feb 8 Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
A pure heart is a heart that confesses it's sin. God promises forgiveness of sin.
Feb 21 Second Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.
The more I see the glory of the Lord, the more I will be transformed from glory to glory.
March 1 Matthew 18: 21-35 Parable of the unforgiving servant.
Because I have been forgiven, I forgive.
March 8 Second Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Grow in the grace of God by spending time with God. Focus on a relationship and not a habit.
March 22 Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
The pain I have experienced in my life can be used of God to help others. Peace in my life can give peace to others.
March 29 Matthew 21:1-11 The Triumphal Entry
Society wants earthly peace, Jesus offers peace with God.
April 3 John 19:29-30 It is finished!
It is finished! Everything Jesus set out to do, he accomplished.
April 5 Luke 24:1-8 The Resurrection
Rest in Jesus' finish work not my unfinished work.
April 12 Matthew 28:18-20 The Great Commission
How do I define church? A body of believers who love Jesus and one another but struggle to love others. Good at coming together, not so good at going out.
April 19 Vision for the Church
J-Joy B-being
E-exalt U-under
S-share S-satan
U-unity Y-yoke
S-Spread
April 26
Unchurch people-who are these people in my community? What do they need?
May 10 First Corinthians 13 Love Chapter
What is love? God loves because his character is love.
May 23 Matthew 4:18-22 Jesus calls the first disciples.
What is a disciple? Followers of Jesus. Prayer, reading the Word and joining his work on earth.
May 31 John 4:23-24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. Worship is not optional but a matter of the heart, not just emotions but links mind and heart. Worship is not only done is a church but a 24/7 attitude. Audience of One.
June 7 Purpose
Purpose-fellowship, affinity, affirmation, acceptance, authenticity, assistance
June 14 Generations
Generations-tell the next generation about the deeds and wonders of the Lord.
June 21 First Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession...
I am a valuable child of God. I am peculiar, a living sacrifice, a royal priesthood, part of a Holy Nation.
June 28 Matthew 25:31-40 For I was hungry and you gave me food....
I am to join God in his work on earth. Ask not what God can do for you but what you can do for God. God does not need our good works, our neighbor does.
July 5 First Kings 17:1 Elijah predicts a drought
Who is Elijah? An uneducated prophet of God from Tishbite. Elijah knew God.
July 26 Ephesians 3:14-20 Prayer for spiritual strength
Inner spiritual life: Love Joy Peace Self-control. Spiritual hunger more important than physical hunger.
August 2 First Kings 18:1-6 Elijah confronts Ahab
Things happen on God's timetable. Everyday is a day to the Lord. Wait for direction from the Lord. When God speaks, things start happening.
August 9 First Kings 18-7-15 Obadiah meets Elijah
Don't make excuses for not obeying the Lord. Keep my eyes on the Lord. Don't lose sight of him because of problems in my life.
August 23 First Kings 8:19-22 The prophets of Baal defeated
God + 1 = the majority. God was with Elijah and he is with me. Time to make a decision.
August 30 First Kings 18:22-29 Baal did not answer his prophets
Do I have a false God in my life? What am I looking to to meet my deepest need? Who is God?
September 6 First Kings 18:30-46 Fire consumed the offering
Prayer draws me closer to God. Why do I struggle?
September 20
See God as he truly is. See myself as I truly am. See the world as God sees it.
September 27 John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another...
Love one another.
October 4 Mark 2:1-12 Jesus heals the paralytic
Faith that has no obstacles to bringing friends to Christ.
October 11 First Thessalonians 5:16-18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Give thanks IN all circumstances.
October 18 Grace driven church
God's grace is old. God's grace is big. Grace is not fair. God's grace makes salvation free.
November 1 Caring in Jesus name
What is caring? Sharing Jesus, showing grace, what I say and what I do, meet real needs.
November 15 Matthew 4:18-22 Jesus calls the first disciples
What is a disciple? Follower of Jesus, growing relationship. (second lesson on this topic :O))
November 22 Psalm 73 God is my strength and portion forever
If God is good, why evil in the world? Evil does not prove God is not good. Goodness is in God's nature. Evil is in the human heart. Nature of the world. (bondage of sin) Suffering will benefit me.
November 29 Second Corinthians 1:18-24 ....For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him....
God is trustworthy. Jesus is the YES to every promise of God. God always does what he says he will do. Christmas: promise of the Savior.
December 6 John 1:1-5 The Word became flesh
Jesus shows me what God is like. Jesus shows me what I am like. Jesus knows what I am like and wants a relationship with me anyway.
December 13 Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
Why Christmas? God is Holy, we are not. Without the birth of Jesus, everything is hopeless. Jesus' sacrifice brings me hope and peace. Christmas is born from God's perfect love.
December 27 Isaiah 6:1-8 Isaiah's vision of the Lord
Who will go me us? Send me. God uses foolish and weak people. How can I make a difference? Start small, be available, take a risk, don't doubt. Work with the Lord. Have faith that he is with me.
