30 life principles study guide

30LifePrinciplesStudyGuide

Dr.CharlesF.Stanley

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Contents1:OurintimacywithGod—Hishighestpriorityforourlives—determinestheimpactofourlives

2:ObeyGodandleavealltheconsequencestoHim

3:God’sWordisanimmovableanchorintimesofstorm

4:TheawarenessofGod’spresenceenergizesusforourwork

5:GoddoesnotrequireustounderstandHiswill,justobeyit,evenifitseemsunreasonable

6:Youreapwhatyousow,morethanyousow,andlaterthanyousow

7:ThedarkmomentsofourlifewilllastonlysolongasisnecessaryforGodtoaccomplishHispurposeinus

8:Fightallyourbattlesonyourkneesandyouwineverytime

9:TrustingGodmeanslookingbeyondwhatwecanseetowhatGodsees

10:Ifnecessary,GodwillmoveheavenandearthtoshowusHiswill

11:GodassumesfullresponsibilityforourneedswhenweobeyHim

12:PeacewithGodisthefruitofonenesswithGod

13:ListeningtoGodisessentialtowalkingwithGod

14:GodactsonbehalfofthosewhowaitforHim

15:BrokennessisGod’srequirementformaximumusefulness

16:WhateveryouacquireoutsideofGod’swilleventuallyturnstoashes

17:Westandtallestandstrongestonourknees

18:AschildrenofasovereignGod,wearenevervictimsofourcircumstances

19:Anythingyouholdtootightly,youwilllose

20:Disappointmentsareinevitable;discouragementisachoice

21:Obediencealwaysbringsblessing

22:TowalkintheSpiritistoobeytheinitialpromptingsoftheSpirit

23:YoucanneveroutgiveGod

24:TolivetheChristianlifeistoallowJesustoliveHislifeinandthroughus

25:Godblessesussothatwemightblessothers

26:AdversityisabridgetoadeeperrelationshipwithGod

27:Prayerislife’sgreatesttimesaver

28:NoChristianhaseverbeencalledto“goitalone”inhisorherwalkoffaith

29:Welearnmoreinourvalleyexperiencesthanonourmountaintops

30:AneageranticipationoftheLord’sreturnkeepsuslivingproductively

Introduction

InHisWord,Godhasgivenyouhundredsoflifeprinciplestohelpyoubecome everything thatHedesignedyou to be.These are the tenets offaiththathavebeentriedandproventhroughouthistory—truthsfromtheBiblethathaveneverfailedandwillneverdisappoint.Youcanseetheirimpact on the lives of the saints—from Old Testament times to thepresentday—andGodhaspromised that, ifyou followHiscommands,Hewillblessyourobedience.

During his 50 years of ministry, Dr. Charles Stanley has faithfullyhighlighted the 30 Life Principles that have guided his life and helpedhimtogrowinhisknowledge,service,andloveofGod.Dr.Stanleyhastaught them so that others can grow intomature followers of the LordJesusChrist. Perhaps you’ve been inspired by these 30 Life Principlesand arewonderinghowyou can furthermake thema part of your life.WhatdoestheBibleteachabouthavingalifetimeofspiritualsuccessandavoidingthetrapsofineffectivenessandspiritualmisery?HowdotheseLifePrinciplesapplytoyoureverydaycircumstancesandthechallengesyouface?

This 30 Life Principles Study Guide has been developed to help youanswer these questions and to encourage you in growing in yourrelationship with Jesus Christ. Of course, these principles were nevermeant to take the place of God’s Word. They are guidelines fordiscovering the richness ofGod’s truth andknowingGodHimself in adeep,intimaterelationship.ByfollowingtheseLifePrinciples,you’llbeon the road to the life that He designed for you. And as you submityourselftoHimmorefully,GodwillrevealHimselftoyou.That’swhatmakesthejourneyofobediencesoexciting.

Ofcourse,itallstartswithknowingJesusChristasyourLordandSavior.YoucannotknowGodwithoutfirstknowingtheOnewhoreconcilesyou

to Him. Romans 5:10 tells us, “When we were enemies we werereconciledtoGodthroughthedeathofHisSon,muchmore,havingbeenreconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” God’s Son, Jesus Christ,provides a relationshipwith Him—andHe also provides eternal life ifyoutrustHim.Romans10:9promises,“IfyouconfesswithyourmouththeLord Jesusandbelieve inyourheart thatGodhas raisedHimfromthedead,youwillbesaved.”

WouldyouliketostartapersonalrelationshipwithGod—theOnewhocreatedyouandlovesyounomatterwhat?TellGodthatyou’retrustinginHim for salvation.You can tellHim in your ownwords or use thissampleprayer:

LordJesus,IknowthatYourdeathonthecrosswasenoughtoforgiveallofmysinandrestoremyrelationshipwithGod.IaskYoutoforgivemysinandbemySavior.ThankYouforprovidingthewayformetohaveagrowingrelationshipwithmyheavenlyFather,andthankYouforgivingmeeternallife.IknowthatYouhearmyprayersandIpraiseYouforlovingmeunconditionallyandsavingme.InJesus’name,Amen.

IfyouhavejustreceivedChristasyourSavior,congratulations!You’vejustmade the very best decision of your life!Wewould love to knowaboutyourdecision.Pleasecontact InTouch’sCustomerCarecenterat(800)789-1473,so thatwecanrejoicewithyouandsendyouourNewBeliever’sKittohelpyoutakethenextstepinyourwalkwithGod.

LifePrinciple1

OurintimacywithGod—Hishighestpriorityforourlives—determinesthe

impactofourlives.

Genesis1:26

Life’sQuestions

Atthebeginningofanyjourney,youmustsetoutintherightdirectiontoreach your destination. That’s why this study of Life Principles startswithGod’swonderfulpurpose forbringingyou into theworld.To findthe life that’s worth living, youmust understand that you’re a special,belovedpersonandthatGodhasaspecific,wonderfulplanforyouthatwillgiveyouallthelove,fulfillment,significance,andpowerthatyou’relookingfor(seeRom.12:2).

HaveyouwonderedwhatmotivatedGodtodesign theuniverseorwhyHe created you? It was love—pure and simple. Even before thebeginning of the world, God loved you and wanted to have a close,personalrelationshipwithyouthatwouldbringgreatjoy,fulfillment,andpower to your life (see Eph. 1:4). Therefore, Life Principle 1 is:Ourintimacy with God—His highest priority for our lives—determines theimpactofourlives.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadGenesis 1.What didGod create beforeHe formed the firstman(1–25)?

Why do you think God created all of these things before He madepeople?

WhydoyouthinkitwasimportanttoGodtoensurethateverythingwasgood(4,10,12,18,21,25)beforeHecreatedmankind(seeJames1:17–18)?

The word good in the Old Testament also means well-pleasing,appealing, proper, pleasant to the senses,useful, profitable, or ageneral state of wellbeing and happiness. Everything good thatcomestoyouisfromGod(seeJames1:17).

When God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Ourlikeness” (26),what do you thinkHemeant?WhywouldHewant tocreatesomeoneinHisimage?

WhatjobsdidGodgivemankindtodo(26–28)?

HowdoourresponsibilitiesrelatetothefactthatwebearHisimage?

The word image in the Old Testament also means alikeness,model, semblance, or shadow. This is whatyouhaveincommonwithGodandwhyyoucanknowHimmoredeeply.

WhatItMeans

DoyouwonderwhatGod’swill isforyourlife?HecreatedyouinHisimageforonereason:tohaveadeep,intimaterelationshipwithyou.Godcreatedtheworldwitheverythingthatyouwouldeverneedsothatyoucould know and love Him. That means that neither ability, beauty,intelligence, money, or anything else will ever define your life assuccessful in God’s eyes. It all comes down to how strong yourrelationshipiswithHim.

LifeExamples

Read Genesis 3.What do you suppose life was like in the garden ofEdenbeforeAdamsinned?

WhydidAdamdisobeyGod(5–6)?

InGenesis3:10,Adamsaid, “Iwasafraidbecause Iwasnaked; and Ihidmyself.” Is there anything that you hide fromGod?Why are youafraidorashamedtoshowthatareaofyourlifetoGod?

When Adam and Eve covered themselves, they did so with figleaves, which produced sap that would have greatly irritated theirskinandmadethemevenmoreuncomfortableandmiserable.

WhatwasthepunishmentforAdam’ssin(15–19)?

DidtheirlivesbecomemoreorlesseffectiveaftertheydisobeyedGod?

ReadJohn17:1–5.Defineeternallife(3).

Read 1 Corinthians 15:22. How does this verse contrast a life ofseparationfromGodwithalifeofintimacywithGod?

LivingthePrinciple

Youwere created for intimacy with God, and the difference that yourrelationship with God makes in your life cannot be overstated. HishighestpriorityforyouistobeinvolvedwithHiminprayer,thestudyofHisWord, and worship and praise. Do you want to live a life that isfulfillingandsignificant?Doyouwanttomakeadifferenceintheworld?ThensurrenderyourselfcompletelytoJesusChristandaskHimtoopenyour heart to His infinite love and mercy. It’s only through yourfellowship and communion with God that you can truly affect otherpeople’s lives inaway that lastseternally.Yourgenuine intimacywithGod will become evident in every area of your life, and that willpositively affect the influence that you have with every person youencounter.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple1thisweek?Discusswaysthatyoucan pursue a deeper relationshipwithGod. Then spend time in prayeraskingGod to drawyou into intimate communionwithHimself and totransformyour life so thatyoucanaffect theworld for the sakeofHiskingdom.

LifeLessonstoRemember

Godlovesyouanddesiresyourfellowshipandworship(seeDeut.6:5).

Godwants your service forHim to be effective and fruitful (see John15:5).

GodwaitsforyoutoinviteHimtoblessyou(seeRev.3:20).

LifePrinciple2

ObeyGodandleavealltheconsequencestoHim.

Exodus19:5

Life’sQuestions

How do you relate to God, His commands, and the challenges andtemptations that confront you? The world denies that God has anyauthoritybut,asabeliever,youunderstandthetruth.AstheCreatorofallthatexists,GodhastherightandthepowertoconformallcircumstancestoHiswill. He’s also entitled to expect a certain standard of behaviorfromthosewhobelieveinHim.

WhenGod directs you to do something, how do you respond?DoHiscommandsseemtoodifficultorcostlyforyoutoobey?Areyoufacingadecisionthatseemsoverwhelming?AreyoutornaboutwhetherornottofollowGod’sinstructions?ThenLifePrinciple2shouldhelpyou:ObeyGodandleavealltheconsequencestoHim.

WhattheBibleSays

Read Exodus 19:1–7. What had happened to the people of Israel inEgypt?(ReadEx.1andPs.78:43–55forasummary.)

WherewerethepeopleofIsraelinthispassageofScripture(2)?

WhywasitimportantthattheIsraeliteshadseenGod’spowerinaction(4).

ThewordobeyintheOldTestamentprimarilymeanstolisten. It can also mean to heed, agree, consent,understand,andyieldto.ToobeyGodmeansthatyoumust listen for His voice and trust what He’s tellingyou. Obeying God is absolutely essential to pleasingHim.

WhatwasIsrael’srewardifthepeopleobeyedGod(5–6)?

What does it mean to you to be God’s “special treasure” (5)? WhatespeciallyappealstoyouaboutthepromiseofHisloveandacceptance?

WhatItMeans

BeforeIsraelcouldtakeoverthePromisedLand,Godhadtoteachthemhow to live asHispeople,His special possession.His commandswerefor their benefit and protection, so thatHe could establish them in thelandandblessthem.Theirobediencewasanessentialpartoftheirlives,becauseiftheyfailedtoobserveGod’slawstheywouldfacetheterribleconsequencesoftheirdisobedience(seeDeuteronomy28).

Thesameistrueforyou.WhenyouchoosetodisobeyGod,whatyou’rereallysayingisthatyoudon’thaveconfidenceinHim—andyoucannothaveintimatefellowshipwithsomeonethatyoudon’ttrust.Temptationsand troubles come into your life andyouworry that, if youobeyGod,you’ll losesomethingthatyoureallywant.Ontheotherhand,ifyou’recommitted to pursuing an intimate relationship with God, trusting andobeying Him in all circumstances, then you will know that you’rereceivingHisverybestforyourlife—whichisfarbetterthanyoucouldeverobtainonyourown.

LifeExamples

ReadExodus3.WhatwasGod’scommandtoMoses(7–10)?

What problems and consequences could come about from such a boldmovebyMoses(11,13,19;alsoseeEx.4:1,10)?

Doyouthinkthat,humanlyspeaking,Moseswasrighttobeafraidwithallofthoseobstacles?Whyorwhynot?

WhatwasGod’sspecificpromisetoMoses(12)?HowdoyouknowthatGodkeptHispromise?

HorebandSinaiaretwonamesforthesamemountain.Some commentators think thatHorebwas thewesternpeakandSinaiwastheeasternpeak.Othersbelievethatonenamewasforthegeneralmountainrange,whiletheother signified the specific mountain. Either way, weknowthatGodkeptHispromise.

LivingthePrinciple

Exodus19takesplaceonthesamemountainwhereGodcalledMosestoserveHim,whichmeans thatGod fulfilledHis promise toHis servantand to Israel. Moses obeyed God despite the consequences thatconfronted him.Hebrews11:27 states, “By faith he forsookEgypt, notfearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who isinvisible.” Moses trusted God, and every problem that he faced soonpaled in comparison to the mighty love, wisdom, and power of theCommander.

InExodus3:14,GodsaidthatHisnameis“IAMWHOIAM.”This is also translated as, “IWILLALWAYSBE WHO I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN,” or, “I WILLFOREVERBEWHOIAMNOW.”Godneverchanges.AsfaithfulandlovingasHewasyesterdayforMoses,Hewillalsobetoday,andHewillcontinuetobeforalleternitytoyou(seeHeb.13:8).

SohowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple2thisweek?Whatchallengeareyou facing today?What isGod leadingyou todo?Your choice in thissituationwilldeterminewhetheryousucceedorfail;therefore,obeyGodand leave inHishandswhateverconsequence iscausingyou to fear. IfGodmakesapromisetoyou,youcanbeassuredthatHewillbringittopass.

SpendtimeinprayeraskingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimself, to increase your faith, and to transform your life so thatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


TrustGodwithyourlifeandallthatconcernsyou(seeProv.3:5–6).

Wait on theLord for an answer to your problemor situation (seePs.37:9).

MeditateonGod’sWordandlistentotheHolySpirit(seeMatt.6:33).

Bewillingtowaitorwalkawaywhenthewaybeforeyouisunclear(seePs.27:13–14).

Bewillingtoendureconflict(seeMatt.5:10–12).

LeavetheconsequencestoGod(seeEx.14:13–14).

LifePrinciple3

God’sWordisanimmovableanchorintimesofstorm.

Numbers23:19

Life’sQuestions

If you’vemade the decision to seek an intimate relationshipwithGodandobeyHimnomatterwhat,youwillundoubtedlyexperienceseasonsofdifficultyanduncertainty.YourwalkwithGod isa journeyof faith,andtherewillbesituationswhenyourtrustinHimwillbetested.Whatwill you cling to when a deluge of trouble rains on your life andeverythingyouknowtobetrueseemstobesweptawaybyintensewindsofadversity?Whatwillyouholdontowhenthewavesofdoubtthreatentocrashdownonyou?LifePrinciple3holdstheanswerforyou:God’sWordisanimmovableanchorintimesofstorm.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadNumbers22:1–12.WhywereKingBalakandtheMoabitesafraidoftheIsraelites(2–5)?

WhowasBalaamandwhatdidtheMoabiteswantfromhim(6–7)?

TheAmoriteswereagreatdealstrongerthantheMoabites;sowhenIsrael took the Amorite cities so easily (see Num. 21:21-31), thepeopleofMoabhadagoodreasontobeafraid.

HowdidGodrespondtoBalaam(12)?

ReadNumbers22:22–35.WhenBalaamdisobeyedGod,howdidGodgethisattention(28–31)?Whydoyou thinkGodusedsuchsurprisingmethods?

WhatwastheAngel’sspecificinstructiontoBalaam(35)?

ReadNumbers23:16–23.WhydoyouthinkBalaammadethestatementhedidinNumbers23:19?

WhenBalaam said thatGod doesn’t lie, itmeans thatGodwillnever fail,deceive, ordisappoint you.WhenhesaysthatGodneverhastorepent, it’sbecauseGodnever changesHismind about the promises thatHe’smade.

How did God fulfill His promise to protect the people of Israel fromtheirenemies(seeEx.19:5;Num.14:8–9;Josh.24:9–10)?

WhatItMeans

God shielded Israel fromharmwhen the people didn’t even know thattheyneededprotecting.HecausedothernationstobeafraidofthemandevenwenttounusuallengthstokeepIsraelfrombeingcursed.Godwassopowerfulandconvincing thateven thepaganprophetBalaamhad tosay,“Ihavereceivedacommandtobless;Hehasblessed,andIcannotreverseit”(Num.23:20).

The name Balaam means not of the people. Isn’t itamazing that someone who had nothing to do withGod’speoplecouldstill recognize the faithfulnessandpowerofGod?

God’s Word is absolutely true. You may not understand how God isgoing tobringaboutwhatHe’spromisedyou,butHe iskeepingeverypromisethatHehasevermade.Hewillneverdeceiveyouordisappointyou,andHewillneverchangeHismindaboutwhatHe’stoldyou.

LifeExamples

ReadIsaiah55:10–11.Howcanthispassageencourageyouwhenyoursituationlooksbleak?

ReadRomans15:4.Whatdoesthisversemeantoyou?

God’spromisesareessentialtoyourspiritualwelfare.

WhatScripturepassagesorBiblestoriesmostencourageyou?Why?

LivingthePrinciple

Doyou read andmeditate on theBible everyday so that theLord canbringHisWordtoyourmindwhenyouneedareminderofHisloveand

comfort? What do you do when you’re experiencing a tempest ofadversity andneeda specialmessageofhope fromGod toholdon to?Whentroublestrikeslikeatidalwave,God’sWordcanbeananchorofstrength,guidance,andcomforttokeepyousteady.

What storm are you facing today? Are you disheartened by yoursituation? God will never fail you, and He’ll never change His mindabout the promises that He’s made to you. Therefore, pray. Lay yourheartouttoGodandaskforHisloveandcomfort.AskHimtoshowyouHiswillandleadyoutoHismessageofencouragement.ThenreadHiswonderfulWord.AgoodplacetofindassuranceisthebookofPsalms;or,ifyouareanewbeliever,readtheGospelofJohn.UsetoolssuchastheLifePrinciplesBibletofindwhereinGod’sWordtogofordirectionfor your specific need. You can also ask godly friends what Scripturepassageshavebeenmeaningfulandinspiringtothem.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple3thisweek?Discussotherwaysthatyou can keepGod’sWord as your anchor during difficult times.Also,talk aboutways the Bible has encouraged you and kept your focus onGodinthepast.ThenspendtimeinprayeraskingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlifesothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


ConsiderGod’spromisesyourspiritualanchors(seeHeb.6:18–20).

GodalwayskeepsthepromisesthatHemakes(seeJosh.21:45).

BewillingtopatientlywaitforGodtofulfillHispromises(seeHab.2:2–3).

LifePrinciple4

TheawarenessofGod’spresenceenergizesusforourwork.

Deuteronomy20:1

Life’sQuestions

Ecclesiastes 2:24 teaches, “Nothing is better for aman than that ... hissoulshouldenjoygoodinhislabor.Thisalso,Isaw,wasfromthehandofGod.”Thismaybeachallengingverseforyou,especiallyifyoudon’thave a very fulfilling profession. Maybe you’re a caregiver to yourchildren, spouse, or aging parents and you do an immense amount ofworkthatissometimesthanklessandexhausting.Evenifyoureallylikeyourjob,youmaynotalwaysfinditenjoyable,becauseeveryoccupationbringsdifficultiesandfrustrationswithit.

Howdoyoufeelabouttheworkthatyoudo?Isityourdreamjoborjustsomethingthatyoudotopaythebills?Whateveryoursituationmaybe,Godexpectsyoutodoyourbestatwhateveryoudo.Whetherit’speople,politics,orotherkindsofproblemsthatarecausingyoudistress,youmaywonderhowyoucanstaymotivatedandhonorGodinyourlabors.LifePrinciple 4 gives you this encouragement: The awareness of God’spresenceenergizesusforourwork.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadDeuteronomy20:1–4.WhatkindofassignmentdidGodguaranteethatIsraelwouldface(1)?

WhymightthepeopleofIsraelbeterrifiedanddiscouraged(1)?

WhatdidGodpromisethatHewoulddoforthem(4)?

The word afraid in the Old Testament also means tostandinaweof,revere,orrespect.OnlyGoddeservesyourawe,respect,andreverence(seeDeut.3:22).Heiswith you and He is able to overcome anything thatyou’lleverface.

Read Deuteronomy 11:7–12 and review why God was giving thesecommandstoIsrael.WhywasitimportantforthepeopleofIsraeltostay

focusedonGodduringthiscrucialtimeinthenation’shistory?

WhatItMeans

The people of Israel were right: they could not conquer the PromisedLandontheirown.That’swhyitwasimperativeforthemtolooktoGodfor courage and grace whenever they faced challenges, enemies, orseeminglyimpossiblesituations.

Youmaybewonderingwhatthishastodowithyourparticularjob.Asabeliever, you’re a servant of the livingGod everymoment,with everytask.Whether you’re driving enemy armies out of the Promised Land,changingdiapers,makingmultimilliondollardeals,deliveringpizzas,orteachingaSundayschoolclass,youmusthonorGodinallthatyoudo.

LifeExamples

Whatistheworstjobthatyoucanthinkof?Whyisitsoterrible?

ReadGenesis39:20–23.WhatdoyouimagineJoseph’slifewaslikeintheprison?

Whydid thekeeperof theprisonhavesuchconfidence inJoseph(22–23)?

Josephspentat leastadecade in thatprison,butnoneof it was wasted time. God used that invaluableexperience to teach him the principles that he wouldneed when governing Egypt, and to position him formaximumimpactandblessings.

Read Genesis 41:15–16, 38–44. How did God bless Joseph’sfaithfulness?

LivingthePrinciple

HowcanyoustaymotivatedandhonorGodinyourwork?JosephdiditbyrememberingthatGodwaswithhimnomatterwhathappened.HesethishearttoserveGodfaithfully,whetherintheprisonorthepalace,andregardless of famine or fruitfulness. The same should be true for you.Colossians3:23–24instructs,“Whateveryoudo,doitheartily,astotheLord andnot tomen, knowing that from theLordyouwill receive therewardoftheinheritance;foryouservetheLordChrist.”

LikeJoseph,youmaynotknowwhyGodhasallowedthedifficultiesthatyoufaceinyourlabors.It’spossiblethatyouhaveacertaingoalinmindwithregard toyourprofession,butGod’splanforyou ismuchgreater.ObeyHimanddon’tloseheart(seeGal.6:9).Whetherit’sabattlewithanenemy,anoverwhelmingchallenge,orapersonalcrisis thatappearsimpossible toovercome—Godiswithyou.He isyourenergy,strength,wisdom,andcreativity.Heisalsoyourboss.DoyourverybestforHissakeandallowHimtoworkthroughyou.He’sgotagreatvictoryandawonderfulrewardforyouifyou’lltrustHimanddoasHesays.

My elect shall long enjoy thework of their hands. They shall notlaborinvain.(Isa.65:22–23)

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple4thisweek?Haveyouencounteredasituationinyourworkthatcausesyoufearordiscouragesyou?DiscusswaysthatyoucankeepyourmindfocusedonGod’spresenceandhonorHiminyourwork.Thenspend time inprayer,askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlifesothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Viewyourselfasaservant(seePhil.2:5–7).

RealizethatyouworkfortheLordHimself(seeEph.2:10).

Realize thatyourpaycomesbothnowandhereafter (see1Cor.3:13–14).

LifePrinciple5

GoddoesnotrequireustounderstandHiswill,justobeyit,evenifitseems

unreasonable.

Joshua3:8

Life’sQuestions

Are things not going the way you planned? Is it difficult for you tounderstandwhatwentwronginyoursituationorwhyGodisn’tblessingyou? Sometimes it feels as if God is no longer working in your lifebecause you’ve insisted on doing something your way instead of Hisway. Perhaps you’ve placed a condition on God—you only obey Himwhen you thinkHis instructions are logical.What that reallymeans isthat you’ve failed to commit yourself to Him completely, and that’sboundtocausefrustrationinyourlife.

Are you hesitant to obey God because He’s commanded you to dosomethingthatyou’renotcomfortablewithoryouthinkisirrational?Ifyourprayersseemunansweredandthepathaheadappearsblocked,thenitcouldbethatGodiswaitingforyoutotakethestepoffaiththatHe’scommanded.Don’tlosehopeaboutyourcircumstances.Instead,embraceLife Principle 5:God does not require us to understand His will, justobeyit,evenifitseemsunreasonable.

WhattheBibleSays

Read Joshua 3. What were the people to look for when crossing theJordanRiver(3)?

WhywouldthepeoplehavebeenfearfulaboutcrossingtheJordan(4)?

TheJordannormallyhasmanyfordingplaces,butthisepisodetakesplaceduringthegrainharvest,whenthespringrainsandthemeltingsnowfromMountHermonwouldhavefloodedtheJordan’sbanks,makingitcompletelyimpassable.Also,enemiesandbeastssuchasvipers, scorpions, crocodiles, and panthers, could hide in theovergrownbrushalongthebanks.

WhatwasGod’spromisetothepeopleiftheyobeyedHim(5)?

WhatwasGodgoingtoteachtheIsraelites(7–11)?

WhatdoyouthinkwouldhavehappenediftheIsraeliteshadnotobeyedGod?

WhatItMeans

If you were planning to lead an enormous group of people across anoverflowingriverintoenemyterritory,probablythelastthingyouwoulddo is send your most important people with your most valuablepossession in first to test the waters—especially rushing flood waters.Yet, that is exactly what God sent Israel’s priests to do at the JordanRiver.God’scommanddidnotmakesensetothem,butHehadanotherpurposeinmind,whichwastoteachthemtoalwayskeeptheireyesonHiminsteadoftheircircumstances.

LifeExamples

ReadJoshua6.WhatwasGod’scommand to the IsraelitesconcerningJericho(2–6)?

Doesthismakeanysensetoyouasamilitarystrategy?

According toJoshua6:5,whatwasgoing tomake thewallsofJerichofall?

Archaeological discoveries have shown that Jericho’s outer wallwouldhavebeenapproximately6 feet thick,and the innerwall12feetthick.

WhatwassimilaraboutthiseventandthecrossingoftheJordan(6)?

HowcloselydidthepeopleofIsraelhavetoobey(10)?

Whatwas theresultof theIsraelites’obedienceandGod’s faithfulness(20,27)?

LivingthePrinciple

What hasGod called you to do?DoHis instructions seem extreme orconfusing?HasHechallengedyou todo something that youdon’t feelcapable of? It is not your job to understandGod’s plan, but it is yourresponsibility toobeyHim.Godsees thebeginning,middle,andendofyoursituation;therefore,HisperspectiveaboutwhatHehascalledyoutodoisfarmorecompletethanyours.IfyoucouldjustseethingsfromHispointofview,youwouldbehighlymotivatedtoobeyHim.

TrueobediencemeansdoingwhatGodsays,whenHesays it, howHe says it shouldbedone, untilwhatHesays is accomplished—regardless of whether youunderstandthereasonsforitornot.

Unfortunately, ifyoudisobeyHim,youwill continue to struggle in thesamearearepeatedly,andyouwillloseoutonHisblessings.God’sgoalis togrowyour trust inHim, soHewillgiveyouassignments that testyour heart and mature your faith. The good news is that, when yousubmittoGod,HeshowsyouHisfaithfulnessandempowersyoubyHisHolySpirit todoeverything thatHecallsyou todo.Yourobedience—even though you don’t understand what He is doing—exercises yourfaith,makingitstronger.

Howwillyou liveoutLifePrinciple5 thisweek?Discusswhatappears“illogical” about what God has commanded you to do.Why does Hisdirectionintimidateyou?Howcanyouovercomeyourfeelingsoffearorconfusion? Remember, your goal isn’t to understand God’s will; yourgoalistostepforwardinobedienceandfaith.Therefore,encourageoneanother to dowhateverGod has called you to do. Then spend time inprayer askingGod to drawyou into intimate communionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlifesothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Obediencemustbethetoppriorityofyourlife(seePs.119:145).

TheHoly Spirit enables you to walk obediently beforeGod (see John14:26).

LifePrinciple6

Youreapwhatyousow,morethanyousow,andlaterthanyousow.

Judges2:1–4

Life’sQuestions

Whenyouthinkofhowfarmersoperate,LifePrinciple6makesperfectsense:You reapwhat you sow,more than you sow, and later than yousow. If the farmer places tomato seeds in the ground, it’s because hewantstogrowtomatoes—hewillharvesttheproductofthekindofseedthathehasplanted.Thefarmer takesfromthegroundfarmore thanheputs into it—it reproduces itself many times over. That tiny seed willsproutandbecomeaplantthatproducesfruit,whichwillthenyieldmanymoreseeds.Ofcourse, this isnotan instantaneousprocess.The farmermustwaitfor thecroptomature in its time.Therewardsof theharvestalwayscomelaterthantheinitialinvestment.

What seedsareyouplanting?Whatwouldyou like to accomplishwithyour life?It’sextremely important foryoutobeconsciousofwhatyouaresowingwithyourwordsandactions,becausetheysetthedirectionofyourlife.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadDeuteronomy7:1–6.WhatwasGod’s command to the Israelites(1–2)?

WhywastheLordsostrictaboutthisissue(4)?

Idolatry in theOld Testamentwas often prompted bylegitimate needs. For example, Ba’al was theCanaanites’ stormand fertilitygodwhocontrolled therainfor theharvest. Insteadof trustingGod toprovidefor them, the Israelites turned to Ba’al, thinking thatthey’d have a better yield. They didn’t have faith thatGodwould provide for their needs, even afterHehaddonesomuchforthem.WhatdoyouturntoinsteadofGodforyourneeds?

WhatwastheLord’smotivationingivingthemthiscommand(6)?

ReadJudges1:27–34.WhydoyouthinktheIsraelitesignoredGodandfailedtodrivetheseforeignnationsout?

ReadJudges2:1–4.WhatdidtheIsraelitesreapfromtheirdisobedience(3)?

WhatItMeans

DidtheIsraelitesallowtheothernationstostaybecausetheycouldprofitfrom them?Was it because it was toomuch effort to drive them out?Whatever the case, they failed to honor God and their disobediencebroughtthemagreatdealoftrouble.Theyweren’t judgedimmediately,yettheconsequencescameallthesame.

It’s a dangerous thing to think,God won’t mind. He does mindwhenwedisobey.Youmaynot immediately see theconsequencesofyouractions,buttheyarecoming.

Judges2:10–11reports,“Whenall thatgenerationhadbeengathered totheir fathers,anothergenerationaroseafter themwhodidnotknowtheLORD nor theworkwhichHehaddone for Israel.Then thechildrenofIsraeldidevilinthesightoftheLORD,andservedtheBaals.”Becauseoftheir disobedience, the Israelites suffered hundreds of years of warfarewith the nations that they failed to drive out, as you can discover in

Judges,1and2Samuel,1and2Kings,and1and2Chronicles.

LifeExamples

Read Galatians 6:7–10. Why do you think Paul says, “God is notmocked”(7)aboutthethingsthatyoureapandsow?

What actions or attitudes do you consider “sowing in the flesh” (8)?Whatactionsorattitudesdoyouconsider“sowingintheSpirit”?

This principle is not about doing “good works,” it’saboutbeingobedienttoGod.Plentyofpeopledo“goodworks”withselfish intentions,andJesussays to them,“Ineverknewyou;depart fromMe,youwhopracticelawlessness!”(Matt.7:23).

Whydogooddeedsandobediencetakemoretimeandeffortthandoingevil(9)?

WhatwillyoureapifyouobeyGodanddon’tloseheart?

LivingthePrinciple

DoyouseekGod’sleadershipwhenyoumakeadecision?DoyouobeyHimassoonasyouknowHiswill?Eachchoicethatyoumakeforgoodorevil isaseedwhichyouareplantingforyour future,andsometimesit’s the smallest decisions that affect you themost. This is because sinturnsyourheartawayfromGod,whileobedienceturnsyourhearttowardHim.IfyoufillyourlifewithHisSpiritandWord,youwillreapthefruitoftheSpirit(seeGal.5:22–23)andenjoyallthatyouwerecreatedfor.Ifyou’re disobedient, greedy, and selfish, then you’re going to reap theterribleconsequencesofyourungodlylifestyle.

It’stimetogetseriousaboutfollowingGod.Youmustdecidewhatkindoflifeyouaregoingtoliveandcommityourselftoit,becausesomedaysoonyou’llseethereturnofwhatyou’veplantedovertheyears.Willthatbeacropthatyou’reproudof?

Howwill you liveoutLifePrinciple 6 thisweek?DiscusswhatGod iscallingyoutosowwithyourlife.Isthereanyareaofyourlifewhereyouarealreadyseeingaharvest?Thenspend time inprayer,askingGod todrawyou into intimatecommunionwithHimselfand to transformyourlifesothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


God’scommandsapplytoeveryone—Christiansandnon-Christians(see2Cor.5:9–11).

Wereapwhatwesow(seeLuke6:43–45).

Wereapmorethanwesow(seeJohn12:23–25).

Wereaplaterthanwesow(seeIsa.49:4;Mark9:41).

LifePrinciple7

ThedarkmomentsofourlifewilllastonlysolongasisnecessaryforGodto

accomplishHispurposeinus.

1Samuel30:1–6

Life’sQuestions

Sometimes it seems as if the trials never really end—you’re eitherbeginning one, in the middle of one, or just ending a season ofdifficulties.Whetherit’srelational,financial,physical,orspiritual,itcanbe very draining and discouraging. Also, problems don’t happen in avacuum—there are always new emergencies and troubles to deal withthatmakelifeevenmoredifficult.

YetGod isalways good. Thismay be a difficult truth to acceptwhileyou’regoingthroughatrial,butit’sonethatyouneedtoclingtoifyouwant tomakeit through.It’salsohelpful torememberLifePrinciple7:Thedarkmoments of our lifewill last only so longas is necessary forGodtoaccomplishHispurposeinus.

WhattheBibleSays

Read 1 Samuel 27:1–8. David had been anointed king of Israel bySamuel (see 1 Sam. 16:11–13),while the present king, Saul,was stillalive.WhatisgoingonatthispointinDavid’slife(1)?

David didn’t have it easy. In addition towaiting years forGod togivehimthethrone,KingSaulwantedtokillhimandanyonewhohelpedhim(see1Sam.18:25;19:10–12;21:33;22:17,22;23:8,14–15,24–25;24:2;26:2;27:1).

HowlongwasDavidwiththePhilistines(7)?

WheredidAchishthekingofthePhilistinestellDavidtodwell(6)?

Whatwaswrongwiththisland(8)?

Read1Samuel29:3–7.HowdidthePhilistinesreacttohavingDavidintheirmidst(4)?

Howdoyou think thatDavidfelt tobeunwanted inhishomelandandrejectedbythePhilistines?

Read1Samuel30:1–6.WhatdidDavidandhismenfindwhentheygothometoZiklag(1–3)?

Whodidallthepeopleblamefortheirmisfortunes(6)?

WhatItMeans

You can’t blame David for despairing, because everything was goingwrong.HewasunfairlytargetedbyKingSaul,drivenfromhishomeland,rejected by his new neighbors, constantly under threat of attack, hisfamilywas taken captive, andhis peoplewere turningonhim. If therewaseveramomentforDavidtowonderwhatGodwasdoing,thiswasit.Yet, David did what we all should do when the darkmoments of lifeoverwhelmus. 1Samuel30:6 says, “David strengthenedhimself in theLORD his God.” Instead of doubting God, David spent time in Hispresence, reminding himself of the mighty God that he trusted andserved.

God chose David to be king of Israel years beforeDavid ever occupied the throne. God first had toprepareDavid tohonorHim ineverything thathedid.TherewasneveranyquestionthatGodwouldkeepHispromise to David, no matter how David doubted orsuffered.All of the trialsmerely strengthenedDavid’sfaithforthechallengestocome.

LifeExamples

ReadIsaiah30:18–21.WhatdoesGodwanttodo(18)?

WhenyoucryouttoGod,howdoesHerespond(19)?

WhydoesGodallowadversityinyourlife(20–21)?

LivingthePrinciple

Trialsareconfusingandarenevereasy.ButGoduses them todevelopimportant character traits in your life, and you can profit from yourtroublesifyouwilltrustHim.Daviddid,andhepassedthetestsoffaith(see1Sam.31:6;2Sam.2:4;2Sam.5:1–5).GodtaughtDavidthroughaffliction,andHeisteachingyouaswell.

If you’re walking with God and want to be used byHim,youwillgothroughdifficulttimesinyourlife.

Youmaywonder,Whydoesithavetobesopainful?Unfortunately,thereare no simple answers because God’s discipline and instruction areuniquetoeachindividual.Godmustgetyourattention,teachyoutoturnonlytoHim,andtrainyoutoministertootherswhohaveprofoundhurts(see 2 Cor. 1:3–4)—and usually that requires touching an area deepwithin your soul. However, you can know for sure that He is doingsomething immensely important in and through you.Godwould neverallowyoutosufferwithoutasignificantreasonorpermityourtroubletocontinueaminutemore thannecessary.Therefore,don’t run fromyourproblems. Face themwith faith inGod, knowing thatHewill not giveyoumorethanyoucanbear.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple7thisweek?Areyouexperiencingadark, difficult time? Do you need the relief that only God can give?Discuss how to “strengthen yourself in the Lord” as David did andencourage each other. Then spend time in prayer, askingGod to drawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlifesothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Godhasputalimitonalladversity(seeLam.3:31–33).

AdversityisGod’stoolforbuildinggodlycharacterinus(seeRom.5:3–4).

Adversityusuallycomes in theareaswherewe feel themost confident(see2Cor.12:7–9).

God’s ultimate design is to conform you to the likeness of Jesus (seeRom.8:29).

LifePrinciple8

Fightallyourbattlesonyourkneesandyouwineverytime.

2Samuel15:31

Life’sQuestions

Haveyoueverbeenwronglyaccusedbysomeoneyouknow?Haveyouever endured the wrath and rejection of a co-worker or loved one?Perhapssomeofthemosthurtfulsituationsthatyou’veexperiencedcamethroughthecondemnationofapersonthatyoucaredabout.Whetherornot you merited their criticism, the pain which they inflicted was nodoubtdevastatingandprobablytookalongtimetoovercome.

What can you do when you’re betrayed and your heart is broken byanother?Howdoyouprotectyourself fromtheirongoingattacks?Asachild of God, you have a responsibility to respond in a godly mannerwhensomeonechallengesyoutocombat,andLifePrinciple8holdsthekeytoturningyourcircumstancesaround:Fightallyourbattlesonyourkneesandyouwineverytime.

WhattheBibleSays

Read2Samuel13:1.WhowereAbsalom,Tamar,andAmnon?

Read 2 Samuel 13:6–14, 23–28.What did Absalom do to avenge hissisterTamar(28)?

Read2Samuel13:37–38.WhatwasAbsalomforcedtodo?

TheseversesweregiventoyouasbackgroundintoAbsalom’scharacter.Whatisyourinitialimpressionofhim?

Eventually, Absalom returned to Israel. Read 2 Samuel 15:1–12. DoAbsalom’sactionsconfirmyourinitialimpressionofhim?

HebronwaswhereDavidwas anointed king of Israel(see2Sam.5),anditwasalsowhereAbraham,Isaac,and Jacob were buried. It was a symbolic center ofIsrael’s leadership, making it the perfect place forAbsalomtostagehiscoup.WiththemurderofDavid’sfirstborn sonAmnon, and the death of his second sonChileab(alsocalledDaniel),Absalomwasnextinlineforthethroneandhewasreadytotakeit.

DoyouthinkthatAbsalom’stimeawayfromJerusalemhealedtheangerthathehadtowardAmnon?Whyorwhynot?

Read2Samuel15:13–16,23–31.HowdoyouthinkDavidfeltwhenhefoundoutthathissonhadbetrayedhim?

WhatwasDavidmostinterestedinfindingout(25–26)?

Almost1,000yearsafterDavidwenttotheMountofOlivestoseekGod,hisdescendant,JesustheMessiah,wentthere,too.Atthefoot

of theMount of Olives is the garden of Gethsemane where JesusacceptedtheFather’swill(seeLuke22:42)andpreparedtodobattlewithoursinonthecross.

WhatdidDavidfinallyaskofGod(31)?

WhatItMeans

CanyouimaginehowdevastatingitwasforKingDavidtobebetrayedbyhisson?Ineveryway,thiswasalose-losesituation.Davidcouldnotregainhiskingdomwithouthurtinghissonandmanyofhiscountrymen,andhecouldn’t restorehis relationshipwithhis sonwhile thekingdomhunginthebalance.Noslingshotorswordwouldsolvehisproblem—butGodcould.

LifeExamples

ReadPsalm3.WhenhaveyoufeltasDaviddidinverses1–2?

David wrote Psalm 3 while he was fleeing fromAbsalom.

Whywas it important forDavid to know that theLordwas his shieldduringthistime(3)?

WhatwouldyousayDavid’smoodwasinthemidstofthisterribletrial(6–7)?

Howdoyoufeel,knowingthatyourvindicationcomesfromGod?Doesthisencourageyou,ordoyoufeelcheatedthatyoucannottakerevenge?

LivingthePrincipleGodeventuallydeliveredthekingdomofIsraelbackintoDavid’shands,andalthoughDaviddideverythinghecouldtoprotecthim—Absalomstilllosthislife(see2Sam.18).Thatiswhatalwayshappenswhenapersonharborsunforgivenessand

revengeinhisheart—hehurtsthepeoplearoundhimunnecessarilyandeventuallydestroyshimself.Thatiswhy,wheneverpeopleattackyou,youcan’tjustreacttothemoutofyourfearandrage.YoumustbelikeDavid

andhaveabattleplan.YourcombatstrategymustbeginandendwithgettingonyourkneesandrealizingthatGodisincontrolofyoursituation.Hewillhandleeverything

foryouifyouwillhumbleyourselfandobeyHim.However,youmuststopbeingdistractedbyyourownfeelingsandthedetailsofyourcircumstances,andput

yourfocusonHimandwhatHecanteachyou.WheneveryousurrenderyourselfcompletelytoGodandtrustHimwithyourstruggles,you’llfindthatHeisfaithfultolead

youtovictory.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple8thisweek?Areyoufacingabattlethatseemslikealose-losesituation?Areyouheartbrokenbysomeone’saccusations?DiscussyourbattleplanfortakingyourtroubletoGodandsurrenderingyourselftoHim.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyou into intimatecommunionwithHimselfand to transformyourlifesothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Prayerandobedience toGodare thebiblicalapproachtoovercomingallofourtroubles(see2Chron.7:14;Phil.4:6–7).

YoucanremainfirminyourfaithonlywhenyoucompletelysubmitallareasofyourlifetoGod(seeJames4:7–10).

LifePrinciple9

TrustingGodmeanslookingbeyondwhatwecanseetowhatGodsees.

2King6:17

Life’sQuestions

You don’t knowwhat tomorrowmay bring. This truthmay cause yousomeanxiety,butwhenyour faith is inGod, itshould bringyouhope.Godsees tomorrow—allofyour tomorrows—andHe isable toprepareyouforwhateveristocome.Whatisitaboutthefuturethatcausesyoutobe afraid? Is it a conflict that you dread?Are you doubtful about everreceivingyourheart’sdesire?Areyoucaughtinabadsituationthatyoufearwillneverchange?

Yourapprehensionmaycomefromviewingyourcircumstancesthroughyourownlimitedperspective.Instead,youshouldbeconfidentthatGodisworkingonyourbehalf inwaysthatyoucannotsee.LifePrinciple9teaches:TrustingGodmeans looking beyondwhatwe can see towhatGodsees.Thecircumstancesandobstacles thatyouobserve todaymaybe truly overwhelming, butGod’s resources are even greater andmorepowerful than you can imagine. God knows what is ahead and He isreadytodealwithit.Therefore,putyourfaithinHimandobeywhateverHesays.

WhattheBibleSays

Read 2 Kings 6:8–23. How did Elisha know where the Syrians weregoingtoambushtheIsraelites(9–12)?

The secret of the LORD iswith thosewho fearHim. (Ps. 25:14)

HowdidthekingofSyriarespondwhenElishalearnedhissecretplans(12–14)?

HowwouldyouhavereactedifyouwereElisha’sservant(15)?

Do you think Elisha was surprised by the Syrian army?Why or whynot?

Why do you think Elisha could see the Lord’s forces, but the servantcouldn’t(16–17)?

TheSyrianarmystartedouthuntingElisha,andendedupfollowinghimtoSamaria.Whydoyouthinktheyagreedtofollowhim(19–20)?

WethinkofJerusalemasthecapitolofIsrael,butafterSolomon’s reign in 922 B.C., the nation was dividedinto two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. Jerusalemremained the capitol of Judah, while Samaria becamethecapitolofIsrael.ElishaledtheSyrianarmy12milesfromDothanintotheheartofIsrael.

WhatItMeans

Tojudgeanysituationbyyourlimitedperspectivemeansthatyouaren’tgettingthewholepicture.Elishaunderstoodthis,whichiswhyhewassoeagertohearwhateverGodhadtosaytohim.HelearnedtolookbeyondwhathecouldseetotheLord’sreality,andGodshowedElishaamazingthingsanddidmiraclesthroughhim.

LifeExamples

Read1Corinthians2:9–16.WhydoesPaulincludeeyes,ears,andheartsin verse 9?What does this suggest about God’s perspective and yourperspective?

Accordingtoverse10,whatistheonlywaythatwecanknowwhatGodisdoinginourlives?

Elisha’smentor, Elijah,was taken up to heaven, andElisha askedhimforadoubleportionofhisspirit(see2Kings2:9).

WhydoesGodcommunicatetousthroughtheSpirit(11–13)?

WhatwillworldlypeoplethinkwhentheyhearGod’splans(14)?Why?

WhyshouldGod’splansmakesensetoyouifyou’veacceptedChristasyourSavior(15–16)?

LivingthePrinciple

HowdidElisha know theSyrians’ plans and that theLord’s armywasprotecting him? He listened to the Spirit of God. You may think it isdifficult topayattention toGodwhenyou faceoverwhelming troubles,especially those that seem impossible.LikeElisha’s servant,yourmindsearches for away todealwithwhat you’re seeing. Indespair you cryout,“WhatcanIdo?”

CalltoMe,andIwillansweryou,andshowyougreatandmightythings,whichyoudonotknow.(Jer.33:3)

The first thing that you must do is close your physical eyes, becausethey’re not helping. Stop measuring your problems against your ownabilitytohandlethembecausetheenemywilluseyourworldlysensestomagnifywhatyou’regoing through.Thenyoumustopenyourspiritualeyes—theonesthatarefixeduponGod.WorshipHim.ReadHisWord.Pray.RememberhowHehashelpedothers in thepast, and thankHimthat themightywisdomandpower thatwasavailable to themhasbeenprovided toyou, aswell.God is ready,willing, andable to rescueyoufromthejawsofdefeat,andHewilldowhateverisnecessarytoleadyoutotriumphwhenyouobeyHim.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple9thisweek?Discusshowyouwillfocusyourmind andheart onGod’s truth rather thanonwhat you cansee. Then spend time in prayer, askingGod to draw you into intimatecommunion with Himself and to transform your life, so that you canaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Recallpastvictories(seePs.145:5–7).

Rejectdiscouragingwords(seePs.40:14–16).

Recognizethetruenatureofthebattle(seePs.20:6–8).

Respondtothechallengewithapositiveconfession(seePs.118:6–9).

RelyonthepowerofGod(seePs.66:3–5).

Reckonthevictory(seePs.98:1).

LifePrinciple10

Ifnecessary,GodwillmoveheavenandearthtoshowusHiswill.

2Chronicles20:12

Life’sQuestions

What is God’s will for your life? Do you have an answer, or do youthink,Goodquestion!IfHetellsyouwhatHewantsmetodo,pleaseletmeknow.PerhapsyouknowhowGodisleadingyouincertainareasofyour life, and you’re committed to followingHim.However, there areothersituationsthatyouarefacinginwhichyouhavenoideaaboutwhattodo,andyouwishthatGodwouldshowyoutherightcourseofaction.Youwonder,Why doesGod’s will seem hidden fromme? Can I trulyknowwhatGodhasplannedformylife?

Yes you can! God does not hide His will from you. Rather, as LifePrinciple10states,Ifnecessary,GodwillmoveheavenandearthtoshowusHiswill.Sowhat isgoingon?Why isGod’swill suchamystery toyouatthispoint?

WhattheBibleSays

Read1Kings16:30–33.WhatkindofmanwasAhab,thekingofIsrael?

AhabwastheseventhkingofIsrael.Throughhiswife,Jezebel,hebroughtthePhoenicianreligiontoIsrael.Heset thedeitiesofTyre—Ba’al andAsherah—asequalwith the Lord God and allowed Jezebel to kill theprophetsandpriestsofGod.

Read2Chronicles 17:3–4 and18:1–3.Consideringhis values, doyouthink itwaswise for Jehoshaphat to ally himselfwithAhab?Whydoyouthinkhedidso?

Read 2Chronicles 18:28–34.How didGod show Jehoshaphat that analliancewithAhabwasnotHiswill(31–34)?

Read2Chronicles19:1–3.HowdidGodconfirmthatJehoshaphathaddonethewrongthing?

WhathadJehoshaphatdonethatwaspleasingtoGod?Whatidolsneedtoberemovedinyourownlife?

WhatItMeans

WedonotknowwhyJehoshaphatdecidedtoallyhimselfwithAhab.ItcouldbethathesawanopportunitytoreunitethekingdomsofIsraelandJudahastheyhadbeenunderDavid.ItcouldalsobethathethoughtanalliancewithIsraelwouldstrengthenhismilitarypositionorincreasehiswealth.Whateverthecase,hefailedtoseekGodanddependonHimforeverything,anditnearlycosthimhislife.

LifeExamples

Read2Chronicles20:1–30.WhatterriblethreatwasJudahfacing(1–2)?HowdidJehoshaphatreact?

WhatwasGod’smessagetoJehoshaphat(15)?

WhydoyouthinkGodrefusedtoallowJehoshaphattoparticipateinthebattle?

God’s instruction to Jehoshaphat required agreat test of faith.DoyouthinkthatJehoshaphatlearnedhislessonabouttrustingGod(18)?

WhatdidJehoshaphatinstructthepeopleofJudahtodo(20–21)?

When did God deliver the victory to Judah (22)? What is theconnection?

You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel. Ourfathers trustedinYou; theytrusted,andYoudeliveredthem.(Psalm22:3–4)

LivingthePrinciple

Thebattleisnotyours,itbelongstoGod.WhatdoesthishavetodowithGod’swill? Itmeans thatGod’swill isHis tocommunicateand fulfill.No matter what God reveals to be His plan, He will make sure thateverythingisinplaceforittocometopass.YourresponsibilityissimplytoobeyHimrightnow.ItisGod’srighttoexcludeorincludeyoufromthebattleasHesodesires.

Godknowspreciselywhatitwilltaketogetyourattention.

PerhapsthereasonthatGod’swillremainsamysterytoyouisthatHeisshowingittoyouonestepatatime.Yes,Godknowseverydetailofyourcircumstancesandhowtheywillallunfold,butHewillnotrevealthemallatonce.Instead,Hewillusethissituationasanopportunitytoteachyou to trust Him. Unfortunately, if you are unwilling to wait for Histimingandinsistonhavinganansweraboutsomethingspecific,youaregoingtoprolongyourstruggleandmissmaturinginyourfaith.

AnotherreasonyoumaythinkthatGod’swillishiddenfromyouisthatyou’vefailedtoobeyHiminsomearea.Godhasshownyouwhattodo,butHiscommandseemsunreasonableorunimportanttoyou.Understandthat youwill not be able tomove forward until you submit toHim inevery area that He has called you to obey. Just like Jehoshaphat, youmustsurrenderyourselftoGodcompletely,whetheritmeansengaginginthebattleunderGod’sleadershiporwatchingwhatHeisdoingfromthesidelines.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple10thisweek?Areyouhavingtroublediscerning God’s will? Discuss how God may be trying to get yourattention, whether through your restless spirit, an unusual blessing,unansweredprayer,disappointment,financialtrouble,oraffliction.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


God always knows exactly where we are in our journey of faith (seeRom.8:29–30).

God is committed to helping us live out the specific plan thatHe hasdesigned(seeJer.29:11–13).

LifePrinciple11

GodassumesfullresponsibilityforourneedswhenweobeyHim.

Job42:7–17

Life’sQuestions

It’s in times of great loss or trial that youmay be tempted to questionwhetherGod reallycaresaboutyou.Afterall, certain thingshavegoneterriblywrongandyoufindthatthereareneedsinyourlifethatcontinuetogounmet.YoubelievethatHeisGod—fullyabletoprovideforyou—sothequestionsarise,Whyisn’tGoddeliveringmefromallofthis?Whyhas He allowed these bad things to happen to me? Haven’t I beenfaithful?DoesHereallywanttohelpme?

Yes, He does. In fact, God takes great joy inmeeting your needs andsupplying the desires of your heart. Yet there is a condition. LifePrinciple11explains,GodassumesfullresponsibilityforourneedswhenweobeyHim.AreyousubmittingyourselffullytoGod?AreyoutrustingHimdespiteyourcircumstances?

WhattheBibleSays

Read Job 1:1–3 and 6–12. What was Satan implying about why JobservedGod(10–11)?

WhydoyouthinkGodallowedSatantotestJob(8,12)?

Read Job 1:13–22. What do you think about Job’s response to hisadversity(20–21)?

ReadJob2:1–10.WhydoyouthinkJobwasabletoremainsostronginthemidstofsuchterriblepainandloss(10)?

The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be thename of the LORD. (Job 1:21)

What would you have done if you had been in Job’s shoes? Do youthinkyourfaithwouldhavewithstoodallofthosetrials?

ReadJob42:1–17.Accordingtoverse5,whatneeddidGodfillforJobthatwasnotfulfilledbyallthethingsthathe’dlost?

ThoughHe slayme,yetwill I trustHim. (Job13:15)

Why did Job need to lose so much before he could come to thisprofoundunderstandingofGod?

WhydoyouthinkGodgavetwiceasmuchasJobhadbefore(10,12)?

WhatItMeans

Job obeyed God, but bad things still happened to him—overnight hefound himself in deep pain and terrible need.Why?Was it merely toprove something to Satan, or was there a deeper reason? God wasmeeting more important needs in Job than we may initially realize.Remember Life Principle 1: Our intimacy with God is His highestpriorityforourlives,anditdeterminestheimpactofourlives.Godtookfull responsibility for bringing Job into the deepest intimacy possiblewith Himself. And because of Job’s obedience, people throughout theageshavebeenencouragedbyhisfaithfulexample.

HeknowsthewaythatItake;whenHehastestedme,Ishallcomeforthasgold.MyfoothasheldfasttoHissteps;IhavekeptHiswayand not turned aside. (Job 23:10–11)

LifeExamples

ReadLuke 11:9–13.What isGod’s promise to you (9–10)?What canyouexpectfromGod(11–12)?

WhycanyoucountonGodtogiveHisverybestforyou(13)?

LivingthePrinciple

Therearetwoquestionsthatyoumustsettleinyourheart:First,canGodhelp you? Do you believe that God is completely able to intervene inyour situation? Do you have confidence in the One who laid thefoundationsoftheearth(seeGen.1),whodeliveredthechildrenofIsraelout of Egypt and parted the Red Sea (see Ex. 14:13–31), and whodefeateddeathtosaveyoufromyoursinsandprovideahomeforyouinheaven(see1Cor.15)?

The second question iswill God help you? Romans 8:32 answers thatquestionforyou.“HewhodidnotspareHisownSon,butdeliveredHimupforusall,howshallHenotwithHimalsofreelygiveusallthings?”

God is both able and willing to supply everything that you need.Therefore,iftherearestillareasinyourlifewhereyouarelacking,spendtime in prayer asking God to reveal what He is trying to teach you.Maybethereissomethinginyourlifethatshouldn’tbethere,orperhapsHeisfillingadeeperneedinyouasHedidwithJob.

My God shall supply all your need according to Hisriches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple11thisweek?Istheresomethingthatyou are in need of? IsGod trying to reveal something special to you?DiscusswaysthatyoucanstayfaithfultoGodasJobdid,evenwhenyoudon’t understand what is going on. Then spend time in prayer, askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Godisabletoprovideforus(seePs.65:4–6).

God’sintegrityandloveensurethatHewillcarryoutHispromisestous(seePs.37:25–28).

LifePrinciple12

PeacewithGodisthefruitofonenesswithGod.

Psalm4:8

Life’sQuestions

At night when everything is quiet, uneasy thoughts can bombard you.Youwanttosleepandgettherestthatyouneed,butyourresponsibilitiesandproblemsfillyourmind.Youtrytofocusonotherthings—countingsheep or the tick-tocks of your clock—but you can’t stop the anxietiesfrom tormenting you and keeping you awake. In those moments, youwouldgiveanythingforsomepeace.

Have you experienced sleepless nights alone with your troubledthoughts? Have you struggled through those stressful moments,wonderingwhyyourmindcannotletgoandrest?YouknowthatinJohn14:27,Jesussaid,“MypeaceIgive toyou;notas theworldgivesdoIgivetoyou.Letnotyourheartbetroubled,neitherletitbeafraid.”Butwhyisthatpeacesohardtoholdonto?PeaceisGod’sgifttoyou,butyoucannothaveitapartfromaclose,intimaterelationshipwithHim.AsLifePrinciple12states,PeacewithGodisthefruitofonenesswithGod.

WhattheBibleSays

Read 2 Samuel 19:9–15 and 40–43. Why were the people of Israelprotesting?

When the Israelites spoke of their “ten shares in theking”(2Sam.19:43),theywerereferringtotentribes.Therewere12 tribesof Israel in total,but the tribeofSimeon was within the borders of Judah (see Josh.19:1)andwasconsideredpartofJudah.

Read2Samuel20:1–7.HowwidespreadwasSheba’srebellion(2)?

HowseriousdidDavidconsiderthisrebelliontobe(6)?

Read2Samuel20:15–22.HowdidGodturnSheba’srebellionaroundto

restorethepeaceofIsrael?

ReadPsalm4.Whywas it important forDavid to remember thatGodhadrelievedhimofhisdistressinthepast(1,3)?

SomebelievethatPsalm4waswritteneitherduringtherebellionofSheba or while Saul was persecuting David. Others believe thatPsalm 4, like Psalm 3, was written by David during Absalom’srebellion against him. No matter who sought to hurt him, DavidtrustedinGodforhispeace.

Why did David write verses 4–5? Why would this be important torememberintimesofgreatstressandconflict?

WhatcanyoulearnaboutDavid’srelationshipwithGodfromverses7–8?

WhydidDavid’srelationshipwithGodgivehimpeace?

The word peace in Hebrew, shalom, means the completion,fulfillment, unity, and harmony that come as a result of God’spresence.

WhatItMeans

Considering thatDavid had somany enemies, it is difficult to imaginehim getting a good night’s sleep. However, David knew that he couldrelyuponGodforhissafetyandpeace.Thiswastheresultofhisfaithfulwalkwith theLord.Davidwascommitted toobeyingGodandkeepinghisfocuscontinuallyonHim.Becauseofthat,Davidhadpeace—evenintheworstsituations.

LifeExamples

ReadIsaiah26:3–4.Whenhaveyouspentanextendedperiodoftimeinprayer and worship, meditating on God’s Word and enjoying Hispresence?

DidyourtimewithGodfillyouwithpeace?Whyorwhynot?

WhywouldkeepingyourfocusonGodfillyouwithpeace?

LivingthePrinciple

Doyoulongfordeep,abidingpeace?Doesyoursoulneedrestfromtheworriesandstressesthatsurroundyou?Youranxietyisatelltalesignthatyour focus isn’twhere it shouldbe. Insteadof rejoicing in thestrength,wisdom,andloveofGod,you’veallowedyourattentiontobeconsumedbythedetailsofyourcircumstances.Youaresobusytryingtofigureouthow to fix your situation that you’ve forgotten that the only effective

solution is to submityourself toGod.As Jesus said, “I have spoken toyou, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will havetribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John16:33).

Therefore, you must learn to think differently, or as Romans 12:2instructs, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The mostimportant thing that you can do is to begin every day connectingwithGodbyreadingHisWordandspending time inprayer.Your timewithGodwillgiveyou thedirection, strength, and focus thatyouneed, andwillfillyouwiththeassurancethatyourheartyearnsfor.

Thewordpeace inGreek,eirene,means tobindtogether. It is theharmony,security,andjoythatcomefromarelationshipwithJesusChrist.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple12thisweek?Discussthetrialsthatyou are facing and how you can develop your “oneness” with Christ.Then spend time in prayer, asking God to draw you into intimatecommunion with Himself and to transform your life, so that you canaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


OnlyGodisequippedtohandleourproblems(seePs.62:5–7).

AcceptingGod’stimetableandinstructionhelpstodispelrisinganxiety(seeHab.2:1–3).

Thesafestplaceforyouwhentrialscomeis in theeverlastingarmsofJesus(seeDeut.33:27).

LifePrinciple13

ListeningtoGodisessentialtowalkingwithGod.

Psalm81:8

Life’sQuestions

Have you ever been in a situationwhen people simply didn’t listen toyou, even though you knew exactlywhat youwere talking about?Thesolutiontotheproblemseemedobvioustoyou,butothersweresobusyvoicing their opinions that you couldn’t get a word in edgewise.Frustrating,wasn’t it?Now imaginewhat itmust be like to beGod inheaven, with the most profound and complete knowledge about everytopicintheuniverse.Hehasthewisdomthatweneedtosolveallofourproblems—eventhedeepestones.Unfortunately,wheneverwebowourheadsinprayertocommunicatewithHim,wedoallthetalking.

Isthatwhatyoudo?Haveyoubeenone-sidedinyourconversationswithGod,tellingHimyourneedsinsteadoflisteningtoHisinstruction?LifePrinciple 13 states,Listening toGod is essential to walking withGod.You can’t have a relationshipwith someone that youdon’t listen to. IfyouwantGodtoleadyouandtransformyourlife,thenyouneedtohearwhatHe’ssaying.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadPsalm81.Whywas it important for the Israelites to recall all thegoodthingsthatGodhaddoneforthemontheNewMoon,Sabbath,andotherfeastdays(1–7;seealsoDeut.4:7–10)?

TheNewMoon meant the beginning of the month, in which theIsraeliteswouldgiveofferings toGod. ItwasacelebrationofhowHehadworkedamongthem(seeNum.10:10;28:11–15).

HowdoesrecallingGod’spastprovisionhelpyouwhenyoupray?

WhatdidGodwantfromIsrael(8–10,13–16)?

InwhatwayswasGodbeinggraciousinHiscommands?

HowdidIsraelrespondtoGod(11–12)?

WhydoyouthinkIsraelrefusedtolistentoHim?DoyoufailtolistentoHimforsimilarreasons?

WhatItMeans

Godwants the very best for thosewho believe inHim, andHe knowsexactlyhowtoprovideit.Unfortunately,thepeopleofIsraeldidnottrustHimenoughtoembracewhatHewasteachingthem,andtimeaftertimethey experienced the terrible consequences of their disobedience. TheyrefusedtolistentoGod,thinkingthatbydoingsotheywereescapingHiscontrol. However, what they were really doing was rejecting Hisprotectionandlove.Don’tmakethesamemistake.God’scommandsareforyourbenefit.AsProverbs1:7,32says,“ThefearoftheLORD is thebeginningofknowledge...Whoeverlistenstomewilldwellsafely,andwillbesecure,withoutfearofevil.”

LifeExamples

Doyoudoall the talking inyour relationshipwithGod?Whyorwhynot?

ReadEcclesiastes5:1–3.WhatattitudeshouldyouhavewhenyougotoGodinprayer?

Whatdomanywordsinprayeractuallyreveal?Whydoyouthinkthisis?

Atrueconversationinvolvesbothtalkingandlistening.

Read Matthew 6:5–8. What does Jesus mean when He says that thehypocriteshavetheirreward(5)?

Whyisyourprayertobeinsecret,butGod’srewardisoutintheopen(6)?

WhatdoesJesussayabouttheuseofmanywords(7)?

IfGodalready“knowsthethingsyouhaveneedofbeforeyouaskHim”(8),thenwhyshouldyougobeforeHiminprayer?

LivingthePrinciple

DoyourealizetheamazingprivilegethatyouhaveinbeingabletogotoGodinprayer?YouhavethefreedomtoapproachtheGodofallcreationat any moment to ask for His wisdom, comfort, and power. Hebrews4:15–16affirms,“WedonothaveaHighPriestwhocannotsympathizewithourweaknesses,butwasinallpointstemptedasweare,yetwithoutsin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that wemayobtainmercyandfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.”

Jesusunderstandseverything thatyou’regoing throughandall thatyoufeel,andHisdesire is toguideyou throughyour troubles inaway thatglorifiesGodandmakesyouintoaneffective,maturebeliever.However,

HecannothelpyouifyouwillnotwalkwithHim,andyoucannotwalkwithHim if youwon’t allowHim to lead you. And unfortunately, HecannotleadyouifyourefusetolistentoHim.

Why should you listen to God? Because He alwaysknowswhatisbestforyou.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple13thisweek?AreyouwillingtobequietbeforeHimandhearwhatHehastosay?CreateanactionplanofhowyouwillintentionallylistentoGodandcommityourselftoobeyingHim,nomatterwhatHetellsyoutodo.Also,discusshowyouwillkeepeachotheraccountableregardingthoseplans.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGod to drawyou into intimate communionwithHimself and totransformyour life,so thatyoucanaffect theworldfor thesakeofHiskingdom.


Godisnotsilent(seeHeb.1:1–3).

Godalwaysspeaksforyourbenefit(seeIsa.51:1–16).

LifePrinciple14

GodactsonbehalfofthosewhowaitforHim.

Isaiah64:4

Life’sQuestions

Waitingisnotfun.Eachdayyouwakeuphopingforsometidbitofgoodnews,but itdoesn’tcomeoryoureceiveanegativereport,andyouseelonger delays ahead. It can be very frustrating. No wonder Proverbs13:12tellsus,“Hopedeferredmakestheheartsick.”Thelongeryouwaittoseeyourdesirefulfilled,themorediscouragedyourheartgrows.Thatis, of course, unless your hope and trust are centered exclusively onChrist.OneofthemostdifficultlessonsthatyouwilllearnistowaitonGod. However, it is crucial that you understand how truly importantwaitingonHimis.LifePrinciple14explains,Godactsonbehalfofthosewhowait forHim. IfyouwantGod’sverybest foryour life,youmusttrust Him to provide it in His time. His knowledge of you and yoursituation are absolutely perfect—and so is His timing. He is going tomakesurethatyouarecompletelypreparedfortheblessingsthatHehasforyou.Therefore,makesuretokeepyoureyesonHim.

Isaiah ministered to Judah from 740 BC to 681 BC, and heprophesied about the Babylonian captivity which would begin acentury later in 597 BC. The Babylonians would also destroy thetemple in Jerusalem (see Isa. 63:18) in 586 BC. In Isaiah 63:7–

64:12, the prophet thanks God for His mercy in delivering thechurchfromtheBabyloniancaptivity.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadIsaiah63:7–14.HowdoesIsaiahdescribeGod(7–9)?

HowdidthepeoplerespondtoGod’skindness(10)?

WhydoesGoddisciplineHispeople(10;seealsoHeb.12:5–11)?

WhatdidthepeopledoafterGoddisciplinedthem(11–13)?

Read Isaiah63:15–19.Howdid the people of Judah feel as theywereheldcaptiveinBabylon?Whenhaveyoufeltthisway?

CharlesReadIsaiah64:1–4.WhatdidIsaiahaskGodtodo(1–3)?Whatotherhopewasthereforthepeople(4)?

WhatItMeans

ItistruethatGodwaspreparingHisjudgmentforthekingdomofJudah,butHewas also arranging the deliverance of the peoplewho remainedobedient to Him. Their only hopewas to wait on God to rescue themfromtheircaptors.Thankfully,itwasasurehope,andGodwasfaithfultobringthembacktoJerusalemwhenthetimewasrightandtheirheartshad turnedback toHim(seeEzraandNehemiah).AsGodpromises inIsaiah49:23,“YouwillknowthatIamtheLORD;thosewhohopeinmewillnotbedisappointed.”

LifeExamples

ReadIsaiah40:27–31.Whatareyouwaitingfor?Doyoueverfeelthatyoursituationis“hiddenfromtheLORD”(27)?

WhatdoesGoddoforyouasyouwait(seev.29)?

WhenyouwaitfortheLord,youshouldlookforwardtowhatHewilldowith joyfulexpectationandconfidenthope,becauseHeisprovidingHisverybestforyou.

Godunderstandshowdifficultthedelaysareforyou(30).Howdoesthisencourageyou?

WhatpromisedoesGodmaketoyouifyoucommityourselftowaitingforHim(31)?

LivingthePrinciple

Duringyourseasonofwaiting,youmayfeelsomewhatlost,discouraged,andunmotivated.YoumayalsofeelasifGodhasforgottenyou.Hehasnot.God isalwaysatwork,andat thisverymomentHe isengineeringyour situation toprovideHisverybest foryou. In fact,He is liningupyourcircumstances inaway that isbetter thanyoucouldever imagine(seeEph.3:20–21),andyouaregoingtobecompletelyblessedwhenyouseewhatHehasdoneforyou.

However, you must be patient until His plan comes together in Hisperfect timing. Do not run ahead of God! The delays may be verychallenging for you, but they are growing your faith inHim.After all,“Faithisbeingsureofwhatwehopeforandcertainofwhatwedonotsee” (Heb. 11:1). Therefore, look to Him, strengthen yourself in HisWordandlove,andremainconfidentthatHeisworkingonyourbehalf.Ofcourse,youmaybewondering,WhatdoesGodwantmetododuringthis waiting time? Am I just supposed to sit around and do nothing?Absolutelynot!WaitingonGodsimplymeansthatyoucontinueinyourpresentpositionuntilHegivesyou further instructions.As longasyouareobeyingHim,youwillcontinueonthecorrectcourse.

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is fromHim.Heonlyismyrockandmysalvation;Heismydefense;Ishallnotbemoved....TrustinHimatalltimes,youpeople;pouroutyourheartbeforeHim;Godisarefugeforus.(Ps.62:5–6,8)

How will you live out Life Principle 14 this week? Discuss times thatyou’ve waited for God to work and describe how He acted on yourbehalf.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunion with Himself and to transform your life, so that you canaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Whenwewait,wediscoverGod’swillintheareasthatmostconcernus(seeIsa.30:18).

When we wait, we receive supernatural physical energy and strength(seePs.27:13–14).

Whenwewait,wewinbattles(seePs.59:9–10).

Whenwewait,weseethefulfillmentofourfaith(seePs.33:20–21).

Whenwewait,weseeGodworkingonourbehalf(seePs.40:1–3).

LifePrinciple15

BrokennessisGod’srequirementformaximumusefulness.

Jeremiah15:19

Life’sQuestions

Sometimes it just doesn’t make sense. You seek God and try to beobedient toHim,but troubleandheartbreakconfrontyouatevery turn.Perhapsyouthoughtthat lifewouldgeteasierafteryouacceptedChristasyourSavior,butyou’ve found just theopposite tobe true.Nowyouhavetodealwiththetroublesthattheworldthrowsatyou,andyoualsofeelresponsible tohonorGodinhowyourespondto them.Somewhereinsideofyou,you’vecometo therealizationthatyou’re justnotstrongenoughtolivetheholylifethatChristhascalledyouto.

Good! God never meant you to live the Christian life by your ownresources. The trials that you’ve been experiencing are part of thebreakingprocess,wherebyGod freesyou fromyour self-sufficiency sothat you’ll allow Christ to live in and through you. That’s why LifePrinciple 15 teaches, Brokenness is God’s requirement for maximumusefulness. It’s throughbrokenness thatyoustopdependingonyourselfandstartlookingtoHimforyourstrength,wisdom,andpower.

WhattheBibleSays

Read 2 Kings 21:1–16. How did Manasseh’s sin affect Judah (9–12,16)?

ReadJeremiah15:4–6.WhatwasGod’sjudgmentuponJudah?

Jeremiahwas a prophet in Judah from 627BC to c. 586 BC.Heserved after Manasseh’s reign (c. 685 BC to 630 BC), but theongoingcorruptionoftheking’sidolatrywasfeltthroughoutJudahformany years (see Ex. 20:4–5; Jer. 15:4). God’s punishment forJudah was the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah’s sad duty was towarnthepeopleofthejudgmentthatwascoming.

Read Jeremiah 15:15–21.How did Jeremiah respond toGod’s verdict(15)?

WhatwasJeremiah’sconcernaboutGod’s judgment (18)?WhenhaveyoueverfeltasJeremiahdid?

WhatwasGod’spromisetoJeremiah(19–21)?

What do you think it means to “take out the precious from the vile”(19)?

Nothing could prevent God’s judgment, yet Jeremiahwasstillresponsibletoproclaimthetruthtothosewhowereperishing,inthehopethattheywouldrepentandbesaved(seeJer.18:8).

Howdo you thinkGodwouldmake Jeremiah into “a fortified bronzewall”(20;seealsoJer.1:18–19)?

WhatItMeans

Attimes,thesufferingthatyougothroughwillseemimmenselyunfair—especiallywhenitoccursatthehandofanotherperson.JeremiahwasagodlymanwhohadtoenduretheconsequencesofManasseh’ssin—eventhoughhehadnothingtodowiththeking’swickedness.Still,GodusedthepressuretomakeJeremiahintoHisholymouthpiece,andJeremiah’swords have endured throughout the generations, bringing hope tocountlesspeopleundergoingsimilarpersecution.

You must remember that, even when the adversity that you areexperiencingappearstobesenseless,“Allthingsworktogetherforgoodto those who love God, to those who are the called according to Hispurpose” (Rom. 8:28). That trial has been allowed in your life for aneternalreason—apurposebeyondwhatyoucanseeorunderstandatthemoment.However,youcanbeabsolutelyconfident thatGodwilluseitforgoodinyourlifeifyousubmityourselftoHimandtrustHim(see1Peter2:19–20).

LifeExamples

Read2Corinthians1:3–11.HowdoesPauldescribeGodinverse3?

HowdoesGodtreatyouwhileyouaregoingthroughadversity(4)?

WhatisGodtrainingyoutodoasHeiscomfortingyou(4–5)?

Whywouldadversitymakeyouamoreeffectiveministerofthegospel(6)?

WhatdidPaulseeasthepurposeforhisgreatsuffering(8–10)?

LivingthePrinciple

Romans 8:20–21 explains, “The creation was subjected to futility, notwillingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because thecreationitselfalsowillbedeliveredfromthebondageofcorruptionintothe glorious liberty of the children of God.” In other words, you’veexperienced these frustrating trials so that you can be free of the sinnaturethatisleftwithinyou.Yes,youareforgivenofallyoursinwhenyou accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. However, the tendency towanttosinremainswithinyou,andHemustbreakyouofit.

Goddoessofor tworeasons: to transformyou into the imageofChrist(see Rom. 8:29; Eph 5:1), and to develop your potential as Hisrepresentativeintheworld(seePhil.3:9–10;Col.1:24;Heb2:18;1Peter4:12–16). Therefore, commit yourself toGod and heed thewords of 1Peter 4:19: “Thosewho suffer according to God’s will should committhemselvestotheirfaithfulCreatorandcontinuetodogood.”

Inbringingmanysonstoglory,itwasfittingthatGod,forwhomandthroughwhomeverythingexists,shouldmake the author of their salvation perfect throughsuffering.(Heb.2:10NIV)

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple15thisweek?DiscussthetrialsthatyouarefacingandencourageeachothertoremainfaithfulandobedienttoGod.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunion with Himself and to transform your life, so that you canaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Through brokenness, you gain a new perspective ofGod’smercy andprovision(seePs.73:25–26).

Youdevelopamorecompletecomprehensionofyourself(seePs.73:21–23).

Your compassion and understanding for the suffering of others grows(seeHeb.5:2).

LifePrinciple16

WhateveryouacquireoutsideofGod’swilleventuallyturnstoashes.

Ezekiel25:6–7

Life’sQuestions

Thetemptationsitsbeforeyou,beckoningyoutocometakeit.Itlookssomuch like thedesireofyourheart thatyoucan’tstop thinkingabout it.An alarm goes off within your spirit—something just isn’t right aboutwhatyouwanttodo.Still, theopportunityissoenticingthatyoushakeoff thewarning, thinking,Whynot?Goddoesn’treallycareabout this,does He? You know that He does, so the argument in your mindcontinues,What if this is my only chance to be happy? God wouldn’tdenymethat,wouldHe?WhatifGodnevergivesmewhatIreallywant?

When thoughts like that enter yourmind, remember Life Principle 16:Whatever you acquire outside of God’s will eventually turns to ashes.Youareabouttoenterdangerousterritorythatwilldisappointyou—andmaydestroyyou,aswell.

Forhundredsofyears, theAmmonitesconspired to run thepeopleofGodoutofthePromisedLand(seeJudg.3;10–12;2Sam.10;1Chron.19–20;27:5;Ps.83:3–8).SowhenGodrebukedJudahforitssin, He simply tookHis hand of protection off of His people andallowed the Ammonites to attack. Still, God is just. He faithfullyjudgedAmmonfor itssinfulness (seeJer.49:1–6;Ezek.21:28–32;

25:1–7;Amos1:13–15).

WhattheBibleSays

ReadZephaniah2:8.WhatwasAmmon’sintentionregardingthepeopleofGod?

Read Ezekiel 21:28–32. The Ammonites found an ally in theBabylonians. How did God warn the Ammonites against helping theBabylonians?

HowdidtheBabyloniansconvincetheAmmonitestohelpthem(29)?

Read2Kings24:1–4.DidAmmonheedGod’swarning?Whynot,doyouthink?

Read Ezekiel 25:1–7. What was particularly distressing about theAmmonites’attitudesastheyplunderedJudah(3,6)?

WhatwasGod’sresponsetotheAmmonites(4–7)?

WhatItMeans

TheAmmonitesweredescendantsofLot,Abraham’snephew(seeGen.12:5; 19:36–38), so they were both neighbors of Judah and Israel andrelatedtothemaswell.TheAmmonitescouldhavelearnedtohonorGodandenjoyHisblessings(seeDeut.2:19).Unfortunately,theyweremoreinterested inpossessing the landof their relatives than inknowingtheirGod, and because of it they came to a bitter end: no land, noGod, nonation—nothing.Everythingtheyhadturnedtoashes,eventhoughGodgavethemampletimetorepent.Don’tmaketheirmistake.

Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar betrayed Ammon, attacking itscapitalcityaround581BC.Ammonneverrecovered,andeventuallythe nation died out completely. During the third century BC,Ptolemy II Philadelphus renamed the city Philadelphia. It receiveditscurrentname—Amman,Jordan—inthethirdcenturyAD.

LifeExamples

Read1Corinthians3:9–15.WhenyoubecameaChristian,whatroledidyoutakeon(8–11;seealsoEph.2:19–22)?

Whatmustyouconstantlyhaveinmindasyougoaboutyourday(11)?

What different motivations are there for doing work (12–13; see also4:5)?

Whattypeofworkwillendure(14)?Whatwillbeburnedup?

Read1Peter1:13–21.WhatisPeter’schallengetoyou?

LivingthePrinciple

What do you long for? Is it love, wealth, acceptance, stability,prominence, or something else? If you chase after it apart fromGod’swill, what you’ll find once you achieve your goal will be extremelydisappointing and empty. Itwill burn up and turn to ashes, and itwillsingeyouintheprocess,aswell.Therefore,don’tignorethealarmsignalwithinyou—itisGod’sHolySpiritwarningyouthatyou’reabouttodosomethingthatyouwillregret.

Rather,trustGodandbeholyasHeisholy(see1Peter1:15–16).Resistthe temptation togoafter thedesireofyourheart inyourownstrengthandbyyourownmeans,rememberingthatGodwillprovidetheabsolutebestforyouifyouwilltrustandobeyHim.Thoseblessingswillendure,and theywillbe toGod’sglory ineternity.AsDavidwrote, “Youwillshowme the path of life; inYour presence is fullness of joy; atYourrighthandarepleasuresforevermore”(Ps.16:11).

DelightyourselfalsointheLORD,andHeshallgiveyouthedesiresofyourheart.(Ps.37:4)

Howwill you liveoutLifePrinciple16 thisweek?Doyoubelieve thatGod’swillistrulybestforyou?Whyorwhynot?DiscusswaystomakesurethatyouareseekingGod’swillandwaystoresisttemptationwhenitbeckonstoyou.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


WhenwepursueourdesireinoppositiontoGod’swill,weenduptrulydisappointed(seePs.106:15).

AswepursueGod,HefulfillstheotherdesiresthatHehasgivenus(seePs.37:5).

LifePrinciple17

Westandtallestandstrongestonourknees.

Daniel6:10–11

Life’sQuestions

Following God isn’t easy. The world that persecuted the prophets andcrucifiedChristoftenrespondsnegativelytothosewhoarecommittedtothe Lord (see Matt. 5:10–12). Jesus explains the reason: “If theypersecutedMe,theywillalsopersecuteyou....AllthesethingstheywilldotoyouforMyname’ssake,becausetheydonotknowHimwhosentMe.IfIhadnotcomeandspokentothem,theywouldhavenosin,butnowtheyhavenoexcusefortheirsin”(John15:20–22).WhenothersseeGodworkingthroughyou,theywillbeconvictedoftheirsin,whichwillmakethemveryuncomfortable.Thismeansthattheymaylashoutatyouortrytoundermineyourtestimony.

Have you encountered trouble because you’re a Christian? Have youfound it difficult to get along with particular people or in certainsituationsbecauseyoufollowGod?Thendiscoverthewaythatthesaintsbefore you defended themselves. Life Principle 17 teaches,We standtallestandstrongestonourknees.

Daniel was of royal birth but was taken captive toBabylon as a young man. He was an impressive

individual, and was quickly recruited to serve in theking’spalace(seeDan.1:3–4),wherehewascarefultocontinuehonoring andobeyingGod in everyway.Heministered throughout the Babylonian captivity andshortlythereafter(c.605BCto530BC).

WhattheBibleSays

ReadDaniel6:1–9.HowdidDanieldistinguishhimselfandhowdidthekingrewardhimforit(3)?

WhydoyouthinkthegovernorsandsatrapswantedtogetridofDaniel?

Whatplotdidtheyinventtotraphim(4–8)?

ReadDaniel6:10–17.WhydidDanieldisobeythedecree(10)?

Inviewoftheplotagainsthim,whywasn’tDanielmoresecretiveaboutprayingtoGod?

Howdid the king react to hearing thatDaniel had violated the decree(14,16)?

ReadDaniel6:18–28.HowdidGodhonorDaniel’sfaithfulness(22)?

WhatultimatelycamefromDaniel’sobediencetoGod(26–28)?

WhatItMeans

ThestrengthofDaniel’scharactercamefromhistimealonewithGod;heremained steadfast because he was consistent in praying to God andobeyingHiscommands.Hiseyeswerenotonhisfoesorontheravenouslions.Hedidnotworryaboutpanderingtothegovernorsandsatraps,ortrying to gain political pointswith the king. Rather,Daniel’s completeattentionwasonGod.HeknewthathecouldnotgowrongaslongashewashonoringGod,becausehisLordwoulddefendhim.

LifeExamples

Read 1 Peter 5:6–11.What isGod’s promise to you if you obeyHim(6)?

What“lion”doyouhavetowatchoutforwhenyousubmityourselftoGod(8)?

From Daniel’s example and verse 9, what have you learned aboutfightingtheenemy?Whatwillresultfromyourobedience(10–11)?

What will your submission to God do? It will perfect you, whichmeanstorestore,mend,rendercomplete,andequip.Itwillestablishyou, whichmeans tomake as solid as granite,make stable, placefirmly,andrenderconstant.Itwillstrengthenyou,whichmeanstomakestrongorfillwithstrength.Anditwillsettleyou,whichmeanstolaythefoundationofyourfaithandyourfuturewithChrist.

LivingthePrinciple

Being on your knees before God isn’t just a physical stance. It’s anattitude of the heart in which you are seeking God and are willing tosubmit to His plan for your future. As you spend time with Him inprayer, your relationshipwithGod becomes deeper andmore intimate.You feel His power in your life and begin to trust His hand in everysituation. Instead of worrying about the “lions” in your path, youincreasingly focus onHimand howHe isworking.This gives you theassurance and boldness to face your troubles, because you’re confidentthatGod’splanforyouwillbeaccomplished.

Prayeris themostpowerful thingthatyoucando.Asdifficultconflictsarise, theenemymay try toconvinceyou to“tonedown”orkeepyourwalkwithGod a secret.However,Godwill call you to a deeperwalkwithHimso thatyoucanexperienceHisprovision,grow inyour faith,andbeashiningexampletoothers.

He is the living God, and steadfast forever; Hiskingdom is the onewhich shall not be destroyed, andHisdominionshall endure to theend.Hedeliversandrescues,andHeworkssignsandwondersinheavenandonearth.(Dan.6:26–27)

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple17thisweek?YoustandtallestandstrongestonyourkneesbecausethatiswhenyousubmityourselftoGod.Willyoucommityourself toHiminprayer?DiscusswaysthatyoucandeepenyourtimealonewiththeLord.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


God is greater than any problem thatwe could ever face (see 1 John4:4).

Whateverweface,wemusttrustGodwithit(see2Sam.22:2–4).

LifePrinciple18

AschildrenofasovereignGod,wearenevervictimsofourcircumstances.

Hosea3:4–5

Life’sQuestions

Therearetragic,life-changingmomentsthatcanbeextremelydifficulttosurvive.Anunexpectedtrialstrikesyouwithaforcethatknocksyouoffyour feet—the pain and loss far more intense than you ever thoughtpossible. Stunned and overwhelmed, your mind will look for someexplanationtoclingto.Youmaywonder,WhatdidIdotodeservethis?Why would God allow this to happen to me? During these times ofheartbreak,itisextremelyimportantforyoutorememberLifePrinciple18: As children of a sovereign God, we are never victims of ourcircumstances.Youmaynotknowwhythisadversityhascomeintoyourlife,butyoucantrustthatGodiswithyouandlovesyou.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadHosea1:1–3.WhatdidtheLordcommandHoseatodo?

HoseawasaprophetinthenorthernkingdomofIsraelc.755BCto715 BC. God brought His judgment to the kingdom of Judahthrough Babylon, and He judged Israel through the Assyrianinvasion.

WhatdoyouthinktheLord’spurposewasingivingthatassignmenttoHosea(2)?Doesitmakesensetoyou?

ReadHosea2:6–8,13.WhatdidIsraeldo?

WhatwasGod’sjudgmentconcerningIsrael’sunfaithfulness?WhatwasIsraelsupposedtolearnfromGod’srebuke(7–8)?

TheHebrewword formaster or owner isBa’al. TheLord is your true Master and Owner. However, youalwaysneedtobecarefulthatyourfullaffectionisseton Him so that something else—such as wealth,relationships,power,orstatus—doesn’tcontrolyouandbecomeyourgod.

ReadHosea2:14–20.WhatwouldGoddoafterHejudgedIsrael’ssin?

What is the difference between thinking ofGod as yourHusband andthinkingofHimasyourMaster(16)?Isn’tHeboth?

Whatdoverses19–20tellyouaboutGod’sintentionstowardyou?

HosealovedandcaredforGomer,yetshewentbacktoprostitutionandwasenslavedtoanotherman.Hoseawasthenforcedtopurchaseherforhalfthepriceofafemaleslave(seeEx.21:32).

ReadHosea3:1–5.HowwasGod’srelationshipwithIsraelreflectedinHosea’srelationshipwithGomer?

WhatdoyouthinktheIsraeliteslearnedfromnothavingkings,princes,and so on (4)?What isGod’s goal for every circumstance that comesintoyourlife(5)?

WhatItMeans

ThroughHosea’smarriage,GodgavetheIsraelitestheperfectpictureofwhat Hewanted to teach them. They had sinned, abandoning theGodwho redeemed them fromEgypt to run after false deities that couldn’toffer themanythingbutheartache.Still,God lovedHispeople, andHewas committed to the covenant that He had made with them. He waswillingtotakedrasticmeasures—evenallowingAssyriatoinvadethem—to bring Israel back to a vibrant relationship with Himself. In fact,Hosea3:5says,“AfterwardthechildrenofIsraelshallreturnandseektheLORD their God and David their king.” This meant that they wouldembrace the descendant of David who would become their Messiah.Through this conflict with Assyria, God would prepare the people ofIsraelforJesustobetheirSavior.

LifeExamples

ReadPsalm103:19.WhatdoesGodruleover? Is thereanything inallcreationthatGoddoesnotcontrol?

Howdoesthisapplytothetrialthatyouareexperiencing?

LivingthePrinciple

God is completely sovereign,whichmeans that everything that touchesyour lifemustservesomepurpose.Nothingthathappenstoyouisevermeaninglessoruseless.Youarenevermerelyavictimofanunfairworld.Godhasaveryimportantpurposeforrefiningyou,whichistoconformyoutotheimageofHisSonandglorifyHimselfthroughyou.Themorejoltingthehardship,thegreatertheministrywhichGodispreparingforyou.Thedeeperthecut,themoreprofoundlyGodwilluseyoutodoHisworkintheworldifyouwilltrustandobeyHim.

Areyouin themiddleofa trial?DoyouwonderwhyGodhasallowedsuchapainful experience inyour life? It is alright toaskHimwhyHepermittedtheadversityandwhatHewantsyoutolearnfromit.However,you must avoid becoming bitter and resentful. Always remember thatGodisultimatelyincontrol,Hisloveforyouneverchanges,andHiswill

foryourlifeisgood.Youarenotavictim.YouareGod’sbelovedchildandHehasanextraordinaryplanforyourlife,sohavefaithinHim.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple18thisweek?DiscusshowithelpsyoutoknowthatGodhasapurpose inallofyourcircumstances.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Your sovereignGodhas determined to use everything that happens toyouforyourblessingandHisglory(seeRom.8:28).

Toendure,keepyoureyesonJesus(seeHeb.12:1–3).

LifePrinciple19

Anythingyouholdtootightly,youwilllose.

Amos6:6–7

Life’sQuestions

Whatcanyounotlivewithout?Whatwouldutterlydevastateyouifyoulostit?Isitarelationship,possession,oracertainsituationinyourlife?IsitmoreimportanttoyouthanGod?Youneedtoconsiderhowtightahold it actuallyhasonyoubecause it couldbecomecounter-productiveandevendangerous.WhatwouldyoudoifGodaskedyoutogiveitup?CouldyouobeyHim?Doesthethoughtoflettingitgocauseyoutofeelanxiousandoutofcontrol?

If there is something inyour life thatcouldkeepyoufromtrustingandhonoringtheLord,itisanidol,andGodisnotgoingtoallowyoutokeepitinyourgrasp.LifePrinciple19teaches,Anythingyouholdtootightly,you will lose. If you are looking to anything other than God for yoursenseofacceptance,accomplishment,andsecurity, thenyouareheadedfor serious trouble, because it will not last. Sooner or later, God willassertHisrightfulroleastheonlyLordofyourlife.

AmoswasashepherdandfarmerinJudahwhowarnedIsraelaboutGod’scomingjudgment(c.760BCto750BC).King Jeroboam IIhadexpanded Israel’s territoryandwealth,buttheprosperitycorruptedthepeopleand

theybecameevenmoreimmoralandidolatrous.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadAmos2:6–8.HowweretheIsraelitesdispleasingtotheLord?

ReadAmos6:1–8.WhatweretheIsraelitestrustingin(1)?

WhatattitudewerethepeopleofIsraelexhibitinginverses4–5?

WhatdoyouthinktheafflictionofJosephwas(6;seealsoEzek.34:2–4)?

What did God hate about Israel’s behavior (8; see also Ps. 10:2–4)?WhatwasGod’spunishment(7)?

WhatItMeans

The Israelites were so enamored with their prosperity that they forgotGod (see Hos. 10:1–3). They became prideful in their affluence andmilitary victories and believed that they didn’t needHim anymore. SowhenGodcalledthemtorepentance,theyrefusedtoobeyHiscommandsor letHimback into their lives.They justweren’twillinggiveup theirwealthandeaseforHim—anditcostthemeverything.

LifeExamples

Read2Kings17:5–20.HowdidAmos’prophecycometrue(5–6)?

How had God warned them (13)? How does He use similar methodstodaytowarnpeopleabouttheirsinfulness?

HowdidtheIsraelitesrespondtoGod(14–17)?

WhathappenedtoeverythingthattheIsraelitesweretryingtoholdonto(18–20)?

Israel’s capital, Samaria, was destroyed in 722 BC by Assyria.Thousands of Israelites were taken captive to Media and UpperMesopotamia.Therestweremade to liveunderAssyrianrule,andIsrael itself ceased to exist. From there, the land changed handsmanytimes,andIsraeldidnotbecomeanationagainuntilMay14,1948.

LivingthePrinciple

GodsentprophetstoIsraelandJudahbeforesendingHisjudgment(seeAmos3:7).AswediscussedinLifePrinciple10,GodwillmoveheavenandearthtoshowyouHiswill.GodwantsyoutoknowwhatisgoingonandwhatHisplanisforyou.However,nomatterwhatthecircumstancesmaybe, yourmost important responsibility is always to trust and obeyHim.IfthereissomethingthatyouarehonoringaboveGod,HewillletyouknowthatitdispleasesHimandHewillcallyoutolaythatperson,possession, or situation down on your own. However, if you refuse tosubmit it to Him, He will pry it out of your hands, which is alwaysextremelypainful.

Godwill not share the control of your lifewith somethingor someoneelse.Jesussaid,“Noonecanservetwomasters;foreitherhewillhatetheoneandlovetheother,orelsehewillbeloyaltotheoneanddespisetheother”(Matt.6:24).YouneitherhonorGodnorhelpyourselfbyhavingadividedheart.Therefore,makeadecisionaboutwhatwill ruleyour lifeonce and for all. Surrender whatever is coming between you and theLord.

Thegoodnewsisthat,nomatterwhatGodrequiresyoutogiveup,youcanbecertainthatyourlife isgoingtobemuchbetterwithout it in thelongrun.Godisnotpunishingyoubytakingthispreciousthingfromyou—Heispreparingtogiveyousomethingevenbetter.

KeepyoureyesonGodandnottheblessing.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple19thisweek?DiscusswhatyouarehavingtroublegivingupandhowyouwillkeepeachotheraccountableinhonoringGod.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyou

canaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


God loves you too much to allow any notions of self-sufficiency ordependenceuponanythingotherthanHimself(see2Cor.12:7–10).

LifePrinciple20

Disappointmentsareinevitable;discouragementisachoice.

Habakkuk3:17–19

Life’sQuestions

Lifeoftendoesn’tturnoutthewaythatyouthinkitshould.Opportunitiesthatyouwerecountingondon’t turnout thewaythatyouthought theywould.Peoplethatyouthoughtyoucoulddependonenduplettingyoudown. Even the plans and expectations that you designed for yourselfhavebeenfrustrated.It’sallverydisappointing.

Whathopesdoyouhaveforyourlife?Whatopportunities,relationships,orsituationsareyouconstantlyreachingfor?Itishumannaturetohavehopes—they motivate you and keep you striving for the best.Unfortunately,yourexpectationscanalsodisappointyouterriblyiftheydon’t come true. During those times of disillusionment, the mostimportant thing for you to remember is Life Principle 20:Disappointments are inevitable; discouragement is a choice. Will youallow your disappointments to dishearten you?Will you allow them toimpedeyoufrombecomingeverything thatGodcreatedyou tobe? It’syourdecision,sochoosewisely.

The prophetHabakkukministered in Judah c. 612BC to 588BC,beforeandduringtheBabylonianinvasion.

WhattheBibleSays

Read Zephaniah 1:2–6. What was happening in Judah before theBabyloniansinvaded?

ReadHabakkuk 1:1–6.WhatwasHabakkuk’s reaction to the idolatry,immorality, and injustice that he saw daily in his nation? What wasGod’sresponsetoHabakkuk(5–6).

ReadHabakkuk2:2–4.WhydoesGodtellHabakkuktowritedownHisjudgmentconcerningBabylon(2–3)?

WhatisGod’sadmonitiontoHabakkukinverse4?

ReadHabakkuk3:17–19.HowdoesHabakkukrespondtoGod?

ThepeopleofJudahwereservingfertilitygods—thebasisfortheiridolatrywastoincreasetheircropsandprosperity.Habakkuknamesallofthemajorcropsoftheregionandsaysthat,eveniftheyallfail,Godisstillworthyofpraise.Thatisthetrueheartoffaith.

WhatItMeans

Lifecanbedownrightdepressingattimes.HabakkukpleadedforGodtorebuke thewickedness of his countrymen, but he became disheartenedwhen he found out that the judgment would come in the form ofBabylon’s invasionofJudah.This is theverycoreofdisappointment—you expect something that will improve your circumstances, but youreceivesomethingthatmakesyoursituationworse.

Habakkuk didn’t understand God’s ways, but he still trusted in God’swisdom.“IwillrejoiceintheLORD,IwilljoyintheGodofmysalvation.TheLORDGodismystrength”(Hab.3:18–19).Thisiswhatyoumustdoaswell, evenwhenGod’s answer to your prayers isn’twhat youwerehopingfor.TrustHim,becauseHeknowsexactlywhatHeisdoing.

LifeExamples

Read Psalm 73:1–12.When have you doubted God because you sawsomeoneelseprosperinginamannerthatyou’velongedfor?

Read Psalm 73:13–17.Have you ever been tempted to give up out ofdiscouragement?Ifso,whatbroughtyoubackintofellowshipwithGod?

ReadPsalm73:21–28.Asabeliever,whatdoyouhavetorelyonwhenall else fails? How can remembering this keep you from becomingdiscouraged?

LivingthePrinciple

How do you respond when disappointments come your way? Do youbecomeangry,frustrated,anddisheartened?Ordoyousay,“Lord,ImaynotknowwhyYouallowed this,but I trustYouanyway,knowing thatYourbestformylifeisstillahead.”Ifyourespondwithdiscouragementand resentment, you will begin a downhill slide away from God’spurpose foryour life.However, if you respondwith trust andpraise, itwillbuildyourfaithandbringyouclosertotheLord.

Wheneveryou facedisappointments, remember thatyour situation is inHishandandunderHissovereigncontrol.Meditateon the fact thatHelovesyouunconditionallyandisprovidingHisverybestforyou.Recallthe blessings that He has already given you. No matter whatdisappointmentscomeintoyourlife,youcanusethemasstepping-stonesto greater faith. Instead of becoming discouraged, you’ll be filledwithHiscourage,andthere’snothingmoreencouragingthanthat.

TheLORDhimself goesbefore you andwill bewithyou; hewillnever leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not bediscouraged.(seeDeut.31:8)

How will you live out Life Principle 20 this week? Discuss thedisappointmentsthatyou’veexperiencedrecentlyandhowyoucanturnthem to your advantage by trusting God. Then spend time in prayer,askingGodtodrawyouinto intimatecommunionwithHimselfand totransformyourlife,sothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Godhasauniqueplan foryour life that isnotchangedbyunexpectedcircumstances(seeIsa.41:9–10).

Whenever a situation arises that does not line up with yourunderstanding of God’s will, you must stop and look to Him fordirection(seePs.32:8).

GodholdsyourfutureinHishands,andyouwillneverlosebylookingforwardtowhatHehasinstore(seePhil.3:13–14).

LifePrinciple21

Obediencealwaysbringsblessing.

Luke11:28

Life’sQuestions

HowfardoesGodexpectyoutogoinyourobediencetoHim?Perhapsyou’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and have submitted toHiminsomeimportantareas,butyou’restillnotcertainthatyouwanttoturn every part of your life over toHim.After all, as Paulwrote, “Allthings are lawful for me” (1 Cor. 6:12). Salvation is through faith inChrist and you can’t lose it, so why do you need to obey His trulydifficultcommands?

Don’tmisstherestofPaul’smessage.Hewrites,“Allthingsarelawfulforme, but Iwill not be brought under the power of any....Youwereboughtataprice;thereforeglorifyGodinyourbodyandinyourspirit,which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:12, 19–20). God wants you to enjoy thefreedomwhichHegivesyouineveryarea(seeGal.5:1,13;James1:25),but theonlyway toattain that liberty is throughobedience.That’swhyLifePrinciple21teaches,Obediencealwaysbringsblessing.

People questioned the power by which Jesus cast outdemons,andHe replied,“if Icastoutdemonswith thefinger of God, surely the kingdom of God has comeupon you” (Luke 11:20). Jesus provides the onlywaythatapersoncanbefree,butHerequiresourobedience

intheprocess.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadLuke11:23–28.WhatdoesJesusmeanwhenHesays,“HewhoisnotwithMeisagainstMe,andhewhodoesnotgatherwithMescatters”(23)?

Why can people turn to religions, rehabilitation programs,psychotherapy,etc., andappear togetbetter,only to relapse into theiroldwaysafterawhile(24–25)?

What do those belief systems and programs actually make room for(26)?WhatdoesthissayabouthowSataninfluencespeople’slives?

CanapersonbepossessedbyademononceJesusChristbecomestheirSaviorandLord(see1Cor.3:16;6:17;1John2:4)?

Inwhatways can you be influenced by the enemy (see 1Cor. 10:13;Eph.4:27;James1:14)?

As a “new creation” in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), only theHolySpiritcandwellinyou(see1Cor.6:19–20).Theenemy’suncleanspiritsnolongerhaveaplaceinyou.

WhatdoesJesusadmonishyoutodo(seeLuke11:28)?

WhatItMeans

Theenemywantstocontrolanddestroyyou(see2Thes.1:8–9).ThatiswhySatanwilldowhateverhecan tokeepaperson fromrealizinghisneedforsalvationthroughJesusChrist.OnceyoureceiveJesusasyourSavior andHisHolySpirit comes to live inyou,youcanno longerbepossessedby theenemy’sdemonsorbe forced todohiswill (seeEph.4:30;2Tim.2:26).Theonlythingthattheenemycandoisdestroyyoureffectiveness for the kingdom ofGod, and stop you from enjoying therelationship that youhavewithGod.The enemydoes this by temptingyoutosin.

Therefore,wheneveryoudisobeyGod,youareactuallyparticipating inthe enemy’s plot to injure you andmake youmiserable. You are alsoactingagainstChrist,ratherthanwithHim.ChristcallsyoutoobediencesothatyoumayenjoytheabundantlifethatHecreatedyoufor(seeJohn10:10).ThisiswhyHegivesusHisSpirit,so“that[you]mightknowthethingsthathavebeenfreelygivento[you]byGod”(1Cor.2:12).

LifeExamples

ReadJohn15:4–8.Howdoyouproduce something that isworthyandeternal(4–5)?

WhatisChrist’spromisetoyouifyouobeyHimfaithfully(7;seealsoPs.37:4)?

Thewordabide in theNewTestamentmeans to remain steadfast,perseveringinbeingunitedasonewithChristinheart,soul,mind,strength,andwill.HowdoyouremainsoclosetoGod?He’llshowyouasyoudowhatHesays.

Youexist toglorifyGod (seePs.86:8–12;Matt.5:16); therefore,howdoyoubestliveoutthepurposeforwhichyouwerecreated(8)?

WhatkindoffruitisJesustalkingabout(seeGal.5:22–23;1Peter1:5–8)?Doyouexhibitthesecharacteristics?

Read John 15:9–16.Why does Jesus have you joinHim in doingHisworkintheworld(11)?

WhatshouldyourmotivationbeineverythingthatyoudoforGod(9–10,13–14)?

Why is it important to remember that you serve with God out offriendship,ratherthanforGodoutofobligation(15–16)?

LivingthePrinciple

AsyourCreatorandOwner,Godknowswhatisabsolutelybestforyou,andHewants tosee itaccomplished inyour life.What ishinderingyoufromobeyingGod?Areyouholdingontoaperson,goal,oractivitythatislessthanGod’sbestforyou?ItmaybefrighteningtosubmitittoGod,butdo it anyway.Godwants toblessyouandgiveyou freedom in thatarea,butHewillonlydosowhenyouobeyHim.Isobediencesometimeschallenging?Yes.Butwill it beworth itwhenyou seeGodworking inyour lifeandexperienceHis freedom?Absolutely!Therefore,obeyGodwithconfidence,knowingthatyouwillbeblessedwhenyoudo.

Howwillyou liveoutLifePrinciple21 thisweek?Discuss theareasofobediencethatyouarehavingtroublewithandcommittokeepingeachotheraccountableinturningthoseareasovertoGod.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGod todrawyou into intimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Obeying God in small matters is an essential step to God’s greatestblessings(seeMark4:30–32).

Ourobediencealwaysbenefitsothers(see2Cor.4:11–15).

WhenweobeyGod,wewillneverbedisappointed(seePs.22:5).

LifePrinciple22

TowalkintheSpiritistoobeytheinitialpromptingsoftheSpirit.

Acts10:19

Life’sQuestions

Doyoueverfeelburnedout inyourwalkwithGod?Doyouwonderifyouareontherighttrackorifthereissomethingmorethatyoushouldbeexperiencing? Do you wish that God’s direction were clearer to you?Thenyoumaybe trying to live theChristian life in your own strengthand wisdom, rather than by following the leadership of God’s HolySpirit.LifePrinciple22teaches,TowalkintheSpiritistoobeytheinitialpromptings of the Spirit. When you do so, you are equipped andempowered by the Holy Spirit, and have His perfect direction andguidance.TheHolySpiritmay leadyou inways thatyoudon’texpect,but as you obeyHim, you see that He always directs you in themostblessedandeffectivepath.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadActs10:1–8.WhatsortofmanwasCornelius(1–4)?

CorneliuswasknownasaGod-fearer.ThismeantthatheascribedtoJewishworshipandmoralsandbelievedintheOneTrueGod,butheprobablywasn’taJewishconvert in the formal sense of being circumcised andundergoingJewishbaptism.

HowspecificwastheLordinHisinstructiontoCornelius(5–6)?

WhydoyouthinkCorneliuswassomovedbythisvision(7–8)?

ReadActs10:9–16.HowwasPeter’sresponsedifferentthanCornelius’(14)?

Why do you think Peter answered the way he did (14; also see Lev.11:4,8)?WhatwasGod’sanswertoPeter(15)?

Whydoyouthinkthisvisionwasrepeatedthreetimes(16)?

ReadActs10:17–23.HowquicklydidtheSpiritrevealtoPeterwhatthevisionmeant?

ReadActs10:24–48.WhatopportunitydidPeter receivebecausebothheandCorneliusobeyedtheHolySpirit(33)?

How did Peter show that he had learnedwhat Godwas teaching himthroughthevision(28,34–35)?

Iamnotashamedofthegospel,becauseitisthepowerofGodforthesalvationofeveryonewhobelieves:firstfortheJew,thenfortheGentile.(Rom1:16NIV)

Howwere thepeopleblessedby theobedienceofPeter andCornelius(44–45;alsosee11:15–18)?

WhatItMeans

Corneliusand theotherswere thefirstGentilebelievers tobecomepartofthechurchwithoutfirstbecomingJewishconverts.Beforethis,itwasthoughtthatGentilebelieverscouldnotreceivetheHolySpiritbecauseitwas only for the people of Israel. In other words, non-Jews were notconsideredfull,completeChristians.Ofcourse,thiswasnotGod’splan.Rather, itwasbasedonthefact thatonlyJewishbelievershadreceivedtheHolySpiritatPentecost (seeActs2:2–3).Butwhen theHolySpiritfell upon all thosewhoheard theword (Acts 10:44), just asHehad atPentecost, all of the Jewish believers there understood that God wasextendingHisgreatgifttotheGentiles,aswell.

Thankfully, neither Peter nor Cornelius ignored the promptings of theHolySpiritbecauseof theirpreconceivednotions.Instead, thewaywasopenedbecauseoftheirobedienceforGentilestoreceivetheHolySpiritand become part of the Body of Christ. Unless you have a Jewishbackground,youaredirectlyaffectedbythisevent.Youdonothavetogo through all of the rituals of becoming a Jew before you can acceptChrist as your Savior and receive theHoly Spirit.And it’s all becausetwomenwereobedienttothepromptingsoftheSpirit.

LifeExamples

ReadActs16:6–10.HowdidtheHolySpiritdirectPaulandSilas(6–7)?

WhydidtheHolySpiritpreventthemfrompreachingthegospel?

When has the Holy Spirit shut a door to you that you did notunderstand?

HowdidtheHolySpiritredirectPaulandSilas(9–10)?

This was Paul’s second missionary journey. He may

havebeenlookingforwardtovisitingthechurchesthathe’d previously planted, but God had other plans—including crossing theAegean Sea to a new continent(Europe) with the gospel. Paul planted churches atPhilippi,Thessalonica,andBerea.

LivingthePrinciple

HaveyoubeenignoringtheSpirit’spromptingsbecauseyouareunsureaboutwhereHeisdirectingyou?HastheSpiritchallengedyourbeliefsor isHemovingyoutochangeyourcourse?TheHolySpiritcanneverleadyouwrong,becauseHeguidesyou indoingGod’swill—which isglorifyingGodandbecomeeverything thatHecreatedyou tobe. Jesussaid,“TheSpirit...willguideyouintoalltruth...HewillglorifyMe,forHewilltakeofwhatisMineanddeclareittoyou”(John16:13–14).

TheHolySpiritisyourCounselor,Comforter,andHelper,andHemakessurethatyouhaveeverythingyouneedtoaccomplishwhateverGodhascalledyou todo.Therefore,youneed tostop trying todoeverythingbyyour own power.Obeywhat theHoly Spirit is guiding you to do rightaway, and then watch and enjoy the wonderful Spirit-filled life thatunfoldsbeforeyou.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple22thisweek?DiscussthechallengesandblessingsthatcomewithobeyingtheinitialpromptingsoftheHolySpirit.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunion with Himself and to transform your life, so that you canaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


WemuststayyieldedtotheHolySpirit (seeRom.8:13–14;Gal.5:16–18).

WemusttrusttheHolySpirittoguideus(see1Thes.5:19).

LifePrinciple23

YoucanneveroutgiveGod.

2Corinthians9:8

Life’sQuestions

Giving isanaspectofdiscipleship thatpastorsaregenerallyhesitant totalk about and believers are usually less than enthusiastic to learn. Forsomereason,thetopicsoftithingandgenerositystrikeusastoopersonalto discuss and are often difficult to turn over to God.We’re eager toreceiveGod’s blessings, yet we’re hesitant to obeyHimwith the giftsthat He’s given us. This is due to a lack of trust and the refusal toacknowledgeGod’sownershipofallthatexists.

That’swhyLifePrinciple23teaches,YoucanneveroutgiveGod.Godislovingandfullofgrace,sowhenHecommandsustoletgoofourwealthand resources, it is for a good reason.Hedoes notwant to deprive us.Rather, He wants to teach us to be more like Him bymaking us intogenerousgivers.Aswelearntoletgoofourpossessions,wefindthatwereceivebackfromHimaboveandbeyondallwe’vereleased.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadActs11:27–30.WhydidthedisciplesfinditnecessarytosendaidtothebelieversinJudea—andmorespecifically,thechurchinJerusalem(28)?

Read2Corinthians8:1–7.WhatexamplehadtheMacedonianchurchessetfortheCorinthians(1–4)?

God sent Paul to the Macedonians during his second missionaryjourney, and this letter to the Corinthians was written during histhirdmissionaryjourney,afewyearslater.Paulcouldn’thaveknowwhat an immense blessing the Macedonian churches would be tohimandtothechurchinJerusalem—butGoddid.

Why do you think Paul begins his plea to the Corinthians with thepositiveexampleoftheMacedonians(7)?

Read2Corinthians8:8–15.Whyisitofteneasiertoshowyourloveandsupportforothersinwaysthatarenotfinancial(8)?

HowdidJesusbecomepoorforyoursake(9;alsoseePhil.2:5–7)?

When have you pledged to donate resources and then failed to makegoodonyourpromise(10–12)?Whathappened?

The Corinthians had pledged to give to the church inJerusalembuthadnotyetfulfilledtheirpromise.

Whyis it inyour interest tobefaithful toGodwithyourfinances(seeMal.3:10)andtoshowgenerositytowardothers(13–15;alsoseeLuke6:38;Gal.5:13–15)?

WhatItMeans

Along with the famine (see Acts 11:27–30), there were other factorsaffectingthepoorinJerusalem.Manybelieversweredisownedbytheirfamiliesandcommunity, losingtheirabilitytosupport themselves.Thisled to the pooling of resourceswhichwere soon spent (seeActs 2:44;

4:34). Therewere alsomanywidows that needed to be supported (seeActs6:1–6), aswell asmissionaries thatwerebeing sentout.Tomakematters even worse, the people were being taxed by both Jewish andRomanauthorities,whichmeantthatitwasnearlyimpossibletoproduceenoughtoliveon.However,throughallthesefinancialtroubles,Godwasteaching theGentile believers to showHis love to others, andHewasalsoshowingJewishbelieversthattheycouldtrusttheGentileChristians.Inotherwords,GodwasunitingthechurchthatwasdividedbycultureanddistanceasonlyHecould.

LifeExamples

Read 2 Corinthians 9:1–15. What do you think Paul told theMacedoniansabouttheCorinthians(2)?

Whenpeoplethinkofyouasagoodexample,doesitmotivateyoutoactinagodlymanner,evenifit’sdifficult(3–5)?Whyorwhynot?

Howhaveyouseentheprincipleinverse6proventrueinyourownlife?

Whatischeerfulgivingbasedon(7;alsoseeMatt.10:8;John13:34;1Cor.13:3;Eph5:2)?

WhatisGod’spromisetoyouwhenyougive(8)?

ThewordgraceintheNewTestamentcomesfromtheroot word to rejoice. It means the absolutely freebenefitorexpressionof loving-kindness,deedswhichcause joy, and favor conferred. When Paul writes,“Godisable tomakeallgraceaboundtowardyou”(2Cor. 9:8), it means that God shows you asuperabundance of kindness that will cause youimmensejoy.

WhatdoesobediencetoGodinyourfinancesinspire(10–15)?

LivingthePrinciple

Doyou tithe, giving 10 percent of your income for theministry of thechurch? Do you give generously, blessing those in need? Perhaps you

lookatthosequestionsandthink,Ican’tbecauseIhavebarelyenoughtoliveonmyself.Ormaybeyourresponse is,I’veworkedhard forwhat IhaveandIdon’tseewhyIshouldgiveitup.Aswe’vediscussedbefore,bothoftheseattitudescomefromalackoftrustinGodandtherefusaltoacknowledgeHisownershipofallthatexists.Godwantsto“open…thewindowsofheavenandpouroutforyousuchblessingthattherewillnotbe room enough to receive it” (Mal 3:10), but He will wait until yousubmitthisareaofyourlifetoHim.

God knows your struggles, desires, and the circumstances that surroundyourlife,andHehaspromisedto“supplyallyourneedaccordingtoHisriches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). So stop making yourdecisionsbasedonabalancesheet,andstartobeyingGodineveryarea—including your finances.You’ll never come up short. Be generouswithHim, and what you’ll find are greater blessings than you could haveimagined.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple23thisweek?Discusstheblessingsof turning your finances over to God. Submit to Him and commit tokeepingeachotheraccountableintheareaoffinances.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


AllthatwehaveisagiftfromGod;therefore,whateverweofferHimisonlyaportionofwhatHehasalreadygiventous(seeDeut.10:14).

Whenwe obeyHimby honoringHimwith our tithes,He protects ourfinancesandblessesus(seeMal.3:10).

LifePrinciple24

TolivetheChristianlifeistoallowJesustoliveHislifeinandthroughus.

Galatians2:20

Life’sQuestions

What troubles your heart today?What concern is consuming youwithfearanddoubt?Doyourealizethatit’snotyourplacetoworryaboutthatperson, situation, or issue? Have you come to the understanding thateverything thatconcernsyou isChrist’s responsibility tocare for ratherthan yours, and that your job is simply to obey Him? David wrote inPsalm138:7–8,“ThoughIwalkinthemidstoftrouble...Yourrighthandwillsaveme.TheLORDwillperfectthatwhichconcernsme.”

Youmaybesousedtotakingcareofyourselfand/orothersthatthisisadifficulttruthtoaccept.However,ifyouwillembraceLifePrinciple24—To live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life in andthroughus—thenyouwill experienceall of thepeace, joy, confidence,andassurancethatarerightfullyyoursinJesusChrist.Ifyoudon’t,thenyou’llcontinuebeingdistractedbyissuesthatwereneveryourstoworryabout, and you will miss the blessings of the abundant life that Godplannedforyou.

The Jerusalem Council (see Acts 15) was the firstconference held by the early church. It addressed the

concerns of the Judaizers, who trusted Jesus as theirSavior,butalsobelievedthatChristiansshouldkeepthelawinordertoattainsalvation.Ofcourse,Christmadenosuchrequirementforsalvation.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadActs15:1–5andGalatians2:11–13.WhydidPaulcriticizePeter?Whatwasthedispute?

ReadGalatians2:14–21.WhatisPaul’scounseltoPeter(14)?

Howisapersonjustifiedorsaved(16;alsoseeActs15:7–11)?

WhenPeterspokeofthesalvationoftheGentiles,hewasreferringto what had occurred as he was preaching to Cornelius and hishousehold(seeActs10).

Why do you think our tendency is to be distracted by the law, gooddeeds,andreligiousactivities(17–19)?

Whatisthetrueproofthatyouaresaved(20)?

What does it means to allow Christ to live through you? Is thereanythingspecificthatyoushouldbedoing(20;alsoseeRom.6:5–13)?

Is allowing Christ to live through you easier or more difficult thanfollowingasetofrules?Why?

WhenyougobacktolivingbythelaworreligiousritualsinsteadofbyGod’sgrace,whatareyoureallysaying(21)?

WhatItMeans

The Judaizers probably believed that they were guarding the faith.However,whattheywerereallydoingwasbeingdistractedbyissuesthatweren’timportantandcreatingconflictwithinthechurch.Peterrebukedthembysaying,“WhydoyoutestGodbyputtingayokeontheneckofthediscipleswhichneitherourfathersnorwewereabletobear?ButwebelievethatthroughthegraceoftheLordJesusChristweshallbesaved”(Acts15:10–11).What isdistractingyou from followingGod?What iscreating a yoke of bondage on you that shouldn’t be there? Are youworriedthatyou’renotdoingenoughtodeservearelationshipwithGod?Are you concerned by some other issue and failing to trust God’ssovereignhandinit?ThenyouneedtoreturntothebasictruththatyoursalvationisthroughfaithinChrist,andyourwholelifemustbe,aswell.

LifeExamples

ReadMatthew16:24–27.Whatdoesitmeantotakeupyourcross(24)?

HowdoyouloseyourlifeforChrist’ssake(25)?Whatlifeisitthatyoufind(25–26)?

Whyisitimportantthatyouguardyoursoul?

WhatpromisedoyouhaveifyouallowChristtolivethroughyou(27)?

LivingthePrinciple

God does not call you to an adequate life. He wants your life to beextraordinary.However, foryou to experience the life thatHeplannedfor you, youmust stop being distracted by peripheral issues and focusyour attention completely onHim.Can you trust Jesus to liveHis lifethroughyouandtakecareofallthattroublesyou?

Ofcourseyoucan!TheGodwhosavedyoucanteachyouhowtoliveforHim.TheLordwhoforgaveyoursinsandgivesyouahome inheavencansurelyattendtothatpersonorsituationthatiscausingyousomuchconcern.And theSavior thatyou trusted foryour eternity ismore thancapableoftakingcareofallthemattersthatburdenyoudaily.Therefore,dietoyourworriessoyoucanexperiencetruelifeinHim.

Letusrunwithendurancetheracethatissetbeforeus,lookinguntoJesus,theauthorandfinisherofourfaith.(Heb.12:1–2)

How will you live out Life Principle 24 this week? Discuss thedistractionsthathavebeentroublingyouandsubmitthemtoGod.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


God desires an intimate, daily relationship with you in which youexperienceHis presence, trustHiswisdom, and rely onHis strength(seeIsa.58:2).

TheSpirit-filledlifeismarkedbypurpose,power,andeffectiveness(seeRom.8:14–17).

LifePrinciple25

Godblessesussothatwemightblessothers.

Ephesians4:28

Life’sQuestions

Does your love for God motivate you to serve others? Does yourrelationshipwithHiminspireyoutocomfortotherpeoplejustasHehasdoneforyou?ThisistheheartofLifePrinciple25andatruthwhichyoumustembraceifyouwanttoexperiencetheabundantlife:Godblessesussothatwemightblessothers.

Youmayfeel thatyoudon’thavemuch toofferpeople,butyoudo. Infact,therearemanywaysthatyoucanministertootherswiththeabilitiesand resources that God has given to you. If you know Jesus Christ asyour Lord and Savior, you can share your faith with those who havenever experienced forgiveness for their sin and don’t knowwhere theywillspendeternity.IfGodhasgivenyoutalentsorprovidedyouwithagoodincome,youcanhelpotherswithwhatyou’vebeengiven.1Peter4:10teaches,“Aseachonehasreceivedagift,ministerittooneanother,asgoodstewardsofthemanifoldgraceofGod.”AreyouwillingtobeagoodstewardofwhatGodhasprovided?Thenlookforopportunitiestoblessothers.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadEphesians4:1–6.WhatarethequalitiesofalifethatisworthyofChrist(1–3;alsoseeCol.3:12–13)?

WhyarethesequalitiesimportantasyoufollowJesus(4–6;5:1–2)?

Jesus poured outHis life so that others could be saved (see Luke19:10).Ifyou’regoingtorepresentHim(see2Cor.5:20),shouldn’tyoubelikeHimincharacterandpurpose?

Read Ephesians 4:7–16. What did Christ give believers so that theycouldblessoneanother(7–8)?

Whatisyourspiritualgift(11–12;alsoseeRom.12:4–8)?Whyhasthatgiftbeengiventoyou(13–16)?

Read Ephesians 4:17–32.What change is there to be in the way youviewyourselfandothers(21–24;alsoseePhil2:1–4)?

Whatistobeyourgoalconcerningothers(28–29)?

Why do negative attitudes or selfish actions towards others grieve theHolySpirit (30–31;also seeRom.8:26–29)?Whatwouldbring joy totheHolySpirit(32)?

WhatItMeans

TheEphesian churchwasveryblessedbecauseEphesuswas awealthyand influentialcity inAsiaMinorwhichhadextraordinarypotential forspreadingChristianity.AsPaulsatinprison(seeEph.3:1;4:1;6:20),hemust have thought about the amazing influence for Christ that theEphesianscouldhaveontheworld.However,heknewthattheyfirsthadto learn that their true wealth wasn’t in earthly riches, but in spiritualblessingsbywhichtheyencouragedothers(seeEph.1).

Paul taught them in Acts 20:35, “I have shown you in every way, bylaboring like this, that youmust support the weak. And remember thewordsoftheLordJesus,thatHesaid,‘Itismoreblessedtogivethantoreceive.’” They needed to realize that the reason God had given themsuch immenseblessingswasso that theywoulduse themforHisgloryand for the furtherance of the gospel. The same is true for you.God’sgiftstoyouwerenevermeanttobehoarded.Theyweregiventobeusedwisely as youminister to others through the power andwisdomof theHolySpirit.

It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you thekingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provideyourselves money bags which do not grow old, atreasureintheheavensthatdoesnotfail,wherenothiefapproachesnormothdestroys.Forwhereyourtreasureis,thereyourheartwillbealso.(Luke12:32–34)

LifeExamples

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4–11. What makes you different from otherbelievers(4–6)?Howareyoutobelikeotherbelievers?

ForwhomdoestheHolySpiritgiveyougifts,talents,andblessings(7)?

Why do you think theHoly Spirit wanted you personally to have thegiftsthatyou’vereceived(11)?

AreyouusingyourgiftsinawaythathonorsGodandblessesothers?

LivingthePrinciple

WhoarethespecialpeoplethatGodusedtoshapeyourlife?Doyoueverconsiderhowmuchtheygaveforyouandhowwillinglytheysharedthegifts thatGod provided to them? Theywere faithful to bless youwithwhatGodhadgiventhem,andyoushouldbe,too.

CanyoubetrustedwiththeblessingsthatGodhasgivenyou?DoesyourloveforGodmotivateyoutoministertoothersinHisnameandforHisglory?DoesyourrelationshipwithHiminspireyoutogivefreelysothatothers can know His salvation, comfort, and joy? Only you can stopGod’s goodness from flowing through your life and into the lives ofothers—and you do it by hoarding His gifts. Therefore, count yourblessings and look for opportunities to shine His light and love into

other’slives.ThenwatchhowGodworks.Soonyou’llseethatittrulyismuchmoreblessedtogivethantoreceive.

If I am being poured out as a drink offering on thesacrificeandserviceofyourfaith,Iamgladandrejoicewithyouall.(Phil.2:17)

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple25thisweek?Discusswaysthatyoucanshareyourgiftsandblessingswithothers.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGod to drawyou into intimate communionwithHimself and totransformyour life,so thatyoucanaffect theworldfor thesakeofHiskingdom.


GodsavedmebecauseHelovesme(seeEph.1:3–6).

God’spurposeforsavingmewastobringHimglory(seeMatt.5:16).

IammostlikeJesuswhenIserveothers(seeMatt.20:27–28).

LifePrinciple26

AdversityisabridgetoadeeperrelationshipwithGod.

Philippians3:10–11

Life’sQuestions

There’snothingmore lonely thansuffering,because it feels likenooneunderstands what we’re going through. With accomplishments andprosperity,lovedoneswillgatheraroundtoshareinourjoyandcelebrateour success. But with grief, people feel distant—even when they aretrying to support and comfort us—because they cannot reach in to thatprofoundplacewhereourpainhasmade itshome.During those times,wemaywonder,WhereisGod?WhyhasGodallowedthis?HasHeleftmealonetostrugglewiththisbymyself?HasGodabandonedme?Yet,justtheoppositeistrue.

Psalm 34:18 assures, “The LORD is near to those who have a brokenheart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Adversity isn’t a timewhenGodisfarfromyou.Onthecontrary,itiswhenHe’sclosetoyouandteachingyouHisways.Wheneverythinggoeswell,youmayforgetthat you need God, but when trouble strikes it’s only God who cancomfortyoutothedepthofyoursoul.Hehasyourfullattentionandcanteach you the joy of His wonderful presence—which is why LifePrinciple26teaches,AdversityisabridgetoadeeperrelationshipwithGod.

WhattheBibleSays

Read 2 Corinthians 11:23–31. What did Paul see as validating hisministry(23)?

WhydoesPaulboastinhisadversitiesandinfirmities(30)?

ReadPhilippians3:3–11.WhatdoesPaulsayaboutputtingconfidenceinearthlyaccomplishments—or“theflesh”(3)?

WhenPaulwritesabouttheflesh,heisspeakingofourhumannature—ourearthlydesiresandinclinations.Ourfleshdoesn’tfollowGod.Infact, it’softencompletelyopposed to the Holy Spirit (see Rom. 7). Our fleshseeks carnal pleasures and finds importance inaccomplishments,wealth,beauty,andsoon.TheSpirit,on the other hand, will always direct you to becomemorelikeChrist,placingHisemphasisonobedience.

WhywasPaul contentwith losing all of his earthly riches andhonors(7–8)?

WhatdidPaulfindinChristthathecouldn’tobtainthroughpossessionsandtitles(9)?

WhenPaul set himself toknowChrist by faith,what didhe find (10–11)?

Why do you think Paul found true life when he was conformed toChrist’sdeath(10–11;alsoseeMark10:29–30)?

Howpreciousandfreeingitistoadmit:IneedGod!

ReadPhilippians3:12–21.WhatwasPaul’sgoal(12–14;alsosee1:13–14,21–26)?

WhathappenstothosewhodonotsharePaul’sfocus,butputtheirtrustinearthlyaccomplishmentsandwealth(17–19)?

Whatdoadversitiesprepareusfor(20–21)?

WhatItMeans

Paul had everything that defined a successful and blessed life to thepeopleofhistime.Frombirth,heobservedthelawtotheletterandgrewtobeaveryprominentPharisee.Thismeantthathehadeverythingthathe needed to be right with God and a man of respect in his circle ofinfluence. Paul also enjoyed social prominence. He could trace hislineagetoBenjamin,theyoungestsonofJacob,andwasadescendantofSaul,thefirstkingofIsrael.HewasborninTarsus,whichgavehimallthe rights and privileges of a Roman citizen. Very few could matchPaul’scredentialsandaccomplishments.

Yet, nomatterhowpiousorperfecthewas, itwasnever enough.Paulneeded Jesus. Itwasn’t throughhis success thatheexperiencedGod, itwas through his suffering and adversity. And during those times, Godtouched him so profoundly and intimately that Paul realized howpricelessitwastoexperienceadversity(seeRom.5:3–5;8:17–18;2Cor.1:3–11;12:7–10;Col.1:24).

Iconsiderthatthesufferingsofthispresenttimearenotworthy to be comparedwith the glorywhich shall berevealedinus.(Rom.8:18)

LifeExamples

Read2Corinthians4:5–16.WhyhasGodshoneHislightinourhearts(5–6)?

Whatthenisthetreasurewehaveinusasbelievers(7)?

WhydoesGodallowimperfectpeopletocarryHispreciousgospel(8–10)?

Whobenefitsmostfromouradversity(15–16)?

LivingthePrinciple

Your trials may be prolonged, intense, confusing, complicated, andstressful. At times, you may get frustrated, impatient, and even angrywithGod.However, themore fiercelyyou insistonholdingon toyourearthly sources of pleasure and accomplishment, the longer itwill takeforGodtoteachyouthatonlyHecanhealyoursoul.AndthefartheryoupushHim away and rebel againstHim, themore lengthy your time ofafflictionwillbe.

ThewisestresponsetoyourtroublesistosurrenderyourwilltoGodandgrowinyourrelationshipwithHim.KeepyourfocusonHim.TrustHislove,wisdom,andstrength.Ifyourespondtherightway,youwillknowHimmoredeeplyandintimately,andHispurposewillbeaccomplishedinyou.YouwillseeHisgloryinawaythatyouneverthoughtpossible.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple26thisweek?HaveyouexperiencedGod’sprofoundcomfortandpresenceinyourlife?DiscussthetrialsthatyouarefacingandhowHeisreachingdeepwithinyoursoultobringyoucloser toHimself.Then spend time in prayer, askingGod to drawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


When adversity strikes, we should immediately turn to God (see Ps.40:1–3).

AdversityisatoolwhichGodusestoshapeHisservantforservice(see1Peter1:6–7).

LifePrinciple27

Prayerislife’sgreatesttimesaver.

2Thessalonians3:1

Life’sQuestions

Youwakeupknowingthatyoucan’twasteasecondbecausetherearesomany demands on your life.Your heart andmind begin to race.Therejustisn’tenoughtimetogetitalldone,youtellyourself.Asyourfeethitthefloor,youmaybetemptedtotakeoffrunningsothatyoucanengagethe frenzyof activity that awaits you.But don’t.Youneed to stop andpray.

Of course, prayer may be one of the things that you’ve decided tosacrifice tosqueezea fewmoreminutes intoyourday.Youmay think,I’m sorry,God, I just can’t stop.However, understand that you cannotafford to leaveGodoutofyourplanning.AsLifePrinciple27 teaches,Prayerislife’sgreatesttimesaver.Ifyouwanttomakethemostofeverymoment,youmustbeginyourdaywiththeOnewhoholdseverysecondofyourlifeinHishand.

WhattheBibleSays

Read2Thessalonians1:3–12.WhateventisonPaul’smindashewritestotheThessalonians(7–10)?

WhatisPaul’sprayerfortheThessalonianbelievers(11–12)?

Read 2Thessalonians 2:1–7.Howwould theThessalonians know thattheDayofChristhadarrived(3–4)?

The church atThessalonicawas a young, thriving church thatwascomposedmainlyofGentiles.However,increasingpersecutionandfalseteacherswhoweredistortingthetruthcausedtheThessalonianstoworrythattheyhadmissedtheSecondComingofChrist.

WhydoyouthinkGodrestrainsthepoweroflawlessness(6–7;alsosee2Peter3:7–9)?

Read2Thessalonians2:8–12.WhydoyouthinkGodallowsthelawlessone to be revealed before the Lord destroys him (12; also see Matt.13:41–43;24:7–14).

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5. Knowing that Paul is thinking about thecondemnation thatawaits theunrighteous (see2:12),whatdoesheaskfromthebrethren(1–2)?

Insteadoffrettingaboutspreadingthegospeltothewholeworld,whatdoesPauldrawconfidencefrom(3)?

WhatwasPaulcountingonconcerningotherbelievers(5)?

WhatItMeans

PaulknewChrist’scommandthatbelieversweretobeHiswitnesses“tothe end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). He also realized that, before Christreturns, the “gospel of the kingdomwill be preached in all theworld”(Matt.24:14).BecauseJesustoldthedisciples,“Therearesomestandingherewhoshallnot tastedeath till they see thekingdomofGod” (Luke9:27),andthepersecutionofbelieverswasspreading,manythoughtthatChrist’s return was immanent. There was so much to do—so manypeople to reach and churches to plant—that Paul must have feltoverwhelmedbythetask,especiallywithalltheobstaclesthatconfrontedbelievers.

However,heknewthatGodcouldgetitdone.IfPaulstayedinconstantcommunicationwith theLord throughprayer,Godwouldmaximizehistimeandgivehimthewisdomandenergyneededtoaccomplishhispartofthemission.

LifeExamples

ReadPhilippians4:4–7.WhydoesPaulencourageyoutoremaincalm,gentle,andjoyfulintheLord(4–5)?

Whatareyoutodoinsteadoffrettingoveryourtroubles(6)?

WhydoesgivingyourconcernsovertoGodgiveyoupeace(7)?

Certainly God has heardme; He has attended to the voice of myprayer.BlessedbeGod,whohasnotturnedawaymyprayer,norHismercyfromme!(Ps.66:19–20)

LivingthePrinciple

Whatever it is you need to accomplish may seem overwhelming andunfeasibletoyou.However,“ThingswhichareimpossiblewithmenarepossiblewithGod”(Luke18:27).Godknowseverythingthatwillhappentoyou today,andHeknows thebestwayforyou tohandleyour tasks.Therefore,youmustspendtimelisteningtoHiminprayer,receivingHiswisdomanddirection,anddrinkinginHispresenceandpower.BequietbeforeHim,restinHim,andallowHimtoorderyoursteps.Hewillkeepyoufrommovinginthewrongdirectionorfromwastingyourtimedoinguseless things.Hewill slowyoudown to accomplish the activities thatrequire caution andprecision, and give you the speed tomove throughthethingsthatarelessimportant.Hewillalsosteeryouclearofthetimetrapsyoushouldavoid.

Are youwilling to stop and listen to Him?Are you ready for Him tomakeyouas fruitfulasyoupossiblycanbe?Whetheryoufacea fairlycalmdayoradayfullofactivity,commityourself toHisscheduleandguidancethroughprayer.You’llfindthatyourtimewithGodisthebestinvestmentthatyoumakeeveryday.

Godwillanswerourprayersassoonasitisbestforus.

Howwill you liveoutLifePrinciple27 thisweek?Discuss timeswhenyou’vecommittedyourdaytoGodandHeaccomplishedamazingthingsthrough you. Then spend time in prayer, askingGod to draw you intointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyou

canaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Godwill answer our prayers in theway and timing that is absolutelybestforus(seeMatt.21:21–22)?

LifePrinciple28

NoChristianhaseverbeencalledto“goitalone”inhisorherwalkoffaith.

Hebrews10:24–25

Life’sQuestions

Therearemanyreasonsthatpeopledon’tattendchurch.Somerefusetojoinachurchbecausethey’vehada terribleexperiencewith“religious”people.Otherslivesofarfromabiblically-soundcongregationthattheyfeelitisn’tfeasibleforthemtobeactivemembers.Attimes,peopleareshy and find it difficult to open up to others, or they have so manyresponsibilities that theydon’t think theyhave theenergy toparticipateadequately. Finally, there are those who are so frightened of beingrejected that they isolate themselves from others—including otherChristians.

God created each of us for fellowship with Himself and with otherbelievers—which is why Life Principle 28 instructs,No Christian haseverbeencalled to“goitalone”inhisorherwalkof faith.NomatterwhatreasonwehaveforseparatingourselvesfromtheBodyofChrist,itpales in comparison towhyGodwants us involved in the church.Weneed love, encouragement, fellowship, accountability, and a spiritualoutlet—and it’s through other believers that God provides all thosethings.

WhattheBibleSays

ReadActs6:8–15.WhatwasStephenaccusedof?

ReadActs 7:51–60.What did Stephen condemn the Jewish leaders of(51–52)?Whatdidtheydotohim(58–60)?

ReadActs8:1–4.WhathappenedafterStephen’sdeath?HowdidsomeChristiansrespondtothepersecution(4)?

Many of the believers remained in Jerusalem. What would you havedoneifyouhadbeenintheirshoes?Wouldyouhavebeentemptedtogointohiding?

ReadHebrews10:19–25.WhyshouldbelieversworshipGodopenlyandwithgreatconfidence(19–21;alsosee4:14–16)?

Whatisourconfidencebasedoninallsituations(23;35–36)?

Whyarewetomeettogetherregularly(24–25;alsosee3:12–14)?

Stirup intheNewTestamentmeanstoinciteorstimulate.WearetoencourageandmotivateotherstobefaithfultoGod.Inthesameway,PauladmonishedTimothyto“StirupthegiftofGodwhichisinyou...ForGodhasnotgivenusaspiritoffear,butofpowerandofloveandofasoundmind.”(2Tim.1:6–7)

WhatItMeans

TheJewishcommunitywasextremelycloseknit.Theysharedancestry,land, traditions,andacenterofworship.However,whenJewsbegantobelieveinJesusastheirMessiah,theyweredisownedandpersecutedbytheir loved ones and neighbors. Some were scattered throughout theworld,whileothersremainedinJerusalemtoweatherthestorm.Allmusthavebeenintenselyawareofthepersecutionthattheywereindangerof.Yet thewriter ofHebrews admonished them to encourage one anotherandremainsteadfastintheirfaith(seeHeb.3:13).

Theyneeded todrawconfidencefromotherbelievers,andsodoyou—especiallyduringthemostdifficulttimes.OtherChristianswillhelpyougrowinyourfaith,andtheywillgiveyoutheloveandsupportthatyouneedtofacethechallengesahead.

LifeExamples

Read1John3:13–19.Whyshouldwenotbesurprisedwhentheworldopposesus(13;alsoseeJohn15:17–19)?

HowdoesourunconditionalloveforoneanothershowthatwebelongtoChristandaresaved(14;alsosee1John4:7–11)?

When we refuse to show love to other believers, why is it acondemnationagainstus(14–15;alsosee1John4:20–21)?

Whatshouldwebewilling todoforotherbelievers(16;alsoseeJohn15:13)?What impact does this have on our opinions, prejudices, andbiases?

Whatdoesthispassageadmonishaboutsharingwiththoseinneed(17–19;alsoseeJames2:15–17)?

Loveoneanother;asIhavelovedyou...Bythisallwillknow that you areMy disciples, if you have love foroneanother.(John13:34–35)

LivingthePrinciple

Do you find it easy or difficult to open up to other people? Do youconsideryourselfalonerorareyounaturallydrawntoothers?Regardlessofyourpersonalmakeup,youneedtounderstandhowimportantitisforyoutobepartofthechurch.Thiswillbemorechallengingforsomethanfor others, but being involved in a Bible-believing congregation isindispensable for all Christians. Bombarded by worldly pressure andungodlyinfluences,noonecanstandbythemselvesfortoolong.Eitheryouwillbedestroyedbythestressoryouwilldriftawayfromthefaith.Also, youwillmiss out on the abundant life thatGod planned for youbecauseanimportantpartofexpressingthatlifeisshowingunconditionallove to other believers and receiving it from them in return.That’s notpossibleifyourefusetoparticipate.

Areyouinvolvedinalocalchurch?Ifyou’renot,youneedtobe.Makesure that you attend a church that will encourage you, keep youaccountable, challenge you to grow, help you to express your spiritualgifts, and feed you the meat of God’sWord. Remember, the Body ofChristisn’tcompletewithoutyou,sodon’twaitanylongertofulfilltherolethatyouwerecreatedfor.

Your participation in a local church protects your personalfellowshipwithGod.

How will you live out Life Principle 28 this week? Discuss yourinvolvementinthelocalchurchandencourageeachotherinyourservicefor theLord. Then spend time in prayer, askingGod to draw you intointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Meeting regularly with other believers helps to safeguard us againstdrifting(seeHeb.3:13).

Wehavea responsibility to use our gifts to encourageother believers(see1Peter4:10).

LifePrinciple29

Welearnmoreinourvalleyexperiencesthanonourmountaintops.

James5:10

Life’sQuestions

Perhapsyou’venoticed thatmanyof theLifePrinciplesare focusedonhow you respond to adversity. This is because of the precept found inLifePrinciple29:Welearnmore inourvalleyexperiences thanonourmountaintops.

God often leads us through difficult times to teach us. Of course, youmaybedisheartenedwhilestaringupattheobstaclesthatsurroundyou.Yourchallengesmaybesoimmenseandyourchoicessolimitedthatyoufeelweak—completelyunabletocrawloutofthevalley.Youmayevenbe tempted to think,Is this it?Is thisall there is?Is this theendofmystory?

Ifthat’sthecase,thenbeencouraged.Thisisnot theendofyourstory.ThingswillchangebecauseGod’swill foryou is“goodandacceptableand perfect” (Rom. 12:2).However, right now, there is something thatGodwantsyoutolearn.ConsiderhowHeisworkinginyourlife.WhatisGodteachingyouthroughthisvalley?

WhattheBibleSays

ReadJames1:1–8.Towhomisthisletterwritten(1)?

JamesiswritingtotheJewishChristiansthatweredescribedinLifePrinciple28,whoweredrivenfromJerusalembythepersecutionoftheJewishauthorities(seeActs8:1–4).Theywereawayfromtheirhomesandfamilies—andnotwelcomedbytheirnewcommunities.

Whywerethesebrethrentobejoyfulintheirtrials(2–3)?

Whyispatiencesuchanimportantcharacteristic(4)?

Howcanbelieversremainpatientindifficultsituations(5;alsoseeProv.2:2–8)?

ReadJames5:7–11.Whatarebelieverstolookforwardto(7)?

Whydoyouthinkgrumblingagainstothersincreaseswhenwe’reunderpressure(9)?

Howcanweavoidcomplainingwhenwe’reinadifficultsituation(9)?

Why is remembering the prophets—such as Moses, Samuel, Isaiah,Habakkuk,andsoon—encouragingtous(10–11;alsoseeRom.15:4)?

SometimesGodallowsustogowithoutanyearthlyorhumancomfortsothatwewillturncompletelytoHim.

WhatItMeans

TherearetwowordsintheNewTestamentforpatience.Thefirsthastodowithdifficultcircumstancesandmeans tostay thecourseorendure.Thesecondismorepersonalbecauseithastodowithhowwerelatetootherpeople.Itmeanstostayawayfromrageorfuriousoutbursts.Thebelievers that Jameswaswriting to couldhavegottenangryand struckout at their persecutors. They were even beginning to turn on oneanother.However,Jamesadmonished themtobepatientand trustGod.He wrote, “We count them blessed who endure ... the Lord is verycompassionateandmerciful”(James5:11).

Isyourtrialexposingareasofanger,bitterness,orunforgivenessinyourlife?Areyoufindingitdifficulttoperseverebecauseyoudon’ttrustGodwithcertain issues?Thenyouarestarting tounderstandwhatHewantsyou to learn through your trial. Remember, youwill be blessed if youendure.Therefore,embracewhatHe’steachingyou.

LifeExamples

ReadJames5:13–16.Howdoyour trialshelpyougrowcloser toothersandtoGod?

Read1Kings17:1and18:1.Howlongdidthelandgowithoutrain?

Read1Kings18:41–45.WhatdidElijahsaywouldhappen(41)?

ThenwhatdidElijahdo(41-42)?

HowmanytimesdidElijahtellhisservanttogoandcheckforrain(43)?

HowdidGodanswerElijah’sprayer(45)?

ReadJames5:17–18.WhydoesknowingthatElijahisjustlikeyouhelpyouwhenyou’reinthevalley?

LivingthePrinciple

Anytimeyouexperienceadversity,itisbecauseGodwantstoshowyouHispowerand love.Hemaybegettingyourattention to freeyoufromsomeemotionalbondageordestructivehabits.Theremaybeanattitudeor behavior in your life that is hindering His work, and He needs to

eliminate it. Perhaps there is some precious quality that He wants todevelopinyou.

Whatever the reason for the trial, God never means it for your harm.Rather, He means it for your good, so that you can you can becomeeverything that you were created to be and experience His abundantblessings.Therefore, respondin thewaythathonorsHim.Stayclose toHiminprayerandthroughHisWord—obeyingwhateverHetellsyoutodo.Learn throughyourvalleyexperiencesso thatGodcanprepareyouforthemountaintops,becauseyourstoryisnotover.Thebest isstill tocome.

Yea,thoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil;forYouarewithme;YourrodandYourstaff,theycomfortme.(Ps.23:4)

Howwill you live out LifePrinciple 29 thisweek?Discuss the valleysthat you’ve been experiencing and what God is teaching you throughthem.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyouinto intimatecommunion with Himself and to transform your life, so that you canaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


Adversitygetsourattention(seePs.77:2).

Adversityleadstoexamination(seePs.77:6-12).

Adversityleadstoachangeinbehavior(seePs.119:67).

LifePrinciple30

AneageranticipationoftheLord’sreturnkeepsuslivingproductively.

Revelation22:12

Life’sQuestions

Whatwouldyoudo ifyouknew that Jesuswas returning in just a fewhours?Wouldyoubehappyandprepare for thecelebration?Orwouldyouwanttocleanupsomeaspectsofyourlife?

WhentheLordreturnsinallHisglory,willHefindyoueagertoseeHim?

TheSecondComingofChristshouldbeajoyoustimeforallbelievers.Afterall,1Thessalonians4:16–17tellsus,“TheLordhimselfwillcomedownfromheaven,withaloudcommand...Afterthat,wewhoarestillaliveandare leftwillbecaughtup togetherwith them in theclouds tomeettheLordintheair.AndsowewillbewiththeLordforever.”WhentheLordreturns,Heiscomingtotakeyoutoyournewhomeinheaven—totheplacethatHehaspreparedespeciallyforyou(seeJohn14:1–3).Itisgoing tobeawonderful timeandyoudon’twantanyregrets to taintyour happy reunion with the Lord. That’s why Life Principle 30admonishes,An eager anticipation of theLord’s return keeps us living

productively.

WhattheBibleSays

Read Matthew 24:36–44. Does anyone know when Jesus will return(36)?

HowdidNoahknow that the floodwascoming (37–39;also seeGen.6:13–22)?Whoelseknew?

What kinds of activities will people be doing when the Son of Godreturns(40–41)?

WhyshouldyoubewatchfulforChrist’sreturn,eventhoughyoudon’tknowwhenHeiscoming(42–44)?

ReadMatthew24:45–51.Whathappenedtotheservantwhowashardatworkpreparingforthemaster’sreturn(45–47)?

HowdoyouthinkbelieversshouldprepareforChrist’sreturn(46;alsosee1Thess.5:2–11)?

Whathappenedtotheevilservant(48–51)?

Whom do you need to warn about the consequences of ignoring theLord’sreturn(50–51)?

AttheGreatWhiteThroneJudgment(seeRev.20:11–15),everyoneis judged according to whether or not they’ve accepted Christ astheirSavior.Thosewhohavenotwillbecast into the lakeof fire.Those who have been redeemed will be welcomed into heaven.However, believers will also face an assessment of their works at

“thejudgmentseatofChrist”(see1Cor.3:11-15;2Cor.5:9–10).

WhatItMeans

Youmaybethinking,EvenduringJesus’time,theythoughtthatHewasgoing to return quickly. TheLord’s return is probably a lot further offthan we think. We have plenty of time. However, that is an extremelyunwiseway to live.Youhaveno ideawhenGodwillcallyouhometoheaven—byHis return or by some othermeans. You also don’t knowwhen He will require the souls of your loved ones (see Luke 12:20).None of us are promised tomorrow (see James 4:13–15). You alwaysneedtorememberthatyoumayseetheLordatanyminute,becausethatcankeepyoumotivatedtoserveHimwithallofyourheart,mind,soul,andstrength.

LifeExamples

Read Revelation 22:1–5. What will heaven be like (1–2)? What willbelieversdothere(3–5)?

Read Revelation 22:6–21. Does this passage of Scripture anticipate alongorshortamountoftimebeforetheLordreturns(6–7)?CouldJesusreturntoday?

WhatisChrist’spromisetothosewhoserveHimfaithfully(12–14)?

Whowillbeexcludedfromheaven(15)?Doyouknowanyonewhowillbelockedout?

There shallbynomeansenter it anything thatdefiles,or causes an abominationor a lie, but only thosewhoarewrittenintheLamb’sBookofLife.(Rev.21:27)

You are the church—the bride of Christ. Have you bid everyone to“‘Come!’ ...Lethimwho thirstscome ... take thewaterof life freely”(17)?

WhatwillyourreactionbewhenChristreturns(20)?

LivingthePrinciple

Christ’s Second Coming should not be just a far off hope for you. Itshould be a daily reminder thatGod isalways active in your life.Godleavesyouonearthafteryouaresavedfortwomainreasons:Oneistogrow spiritually in onenesswithHim; the second is to lead others to asavingknowledgeofJesusChrist.Isthatwhatyou’vebeenbusydoing?Haveyoubeen seeking and servingHim, remembering the reward thatawaitsyou?It’sgoodtokeepHisreturnattheforefrontofyourmindsothat,whenyoudofinallymeetJesus,youcanbejustasgladtoseeHimasHeistoseeyou.

Therefore, be motivated! Rejoice! Live your life to the fullest and setyour eyes and heart firmly on the promise of Christ’s return. He’s

prepared a great reward and a wonderful home for you in heaven.Therefore be strong—diligently working and expectantly watching—becauseoneday,probablysoonerthanyouexpect,youaregoingtoseeHimfacetoface.

HowwillyouliveoutLifePrinciple30thisweek?Discusshowyoufeelabout the Second Coming of Christ. Celebrate His presence with eachother.TalkabouthowyoucanwatchforHisreturnandlivefaithfullivesthatwillpleaseHim.Thenspendtimeinprayer,askingGodtodrawyouintointimatecommunionwithHimselfandtotransformyourlife,sothatyoucanaffecttheworldforthesakeofHiskingdom.


WearetowatchfortheLord’sreturn(seeEzek.33:7;Mark13:32–33).

Wearetoworkasif theLordwerereturningsoon(seeMatt.9:37–38;24:45–47).

WearetoeagerlyanticipatetheLord’sreturn(seeIsa.62:11–12).

30 life principles study guide

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