ASSIGNMENTS 1. Daily read over this material and read or sing the song. 2. Place the scripture where you will see it each day. 3. Think of one way you have not done the right thing with Jesus and how you can correct it in the future. 4. Write down difficult situations you faced and whether you stood for Jesus or allowed the fear of persecution or ridicule to master you. 5. Plan to tell the class about a difficult decision you had and whether you made the right choice or the wrong choice. DAILY BIBLE VERSES AND PRAYER THOUGHTS MONDAY - VERSES: Philippians 1:19-26 PRAYER THOUGHT: Father, help me to have the courage to choose what will help others and not be selfish in my choices. TUESDAY - VERSES: 2 Thes. 2:13-14 PRAYER THOUGHT: God, thank you for choosing to love me and offer me your salvation. WEDNESDAY - VERSES: Ephesians 1:3-12 PRAYER THOUGHT: Omniscient One, thank you for choosing the path of salvation for all who will choose you. THURSDAY - VERSES: 2 Tim. 2:4; Revelation 17:14 PRAYER THOUGHT: Master, help me to always choose to follow you. FRIDAY - VERSES: James 1:5; 1 Peter 2:9 PRAYER THOUGHT: Gift giver, please give me the wisdom to choose what is right. SATURDAY - VERSES: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; James 2:5-7 PRAYER THOUGHT: Wise Eternal One, help me understand that you choose differently from the world. [ ] ^ ( ) _ { } [ ] ^ ( ) _ Former president Reagan was taken as a boy to a cobbler for shoes. The cobbler asked him, "Do you want square toes or round toes?" Reagan, uncertain, didn't answer, so the cobbler gave him a few days. Several days later the cobbler saw Reagan on the street and asked him again what kind of toes he wanted on his shoes. Reagan still couldn't decide, so the shoemaker replied, "Well, come by in a couple of days. Your shoes will be ready." When the future president did so, he found one square-toed and one round-toed shoe! "This will teach you to never let people make decisions for you," the cobbler said to his indecisive customer. "I learned right then and there," Reagan said later, "if you don't make your own decisions, someone else will." SPIRITUAL HEALTH REGIMEN - WEEK 100 DECISIONS - 7-13-14 to 7-19-14 SCRIPTURES - Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." COMMENT – Each of us is faced with the same choices that Pilate and the Jews of the first century struggled with. Even though Jesus is not physically here for us to mistreat, abuse, torture and kill; we are often guilty of doing so spiritually with the choices we make. Pilate inadvertently asks the question that none of us can ever escape. So, what will you do with Jesus. SONG - WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS? 1) What will you do with Jesus? The question comes to you! And you must give an answer, For something you must do. CHORUS: What shall it be? What shall it be? What shall your answer be? What will you do with Jesus? O what shall your answer be? 2) "What will you do with Jesus?" It comes by night and day; With pierced hands uplifted, He waits - what will you say? 3) What will you do with Jesus? He's knocking at the door! Refuse Him, soul, no longer, Lest He should plead no more. THOUGHTS Payday Someday An Atheist farmer often ridiculed people who believed in God. He wrote the following letter to the editor of a local newspaper: "I plowed on Sunday, planted on Sunday, cultivated on Sunday, and hauled in my crops on Sunday; but I never went to church on Sunday. Yet I harvested more bushels per acre than anyone else, even those who are God-fearing and never miss a service." The editor printed the man's letter and then added this remark: "God doesn't always settle His accounts in October." That editor was right! Sometimes even dedicated Christians are tempted to complain because of what they see in the world around them. Perplexed by the success and prosperity of the wicked, oftentimes at the expense of the righteous, they ask, why doesn't the Lord do something about it? Why doesn't He reward those who fear Him, and judge those who disregard Him? Be patient. He will! True, He doesn't always "settle His accounts in October," but He does settle His accounts! So if you're trying to do the will of God and you become discouraged because unjust people are getting ahead, don't be shortsighted. Remember what the psalmist David advised: "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither like the green herb." He went on to say, "For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth." [ ] ^ ( ) _ { } [ ] ^ ( ) _ The Unconquerable Church The emperor Diocletian set up a stone pillar on which was inscribed these words: For Having Exterminated The Name Christian From the Earth. If he could see that monument today, how embarrassed he would be! Another Roman leader made a coffin, symbolizing his intention "to bury the Galilean" by killing His followers. He soon learned that he could not "put the Master in it". He finally surrendered his heart to the Savior, realizing that the corporate body of Christ and its living Head, the Lord Jesus, cannot be destroyed by the onslaught of mortal men. The history of the church has been represented by the Waldensians in a picture of an anvil with many worn-out hammers lying all around it. Beneath this scene are the words: One Anvil -- Many Hammers. Organized religion may fail; but the living organism composed of all born-again believers will stand forever. God is calling out of this world a people for His name who will dwell with Him throughout eternity. [ ] ^ ( ) _ { } [ ] ^ ( ) _ Robert Ard, explains the difference between involvement and commitment: "When you look at a plate of ham and eggs, you know the chicken was involved. But the pig was committed." [ ] ^ ( ) _ { } [ ] ^ ( ) _ Lenin the implementor of Communism in the Soviet Union, while meeting with a small group of people in London in the early 1900's set down these four "Totals": 1. Total acceptance of the cause 2. Total dedication to the cause 3. Total discipline in the cause 4. Total action for the cause In those days in London the Communist movement was only a handful of people. Today it embraces a third of mankind. [ ] ^ ( ) _ { } [ ] ^ ( ) _ Many people are spiritually like the young man who married 2 women in a matter of less than 48 hours. He married one woman and headed off on their honeymoon. After the car broke down, he sent her on to Athens. He went to another town and married another young woman and took her on a honeymoon. At the trial where he was charged with polygamy he claimed, "both families were putting unbearable pressure on me. So I decided to take them both so as not to hurt anybody's feelings." By trying to not hurt anyone he hurt everyone. We can be guilty of the same thing if we won't choose between Christ and the world, or between Christ and the old law. You can't be married to both (Romans 7:1-4). [ ] ^ ( ) _ { } [ ] ^ ( ) _ It may be true that there are two sides to every question, but it is also true that there are two sides to a sheet of flypaper, and it makes a big difference to the fly which side he chooses. [ ] ^ ( ) _ { } [ ] ^ ( ) _ "Never doubt that a small group of dedicated people can change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead, American anthropologist [ ] ^ ( ) _ { } [ ] ^ ( ) _ LIFE IS FULL OF CHOICES INTRODUCTION - JOSHUA 24:15 L. S. - IN LIFE THERE ARE SOME CHOICES THAT . . . I. WE ______________ MAKE. II. SEEM _______________. III. AFFECT OUR ________ ____________. IV. AFFECT OUR ________ FOR ________________. LIFE IS FULL OF CHOICES INTRODUCTION A. Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. B. A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers. - Plato L. S. - IN LIFE THERE ARE SOME CHOICES THAT . . . I. WE CAN'T MAKE. A. SOME THINGS GOD CHOOSES. B. SOME THINGS OTHERS CHOOSE FOR US. C. SOME THINGS HAPPEN NATURALLY WITHOUT ANYONE CHOOSING. II. SEEM INSIGNIFICANT. A. DAILY CHOICES OF CLOTHING, FOOD, TASKS, ETC. B. SOME MAY HAVE CONSEQUENCES THAT ARE PREDICTABLE. C. SOME OF THESE MAY HAVE CONSEQUENCES THAT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN EXPECTED. III. AFFECT OUR LIVES DEEPLY. A. FRIENDS WITH WHOM WE ASSOCIATE. B. EDUCATION. C. OCCUPATION. D. MARRIAGE. E. PARENTHOOD. IV. AFFECT OUR SOULS FOR ETERNITY. A. WHO WILL RULE OUR LIVES? 1. SATAN - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2. JESUS - 1 Corinthians 15:25-28 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. [27] For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. [28] And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. 3. WHO RULES YOUR LIFE? B. ON WHAT FOUNDATION WILL WE BUILD OUR LIVES? 1. SHIFTING SAND - Matthew 7:26-27 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: [27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 2. SOLID ROCK - Matthew 7:24-25 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: [25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 3. WHERE ARE YOU BUILDING YOUR LIFE? C. WHICH PATH WILL WE TRAVEL? 1. BROAD WAY - Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: [14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 2. NARROW WAY - Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: [14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 3. WHICH ROAD ARE YOU TAKING? D. WHAT WILL GUIDE OUR DECISIONS? 1. MAN'S OPINION - Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. 2. GOD'S COMMANDMENTS - Psalms 119:97-100, 105 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. [98] Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. [99] I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. [100] I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. [105] NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 3. WHAT IS YOUR GUIDE? E. HOW WILL WE VIEW THE BIBLE? 1. AN INTERESTING BOOK WRITTEN BY MEN - 1 Corinthians 2:4-8 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: [5] That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. [6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: [7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 2. GOD'S WORD TO BE STUDIED AND OBEYED - 2 Peter 1:15-21 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. [16] For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [17] For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. [18] And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. [19] We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: [20] Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. [21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 3. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ABOUT THE BIBLE? F. BY WHAT DOCTRINE OF SALVATION WILL WE SEEK TO BE JUSTIFIED? 1. FAITH ONLY - James 2:21-26 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? [22] Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? [23] And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. [24] Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by FAITH ONLY. [25] Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? [26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. 2. FAITH WITH OBEDIENCE - James 2:14-20 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? [15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, [16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? [17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. [19] Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. [20] But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 3. HOW ARE YOU SEEKING SALVATION? G. IN WHAT CONDITION WILL WE DIE? 1. IN SIN - John 8:21,24 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. [24] I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. Luke 13:3,5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 2. IN THE LORD - Revelation 14:12-13 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. [13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. 3. HOW WILL YOU DIE? H. WHERE WILL WE SPEND ETERNITY? 1. TORMENT IN HELL - Matthew 25:41,46 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [46] And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. 2. JOY IN HEAVEN - 1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: [8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: [9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 3. WHAT IS YOUR DESTINATION? CONCLUSION A. THE CHOICES WE MAKE IN THIS LIFE WILL DETERMINE OUR DESTINY FOR ALL ETERNITY. B. It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped. - Tony Robbins C. A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided. - Tony Robbins Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?. . ." Matthew 27:22 ". . .What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ ?. . ."