MONDAY

We were created by God. He made us, and therefore we belong to Him. We did not make ourselves, and should not serve ourselves, but seek to know our Creator.

(Psalm 100:1-5)

• Do you know God (perceive, recognize and understand Him with approval)?

TUESDAY

We live in a culture that acts as if there is no God. Man ends up placing himself in the role, and “I” becomes “god.” But the “I” is not equipped for this responsibility. Respect your own limitations.

(Is. 55:8-9)

• Where have you allowed yourself to assume the role of God?

WEDNESDAY

God is equipped to comfort, guide, see ahead, and all of the other God-like characteristics we do not possess. To acknowledge that you are in need is not insecurity, but a proper estimation of God, self and others. You need God!

(Prov. 3:5-8)

• Have you allowed yourself to admit your limitations? How does it feel?

THURSDAY

Even in serving God, it is foolish to go it alone. You need others! Growth comes by exposure, by sharing your life with those surrounding you.

(Prov. 18:1, Eccl. 4:9-12))

• How do others benefit your daily life? How can you open yourself up to them more?

FRIDAY

Not only are you not equipped to handle your cares, but you are not meant to carry them around with you. You need to cast your cares! Dragging along a load that is to heavy for you will only cause further damage.

(1 Pet. 5:6-7, Ps. 55:22)

• What cares do you need to get rid of?

SATURDAY

Your humility and willingness to let God be God releases grace. You need His grace! The beauty of His grace is that it is even more effective in times of weakness. It is always sufficient for you.

(2 Cor. 12:9, James 4:6)

• Where can you use some more grace, in good times and bad?

MEMORIZATION:

Prov 3:5-8

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

Respect, Part 6

Week of February 7, 2010

In the past few weeks spent discussing “Respect”, Pastor Tim has shared much about our relationship with this God that created us. He made us, and we belong to Him. This is what makes Him our God. However, our culture tends to think, speak, and act as if there is no God.  Because that role still needs to be filled, man becomes his own “god”, and worships the “I.” However, the “I” was not equipped to fulfill the responsibilities that come with this role. We cannot comfort, guide, heal, see ahead… Only God can handle this. Therefore, it is very important that we respect our own limitations.

Understanding our limitations is not a sign of insecurity, but can actually improve our quality of life. It’s like a man climbing a mountain. Perhaps he had one route in his head, but comes up against extreme weather or dangerous circumstances in his route. If he persists with his plan, he could put himself in danger. But if he will just descend for a bit and adjust to the situation, it is likely that he will not only live, but reach the top. So it is with God. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Is. 55:22) and we must be willing to recognize this.

Seeing the limitations of an “I” centered life reveals several needs. First, you need God! Don’t buy into the lies of humanity that man is meant for independence, able to handle it all on his own. You are nothing without God.  Also, you need others. Don’t think that you can go it alone. Surround yourself with wise people, good friends, and ministry opportunities. Isolation will hinder you, but exposure increases growth. Thirdly, you need to cast your cares. Just as you are not able to solve your problems, you also cannot carry them around. Don’t harm yourself further by dragging around too much weight- let them go. And lastly, you need grace. It is always sufficient for you, in good times and bad. Even in your weakness, it is most effective. Your humility releases grace. Respecting your limitations is key to respecting God.

MEMORIZATION:

Prov 3:5-8

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

Respect Part 5
Study Guide

MONDAY
Respecting God means looking to Him as your source. He knows all of your needs, and will always take care of you. This is perhaps one of the greatest promises of the Christian life. (Matt. 6:32b)

• Do you look to God to supply your needs?

TUESDAY
Contentment is a reflection of our respect for God. If He is your source, you can learn to be content in all things. You will be satisfied, without anxiety or complaints. Even in the toughest of circumstances, you can find a place of contentment. (Phil. 4:11-13)

• What is your level of contentment currently?

WEDNESDAY
Discontentment comes by comparison. When you look around and compare, you will feel the need to compete and complain. You’ll then shift your focus from God as your source, seeing His timing or provision as incomplete. But God knows even beyond your immediate wants to your ultimate needs, and He knows best how to take care of you. (Prov. 30:9)

• Where do you often compare and grow discontent?

THURSDAY
The Israelites were in the wilderness for 40 years, and everyday God made sure that they were taken care of by sending manna from heaven for them to eat. If they gathered early and didn’t take extra, they would never go hungry. Only when they greedily took too much or waited too long would they not be able to eat, because they were abusing or mistrusting God as their source. (Deut. 8:1-3)

• What areas of your life have you anxiously assumed control instead of just accepting God’s provision?

FRIDAY
What is your manna- your miraculous daily provision? Everyday, somehow, God will give you what you need. God always knows where He’s taking you, but we often only see where we are. (Matt. 6:11)

• Where do you see God meeting your greatest needs, big and small, each and every day?

SATURDAY
The proper response to God’s provision is to: Follow instructions. Guard your heart. Realize that He is doing a work in you. Rejoice and be thankful for what He gives. And always trust God as your source, for everything!

• Every good thing you have, God provided. What do you have to be thankful for?

MEMORIZATION: Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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