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Introduction
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” - Psalm 111:10
How do we learn to love God? Jesus answered that question in his Sermon on the Mount saying, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). At the end of each day we can ask ourselves, “When did I see God today? How did I enjoy, share, and respond to God’s unfathomable love?” To fear the Lord is to thoughtfully consider our eternal God with the reverent love and honor we owe him. It's to return the love that he has lavished on us. The psalmist taught that loving God in this way is the beginning of wisdom. Our goal should be to reverently love God in the ways that will lead us to walk in his presence and be filled with his wisdom. That is how we are most able to lead a pure life—a life that can see God and love him with a pure heart. Let’s begin our year with the “beginning of wisdom” as we love and honor our amazing God. -
Do you know God is love?
Jan 1
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Do you know God through his creation?
Jan 2
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Do you know God has provided your salvation?
Jan 3
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Do you know God is unchanging?
Jan 4
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Do you know God as your strength?
Jan 5
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Do you know God as your light?
Jan 6
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Do you know why God works slowly sometimes?
Jan 7
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Do you know God is faithful to you?
Jan 8
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Do you know God through his word?
Jan 9
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Do you know God has called you to be holy?
Jan 10
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Do you know Jesus as God?
Jan 11
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Do you know God’s peace?
Jan 12
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Do you know what God values?
Jan 13
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Do you know there is only one God?
Jan 14
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Do you know God is present when you worship?
Jan 15
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Do you know God with a steadfast faith?
Jan 16
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Do you know God’s perfection?
Jan 17
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Do you know God as your Creator?
Jan 18
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Do you know how to glimpse God?
Jan 19
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Do you know how to abide with God?
Jan 20
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Do you know God is at work in your life?
Jan 21
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Do you know more of God now?
Jan 23
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Do you know the only God?
Jan 24
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Do you know God is incomprehensible?
Jan 25
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Do you know God wants to forgive?
Jan 26
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Do you know God’s word is your refuge?
Jan 27
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Do you know God more as each year passes?
Jan 28
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Do you know how to describe God?
Jan 29
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Do you know God is great?
Jan 30
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Do you know God as Abba, Father?
Jan 31
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Introduction
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” - Proverbs 2:6
My dad worked for IBM, and, as a young girl, I would occasionally visit his office. He always let us peek into the enormous room filled with giant machines that generated a lot of noise and heat. Dad said those machines were called “computers.” Today, the cell phone I carry in my purse has far more capacity for information than the entire room my dad showed me as a child. We live in a culture flooded with information, but in a sea of information, wisdom matters. How do we process all we can learn into what we should believe? How do we discern fact from opinion? Scripture has answered those questions throughout history. “The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). One of the most powerful proofs of the miraculous nature of God’s word is the fact that it has transcended the cultural trends of every generation. Today’s world is filled with information, yet popular movies and television are fascinated with fantasy. Is an idea or belief based on fact or fiction? God’s word is the wisdom we need so we can process what we learn into what we should know, trust, and believe. The Lord gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. When we search his word, we find the truth, wisdom, and discernment we need. -
Do we choose God’s wisdom over the world’s?
Feb 1
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Do we choose to stand firm in God’s truth?
Feb 2
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Do we choose to believe the Bible is totally true?
Feb 3
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Do we choose to grow up in Christ?
Feb 4
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Do you choose to invest your life in God’s work?
Feb 5
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Do you choose to live as a disciple of Christ?
Feb 6
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Do you choose to live in the light of his truth?
Feb 7
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Do you choose to approach God in repentance and truth?
Feb 8
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Do you choose to abide in God’s truth?
Feb 9
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Do you choose to think about God throughout the day?
Feb 10
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Do you choose to be sanctified in Christ Jesus?
Feb 11
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Do you choose to treasure the stability of God?
Feb 12
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Do you choose to worship God in every season of life?
Feb 13
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Do you choose God’s high standards as your own?
Feb 14
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Do you choose to seek God’s Kingdom priorities?
Feb 15
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Do you choose the way of faithfulness?
Feb 16
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Do you choose to follow God’s directives?
Feb 17
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Do you choose to share the word of Christ?
Feb 18
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Do you choose to believe Jesus is the only way to the Father?
Feb 19
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Do you choose freedom in Christ?
Feb 20
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Do you choose to publically live with the love of Christ?
Feb 21
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Do you choose to unite your heart with God’s?
Feb 22
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Do you choose to speak God’s word, for his purpose?
Feb 23
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Do you choose the Lord as your shepherd?
Feb 24
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Do you choose to enjoy what God has provided?
Feb 25
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Do you choose the right judgment of God?
Feb 26
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Do you choose God’s thoughts as your spiritual truth?
Feb 27
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Do you choose to speak God’s truth to others?
Feb 28
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Introduction
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” - Colossians 3:16
The word of God is his voice. When we worship God in spirit and truth we are ushered into his holy presence. When we want the presence of Christ to dwell in our hearts and minds we seek his word. I love to have my sons and their families return home for the weekend. Even in the early morning quiet, while everyone is asleep, I am aware of their presence. I don’t have to see them to think about them. I know I can expect to see them come down the stairs and join me. That is the picture that comes to mind when I think of the word dwell. I enjoy the texts and phone calls, but it isn’t the same as those days when they “live” in my house. Paul encouraged the early church to allow the word of Christ to dwell among them as their source of teaching, encouragement, instruction, correction, and joy-filled worship and praise. Our Bibles are so much more than information. God’s word is our inspiration to live with thankfulness in our hearts to God. -
Do you live daily with God’s voice?
Mar 1
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Do you delight in God’s laws?
Mar 2
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Do you choose trends or truth?
Mar 3
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Do you allow what matters forever to matter most?
Mar 4
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Do you worship God in spirit and truth?
Mar 5
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Do you think godly thoughts?
Mar 6
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Do you think about your thoughts?
Mar 7
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Do you live with eternal priorities?
Mar 8
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Do you live empowered by God’s spirit?
Mar 9
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Do you live for Christ’s return?
Mar 10
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Do you live with the freedom of Christ?
Mar 11
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Do you escape your temptations?
Mar 12
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Do you hand your worries to God?
Mar 13
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Do you live with the contentment of Christ?
Mar 14
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Do you live with the peace of Christ?
Mar 15
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Do you allow the love and forgiveness of Christ to flow through you?
Mar 16
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Do you allow Christ to provide your spiritual strength?
Mar 17
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Do you share a good word with others?
Mar 18
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Do you guard your hearts?
Mar 19
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Do you trust God completely?
Mar 20
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Do you think like Christ?
Mar 21
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Do you give thought to your next step?
Mar 22
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Do you meditate on God’s word?
Mar 23
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Do you seek the presence of God and his strength?
Mar 24
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Do you know how to have God’s peace?
Mar 25
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Do you know what God is thinking?
Mar 26
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Do you recognize a false prophet?
Mar 27
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Do you know God as your perfect and loving judge?
Mar 28
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Do you know you can argue it out with God?
Mar 29
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Do you know why God requires our complete commitment?
Mar 30
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Do you know the key to contentment?
Mar 31
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Introduction
“And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” - 1 Corinthians 1:30
One of the best descriptions of Jesus is to see him as God, in human form. It is difficult to understand how Jesus could be fully God, yet fully man. Jesus is the only One in human history who will ever carry that distinction. When Jesus spoke, he spoke with the wisdom of God. Jesus lived each day of his life in a righteous, or right, relationship with God. Jesus led a life of holiness, sanctified by God and set apart to serve him. And Jesus was born to be the Messiah and provide for our redemption. Paul described Jesus as the One who became wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. When we received Christ as our Lord and Savior, Jesus became the source of God’s character in us, through his Holy Spirit. Jesus is the model for our own faith and the pathway for our relationship with God as our Father. -
Why is God with you today?
Apr 1
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What does it mean to walk faithfully with God?
Apr 2
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Why is a salvation experience necessary for all people?
Apr 3
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Why is hope our great blessing?
Apr 3
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What will we be like in heaven?
Apr 4
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What does the cross mean to your life?
Apr 5
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How can we love others like Jesus?
Apr 6
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How do you accomplish God’s plan for your life?
Apr 7
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Where do Christians belong?
Apr 8
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How can we love as Jesus loves?
Apr 9
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What can Jesus create from your life?
Apr 10
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Why are we still waiting for Jesus?
Apr 11
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Why do we need an advocate with the Father?
Apr 12
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How do we share the gospel?
Apr 13
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How can we serve Christ?
Apr 14
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Why do we need to confess our sins?
Apr 15
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Are you filled with Christ?
Apr 16
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What did Jesus not come into the world to accomplish?
Apr 17
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What is God unable to tolerate?
Apr 18
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How do we glimpse God’s glory?
Apr 19
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Have you changed your faith or has faith changed you?
Apr 20
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What is a Sabbath rest?
Apr 21
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Why is the Holy Spirit a gift?
Apr 22
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Why was Jesus, the Messiah, born to die?
Apr 23
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Why are Christians the “light of the world”?
Apr 24
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Why did Jesus choose to become a man?
Apr 25
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Why is Jesus the only way?
Apr 26
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Why do we need Jesus to be our mediator?
Apr 27
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Is your life going in God’s direction?
Apr 28
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Why should we embrace grief?
Apr 29
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How do we find favor with God?
Apr 30
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Introduction
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” - James 3:13
Yielding to God’s wisdom is spiritual strength. We live in a culture that is impressed with and influenced by success, confidence, and experience. Scripture teaches that yielding to God’s wisdom is spiritual strength. Therefore, as Christians, we should submit all that we know to the One who knows all things. James was writing to his Christian brothers and sisters when he asked, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” James answered his own question by telling his church to look for the person who “by his good conduct” would “show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” Wisdom is knowing what to do with all that you know. Our good conduct, our godly conduct, will yield our good ideas to God’s perfect wisdom. -
How do we know when something is God’s wisdom?
May 1
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How do we keep ourselves from yielding to weakness and doubt?
May 2
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Why is yielding to the wisdom of Scripture essential?
May 3
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How does God strengthen us each day?
May 4
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How do we live with spiritual strength?
May 5
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How do we pray with spiritual strength?
May 6
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Why should we pray with others?
May 7
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What is the strength God provides?
May 8
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How can we live free from sin?
May 9
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How do we devote our lives to God?
May 10
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Why should God’s wisdom transcend human logic?
May 11
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Why is it wise to stay spiritually strong?
May 12
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Why is yielding to God’s Spirit necessary?
May 13
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Are you willing to yield your life to God?
May 14
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Do you yield your praise to God?
May 15
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Will you yield your temptations to God?
May 16
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Are you desperate for the Lord’s strength?
May 17
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Do you stand firm in faithful service to your King?
May 18
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Will you yield the fighting to God?
May 19
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Will you yield your fears to his promises?
May 20
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Will you yield the wait to God’s timing?
May 21
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Yielding to God’s wisdom means yielding our ideas to God’s.
May 22
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Is God’s wisdom your shield?
May 23
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Do you yield your priorities to God?
May 24
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Do you find your strength in God’s power?
May 25
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How do we live with a courageous heart?
May 26
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How do we yield our strength to God?
May 27
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Why do we yield the glory to God?
May 28
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Why should we pray for greatness?
May 29
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Why should God be our fortress?
May 30
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Who is wise and understanding among you?
May 31
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Introduction
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” - Proverbs 19:20
God created us to need other people in order to prosper in our lives. Just like our fingerprints, our gifts and abilities are uniquely our own. One of the best examples of the infinite wisdom of God is creation itself. We are each created to be loved and known personally by our Creator and to be cared for by him. God directs our paths, and he often directs our paths to intersect with others. There are people God will bring into our lives for his unique purpose and some who will help us fulfill his calling in our lives. Each of us has wisdom to give as well as a need to receive wisdom from others. God’s word reminds us that we need to *listen* to those around us in order to gain the wisdom we need for our future. This month we will consider the many ways God uses others to guide us to a greater wisdom for our lives and a greater wisdom for our souls as well. Good advice and careful instruction provide wisdom. Are we willing to listen? -
Who are our counselors?
Jun 1
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Will you think often about God’s wise counsel?
Jun 2
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Do you fear the Lord as you seek his counsel?
Jun 3
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Which friends offer God’s counsel?
Jun 4
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What is the cost of walking in wisdom?
Jun 5
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Will you ask God for his wisdom?
Jun 6
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Who are your wise companions?
Jun 7
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How will our faith impact our families?
Jun 8
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Why is Christian unity crucial?
Jun 9
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Why is biblical wisdom the best help for our souls?
Jun 10
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Why should we always work hard?
Jun 11
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Why can it be difficult to get along with a fellow Christian?
Jun 12
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Whose counsel do you need?
Jun 13
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Why is the Sermon on the Mount your best advice and instruction?
Jun 14
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How do we submit our ideas to God’s plan?
Jun 15
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How do we live with a constant faith in God?
Jun 16
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How does your faith in Jesus change your life?
Jun 17
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Why does every Christian need someone to hold them accountable?
Jun 18
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When is it wise to slow down?
Jun 19
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Who are the wise people you know?
Jun 20
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Whose influence should we avoid?
Jun 21
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How can our influence bless others?
Jun 22
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How do we discern good advice from the bad?
Jun 23
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How do we make the best use of our time on earth?
Jun 24
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Why is wisdom a powerful weapon?
Jun 25
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What is the most important advice we give others?
Jun 26
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How do we stand for God against his enemies?
Jun 27
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How do we wait for Christ’s return?
Jun 28
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Why is godly encouragement, good advice?
Jun 29
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Who are your sweetest gifts?
Jun 30
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Introduction
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” - Ephesians 5:15–17
This month we will “look carefully” at God’s priorities in the Bible. His priorities are wisdom and will guide our lives. We make thousands of decisions each day. Knowing God’s priorities will help us make choices that align with his will. Paul told the Ephesians, “Look carefully then how you walk” and taught them to make the best use of their time. Knowing God’s will and his priorities will help us to live wisely and with his blessings. God’s priorities are wisdom. Let’s carefully study all that matters to God so that we can be certain his wisdom is our priority as well. -
What is the highest priority for every Christian?
Jul 1
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Why can wrong priorities become false gods?
Jul 2
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Why is loving God an important effort?
Jul 3
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Do you spend or invest your time?
Jul 4
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What is the difference between a good idea and a God idea?
Jul 5
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What should Christians pursue?
Jul 6
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Which investments earn the highest profit?
Jul 7
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Why will God hold us accountable for our priorities?
Jul 8
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Why should serving God be our daily priority?
Jul 9
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How do we know if loving God is our priority?
Jul 10
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Why do our thoughts indicate our priorities?
Jul 11
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Are the Great Commandments your great priority?
Jul 12
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What is your spiritual muscle?
Jul 13
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Which priorities will guard and guide your entire life?
Jul 14
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Why is it important to fear God?
Jul 15
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Why is caring for our possessions a wise priority?
Jul 16
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Why does God care about the way we care about others?
Jul 17
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Why should we claw our way to the bottom?
Jul 18
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What are your least valuable possessions?
Jul 19
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When are good works a wrong priority?
Jul 20
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When should we be proud of our priorities?
Jul 21
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Why is family not to be our highest priority?
Jul 22
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Which priorities will God reward?
Jul 23
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Why is God’s plan your priority?
Jul 24
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Why is your ministry a priority?
Jul 25
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What priority will God hold against you?
Jul 26
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Why should we make Bible study a high priority?
Jul 27
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Who can walk with God’s priorities?
Jul 28
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Who is “the boss of you”?
Jul 29
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Why is our relationship with God a personal priority?
Jul 30
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Why should you ask God to schedule your day?
Jul 31
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Introduction
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When does your life please God?
Aug 1
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Which sacrifices please God?
Aug 2
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When might our disobedience please God?
Aug 3
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How do we sacrifice our lives for God?
Aug 4
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How will discernment help us please God?
Aug 5
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When is it impossible to please God?
Aug 6
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When does sharing our faith please God?
Aug 7
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Why is pleasing God a constant goal?
Aug 8
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What could Jesus say that we cannot?
Aug 9
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Why is pleasing God part of our spiritual growth?
Aug 10
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Why should we pray for the wisdom to please God?
Aug 11
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When do our efforts to please God fall short?
Aug 12
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Why did Enoch please God?
Aug 13
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Why is pleasing God about submission?
Aug 14
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Whom are we trying to please?
Aug 15
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How do children learn to please the Lord?
Aug 16
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Why is pleasing the Lord essential for the salvation of others?
Aug 17
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Why does our joy please God?
Aug 18
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Why is God pleased when we “fear” him?
Aug 19
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Why do faithful, loving families please God?
Aug 20
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Why did King Solomon please God?
Aug 21
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When do the zealous please God?
Aug 22
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When does our genuine faith please God?
Aug 23
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Why does godly unity please God?
Aug 24
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How does God’s pleasure impact our lives?
Aug 25
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What is the better way to please the Lord?
Aug 26
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What cannot please God?
Aug 27
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Why is God the one to please?
Aug 28
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Why does evangelism please God?
Aug 29
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What has always pleased God?
Aug 30
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Will you humbly please God?
Aug 31
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Introduction
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How does Jesus guide our path of blessing?
Sep 1
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Why can we count on God’s blessings?
Sep 2
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How can we achieve God’s blessings?
Sep 3
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What are our greatest blessings?
Sep 4
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Why does God bless us with his peace?
Sep 5
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How do we live with God’s continued blessing?
Sep 6
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What is the evidence of a blessed life?
Sep 7
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Why are only God’s blessings perfect for us?
Sep 8
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Which blessing do we “overlook”?
Sep 9
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How should we approach God when we seek his blessings?
Sep 10
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When does material blessing become a warning?
Sep 11
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Same topic, continued
Sep 12
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Why do fears interfere with our blessings?
Sep 13
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How does God bless our relationships?
Sep 14
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Why does God bless our tithe?
Sep 15
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What should we remember about our blessings?
Sep 16
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Why do our blessings indicate God’s favor?
Sep 17
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Why does God want to bless our lives?
Sep 18
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When does grief lead to blessing?
Sep 20
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How can God’s children be a conduit of his blessings?
Sep 21
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Which blessing should we most want to attain?
Sep 22
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Why are God’s blessings comprehensive?
Sep 23
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When does God bless our work?
Sep 24
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Why do God’s blessings accompany trials?
Sep 25
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Why is God’s word key to living with his blessings?
Sep 26
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How do our relationships impact our blessings?
Sep 27
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Why are we blessed to believe?
Sep 28
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How are the basics of life our great blessings?
Sep 29
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Why are we able to stand firmly on the road of blessing?
Sep 30