Spring 2016

2016 L.I.T. Schedule

1. Meeting #1: March 29th - 9:00 - 10:30pm @ Chrismans House

SEEING THROUGH NEW LENSES Why this Community?

Next Steps for Next Week:
a) Read Brown Like Coffee chapters 1-5
b) Read Tyranny of the Urgent Article
c) Do 4 devos on Seeing as God Sees

2. Meeting #2: April 5th - 9:00 - 10:30pm @ Chrismans House

BEING DISCIPLES The inner life of a disciple

Next Steps for Next Week:
a) Do first seven devotionals
b) Read Brown Like Coffee 8-10
c) Memorize Philippians 4:6-7

3. Meeting #3: April 12th - 9:00 - 10:30pm @ Hughes Trigg Atrium AB

MAKING DISCIPLES The outward life of a disciple

Next Steps for Next Week:
a) Continue devotional plan next seven days
b) Read Brown Like Coffee chapters 15-17
c) Read My Heart, Christs Home
c) Memorize Romans 1:16

4. Meeting #4: April 19th - 9:00 - 10:30pm @ Chrismans House

LIVING WITH NEW LENSES Where do we go from here?

Next Steps:
a) Continue devotional plan
b) Determine best Summer Growth option
c) Pray about next steps for Fall

Week 1

Seeing through New Lenses

A perspective on why this Community
How does God see the Campus?
Matthew 9:35-38 * People are ________________
Genesis 3:7-8 * People feel ________________

How to see the way God Sees:

1. Recognize the __________________ Pads. (Jeremiah 2:13)

2. Jump on the ______________ (Psalm 62:2, Psalm 40:2)

1. The _____________
______________ Disciples
who
______________ Disciples

2. _________________
3

Being in Community
What is the best team youve ever been a part of?

What a Group of Believers together does

1. _________________ Up
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
What circumstance puts the believer in danger (v. 10)?
What are some of the ways having close friends could protect you spiritually?

2. _________________ On
Hebrews 10:24-25
What is the purpose of meeting together? Why do you think people tend to stop meeting together?
What are some ways other believers have spurred you on?

3. _________________ In
Acts 2:42-47
What four things were the believers devoting themselves to (Acts 2:42)?
What specifically did they have in common (Acts 2:44)?
How did the Lord use their fellowship (Acts 2:47)?
What were some of the other results of that kind of fellowship?

4. __________________ Together
1 Corinthians 12:12-26
Application: Pray for this type of community to be a reality for more students

Week 2

A Disciples Day
Ridding ourselves from the Tyranny of the Urgent
Luke 14:33
So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then, how you livenot as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity,
because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lords will is.

Tapping into our Time

I. Be ___________________
Question: In light of my ___________ experiences,
In light of my _____________ circumstances,
In light of my _____________ hopes and dreams,
In light of Gods _____________,
Is it _____________?

II. Make the most of every _________________________

III. Recognize the __________________

Romans 13:11-13 - Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to
wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is
far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast o the works of darkness and put on the armor
of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime

Time Assessment:
Fill in the following blanks with the number of HOURS you think you
would typically spend in normal WEEK.
(ExampleIf I sleep 7 hours/day x 7 = 49 ) <Enter this number in blank)

_____ Sleeping

_____ Video games

_____ Chapter Meetings

_____ Eating

_____ Homework/Studying

_____ Parties/Mixers

_____ Getting dressed

_____ In Class

_____ Running errands

_____ Movies/Netflix

_____ Walking to class

_____ _____________________

_____ Working out

_____ Devotional time/Praying _____ _____________________

_____ Work/Job

_____ Ministry to others

_____ _____________________

_____ Cleaning room

_____ Talking to family

___________ Total hours

Total Hours in a week

Total hours listed

_________
_________

Unaccounted Time

______

What is one not urgent but important hour that I can build into my schedule this week? What will I
do to develop myself spiritually during that hour? When will it be? (Put it in your calendar now)

How to Get the Most out of Time with God

Week 2

The Bible & Prayer

What is a Quiet time?
A time set aside for _________________________ with God through reading His ______________ and
_________________.
Why should I have a Quiet time?
Luke 5:16 Philippians 3:7-14 John 15:5-11 1 Peter 2:2 How do I have a successful Quiet time?
Pick the right __________________. (Mark 1:35)

Mine: _____________________________

2. Pick the right __________________. (Luke 5:16)

Mine: _____________________________
Trigger: ___________________________

1.

3.

Pick a ___________________. (1 Corinthians 9:26)

Mine: _____________________________

4. Start with ____________________. (Matthew 6:6)

5.

Take _____________________. (Joshua 1:8) - observations, key verse, key thought, application

6. Write out your _______________________. (Colossians 3:2)

7.

Make an ___________________________. (James 1:22)

Application Questions:
Is there a
S in to avoid/confess
P romise to claim
A attitude to correct
C ommand to obey
E xample to follow

TEST of Successful Quiet Time

Is it _____________________________ me?
The Bible was not written for our information but our transformation. Howard Hendricks

Week 3

Making Disciples
The Way we Live Matters
I. Obedience determines our __________________________
2 Tim 2:20-22
Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also
of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will
be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the
house, ready for every good work.
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,
along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Evaluate:
What youthful passions do I need to flee in order to become more useful to God?

II. Obedience takes ___________________, but is ____________ it

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of Gods mercy, to oer your bodies as a living
sacrifice,
holy and pleasing to Godthis is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what
Gods will ishis good, pleasing and perfect will.

Evaluate:
What are ways I need to stop living like the rest of the world does?

III. Obedience is for our ______________________

1 John 5:3
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.
John 10:10
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the
full.

Evaluate:
Do I see obedience to God as a joy or burden?

IV.

Obedience ____________________ Christ to _________________

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to
your Father who is in heaven.

Evaluate:
To what extent would others look at my life and see Christ in me?

Week 3

The Vision
A Purpose Worth Living For
THE PURPOSE:

Matthew 28:19-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been
given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Authority defined:

The ___________________ or right to give _____________ make _______________

and enforce _____________________.

THE PLAN:

____________

____________

____________

____________

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to
reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

MULTIPLICATION
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3

YEAR 33

________________

Having a vision is _______ BUT living out a vision will __________. The price is
______________

THE PURSUIT:
Be committed to pursue:
1.

_______________________ God

2. Growing in your _______________________ & ________________________

3.

_______________________ People

4. _______________________ your faith with Others

VISION NIGHT 2016

Living with New Lenses

Week 4

4. _________ _________ - Genesis 1:28

10. _____________________ - Numbers 14:21

5. _____________________ - Genesis 9:1

11. _____________________ - 1 Samuel 17:46

6. _________ __________ - Genesis 11:4

12. _____________________ - Psalm 67:1-2

7. _____________________ - Genesis 12:1-3

13. _____________________ - Isaiah 49:6

8. _____________________ - Genesis 26:4

14. _____________________ - Mark 16:15

9. _____________________ - Genesis 28:14

15. ___________ ______________ - Romans 1:5

Is it Going to Happen? > Where were Going

Matthew 24:14 - And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a
testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Revelation 7:9 - After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every
nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb

How do we get There?

Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men.
Matthew 4:19
2 Ways God Accomplishes His Vision:
1. God Working _________ ____________
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 -

2. God Working ________________ _____________

- Acts 1:8 -

What part will you play?

10

ARTICLES
11

Tyranny of the Urgent

Charles E. Hummel
Have you ever wished for a thirty-hour day? Surely this extra time would relieve the
tremendous pressure under which we live. Our lives leave a trail of unfinished tasks.
Unanswered letters, unvisited friends, unwritten articles, and unread books haunt quiet
moments when we stop to evaluate. We desperately need relief.
But would a thirty-hour day really solve the problem? Wouldnt we soon be just as frustrated
as we are now with our twenty-four allotment? A mothers work is never finished, and neither is
that of any student, teacher, minister, or anyone else we know. Nor will the passage of time
help us catch up. Children grow in number and age to require more of our time. Greater
experience in profession and church brings more exacting assignments. So we find ourselves
working more and enjoying it less.
JUMBLED PRIORITIES
When we stop to evaluate, we realize that our dilemma goes deeper than a shortage of time;
it is basically the problem of priorities. Hard work does not hurt us. We all know what it is to go
full speed for long hours, totally involved in an important task. The resulting weariness is
matched by a sense of achievement and joy. Not hard work, but doubt and misgiving, produce
anxiety as we review a month or year and become oppressed by the pile of unfinished tasks.
We sense uneasily that we may have failed to do the important. The winds of peoples
demands have driven us onto a reef of frustration. We confess, quite apart from our sins, We
have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things
which we ought not to have done.
Several years ago an experienced cotton mill manager said to me, Your greatest danger is
letting the urgent things crowd out the important. He didnt realize how hard his maxim hit. It
often returns to haunt and rebuke me by raising the critical problem of priorities.
We live in constant tension between the urgent and the important. The problem is that the
important task rarely must be done today or even this week. Extra hours of prayer and Bible
study, a visit with the non-Christian friend, careful study of an important book: these projects can
wait. But the urgent tasks call for instant action---endless demands pressure every hour and
day.
A mans home is no longer his castle; it is no longer a place from urgent tasks because the
telephone breaches the walls with imperious demands. The momentary appeal of these tasks
seems irresistible and important, and they devour our energy. But in the light of times
perspective their deceptive prominence fades; with a sense of loss we recall the important task
pushed aside. We realize weve become slaves to the tyranny of the urgent.
CAN YOU ESCAPE.?
Is there any escape from this pattern of living? The answer lies in the life of our Lord. On
the night before He died, Jesus made an astonishing claim. In the great prayer of John 17 He
said, I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do (verse 4).
How could Jesus use the word finished? His three-year ministry seemed all too short. A
prostitute at Simons banquet had found forgiveness and a new life, but many others still walked
the street without forgiveness and a new life. For every ten withered muscles that had flexed

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into health, a hundred remained impotent. Yet on that last night, with many useful tasks undone
and urgent human needs unmet, the Lord had peace; He knew He had finished Gods work.
The Gospel records show that Jesus worked hard. After describing a busy day Mark writes,
That evening at sundown, they brought to Him all who were sick or possessed with demons.
And the whole city was gathered about the door. And He healed many who were sick with
various diseases, and cast out many demons (1:32-34).
On another occasion the demand of the ill and maimed caused Him to miss supper and to
work so late that His family thought He was beside Himself (Mark 3:21). One day after a
strenuous teaching session, Jesus and His disciples went out in a boat. Even a storm didnt
awaken Him (Mark 4:37-38). What a picture of exhaustion.
Yet His life was never feverish; He had time for people. He could spend hours talking to one
person, such as the Samaritan women at the well. His life showed a wonderful balance, a
sense of timing. When His brothers wanted Him to go to Judea, He replied, My time has not
yet come (John 7:6). Jesus did not ruin His gifts by haste. In The Discipline and Culture of the
Spiritual Life, A.E. Whiteham observes; Here in this Man is adequate purposeinward rest,
that gives an air of leisure to His crowded life: above all there is in this Man a secret and a
power of dealing with the waste-products of life, the waste of pain, disappointment, enmity,
death---turning to divine uses the abuses of man, transforming arid places of pain to fruitfulness,
triumphing at last in death and making a short life of thirty years or so, abruptly cut off, to be a
finished life. We cannot admire the poise and beauty of this human life, and then ignore the
things that made it.
WAIT FOR INSTRUCTIONS
What was the secret of Jesus work? We find a clue following Marks account of Jesus busy
day. Mark observes that .in the morning, a great while before day, He rose and went out to a
lonely place, and there He prayed (Mark 1:35). Here is the secret of Jesus life and work for
God: He prayerfully waited for His Fathers instructions and for the strength to follow them.
Jesus had no divinely-drawn blueprint; He discerned the Fathers will day by day in a life of
prayer. By this means He warded off the urgent and accomplished the important.
Lazaruss death illustrates this principle. What could have been more important than the
urgent message from Mary and Martha, Lord, he whom you love is ill (John 11:3)? John
records the Lords response in these paradoxical words: Now Jesus loved Martha and her
sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was ill, He stayed two days longer in the place
where He was (verses 5-6). What was the urgent need? Obviously it was to prevent the death
of this beloved brother. But the important thing from Gods point of view was to raise Lazarus
from the dead. So Lazarus was allowed to die. Later Jesus revived him as a sign of His
magnificent claim, I am the resurrection and the life: he who believes in Me though he die, yet
shall he live (verse 25).
We may wonder why our Lords ministry was so short, why it could not have lasted another
five or ten years, why so many wretched sufferers were left in their misery. Scripture gives not
answer to these questions, and we leave them in the mystery of Gods purposes. But we do
know that Jesus prayerful waiting for Gods instructions freed Him from the tyranny of the
urgent. It gave Him a sense of direction, set a steady pace and enabled Him to do every task
God assigned. And on the last night He could say, I have finished the work which Thou gavest
me to do.

DEPENDENCE MAKES YOU FREE

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Freedom from the tyranny of the urgent is found in the example and promise of our Lord. At
the end of a vigorous debate with the Pharisees in Jerusalem, Jesus said to those who believed
in Him: If you continue in My Word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and
the truth will make you free Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to
sinSo if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:31-36).
Many of us have experienced Christs deliverance from the penalty of sin. Are we letting Him
free us from the tyranny of the urgent? He points the way: If you continue in My Word. This is
the way to freedom. Through prayerful meditation on Gods Word we gain His perspective.
P.T. Forsyth once said, The worst sin is prayerlessness. We usually think of murder,
adultery, or theft as among the worst. But the root of all sin is self-sufficiency---independence
from God. When we fail to wait prayerfully for Gods guidance and strength we are saying, with
our actions, if not our lips, that we do not need Him. How much of our service is characterized
by going it alone?
The opposite of such independence is prayer in which we acknowledge our need for Gods
instruction and supply. Concerning a dependent relationship with God, Donald Baillie says:
Jesus lived His life in complete dependence upon God, as we all ought to live our lives. But
such dependence does not destroy human personality. Man is never so truly and fully personal
as when he is living in complete dependence upon God. This is how personality comes into its
own. This is humanity at its most personal.
Prayerful waiting on God is indispensable to effective service. Like the time-out in a football
game, it enables us to catch our breath and fix new strategy. As we wait for directions, the Lord
frees us from the tyranny of the urgent. He shows us the truth about Himself, ourselves, and
our tasks. He impresses on our minds the assignments He want us to undertake. The need
itself is not the call; the call must come form the God who knows our limitation. The Lord pities
those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust (Psalm
103:13-14). It is not God who loads us until we bend or crack with an ulcer, nervous
breakdown, heart attack, or stroke. These come from our inner compulsions coupled with the
pressure of circumstances.
EVALUATE
The modern businessman recognizes this principle of taking time out for evaluation. When
Greenwalt was president of DuPont, he said, One minute spent in planning saves three or four
minutes in execution. Many salesmen have revolutionized their profits by setting aside Friday
afternoon to plan carefully the major activities for the coming week. If an executive is too busy
to stop and plan, he may find himself replaced by another man who takes time to plan. If the
Christian is too busy to stop, take spiritual inventory, and receive his assignments from God, he
becomes a slave to the tyranny of the urgent. He may work day and night to achieve much that
seems significant to himself and others, but he will not finish the work God has for him to do.
A quiet time of meditation and prayer at the start of the day refocuses our relationship with
God. Recommit yourself to His will as you think of the hours that follow. In these unhurried
moments list in order of priority the tasks to be done, taking into account commitments already
made. A competent general always draws up his battle plan before he engages the enemy; he
does not postpone basic decisions until the firing starts. But he is also prepared to change his
plans if an emergency demands it. So try to implement the plans you have made before the
days battle against the clock begins. But be open to any emergency interruption or unexpected
person who may call.
You may also find it necessary to resist the temptation to accept an engagement when the
invitation first comes over the telephone. No matter how clear the calendar may look at the

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moment, ask for a day or two to pray for guidance before committing yourself. Surprisingly the
engagement often appears less important after the pleading voice has become silent. If you
can withstand the urgency of the initial moment, you will be in a better position to weigh the cost
and discern whether the task is Gods will for you.
In addition to your daily quiet time, set aside one hour a week for spiritual inventory. Write an
evaluation of the past, record anything God may be teaching you, and plan objectives for the
future. Also try to reserve most of one day each month for a similar inventory of longer range.
Often you will fail. Ironically, the busier you get the more you need this time of inventory, but the
less you seem to be able to take it. You become like the fanatic, who, when unsure of his
direction, doubles his speed. And frenetic service for God can become an escape from God.
But when you prayerfully take inventory and plan your days, it provides fresh perspective on
your work.
CONTINUE THE EFFORT
Over the years the greatest continuing struggle in the Christian life is the effort to make
adequate time for daily waiting on God, weekly inventory, and monthly planning. Because this
time for receiving marching orders is so important, Satan will do everything he can to squeeze it
out. Yet we know from experience that only by this means can we escape the tyranny of the
urgent. This is how Jesus succeeded. He did not finish all the urgent tasks in Palestine or all
the things He would have liked to do, but He did finish the work which God gave Him to do. The
only alternative to frustration is to be sure that we are doing what God wants. Nothing
substitutes for knowing that this day, this hour, in this place we are doing the will of the Father.
Then and only then can we think of all the other unfinished tasks with equanimity and leave
them with God.
Sometime ago Simba bullets killed a young man, Dr Paul Carson. In the providence of God,
his lifes work was finished. Most of us will live longer and die more quietly, but when the end
comes, what could give us greater joy than being sure that we have finished the work God gave
us to do? The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ makes this fulfillment possible. He has promised
deliverance from the sin and the power to serve God in the tasks of His choice. The way is
clear. If we continue in the Word of our Lord, we are truly His disciples. And He will free us
from the tyranny of the urgent, free us to do the important, which is the will of God.

Copyright 1967 by Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Reprinted by permission of InterVarsity Press, Downers
Grove, Il 60515

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A Discussion of Tyranny of the Urgent

It seems to me that perfection of means and confusion of goals seem to characterize our age.
-Albert Einstein
The good is often the enemy of the best.
-Unknown

1. Define the word urgent as used in the Tyranny of the Urgent.

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. Define the word important as used in the Tyranny of the Urgent.

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. In the space below, jot down the thoughts that most impressed you from your reading of
Tyranny of the Urgent.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

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My Heart, Christ"s Home

by Robert Boyd Munger
"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and
make our home with him." - John 14:23
One evening I invited Jesus Christ into my heart. What an entrance He made! It was not a spectacular,
emotional thing, but very real. Something happened at the very center of my life. He came into the
darkness of my heart and turned on the light. He built a fire on the heart and banished the chill. He started
music where there had been stillness, and He filled the emptiness with His own loving, wonderful
fellowship. I have never regretted opening the door to Christ and I never will.
In the joy of this new relationship I said to Jesus Christ, "Lord, I want this heart of mine to be Yours. I
want to have You settle down here and be perfectly at home. Everything I have belongs to You. Let me
show You around."
The Study
The first room was the study - the library. In my home this room of the mind is a very small room with
very thick walls. But it is a very important room. In a sense, it is the control room of the house. He
entered with me and looked around at the books in the bookcase, the magazines upon the table, the
pictures on the walls. As I followed His gaze I became uncomfortable. Strangely, I had not felt selfconscious about this before, but now that He was there looking at these things I was embarrassed. Some
books were there that His eyes were too pure to behold. On the table were a few magazines that a
Christian had no business reading. As for the pictures on the walls - the imaginations and thoughts of the
mind - some of these were shameful.
Red-faced, I turned to Him and said, "Master, I know that this room needs to be cleaned up and made
over. Will You help me make it what it ought to be?"
"Certainly!" He said. "I'm glad to help you. First of all, take all the things that you are reading and looking
at which are not helpful, pure, good and true, and throw them out! Now put on the empty shelves the
books of the Bible. Fill the library with Scripture and meditate on it day and night. As for the pictures on
the walls, you will have difficulty controlling these images, but I have something that will help." He gave
me a full-size portrait of Himself. "Hang this centrally," He said, "on the wall of the mind." I did, and I
have discovered through the years that when my thoughts are centered upon Christ Himself, His purity
and power cause impure thoughts to back away. So He has helped me to bring my thoughts under His
control.
The Dining Room
From the study we went into the dining room, the room of appetites and desires. I spent a lot of time and
hard work here trying to satisfy my wants. I said to Him, "This is a favorite room. I am quite sure You
will be pleased with what we serve."
He seated Himself at the table with me and asked, "What is on the menu for dinner?" "Well," I said, "my
favorite dishes: money, academic degrees and stocks, with newspaper articles of fame and fortune as side
dishes." These were the things I liked - secular fare. When the food was placed before Him, He said
nothing, but I observed that He did not eat it. I said to Him, "Master, don't You care for this food? What is
the trouble?" He answered, "I have food to eat that you do not know of. If you want food that really
satisfies you, do the will of the Father. Stop seeking your own pleasures, desires, and satisfaction. Seek to
please Him. That food will satisfy you." There at the table He gave me a taste of the joy of doing God's
will. What flavor! There is no food like it in all the world. It alone satisfies.
The Living Room
From the dining room we walked into the living room. This room was intimate and comfortable. I liked it.
It had a fireplace, overstuffed chairs, a sofa, and a quiet atmosphere. He said, "This is indeed a delightful
room. Let us come here often. It is secluded and quiet, and we can fellowship together." Well, as a young

17

Christian I was thrilled. I couldn't think of anything I would rather do than have a few minutes with Christ
in close companionship.
He promised, "I will be here early every morning. Meet me here, and we will start the day together." So
morning after morning, I would come downstairs to the living room. He would take a book of the Bible
from the case. We would open it and read together. He would unfold to me the wonder of God's saving
truths. My heart sang as He shared the love and the grace He had toward me. These were wonderful
times. However, little by little, under the pressure of many responsibilities, this time began to be
shortened. Why, I'm not sure. I thought I was too busy to spend regular time with Christ. This was not
intentional, you understand. It just happened that way. Finally, not only was the time shortened, but I
began to miss days now and then. Urgent matters would crowd out the quiet times of conversation with
Jesus. I remember one morning rushing downstairs, eager to be on my way. I passed the living room and
noticed that the door was open. Looking in, I saw a fire in the fireplace and Jesus was sitting there.
Suddenly in dismay I thought to myself, "He is my guest. I invited Him into my heart! He has come as my
Savior and Friend, and yet I am neglecting Him." I stopped, turned and hesitantly went in. With downcast
glance, I said, "Master, forgive me. Have You been here all these mornings?" "Yes," He said, "I told you I
would be here every morning to meet with you. Remember, I love you. I have redeemed you at great cost.
I value your fellowship. Even if you cannot keep the quiet time for your own sake, do it for mine." The
truth that Christ desires my companionship, that He wants me to be with Him and waits for me, has done
more to transform my quiet time with God than any other single fact. Don't let Christ wait alone in the
living room of your heart, but every day find time when, with your Bible and in prayer, you may be
together with Him.
The Workroom
Before long, He asked, "Do you have a workroom in your home?" Out in the garage of the home of my
heart I had a workbench and some equipment, but I was not doing much with it. Once in a while I would
play around with a few little gadgets, but I wasn't producing anything substantial. I led Him out there. He
looked over the workbench and said, "Well, this is quite well furnished. What are you producing with
your life for the Kingdom of God?" He looked at one or two little toys that I had thrown together on the
bench and held one up to me. "Is this the sort of thing you are doing for others in your Christian life?"
"Well," I said, "Lord, I know it isn't much, and I really want to do more, but after all, I don't seem to have
strength or skill to do more." "Would you like to do better?" He asked. "Certainly," I replied. "All right.
Let me have your hands. Now relax in me and let my Spirit work through you. I know that you are
unskilled, clumsy and awkward, but the Holy Spirit is the Master Workman, and if He controls your
hands and your heart, He will work through you." Stepping around behind me and putting His great,
strong hands under mine, He held the tools in His skilled fingers and began to work through me. The
more I relaxed and trusted Him, the more He was able to do with my life.
The Rec Room
He asked me if I had a rec room where I went for fun and fellowship. I was hoping He would not ask
about that. There were certain associations and activities that I wanted to keep for myself.
One evening when I was on my way out with some of my buddies, He stopped me with a glance and
asked, "Are you going out?" I replied, "Yes." "Good," He said, "I would like to go with you." "Oh," I
answered rather awkwardly. "I don't think, Lord Jesus, that You would really enjoy where we are going.
Let's go out together tomorrow night. Tomorrow night we will go to a Bible class at church, but tonight I
have another appointment." "I'm sorry," He said. "I thought that when I came into your home, we were
going to do everything together, to be close companions. I just want you to know that I am willing to go
with you."
"Well," I mumbled, slipping out the door, "we will go someplace together tomorrow night."
That evening I spent some miserable hours. I felt rotten. What kind of friend was I to Jesus,
deliberately leaving Him out of my life, doing things and going places that I knew very well He would
not enjoy?
When I returned that evening, there was a light in His room, and I went up to talk it over with Him. I said,
"Lord, I have learned my lesson. I know now that I can't have a good time without You. From now on, we

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will do everything together."

Then we went down into the rec room of the house. He transformed it. He brought new friends, new
excitement, new joys. Laughter and music have been ringing through the house ever since.
The Hall Closet
One day I found Him waiting for me at the door. An arresting look was in His eye. As I entered, He said
to me, "There is a peculiar odor in the house. Something must be dead around here. It's upstairs. I think it
is in the hall closet."
As soon as He said this, I knew what He was talking about. There was a small closet up there on the hall
landing, just a few feet square. In that closet, behind lock and key, I had one or two little personal things
that I did not want anyone to know about. Certainly, I did not want Christ to see them. I knew they were
dead and rotting things left over from the old life. I wanted them so for myself that I was afraid to admit
they were there.
Reluctantly, I went up with Him, and as we mounted the stairs the odor became stronger and stronger. He
pointed to the door. I was angry. That's the only way I can put it. I had given Him access to the library, the
dining room, the living room, the workroom, the rec room, and now He was asking me about a little twoby-four closet. I said to myself, "This is too much. I am not going to give Him the key."
"Well," He said, reading my thoughts, "if you think I'm going to stay up here on the second floor with this
smell, you are mistaken. I will go out on the porch." Then I saw Him start down the stairs.
When one comes to know and love Christ, the worst thing that can happen is to sense Him withdrawing
His fellowship. I had to give in.
"I'll give You the key," I said sadly, "but You will have to open the closet and clean it out. I haven't the
strength to do it."
"Just give me the key," He said. "Authorize me to take care of that closet and I will."
With trembling fingers I passed the key to Him. He took it, walked over to the door, opened it, entered,
took out all the putrefying stuff that was rotting there, and threw it away. Then He cleaned the closet and
painted it. It was done in a moment's time. Oh, what victory and release to have that dead thing out of my
life!
Transferring the Title
A thought came to me. "Lord, is there any chance that You would take over the management of the whole
house and operate it for me as You did that closet? Would You take the responsibility to keep my life what
it ought to be?"
His face lit up as He replied, "I'd love to! That is what I want to do. You cannot be a victorious Christian
in your own strength. Let me do it through you and for you. That is the way. But," He added slowly, "I am
just a guest. I have no authority to proceed, since the property is not mine."
Dropping to my knees, I said, "Lord, You have been a guest and I have been the host. From now on I am
going to be the servant. You are going to be the owner and Master."
Running as fast as I could to the strongbox, I took out the title deed to the house describing its assets and
liabilities, location and situation. I eagerly signed the house over to Him alone for time and eternity.
"Here," I said. "Here it is, all that I am and have, forever. Now You run the house. I'll just remain with
You as a servant and friend."
Things are different since Jesus Christ has settled down and has made His home in my heart.

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Devotionals

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Devotional Plan
Week 1: Seeing the way God sees:
Day 1:
Read Exodus 14:4-31
What stands out about how the Israelites viewed their circumstances versus how Moses did?

How did God answer? What does that teach you about God?

What would change about your life if you viewed your circumstances with that kind of trust in
God?

Day 2:
Matthew 6:19-34
What are the two ways handle money in v. 19-21? What happens to each?

It seems like v. 24 goes with v.19-21, why do you think v. 22-23 are sandwiched in the middle?

What do v. 25-34 teach you about seeing the world as God sees it? How would this perspective
impact the way you viewed your circumstances and stresses in college?

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Week 1: Seeing the way God sees:

Day 3:
Read Luke 10:25-37
What did the Priest and Levite do when they saw the man on the side of the road?

Why do you think they did this? What might have been going on in their lives that made them
overlook this mans need?

What did the Samaritan feel when he saw the man? (v. 33)

What are all the things it cost the Samaritan to care for this man?

What are some opportunities we might see to show compassion to our friends on campus or
family? What might it cost us to help them?

Day 4:
Read Hebrews 12:1-3
Two things slow us down in our pursuit of God, what are they in v. 1?

What are some examples of each of those in your own life?

We know there will be struggles to follow Christ, what are some of the things Jesus endured?
How would that be encouraging to you?

What is something you could do each day to help you fix your eyes on Jesus?

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Devotional Plan
Week 2: Being Disciples
Day 1:
Read Ephesians 5:15-17
Write out the hours you spend in a day and evaluate if you are using your time wisely! (see the
sheet from A Disciples Day workshop)

Are you wise with your life? What changes might you need to make to make the most of every
opportunity?

Day 2:
Read Luke 9:23-27
What are the 3 requirements of a disciple in v. 23?

From the entirety of these 5 verses, what do you learn about being a disciple?

Reread v. 25 several times. Spend a minute praying to God and asking Him to help you
evaluate your heart. What is more valuablepersonal gain or being His disciple? How do you
know?

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Devotional Plan
Week 2: Being Disciples
Day 3:
Read John 15:1-8.
What is the proof of being a disciple, according to v. 8?

How does a disciple bear fruit in v. 4?

What do you think it means to abide/remain in Christ in college? What could you do today to
stay plugged into the Vine a little longer

Jesus teaching continuesread John 15:9-11. If we abide in His love and keep His
commandments. What is the result in v. 11? Pray for that!

Day 4:
Read 2 Timothy 2:1-7.
This letter was written from Paul to his disciple, Timothy, instructing him of the characteristics of
a true disciple. What are the 3 metaphors he useswhat does each do well?

Of the 3 illustrations, which do you feel like you are living out?

Which one can you grow in? How?

The command in v. 7 is to think over what I say. Spend a few minutes thinking and praying
through the soldier, athlete, and farmer and ask God to make these characters a reality in your
life.

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Devotional Plan
Week 2: Being Disciples
Day 5:
Luke 14:25-33
Jesus uses strong language in this section to show the nature of the commitment to follow Him.
What are the requirements in v. 26-27?

Why do you think Jesus asks for such a radical commitment?

Jesus gives 2 analogies of a builder of a tower or a king going to war counting the cost before
committing, What are some of the costs you need to evaluate in becoming a disciple of Jesus?

Pray v. 33. Confess anything you might still be holding on to instead of renouncing and being
His disciple.

Day 6:
What are the benefits of spending time in Gods Word from the verses below?

John 17:17 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Joshua 1:8 Psalm 19:7-11 Psalm 119:9-11 -

Which of these benefits motivates you the most to spend time reading the Bible?

Evaluate yourself: How are you doing at spending time in Gods Word every day? What are
some benefits you've experienced this week?

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Devotional Plan
Week 2: Being Disciples
Day 7:
Today you will learn a special toolMeditating on Gods Word! In most eastern religions
meditation means emptying your mind, but biblical meditation is the opposite. To meditate
literally means to chew. It means to fill your mind and process through the very words of God.
Open your Bible to Philippians 4:6-7 and walk through this Scripture meditation steps.
(You can repeat these steps with any other passage in the Bible)

1. Perimeter (read the verses before & afterwhat is the main thought or context?)

2. Paraphrase (write out the verse in your own words)

3. Pulverize (emphasize each word aloud by exclamation, what do you think are 2-3 key words to the
message?)

4. Personalize (insert your name into the verse)

5. Pray (pray through the verse, ask God to make it a reality in your life)

6. Problems (write out any questions or confusions you have about the verse)

7. Possibilities (write out possible answers to these questions)

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Devotional Plan
Week 3: Making Disciples
Day 1:
Read the 5 Great Commission texts below from the Gospels and book of Acts. These are
some of the final words that Jesus spoke to His disciples to drive home the task He was
entrusting to them. Record some of the different things He communicated in each passage.

Matthew 28:18-20 Mark 16:15-16 Luke 24:45-49 John 20:19-22 Acts 1:6-8 What stands out to you from the 5 commissions? (promises? commands? etc.)

Day 2:
Read Acts 4:1-22. This is an early account of the disciples after Jesus gave the commissions
from yesterdays devo. They were telling people about Jesus and even healed a crippled man!
What were the various responses of the people? (v. 2-4*) *Sadducees were religious leaders

What stands out about how Peter & the disciples responded to the leaders in this passage?

What are the things the leaders noticed about the disciples (v. 13-14)?

The leaders charged them not to talk about Jesus anymorewhich is close to todays cultures
mandate to not talk about religion. Read Peter and Johns bold response to the leadership
again in v. 19-20.
From 1 - 10 (1-low, 10-high), rate your desire to please God over peoples opinions?

From 1 - 10 (1-low, 10-high), rate your boldness to identify and talk about your faith
openly?
How can you cultivate a heart that desires to please God over man?

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Devotional Plan
Week 3: Making Disciples
Day 3:
Read Romans 10:8-17
What is the emphasis in v. 8-13? What do people need to do to be saved?

Paul follows the logicif that is what people need to do, what all needs to happen for that to
take place? Fill in the blanks with the logic Paul uses.

Call

___________

___________

___________

___________

The Gospel is that while we were sinners, Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead. We
can receive forgiveness for sins and new life in Christ if we turn from our sin and trust Christ.
When do you remember hearing & truly believing the Gospel for the first time?

Spend some time praying and thanking God for the people He brought into your life to share the
Gospel with you.

Day 4:
Read Matthew 5:1-16
What characteristics of a disciple stand out to you from the list? What do you think that looks
like to live that out in your life?

What are the two analogies Jesus gives for his disciples in v. 13-16? Why would He use these
two? What do you think it means for the purpose of our lives to the world?
* ____________ * ____________ How will people sometimes respond to Jesus disciples? (v. 10-12)

Pray for your life to be salt and light on your campus!

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Devotional Plan
Week 3: Making Disciples
Day 5:
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. This is a letter Paul wrote to a group of believers in a city he had
visited. He spent time there teaching them the Gospel and how to be and make disciples.
How did the Gospel come to the Thessalonians? How did Paul live around them? (v. 4-5)

How does it describe the Thessalonians coming to faith in v. 9-10?

What was the result? (v. 6-8)

Pray that the word of the Lord would sound forth from us in LIT at SMU and UTD the way it did
through the Thessalonians.

Day 6:
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20
What are some things that stand out about how Paul spoke the gospel to them (v. 1-6)?

Paul compares making disciples to the roles of parenting as a mother and father. In v. 7-13,
what are the roles the mother and father play in disciplemaking?
Mother Father What observations about disciple-making can you learn from the response of the Thessalonians
in v. 13-16?

At the end of his life, what does Paul say he will boast about? (v. 19-20)

Spend some time praying that God would give you one disciple to be a mother/father to and
raise up in the faith to be your hope, joy, and crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus.

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Devotional Plan
Week 3: Making Disciples
Day 7:
Meditating on Gods Word! In most eastern religions meditation means emptying your mind, but
biblical meditation is the opposite. To meditate literally means to chew. It means to fill your
mind and process through the very words of God.
Read Romans 1:16 and walk through this Scripture meditation steps.
(You can repeat these steps with any other passage in the Bible)

1. Perimeter (read the verses before & afterwhat is the main thought or context?)

2. Paraphrase (write out the verse in your own words)

3. Pulverize (emphasize each word aloud by exclamation, what do you think are 2-3 key words to the
message?)

4. Personalize (insert your name into the verse)

5. Pray (pray through the verse, ask God to make it a reality in your life)

6. Problems (write out any questions or confusions you have about the verse)

7. Possibilities (write out possible answers to these questions)

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Prayer Requests
Write down prayer requests for yourself, both personal and ministry related. Write
down prayer requests for others in LIT, both personal and ministry related.
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Prayer Requests
Write down prayer requests for yourself, both personal and ministry related. Write
down prayer requests for others in LIT, both personal and ministry related.
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Prayer Requests
Write down prayer requests for yourself, both personal and ministry related. Write
down prayer requests for others in LIT, both personal and ministry related.
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