Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
DAILY
Personal Insights and Reflections On the Road with Jesus
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any way by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwisewithout the prior permission of the copyright holder, except as provided by USA copyright law. All Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE IGNITION: Who is at the Wheel? / Be a Humble Passenger.. CHAPTER TWO KEY #1: Which Driver is Most Important? / Selfless Life... CHAPTER THREE KEY #2: Ask for Directions / Gain Wisdom from Gods Helpers. CHAPTER FOUR KEY #3: Listen to Your Navigation System / Listen and Follow Gods Direction. CHAPTER FIVE KEY #4: Rely on Your Driver / Trust, Acknowledge, and Rely on God. CHAPTER SIX KEY #5: When the Four Car Pile-up Happens / Peace in the Trials CHAPTER SEVEN KEY #6: Stop Clinging to the Steering Wheel / Cling to God CHAPTER EIGHT KEY #7: What Being a Passenger is All About / Find Joy on the Journey.
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In order for us to truly grow in our relationship with God and allow the Holy Spirit to change our lives, its important to be moldable and teachable like a little child.
Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)
Remember when you first got your drivers license? How did it make you feel? Reflect upon the sense of freedom it gave you, and journal your thoughts below.
How does the sense of freedom you experienced as a new driver compare to the freedom you found when you came to faith in Jesus?
Read John 8:31-32. How does this passage help you explain your freedom as a disciple of Jesus?
In what ways can you be more open to Gods Word? How do you think this may help in letting God direct your life?
What is your definition of success? Is it wrong to be successful? How can you be successful Gods way?
In Philippians 2:5-8 it says, Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Name an attitude with which you struggle, that causes you to be prideful or self-focused. Ask God to help you put to death any attitude that would cause you to have the wrong opinion of yourself, so that you can learn true humility.
Ephesians 5:1 says, Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. Often children imitate adults by literally following in their footsteps. When a child is following you, and you turn around suddenly, you might find him taking giant steps so that his small feet land in your big footprints. Are you following Jesus in that same way today? What would He see if He turned around? If you are not following in His steps, what has to change in your life so that you can be more like Him today?
Read Micah 6:8. How does it impact you to know God wants you to walk with Him?
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Just as Paul committed his life to following the Holy Spirit and turning from his fleshly desires, so should we. Make a list of the distractions in your life that keep you from following the Holy Spirit and make a commitment to eliminate them.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul said, Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. In what areas of your life have you made disciplined choices? What did it take you to become disciplined in those areas? What similar actions can you take in your spiritual life in order to be more disciplined in that area? Note some things you can do today in order to develop a more committed relationship with God.
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1Kings 3:7 says, Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. Have you ever experienced a tug-of-war between your own wisdom, and Gods? What was the outcome and what can be learned from this verse that will help you more easily let God direct your life?
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What is the common definition of greatness that most people adhere to? How is this different from Gods definition?
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In Matthew 10:16, Jesus addressed His disciples before sending them to cast out unclean spirits and to heal people of their diseases. He told them, Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. How can you go about your daily dealings being both shrewd (wise) and innocent (whether at work, at home, at pleasure, or at church)?
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What can you change in your thought patterns or actions to learn to instinctively trust Jesus more?
In the book, I shared a story about my nephew Houston and his friends playing pretend with me, and electing me as their Chairman of the Board. They were willing to give up power to have someone else be in authority. How might you better allow Jesus to be Chairman of your life? If you sat at a boardroom table with Him, what business plan would He ask you to execute in your life?
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DAY 6What Are You Depending On And Who Are You Listening To?
Isaiah 66:13 says, As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you will be comforted in Jerusalem. God is a loving parent caring for His children. In turn, we ought to treat God as our Heavenly Father! How can you live your life in a way that you become more dependent on God, with the same dependence as that of a child for his parent?
Children are teachable. In what way can you become more childlike in your walk with the Lord by being more teachable, more moldable into what pleases Him?
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When children need security, they long to be with their parents. As I mentioned in the book, I learned this more fully when Jenni got an imaginary stomachache on her first sleepover and called us to bring her home. How can you long to be with God more? We spend a lot of time apart from God. What can you do to determine to spend more time with Him?
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The true significance of a man starts with the recognition of his insignificance.
CHAPTER TWO KEY #1: Which driver is Most Important? / Selfless Life
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
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DAY 8What Happens When You Take Things Into Your Own Hands
Moses felt a specific call to be used by God. He took matters into his own hands at first, and botched things up. But he discovered when he did things Gods way, it was exciting and rewarding to be used as an instrument of the Lord. Have you ever sensed a specific time when God was leading you to do something that would ultimately further the Kingdom? How did you respond? What happened when you tried to serve God in your own wisdom and strength as compared to those times when you followed Gods leadership?
Moses ego got in the way of serving God. What obstacles are in your life today that might hinder you from serving God one hundred percent? What can you do to take care of these roadblocks so that you can move forward?
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Speaking of moving forward, Paul in Philippians 3:13-14 says, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Paul never assumed he had attainedhe always pressed forward. One way he sped up his results was to let go of his past, his regrets, his mistakes, those who hurt him, etc. How can you put the past in the past and reach for what God wants for your future?
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Moses had many leadership characteristics that would be deemed desirable by todays successdriven society. God has a different definition for success, and in order to achieve the goal, He had to strip Moses of these ungodly character traits. What traits in your life are foreign to Gods plan for you? Ask the Holy Spirit to burden you with a conviction so that you might begin the waste removal process of getting rid of anything that hinders your ability to be successful in Gods eyes.
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Life experiences allowed Moses to go through a metamorphosis so that he removed any motives or attitudes of self-importance. Once the transformation was completed, Moses only desired to see Gods name promoted, rather than his own. He didnt need to be in the spotlight to be used by God. What life experiences have you gone through that have created your own metamorphosis regarding the removal of self-importance? What might you do at this stage in your transformation to help change the mindset from being in the spotlight to putting the spotlight on God?
Matthew 5:16 says, Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Is your light shining today? What is the source of that light? If it is Gods light shining through you, then your good works will glorify the Father. If you have any other source of light, then you remain in the spotlight and God in the shadows. Journal your thoughts in the space below, and record some ways to glorify God more.
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King Nebuchadnezzar participated in pridefests, pronouncing himself the best in the land. He was so focused on himself that he forgot about God. Do you ever catch yourself engaging in pridefests? What attributes of yours do you tend to be prideful about? What is your plan to overcome this temptation? If you seek recognition about something, then this is an environment ripe for pride. Naming your weak areas will help you overcome them with Gods help.
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Humility is key to being used by God. Write a prayer of humility below, asking God to help you give more control to Him and acknowledge (like Nebuchadnezzar) that all glory and honor goes to God alone.
Five Evidences of Desiring Self-Importance (Evaluate and indicate how these may apply to your life) Whenever you do something with the goal of recognition, its really about your own importance.
Whenever a good deed is not done because it brings no attention to you, then it is really about your own importance.
When you are looking for opportunities to tell people about your accomplishments, its really all about your own importance.
When you worry about what others think of you, you are too focused on your own importance.
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When you admire others based on their possessions or status, then your focus is on your own importance.
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David was content to wait for Gods perfect timing to be declared King. He didnt take things into his own hands. Has there been a time recently when it was difficult for you to wait on God to take action, and you grabbed back control of the situation to try to hurry up the process? What happened? Was there another time when you patiently waited for Gods timing? What was the outcome?
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Are you ready to make a difference for God by letting Him direct your life, or do you desire the status quo of staying in the parking lot of life? Is anything holding you back? Do you sense God directing you in any specific way today as you pray about making a difference for Him?
How do your actions and your thoughts define how important your own importance is to you? In your career? In your marriage? In your friendships? In life in general?
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Have you ever fasted for a meal or more, or given up something else, in order to be more focused on what God wanted to say to you? What was it like? If you havent done this, would you consider a personal fast of some sort as you take this journey towards a more God-directed life?
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How do you define success? Before God became a big part of my life, my definition of success was very different than it is now. How does God define success? In what ways does He want you to be successful? Is it sinful to desire success? (There are no set answersthese questions merely provide a way to process your transformation.)
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How do you feel when you are around someone who is self-centered? Is it uncomfortable? Contrast that to being with someone who isnt concerned with impressing youa person more concerned with pleasing God. Almost complete opposites, arent they? Look at the traits of the self-centered individual and then the ones of the God-focused individual, and make a list of the traits that you either want to remove or implement in your own life.
2 Corinthians 10:12 says, For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. This verse sounds complex, but when you break it down, its basically saying its never wise for people to compare themselves to others who think they are all that. So, when we worry about what others think, and get into the comparison trap, we miss out. How can you overcome the temptation to be concerned about how you measure up to others?
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When you recognize that God is involved in sending you help, the outcome is not just about what you want, its about whats best for carrying out what God wants.
CHAPTER THREE KEY #2: Ask for Directions / Gain Wisdom from Gods Helpers
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel. (Proverbs 12:15)
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Why is it sometimes hard to accept Gods helpers? Is it stubbornness? Pride? Thinking you are the only one to get it done right? Name a time you refused to accept the assistance of one of Gods helpers. How did it turn out? Are you going through anything right now that seems like a burden or adds stress to your life? Look around and see whom God might be sending your way.
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Are you a fulltime worrier? What sorts of things do you worry about? How do you cope with worry? How can having one of Gods helpers assist you in overcoming worry?
Using a Bible search tool (either online or in book format), look up some of the one another verses in the Bible. What do these verses tell you about our responsibility to one another as helpers?
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When is it okay to question God? Have you ever questioned God about something in your own life? What was it? What was Gods response? How did you know what God wanted you to learn from it?
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God was patient with Moses, knowing the end result would be amazing. In what ways has Go shown patience with you? Just thinkHe knows the potential outcome of your life as well!
When God sends us a helper, the ultimate purpose is to see our lives transformed with God. Think about how accepting Gods helper can lead to your transformed life. Also, it can work in transforming the life of the helper and the lives of those witnessing all of this transpire. Write down some ways accepting Gods help has changed you or changed those around you.
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You can be Gods helper to someone else. Gods love is revealed and spread when its done with a pure heart out of a desire to please Him. It works when you are willing to be used as Gods helper for someone else. Think of a time in the past when God used you as His instrument to help someone else. Is there a situation now that you can show Gods love to another by being used as Gods helper?
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Are you striving for a victorious life? Proverbs 11:14 tells us, When there is no guidance, the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory. Who is on your team of counselors? Who do you go to for wisdom and direction? In whom can you confide?
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Sometimes God uses our usual team of counselors as a way to help us with wisdom. Other times, He brings in a surprise helper to advise us. Be prepared to accept help from an unlikely source. Can you think of a time this happened in the past?
What was the outcome of a time when you disregarded godly counsel? What did it cost you to not heed their advice? If you could do it all over again, would you change anything? We cant change the past, but we can change how we receive and heed advice in the future.
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Contrast the above situation with a time you did accept godly counsel. What was the outcome? How did it end up glorifying God?
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The Jewish people took Moses help for granted. They grumbled against him. In Exodus 16:7 Moses said to them and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, for He hears your grumblings against the Lord; and what are we, that you grumble against us? Have you grumbled against one of Gods helpers in your life? Exodus shows us its just as if you are grumbling against God. Make a list here of your recent grumblings and ask God to help you not be disgruntled when life goes differently than your personal desires.
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Many times we dont make a big enough deal about the helpers God sends our way. We tend to take their help for granted and minimize their efforts to assist us. Name some of the everyday helpers God has brought to you, and be sure to thank them today for the blessing they are to you.
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One of the important aspects of being Gods helper and receiving help from others is to not be concerned about who gets the credit. Moses wasnt concerned. He realized it took a team to get the job done for God. How can you better adapt this selfless mindset in your own life?
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Aaron and Hur were literally on the mountaintop with Moses as Joshua and the people fought the Amalekites. Name a time when you had a mountaintop experience when you teamed up with others to bring about victory for the good of many.
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What are some ways that Gods helpers actually help out and become an instrument of God? What type of person might He use to help you?
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Who is the one person who completes our role as Gods helper? What happens when He isnt in the equation? How can He make the difference?
Think back to some of the special moments God has blessed you with. Oftentimes, in the midst of it all is one of Gods helpers. Reflect about one of these special moments and recognize the helper. One way to remember back is to look at photograph albums and think of the blessings represented by each snapshot.
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Make sure whats important to God is important to you. When you follow Gods lead in this way, letting Him take the wheel, the path is filled with inner joy and satisfaction.
CHAPTER FOUR KEY #3: Listen to Your Navigation System / Listen and follow Gods Direction
Samuel said, Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)
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If you start your obedience with God with the Ten Commandments, name which one is most difficult for you to obey (in the flesh) and why? Review them in Exodus 20.
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Hebrews 12:1 says, Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. When it comes to obedience, what sin easily entangles you? What is your plan to lay it aside so you can run the race of life with endurance?
Gods Word is chock-full of Gods instructions. Its like having your own counsel of wisdom in one book. Find a verse that will help you in your determination to obey God, and write it out here so you can continue to reflect on it in the days ahead.
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What are some benefits of obedience? What happens when you allow Jesus to take the wheel in this key to a transformed life?
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When lifes circumstances provide you with stress and worry, how can you be obedient to God when your gut reaction is to go your own way?
Sometimes, like Moses, our obedience leads us to unfamiliar territory and we are uncertain how to respond. In that instance, we might slip up for just moments by regressing back into doing things in our own strength. God knows we are not robots, and so the emotion of a situation is sometimes going to cause us to veer off course a little. As long as we stay faithful to Gods counsel, always turning back to Him, we will find our way through every situation. Can you think of a time you started out obeying God, but veered off course? What caused you to take things into your own hands? What brought you back into obedience with God? How can you avoid the same mistakes in the future? One thing about Moses, he wanted to be obedient, and when he wasnt, he always learned from his mistakes.
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When you drive down the road, it is easy traveling when there are no obstacles, stop signs, or detours. But sometimes, a truck drops part of its load, or a tire blows, and the debris ahead of you creates an obstacle and you must swerve to miss it. In life, what happens when something happens to detour you from your joyful obedience? Think of a specific obstacle and how you steer your life around it.
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How can you strengthen your determination and ability to obey? Moses trusted God that obedience would work, and his relationship with God became more intimate as a result of obedience. Then, the deeper relationship with God strengthened his ability to obey.
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Obedience allows us to taste and see that the Lord is good. Then we cant help but tell others about that goodness. Name a specific time that you told others about the joy and benefits of being in an obedient, trusting relationship with God.
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Write down about a time your obedience led to specific prayers being answered by God. By writing your testimony of this event, you are providing a record you can go back to when things get difficult, to give you something to hang on to.
Have you ever tossed and turn in bed, struggling to sleep? Thoughts of worry and stress stormed your mind, creating an environment for sleeplessness. How can obedience to God lead to better sleep at night?
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Moses refused to compromise with Pharaoh. When Pharaoh tried to negotiate something outside of Gods plan, Moses didnt settle. Name a time you took a stand for what was right. What were the results? How did you feel? How was your relationship with God because of it?
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How does the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit assist you in staying in compliance regarding obedience to God?
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In Luke 11:28 Jesus says, Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. In John 14:15 Jesus says, If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. In John 15:10 Jesus says, If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Fathers commandments and abide in His love. John writes in 2 John 6, And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. How do these Scriptures help you purpose in your heart to obey God? How does this become faith in action?
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Jesus gives us the example of ultimate obedience with His willing submission to pay our price in the form of sacrifice on the cross. Knowing Jesus understands the high cost of obedience, how does this help strengthen you when you are weak regarding obedience?
In Jesus Take the Wheel, we learn of Evans customers profiting because they followed his wise counsel. Name a time when you profited because you followed Gods wise counsel? It might not be a monetary increase, but a way your life benefited because you heeded Gods instruction for your life.
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Reliance on God is acceptance of what He provides today. Enjoy it and praise Him for it.
CHAPTER FIVE KEY #4: Rely on Your Driver / Trust, Acknowledge, and Rely on God
The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him; My fathers God, and I will extol Him. (Exodus 15:2)
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When Moses and Gods people hit the Red Sea, being chased by the Egyptians, they must have felt like they hit a dead end. When in your life did you feel like you were in a dead end situation with no apparent way out? If you determined to rely on God, how did that help? If you tried to handle it in your own strength, what was the outcome?
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Just when things seem like they cant get any worse, something even more awful happens. Have you experienced a situation like that? What emotions did you experience? Was it tempting to succumb to despair and defeat? How did God comfort and console you and provide a way out? Sometimes, just reminding yourself this too shall pass will encourage you to pass through the Red Sea to get to Gods promises.
Gods people blamed Moses for their predicament at the Red Sea. They panicked and could only think of their impending destruction, with the Egyptian army in hot pursuit. Its human nature to try to find someone to blame when things go wrong. Name a time when you were blamed for someone elses dead end situation. How did it make you feel? And then think of a time you blamed someone else for your own dead end situation. Its never too late to apologize to that personadmitting your actions were wrong and taking the blame for blaming them. Share with them how God is at work in your life now.
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Moses cried out to God, pleading with Him to help them. God parted the Red Sea, allowed all of His people to pass through, and then sent the waters back to swallow up the Egyptian army. When did you last cry out to God? Record that experience here.
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When you have Jesus at the Wheel of your life, you are prepared when trials come. But when trials come, you might also face the temptation to take back the wheel because you are uncomfortable not being in control. In John 16:33 Jesus says, These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. How does this verse encourage you as you rely on Jesus?
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Moses had to tell the Jewish people not to fear when they faced the obstacle of the Red Sea. We can be fearless by taking comfort in the fact that God is in control. Our God would only allow things for our ultimate good. Who do you have in your life that can help remind you not to fear?
Lifes big problems can always be resolved by our even bigger God. This is reassuring! How can you apply this concept to a situation going on right now? How can this mindset become a part of who you are, so that your instinct learns not to panic?
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The result of God providing a way out for the Jewish people is that Moses led them in praising God and giving Him the glory for their positive outcome. Write down a time when God provided a way out for someone you know and you were in some way a part of it. Speak to that person, remind them of Gods deliverance, and praise God together for it.
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Day 31 Committing to God and Trusting Him Alone is Whats Truly Important
Its one thing to be able to praise God after He answers your prayer, but what about writing praises to God in the middle of trials? David was able to write a variety of psalms, in good times and in bad times. Practice praising Him by writing your own psalm here. Write about the joy of being able to trust in God even when life is rough.
Its easy to get frustrated when we see others make wrong choices and seemingly prosper. Rather than focusing on the unfairness and injustice of the wrong people having good happen, try to switch your focus. David showed us that if we really want to show God we trust Him, instead of focusing on what doesnt seem fair in life, just do good. How can you make that switch in focus today?
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Psalm 62:8 says, Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. This verse shows two things we should do as His people, and one thing He provides. What does it mean to you to have God as a refuge?
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The best way to be equipped to handle the bad times is to learn to be more Godlike in the good times. Then, when trials come, you will have the godly mindset necessary to continue to trust and rely on God. If youve ever made a commitment to lose weight or to exercise, you know it takes a steadfast kind of commitment rather than a onetime decision. How will you build up your determination to rely on God for the long haul today?
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All thats good around us is from God. Do you accept it, or do you want more? Do you say, Thanks God, but if only I had Reliance on God is acceptance of what He provides today. Enjoy it and praise Him for it. How do you feel about what God has provided for you in your life?
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Contrast that to a time that you received your plans from God, and used godly discernment to make the right choices and act according to His direction. What was the outcome?
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I shared a story about the Christmas I tried to provide Christmas for someone else in my own strength, and failed. The next Christmas I acted as God directed, and God blessed the outcome. One of the differences was that I spent time in prayer, and in seeking counsel from Gods helpers in my life that second Christmas season. When has praying about a plan from God made all the difference in your life?
Sometimes God is subtle when He directs us to act, and other times its as if He has hit us over the head with a two-by-four to get our attention. How do you recognize when God is instructing you and when you are just hearing your own voice?
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In Matthew 6:25-33, Jesus teaches us how to live the worry-free life. In part, it says, For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?Do not worry then, saying, What shall we eat? or What will we drink or What will we wear for clothing? For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. What is your take-away value from this Scripture?
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Sometimes God wants us to come to the end of ourselves so that He can step in and work. Its at that time that we reach out to Him to fix things or show us the way. Describe a time you cried out to God because you could do no more on your own, and discuss the peace that resulted.
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We have a God who lived through trials similar to the ones we face. Its great when the driver of our lives has been down the same road as we havethats Jesus.
CHAPTER SIX KEY #5: When the Four Car Pile-up Happens / Peace in the Trials
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Have family or friends ever turned against you? Write about your situation and how it made you feel. Is there some consolation in knowing Jesus also endured this heartache?
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Have you ever been falsely accused? How did you deal with hearing lies spoken of you? Jesus also experienced this trial and can say, I know just how you feel.
Have you ever endured the trial of others wanting you to fail? Did they closely scrutinize your every move, trying to trip you up? What was it like, and how did you overcome this time in your life?
Have you ever been betrayed by a close friend? What was it like? Describe the intense agony. How can you take each one of these trials and heartaches to Jesus and experience complete healing?
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Satan knows to come to us with temptation and accusation when we are at our weakest physically, emotionally, and spiritually. How can you make sure you are equipped to fight whatever tools he uses to cause you to stumble and veer off course?
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Often we explain away a poor choice by rationalizing why we have acted in such a way. We claim we are victims of our circumstances. It somehow makes us feel better and less guilty if we can pass the buck. Can you think of a time in your own life you have done this? Realize this is one of the tools in Satans toolbox and purpose in your heart not to allow similar tools to work on you in the future.
1 John 2:16 says, For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. These three categories summarize Satans temptations. Do you struggle with one more than the other two? Which one is your primary weakness, and what spiritual tools can you use to counteract the tools of the enemy?
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Has there been a time in your life that you accepted the fruit of Jesus ultimate trialsalvation in Him, paid for by the sacrifice of the crucifixion? Describe the joy that resulted from receiving this gift of love.
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In your current trial, is Jesus being revealed through you? If yes, how so?
1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us, Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening in you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. How might you find joy in the midst of a trial?
One of the joys that come with trials is the comfort of Jesus and others. Think of some times you received specific comfort and consolation. Who did God use to show you this comfort? And how did you sense the consolation came straight from God Himself?
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Perseverance works in the realm of accomplishing goals and objectives, but unless God is involved, something is missing. Godless perseverance during trials will not bring joy. Write some goals and objectives you believe God wants you to aspire to achieve, and pray for perseverance to develop a godly dont quit attitude.
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Persevering without Jesus at the wheel is a difficult burden to carry. The weight is heavy and it seems time is standing still with no relief in sight. Think of a time you tried to persevere without God and describe the burden.
Romans 5:3-5 tells us, Not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance. This clearly tells us that we should have joy in our trials, knowing that those trials will teach us perseverance. How can you learn about perseverance through the tough times in life?
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By knowing your previous trials have ended up having some good come from them, how can that help you endure your current trials? Can it help you hold on, even when you cant sense what Gods purpose is or how He might get the glory from the trial?
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Think of a time you had a bombshell dropped in your life. You didnt expect it and you didnt deserve it. But there it was. How did you deal with it? Was Jesus at the wheel at the time? How might that (His control in your life) determine the difference between a tragedy and a victory?
How does your current trial affect others? How might your response to the trial affect others? With Jesus at the wheel, pray that God will allow you to be a role model to others even in the midst of the trying times in your life.
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If we were to plan our lives, we wouldnt season it with trials. Who would want to endure hardship on purpose? But Gods plans are better than our plans and He can dream up what we never could conceive of, in order to draw others to Him and mold us into His image. Isaiah 55:89 says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. How does this verse reassure you that Gods plans are better than yours?
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Author and scholar C.S. Lewis says that pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world. For me, it was kidney stones. Name a time that pain drew you into a closer bonded relationship with God.
It blows my mind to think that Jesus, being sinless, wanted to enter into a close relationship with me. Journal your thoughts about initiating or growing an intimate relationship with the Lord.
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James 4:8a says, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. When you are going through a tough time, what is comforting about this verse?
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Some can lead a good life, but no one can lead a godly life without clinging to God.
CHAPTER SEVEN KEY #6: Stop Clinging to the Steering Wheel / Cling to God
For he clung to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him. (2 Kings 18:6)
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What is the answer for the dilemma of not being able to let go of worrywhen worry seems to be gripping tightly to you?
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Oftentimes, the best way for problems to release their grip on you is to try to reframe your thought patterns and substitute your current thoughts for a new mindset. Then, you can take yourself out of the equation and view the problem through Gods eyes. If you have a situation that is overwhelming you, try to exercise this mindset reframing right now. Write out some of the new thoughts you are substituting for the old thoughts.
Philippians 4:8 says, Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. How can doing what this verse suggests help you reframe your thoughts?
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What in your own life, must you let go of in order to cling to God? Its essential to realize theres no way to cling to two things at once.
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Have you ever held on to something with such a tight grip that when you let go of it your fingers stayed clamped in position and you had to forcibly unlock your hand to reposition it? While you were holding on to the object, you didnt realize your hand was getting a cramp in it because you had become accustomed to how it felt to hold on tight. Sometimes thats how it is when we cling to something in our lives other than God. We dont even realize we are hanging on so tight. What might you have to do to unlock your grip?
Psalm 71:1-6 talks about how God rescues us from the grip the world has on us. What else can you learn from this Psalm?
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DAY 45Dont Let Life Circumstances Get in the Way of Clinging to God
At a recent weight loss meeting, the members discussed how life circumstances hindered their weight loss efforts, and made plans to prevent that from happening in the future. As the members went around the room, each gave an example of something that got in the way of eating right and losing weight. What they realized was that none of those things caused them to fail. It was their own choice to feel overwhelmed by the circumstances that hindered their focus and determination. Can these life circumstances we all deal with affect your decision to follow God? Just like the weight loss meeting, there are times we make excuses for not following God like we should because life has gotten in the way. What excuses do you use?
What does it mean to truly follow God? What does it take? What must we totally give up to follow God?
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Following God requires a total surrendergive up following self. If you are truly following God, then anxiety and worry will not be part of your life. God is the leader, and He tells you to follow Him, no matter what. He navigates you in the right direction. What is your Heavenly Navigational System telling you right now?
When you were a child, your mother would ask you to hold her hand when crossing the street. There were times you probably didnt want to hold her hand. Perhaps you thought you were old enough to cross the street by yourself. Or maybe someone was watching, and you didnt want him to think you were a baby. All the time, your mother simply wanted to hold your hand to assure your safety, because she loved you and wanted what was best for you. When do you, or have you let pride or fear of what other people might say get in the way of clinging to God? What can you do to avoid this in the future?
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DAY 46When Times Are Tough Make Tough Decisions To Cling To God
Why does God want you to cling to Him regardless of the circumstances?
Hezekiah was willing to destroy the bronze serpent even though it had a good history for the Jewish people, because the people had started to worship it. Is there something in your life that youve become so attached to that it distracts you from clinging to God? Are you willing to make a bold step like Hezekiah and remove it from your life, forsaking the consequences of doing so in order to closely follow God? At first it may be very painful, but the result will be sweeter than you can imagine.
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Often when we are faced with tough times in life, we blame God and take the why me attitude. Recall a time this happened to you. How did God help you overcome it? Or are you still holding on to the hurt?
Think of someone you know who has become bitter. Often, bitterness stems from not knowing God, not following Him closely, and not clinging to Him. Is there a way you can bring the good news about Jesus to this bitter individual so that he or she might experience a transformed life with God?
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DAY 47Call Out to God and Reap the Benefits of Clinging to Him
Compare your need for God to physical thirst. How is it similar? How are you dry, parched, dehydrated?
When Joshuas army fought the Amalekites, Moses depended solely on God for victory. True victory only comes when God is called upon to lead. Is it possible to totally depend on God for everything?
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Clinging by definition is an intimacy that never stops growing. When you cling to something, you spend more time getting to know more about the object to which you are clinging. How might you learn more about God? Grow more in your relationship with Him?
Moses asked God to reveal Himself to him. So often we want God to reveal Himself to us and show us His glory, but we really dont know Him at all. Take a little inventory. Do you: 1) Cry out to Him in times of trouble, but forget Him when things are going well? 2) Only give over parts of your life to God? 3) Keep certain parts to yourself thinking you cant talk to God about them? 4) Feel like Gods not listening and not answering you when you pray? You wont recognize His glory if you arent clinging to Him at all times.
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When you make a decision without God, it might benefit you and others short-term, but the benefits have an expiration date. When you cling to God and make a difference for Him, the benefits will have eternal consequences. What are some of the eternal consequences of making a difference?
Where are you on the growth chart regarding clinging to God? The first stage is to know God. The second stage is to be willing to establish a continuing relationship with Him. The third stage is to follow Him regardless of life circumstances. The fourth stage is to totally surrender your desire to follow self, getting rid of anything that distracts you from God. And the fifth stage is that even when things are at their worst, you havent stopped clinging to Him. What stage are you in and how can you get to the fifth stage?
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What a beautiful growth cycle: more conviction [guilt regarding sin] means more repentance, more repentance means less sin, and less sin means more joy.
CHAPTER EIGHT KEY #7: What Being a Passenger is All About / Find Joy on the Journey
These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. (1 John 1:4)
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Do you ever feel joy is like a roller coaster? Why is it so hard to have a stable, steady level of joy in your life? How do life circumstances affect joy in your life? When you define joy by a certain set of circumstances, its not the kind of joy that God wants for you. The joy that comes from God is constant and sustainable and is not based on anything earthly; its simply based on Him.
How do marital problems affect your joy? Finances? Job stress? Struggles with family or friends? Perhaps it wasnt true joy to begin with. So, what is true joy?
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Sometimes we say certain things rob our joy. But if we look at our godly role models, we notice the same circumstance didnt rob their joy. What makes the difference? So, can anything really rob you of your joy? It only can if you let it. How can you make that switch in your mind so that this doesnt happen?
Where does sustainable joy come from? How can you attain it? How can you keep it?
Philippians 4:4 says, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 1 Thessalonians 5:16 repeats this by saying, Rejoice always. Since Gods joy is available to everyone, and since He tells you to rejoice in Him always, it only makes sense that you should avail yourself of it. So, how do you go about experiencing it?
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A great formula for finding God is to spend time: talking with God, plus listening to God, plus living for Him. How can you implement each element of this formula in your life?
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As you recognize that you are His and no one can win against Him, then even in perceived defeats and trials, you will know joy as you seek God. What does knowing that you belong to God do to help you experience pure joy?
As you seek God, you must be familiar with His Word and His promises. You can only do this by reading and studying His Word. Perhaps you already have a Bible study plan in place, but if not, what is your plan to get into Gods Word? Some use a Bible-reading schedule; others use a devotional book or participate in a Bible study. What will work for you as you endeavor to live a transformed life with God?
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Compassion is empathy for anothers suffering, coupled with the desire to relieve it. God has offered you compassion. How might you extend compassion to someone else? Who does God want you to begin with?
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We have constant access to the Messiah, with the ability to receive His comfort, compassion, and joy. We simply need to look to Jesus and call on Him. Write a prayer, requesting Gods comfort and compassion about a specific situation here.
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Along with confessing sin comes accepting Gods forgiveness. Sometimes others have forgiven us, God has forgiven us, but we have not forgiven ourselves. If that is the case with you, take the time right now to allow the gift of forgiveness to penetrate your heart. True joy will be the result. What have you not forgiven yourself for and what can you do to change this?
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1 John 1:9 makes it clear, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. What does this cleansing feel like?
There is no sin too awful for God to forgive. Now thats a reason to rejoice! Its also a good reason to forgive others. If God, who is perfect, forgives sin, then who are we to hold on to a grudge? Is there a person you need to forgive? Unforgiveness imprisons you, but forgiveness sets you free. Who is that person and what can you do to forgive them?
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DAY 54Joy Comes When We Live By Gods Word and Share It With Others
What does it mean to live by Gods Word? How can you make it real in your life? How can you make it a natural part of who you are?
When you receive a love letter, you cherish it and read it over and over. It says the words you want to hear and reminds you of how much the sender loves you. Happiness comes anytime you think about the letter. Gods Word, the Bible, is like a love letter from the One who loves us most. When you think about it like this, how does Gods Word increase your joy?
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Because Gods Word has touched you, you will want to share it with others, too. The same love letter God wrote to you is written for all mankind. Why is it so awkward to share it with someone else? Are you afraid of rejection or conflict? Why does what someone else thinks matter more than what God thinks? When you do step outside of your comfort zone to share Gods message with someone else, you will experience an extreme joy that comes from no other source. Write down how you can start sharing Gods word with more people everyday.
In 3 John 4 it says, I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. John wasnt speaking of biological children, but of the ones he had spiritually mentored. Who is God placing in your path for you to mentor? How can you be a mentor to them? Just think of the unbeatable joy that will come from seeing your mentoree continue to walk in Gods truth.
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DAY 55Joy Comes When We Have Giving Hearts and Appreciate Gods Creation
David wanted so much to see the Temple constructed that he gave generously of his own resources to provide many of the supplies needed for the Temple. As he gave of his material possessions, he experienced the joy that comes from giving willingly. He experienced a cheerful heart. Think of a time that giving willingly produced joy in your life.
Other times, you give out of obligation, but God blesses your obedience, and provides you with joy, so that eventually you are able to give out of a cheerful heart. Think of a time this was the case. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. It all starts with purposing in your heart. Write a prayer to let God know you are determined to give with your whole heart, holding nothing back.
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In 1 Chronicles 29:9 it says, Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly. The joy wasnt because they gave a lot and collected a lot, why was it?
Psalm 65:6-8 speaking of God says, Who establishes the mountains by His strength, being girded with might; who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the tumult of the peoples. They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. Be specific, and write down some of Gods creation and thank Him for each one-praising Him for His amazing ability to create all that we can see, taste, touch, hear, and smell. Enjoying Gods creation brings about a special kind of joy.
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Principles for Joy 1. Seeking God Brings Joy 2. Realizing Gods Comfort and Compassion Brings Joy 3. Admitting and Repenting of Sins to God Brings Joy 4. Living by Gods Word Brings Great Joy 5. Pouring Our Faith and the Godly Principles of Living Faith into Others Brings Joy 6. Giving to God Willingly from the Heart Brings Joy 7. Praying for Others Brings Joy 8. Enjoying Gods Creation Brings Simple, Beautiful Joy
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