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Chapter One
Abandonment
Will God abandon me during my difficult times?
Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you.
Psalm 27:10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.
John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you.
2 Corinthians 4:9 We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.
A seeking God and a seeking person are always sure to find each other. God will never abandon a seeking person.
In these days of tolerance, are there things we should abandon?
Job 28:28 And this is what he says to all humanity: "The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding."
Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.
1 Peter 2:1 So get rid of all malicious behavior and deceit. Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with hypocrisy and jealousy and backstabbing.
Persistent sin will cause us to abandon God. Persistent godliness will cause us to abandon evil.
PROMISE FROM GOD: Hebrews 13:5 God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you."
Abortion
When does life begin?
Psalm 51:5 For I was born a sinner--yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
The Bible makes it clear that life begins at conception, not merely at birth.
What is the value of an unborn child?
Psalm 139:13-16 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous and how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
Jeremiah 1:5 I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.
Before we are born, God knows us personally and intimately. Who would dare to kill a friend of God, even an unborn friend?
Is abortion absolutely wrong?
Genesis 9:5-6 Murder is forbidden.
Proverbs 24:11-12 Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die. Don't try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn't know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and he knows you knew! And he will judge all people according to what they have done.
Every child needs a champion, even the unborn child. If abortion is taking the life of an unborn human being, then it is murder, and it is absolutely wrong.
Can I be forgiven if I have had an abortion or encouraged someone else to have one?
Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us argue this out," says the Lord. "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool."
Psalm 103:3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.
No matter how great your sin, God's forgiveness is even greater.
PROMISE FROM GOD: Jeremiah 1:5 I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb.
Acceptance
What makes me acceptable to God?
Romans 3:30 There is only one God, and there is only one way of being accepted by him. He makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.
Galatians 2:16 We become right with God, not by doing what the law commands, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be accepted by God because of our faith in Christ--and not because we have obeyed the law.
Our sin separates us from a holy and perfect God. But faith in Jesus removes our sin and makes us holy and acceptable in God's sight.
How do I accept others, especially people I dislike?
Romans 14:1, 3 Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.... Those who think it is all right to eat anything must not look down on those who won't. And those who won't eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.
Romans 15:7 Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.
Judging others should be left to God. He sets the standard for accepting others.
PROMISE FROM GOD: Romans 15:7 Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.
Affirmation
How do we affirm one another? Why is it so important? Romans 14:19 Let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 13 Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.... Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember to live peaceably with each other.
1 Corinthians 14:26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let's summarize what I am saying. When you meet, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in an unknown language, while another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in the Lord.
Hebrews 7:7 Without question, the person who has the power to bless is always greater than the person who is blessed.
We affirm one another through encouragement, praise, and building each other up. This gives us a great sense of worth.
How does God affirm us?
Psalm 5:12 You bless the godly, O Lord, surrounding them with your shield of love.
Psalm 67:1 May God be merciful and bless us. May his face shine with favor upon us.
1 Peter 5:10 In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
2 Peter 1:2 May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better.
God affirms us through his love, his blessings, his mercy, his forgiveness, and his gift of salvation. What greater affirmation can we receive than from the Creator of the universe?
PROMISE FROM GOD: Psalm 67:1 May God be merciful and bless us. May his face shine with favor upon us.
Anger
How should I deal with my own anger in relationships?
Psalm 37:8 Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others--it only leads to harm.
Proverbs 19:11 People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.
Ephesians 4:26 "Don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Anger must be dealt with quickly, before it becomes bitterness, hatred, or revenge. As hard as it sounds, kindness and forgiveness melt anger away.
When is it OK to be angry?
Numbers 25:11 Phinehas has turned my anger away from the Israelites by displaying passionate zeal among them on my behalf.
John 2:15-17 [Jesus] drove out the sheep and oxen, scattered the money changers' coins and told them, "Get these things out of here. Don't turn my Father's house into a marketplace!"
Anger at sin is not only appropriate but necessary.
PROMISE FROM GOD: Psalm 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love.
Appearance
What priority does God give my outward appearance?
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
1 Peter 3:3-4 Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
Outward beauty reveals what we look like. Inner beauty reveals who we are. Walking with God causes us to reflect his beauty.
How can appearances be deceiving?
1 Samuel 16:6-7 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, "Surely this is the Lord's anointed!" But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions."
Matthew 23:28 You try to look like upright people outwardly, but inside your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.
The condition of our skin cannot reveal the condition of our hearts.
PROMISE FROM GOD: 1 Samuel 16:7 People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions.
Approval
What brings God's approval?
Proverbs 12:2 The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.
Romans 2:13 It is not merely knowing the law that brings God's approval. Those who obey the law will be declared right in God's sight.
Romans 3:30 There is only one God, and there is only one way of being accepted by him. He makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.
Faith in God and obedience to his word bring approval from him.
How do I properly balance the priority of being approved by God with the desire to also be approved by others?
Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
Romans 14:17-18 The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve of you, too.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 We speak as messengers who have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He is the one who examines the motives of our hearts.
We must live to seek God's approval first. Sometimes doing what pleases God also pleases others (especially godly people), but that is not always the case. God has many enemies who love evil more than good.
Why is it important for me to show my approval of others?
Job 29:24 When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them.
Proverbs 16:15 When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain. Your smile and words of approval may be the greatest gift someone receives today.
PROMISE FROM GOD: Numbers 6:24-26 May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.
Beauty
What does God consider beautiful?
Proverbs 19:22 Loyalty makes a person attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest.
1 Peter 3:4 You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
The more we reflect God and godliness, the more we radiate his beauty. What could be more beautiful than a perfect God?
How can my words be beautiful?
Proverbs 15:26 The Lord despises the thoughts of the wicked, but he delights in pure words.
Proverbs 25:11 Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket.
Beautiful words are the fruit of godly thoughts and character.
How can my actions be beautiful?
1 Timothy 2:10 Women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.
Beautiful conduct is the fruit of godly thoughts and character.
PROMISE FROM GOD: Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Belonging
What are the privileges of belonging to God?
Romans 8:1 There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:29 Now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and now all the promises God gave to him belong to you.
Galatians 4:7 Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you.
Ephesians 1:3 How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ.
Belonging to God means you are no longer a slave to sin and therefore guilty before God. Now you can receive all the blessings he freely gives to his children. We inherit the family privileges of the Almighty.
How can I be sure I belong to God?
1 John 2:3-5 How can we be sure that we belong to him? By obeying his commandments. If someone says, "I belong to God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth. But those who obey God's word really do love him. That is the way to know whether or not we live in him.
1 John 3:10 Now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the Devil. Anyone who does not obey God's commands and does not love other Christians does not belong to God.
Obeying God is a reflection of our love for him and belief in him. Since we are human, we cannot obey God perfectly all of the time. What God wants is for us to desire to always please and obey him.
PROMISE FROM GOD: Romans 8:1 There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
Bible
How can a book written so long ago be relevant for me today?
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.
Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.
Even though it was written long ago, the Bible is God's word to us today, and it is relevant for our every need.
How can the Bible give me guidance?
Psalm 73:24 You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
Proverbs 6:23 For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you.
James 1:5 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you.
The word of God is from the mind and heart of God, and who can deny that the all-wise, all-powerful, ever present God is the best guide of all?
How can the Bible give me comfort?
Psalm 119:49-50, 52, 54 Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope.... It comforts me in all my troubles.... I meditate on your age-old laws; O Lord, they comfort me.... Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection.
Romans 15:4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises.
The Bible is filled with God's promises, which give us comfort and encouragement in this life as well as the confident assurance that we will one day live forever in peace and security with him.
PROMISE FROM GOD: Psalm 119:89 Forever, O Lord, your word stands firm in heaven.
Bitterness
What are some of the causes of bitter feelings?
Job 10:1 I am disgusted with my life. Let me complain freely. I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
Ecclesiastes 2:17 Now I hate life because everything done here under the sun is so irrational. Everything is meaningless, like chasing the wind.
Proverbs 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.
Practicing sin cultivates the fruit of sin--emptiness, bitterness, foolishness, and a sense of meaningless activity.
What is the result of unresolved bitterness?
Genesis 27:42 [Rebekah] sent for Jacob and told him, "Esau is threatening to kill you."
Job 5:2 Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple.
Proverbs 27:3 A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but the resentment caused by a fool is heavier than both.
Unresolved bitterness leads to hatred, anger, jealousy, and revenge. It keeps us from fellowship with God and others and blinds us to God's blessings.
How do I deal with bitterness toward others?
Mark 11:25 When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.
Acts 8:22-23 Turn from your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitterness and held captive by sin.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Forgiveness lifts burdens, cancels debts, and frees us from chains of bitterness.
PROMISE FROM GOD: Titus 1:15 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure.
Blessings
What are the qualities in my life that bring God's blessings?
Psalm 128:1 How happy are those who fear the Lord--all who follow his ways!
Psalm 146:5 Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
A life focused on God brings joy to God and many blessings to you.
What kinds of blessings does God send my way?
Numbers 6:24-26 May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.
Success and prosperity are not the most common blessings from God, but rather peace, comfort, joy, fellowship with God, hope, and eternal life with him.
How can I be a blessing to others?
Romans 1:11-12 I long to visit you so I can share a spiritual blessing with you that will help you grow strong in the Lord. I'm eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other.
2 Corinthians 2:14 Thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume.
As we share the blessings God has poured on us, we bless others as well. Encouraging others with God's Good News is one of the most rewarding of his blessings.
PROMISE FROM GOD: Galatians 6:9 Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
Boredom
Why do I get bored?
Hebrews 6:11-12 Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent.
We get bored when we lose hope. It is hope that enables us to press on even when life gets difficult.
What are signs of boredom?
Proverbs 26:14 As a door turns back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed.
Ecclesiastes 2:23 Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night they cannot rest. It is all utterly meaningless.
Galatians 6:9 Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
(Continues...)
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