LANDMINESin the path of the

Believer

Aug. - Oct. 2010

Landmines in the path of the believerLesson 1-Facing the Hidden Threat

Day 1Those who are saved need to realize that the enemy will stop at nothing to prevent you from knowing God and living for Jesus Christ. Just as an enemy is constantly seeking to harm the opposing army so is our enemy constantly seeking to destroy us. There are physical landmines that cripple, maim, and kill thousands a year; there are also spiritual landmines that Christians can be harmed by. Some of these landmines are the result of the fact that we live in a fallen world and are part of the suffering regardless if anyone has sinned or not. Other spiritual landmines are the ones the enemy Satan, has placed in our path to kill our testimony, influence, and joy in Christ.

We are told in I Peter 5:8 to “be of sober spirit, be on the alert. You adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” We are also reminded in Galatians 5:1 that it is for “freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Throughout this study you will be given key principles on how to protect yourself from sins such as pride, jealousy, feelings of insecurity, sexual sin, disappointment, unforgiveness, compromise and more.

Day 2- Lesson 1

1 Samuel 18:6-9 (New King James Version)6 Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. 7 So the women sang as they danced, and said:

“Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.”

8 Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 So Saul eyed David jealously from that day forward.

What began as a great victory for Israel turned out to be the first step of a powerful king’s removal from the throne; all because of pride and insecurity. Saul had been chosen by God to be Israel’s first King. He had every reason and opportunity to succeed. Saul became very jealous of David’s popularity and later tries to destroy David’s life. Satan is cunning and knows exactly how to tempt you into disobeying God.

God has promised us victory over anything that seeks to separate us from the love of God. Read Romans 8:37-38. There are two basic steps to having victory in areas where we are

tempted: 1. Admit that what we face are sins and are forbidden by the Lord; 2. God is more than able to supply your needs.

Were it not for God’s grace and strength any of us could end up like King Saul. Remember that Satan will not usually take a predictable route to get to us. However, if we walk with God each day, God will help us to discern these landmines and give us power to defeat them.

Day 3- Lesson 1

How can we say no to something that appears so innocent yet contains deadly potential? 1. Realize you are in a spiritual war.

2 Corinthians 10:4 (New King James Version)4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

Do you ever think about the spiritual warfare you will face during the day? If not, that could be why you struggle with the same temptations over and over. If you do, why not prepare before you go out each day by spending a few minutes in prayer and reading and applying God’s word?

2. Trust God and know he will help you.

1 Peter 5:8-9 (New King James Version)8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[a] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world

Learn to watch for the enemy’s attacks. God never abandons us. Jeremiah wrote in the book of Lamentations:

Lamentations 3:22-23 (New King James Version)22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

Maybe you have failed already. He is still faithful to forgive us and to cleanse us. Don’t give us. Get back up, look up to Him, and He will restore you .

Day 4- Lesson 1

Remember you are never alone Non believers have a reason to worry. Their names are not written in the Lamb’s book of life. Pressures build, problems come, and they do not have the wisdom God will give to those who have given their hearts to Him.

It is easy to cave in to fear.

Matthew 8:23-27 (New King James Version)

Wind and Wave Obey Jesus 23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” 26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

Remember nothing touches our lives unless it has passed through the hands of God. Jesus. Jesus was in the boat with them as well!! He is always there with us in whatever storm we are faced with.. God does not want us paralyzed with fear. We are to trust Him even in the storm.

Day 5- Lesson 1

Recall the strength, mercy, and goodness of God The first thing we must always remember is who we are in Christ. We are children of the King. We can say no to temptation because He is with us and will deliver us, His children, from the evil one.

Psalm 18:32 (New King James Version) 32 It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.

God is concerned with every detail of our lives. Matthew 6:25-34 tells us that we can trust Him to provide for our needs. Once you begin to trust God and sense Him guiding your path, He will provide the spiritual insight and wisdom to avoid Satan’s landmines.

Wars are not won by going into battle without a plan or a map of the combat zone. God tells us to “ walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is “ Ephesians 5:15-17. Know that it is God’s will for you to live without failure all of the time. His plan includes all that you need to be successful.

The Landmine of Pride

Lesson 2- Day 1

We really never think of God as a God who hates. Yet he does! The Bible says in Proverbs 8:13, “ Pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverted mouth, I hate.” There are two main results of pride: arrogance and rebellion against God.

There is nothing wrong with having a sense of pride in doing things well. Many people, however, faith to honor God with their talents or seek to take the credit for what rightfully belongs to God.

A young man was called by God into missions. It seemed, however, that whatever way he turned he was always in conflict with his leaders. He didn’t feel that they knew what was best, that he was never recognized, and soon left the organization. If person A has problems with person B,C,D,E wouldn’t it be wise to think that maybe the source of

trouble is person A. Pride tempts us to believe we are better than others. Pride over emphasizes self. Our hearts must stay focused on God and not ourselves.

Lesson 2- Day 2

In 2 Chronicles 26:4-5 in the Old Testament we see a great example of how pride can take a once humble King and destroy his life. Speaking of Uzziah, King of Judah the Bible tells us:

2 Chronicles 26:4-5 (New International Version)4 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. 5 He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear [a] of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.

God gave this 16 year old King that ruled over 50 years many victories as long as he sought Him. He defeated many enemies on the battlefield, raised an army of over 300,000 warriors, had many wells and livestock. His fame spread far and wide according to verses 13,15 in that same chapter. Uzziah began to believe he had accomplished all of this on his own, and began taking on responsibilities only given to the priests to perform:

2 Chronicles 26:16 (New International Version)

16 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

Uzziah offered an offering to the Lord. This act was forbidden to do by anyone except for those priests that had been set apart and prepared to do this. Uzziah wrongly assumed he could jump ahead of God and do something that needed to be doing because he was above the law. A spirit of pride will always encourage us to jump ahead of God and not wait on His best.

Lesson 2- Day 3

Proverbs 29:23 (New King James Version)23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.

Proverbs 16:18-19 (New King James Version)18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Uzziah fell sick with leprosy( 2 Chron. 26:19) As far as is known, Uzziah never turned back to the Lord in humility and spent the rest of his life as a leper in a separate house, cut off from God’s presence and God’s goodness.

A person can fall victim to pride for many reasons. Self centeredness, an immaturity that prevents us from handling responsibility or insecuity.Pride takes useless thoughts of arrogance, conceit, and self importance and hinders or destroys our walk with God. Are there areas where you have been prideful? Are there areas in your life where you have refused to obey the Lord. That is pride that is keeping you from doing that.

Why not ask God to identify exactly what hinders you and confess it to Him right now?

Lesson 2- Day 4

1 Peter 5:6 (New King James Version)

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

One of the antidotes of pride is humility. Humility is when we recognize that we can do nothing or have nothing apart from God. Most of us are not going to get up one day and say to ourselves, “Self, today I am going to be proud. I am going to take credit for what I did. I am not going to give God any glory but be selfish with my goods and take care of number one.” Many times pride enters our lives very subtly, very quietly as a thought. A thought turns into a deed, a deed into a habit, and a habit into a conviction. Only through repentance as a result of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power are we able to escape.

Pride exalts itself against God. We begin seeking to please others, or to please ourselves. Sorrow and sadness are pride’s only rewards.

Lesson 2- Day 5

When I have a fever or feel achy I know these are signs that I have an infection or virus of some type. There are also signs that tell us that we are struggling with pride. Here are a few of them:

Arrogance, self promotion, lack of giving to God and others, selfish attitudes, refusal to listen to the advice of others, a spirit of rebellion, bragging, lack of humility before God and others, and the inability to receive a compliment or a gift.

Do you believe you have to reach certain levels in life to be important? Do you think you can live without anyone to advise or help you? If so you are probably struggling with pride.

Don’t fall for Satan’s tactics. Through Jesus Christ you are all you could ever hope to be. Rest in His infinite care. God cares for us, no matter what status we hold. If you think you are somebody, watch out, God may allow you to go through a lot of heat to purge you from that pride. Remember: we are nobody apart from Jesus!

Psalm 10:4 (New King James Version) 4 The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.

Proverbs 29:23 Read this verse. What does this say about pride?

Pride loves to be worshipped and is greatly offended when it is overlooked. (Kent Crockett, Making Today Count for Eternity, Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 2001, p. 125)

Lesson 3- Day 1

Exposing a Prideful Heart

No one is self sufficient. First of all we need God. He has created us; it is He that has saved us. We also need each other. A person who doesn’t care to fellowship with others is either mentally ill or very self centered. We are often tempted to look at what we have and think, “Well, look at what I have done. I have achieved so much in life.” When our thoughts are like this; we yield to the age old deception of pride.

1 Peter 5:6 (New King James Version)

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

Look at these verses: First, we must humble ourselves. Don’t wait for God to humble you. Each day, seek to humble yourself. One way to do this is by starting the day off in prayer asking God to help you be thankful and grateful for all you have and seeking His Lordship over your life. God’s hand is mighty. This is a reference to the Lord’s judgment on our lives. He will bless and use you as He sees fit.

Lesson 3- Day 2

In Daniel 4 we see the results of a prideful life in the rule of Nebuchadnezzar. In chapter 4 we hear Nebuchadnezzar’s personal testimony of how He came to be pride filled and for 7 years God humbled him. Read this chapter through verse 18 and see how this proud King began acting like an animal living outside and eating grass.

We learn in this story: 1. Pride hinders our fellowship with God. You cannot serve two masters: self and God. 2. Pride leads to a broken relationship with others. It caused Nebuchadnezzar to be separated from any fellowship for years because of his mental status.

The truth is no one is more important than anyone else. We are all standing on equal ground. He loves each of us equally, and desires for us to be a conduit of His love to others.

Lesson 3- Day 3

Pride blocks God’s blessings and often causes us to lose our rewards. In Matthew 6:33 the Bible says, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” When we put making a living as our number one priority instead of making a life, we will run into all types of issues we possibly could avoid.

Pride lessens the fullness of relationship with Him. Pride darkens our hearts to the light of God’s truth and keeps us from experiencing the joy and hope that comes from living in Christ. As long as we struggle with worry and anxiety without trusting in the true God, we will not enjoy our relationship with Him. The new office, or the new car, or new home, or new spouse will never satisfy us if we are not putting Him first.

Pride seeks to be around people that will build up our own egos. When someone questions what we are doing or even criticizes us, what is your first response? Is it to write them off or to see if there is any truth in what they say?

Nebuchadnezzar confessed, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”

Lesson 3- Day 4

Nicodemus was a high ranking Jewish religious official, known as a Pharisee. In John 3 it says that Nicodemus came to Jesus by night asking questions about eternal life.

John 3:1-7 (New King James Version)

John 3

The New Birth 1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

The pride that Nicodemus had to swallow that night was nothing compared to the good news that he heard. He found out that God loved him and us so much that He sent Jesus for us, and through Him we can have life. He apparently surrendered his life to the Lord for later in John 19:

John 19:39-42 (New King James Version)

39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

Death to pride meant life to his person. Are you away from the Lord? What keeps you there?

Lesson 3- Day 5

Seven steps can be taken to successfully deal with pride:

1. Realize that pride is present in your life.

2. Ask God to forgive you of being prideful.

3. Pray that He will give you the ability to turn away from pride.

4. Pray that God will set a hedge of protection around your life.

5. Remember where you came from and how far God has brought you.

6. Ask god to help you recall the good things that He has done in your life, and stop comparing yourself to someone else.

7. Be willing to experience adversity.

Remember, apart from God’s work in our lives we would still be dead in our old lives. Hurts, habits, and hang-ups that had become sinful strongholds were dragging us down. Some of you would physically be addicted or dead were it not for the Lord. Others of you that have been saved a long time, could have been here were it not for God saving you from this type of lifestyle.

1 Corinthians 6:11 (New International Version)11And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

The Landmines of Jealousy and Envy

Lesson 4- Day 1

Genesis 37:33 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors.

New King James Version (NKJV)

Sometimes even parents can do some pretty dumb things. Take Jacob, for example. Without knowing it Jacob (Israel) set the stage for one of most aggressive struggles a person can face: jealousy and envy. The Bible tells us that “Joseph brought back a bad

report about his brothers to their father.” Joseph became very arrogant. He even began to almost boast about the dreams God was giving him.

The brothers began to become very jealous of Joseph because they felt he had more than they did ( 37:11). They felt left out, overlooked, and unappreciated by their father. I have seen this type of situation happen in families throughout the years. Whether it comes as a result of siblings jealous of their parent’s attention or lack of it; or through step families not being able to get alone, or families caught up in issues of inheritance jealousies it is still bad news.

Satan loves of your eyes to be fixed on yourself—your feelings—your rights, and your needs. We must listen to Jesus and hear the words He speaks to us,

Matthew 16:24 (New King James Version)

Take Up the Cross and Follow Him 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Lesson 4- Day 2

There are two questions you must ask when dealing with feelings of jealousy or envy:a) How will I respond to the jealous feelings; and b.) how will I deal with my actions,

which usually include feelings of anger?Joseph’s brothers were sure their father was overlooking thoughts of jealousy burned deep within their hearts until they acted on their emotions and did something that caused great pain within their own lives and their father’s for many years.

Genesis 37:19-24 (New King James Version)19 Then they said to one another, “Look, this dreamer is coming! 20 Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!” 21 But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, “Let us not kill him.” 22 And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father. 23 So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. 24 Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.

Often people become jealous without realizing that God has something good in store for them. The plan that God has may not unfold at the time we are dealing with our negative

feelings or circumstances, but God has promised work all things out for our good and His glory ( Romans 8:28).

Lesson 4- Day 3

Isn’t God a jealous God?

Joshua 24:19-20 (New King James Version)19 But Joshua said to the people, “You cannot serve the LORD, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. 20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you, after He has done you good.”

There is a huge difference between the jealousy God feels for you. It is a protective jealousy; it is not the kind that leads to sin. He is jealous of us not envious of us. He has a passionate commitment for us because we rightfully belong to Him and He wants to protect us from evil. Therefore, He watches over us with extreme care.

Israel decided not to obey God and ended up following after other gods. Some of them continued to worship the Lord, but their lives were influenced by the pagan nations they were sent to conquer. Partial obedience is not obedience at all.

That is why God is jealous over us. He does not want to see our lives lived in a shallow way. He wants to see us live abundant lives. He wants us to make great choices that honor Him and help build our character. Don’t end up worshipping the gods of this age and cause God to become jealous over you!

Lesson 4- Day 4

Winning the struggle of jealousy is not without its pain. While Joseph survived his brothers’ jealousy, he spent years in bondage to the Egyptians. He was sold as a slave. Many of the years of bondage that Joseph experienced were far from enjoyable. He was jailed and feared that he would never see his father again. Even though his brothers’ jealousy had changed the course of his life forever, He was not alone. God was with him.

Genesis 39:21 (New King James Version)21 But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Joseph’s brothers on the other hand had to conceal their kidnapping of their brother. One sin led to another and another. Before long their jealousy had led them to lie to their dad, break his heart, and live with the guilt of their decisions.

Genesis 37:31-35 (New King James Version)

31 So they took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood. 32 Then they sent the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father and said, “We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son’s tunic or not?” 33 and he recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.” 34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days. 35 And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and he said, “For I shall go down into the grave to my son in mourning.” Thus his father wept for him.

Doctors now believe that much sickness and even depression and anxiety in people comes from feelings of jealousy, anger, envy, and bitterness never resolved. You must be willing to work through these emotional and spiritual landmines before they cripple your testimony.

Lesson 4- Day 5

How do we effectively deal with jealousy in our lives?

1. We need to admit that we are jealous and envious.

2. We need to acknowledge that we are in conflict with God. As long as we think that we can cover it over, smile and try to make it go away without confessing it to God, it will never be resolved.

3. We need to thank God for what He has done in our lives and even for the people who are the source of our conflict.

4. We need to pray and ask God to help us see the heart of the other person at the center of the conflict. It may be that they are not at fault at all. They are just living their lives the way God wants, and we are envious of that.

5. We need to be willing to wait for God to work. Times of waiting offer wonderful opportunities for us to grow closer to the Lord.

6. We need to ask God to help us hear His voice over the clamor of the world,

7. We need to delight ourselves in the Lord and depend on Him to give us what we need.

Psalm 37:4 (New King James Version) 4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart

What do you need to learn through this situation? Ask God to show you exactly what to do to resolve this. If someone is jealous of you and you have talked with them and they still shun you or try to hurt you then you must walk away from them perhaps and let God handle them. Whatever you do keep your heart focused on the Lord, pray for the person, seek godly counsel, and let God handle it.

Lesson 5- Day 1 The Landmine of insecurity

Exodus 4:10-11 (New King James Version)10 Then Moses said to the LORD, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” 11 So the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD?

Whenever God has a job to do and he calls on you to do the task, would you feel insecure? Moses did. Moses told the Lord every reason in the world he could think of that He had chosen the wrong person. God assured him that He had chosen the right person and that God knew more about Moses than Moses did (4:11-12). The Lord allowed Aaron to be his helper, but Moses had to be the primary vessel.

The real issue is obedience. Maybe you think that you can’t do anything well, but from God’s perspective, you are a person of worth. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Ph.4:13). God wants to challenge you to be more that you ever thought possible through trusting in His power and ability and not your own.

Lesson 5- Day 2

Low self esteem can be a primary cause of insecurity. What is there about yourself that you do not like? Some times there may actually be a physical flaw that detracts from your testimony or your desire to work at a certain location. For example, if a person has offensive breath all of the

time and no one lets him know it can certainly affect his relationships with others and cause this person to be curious as to why they cannot connect with people. It may be a deformity of some type that can be repaired with surgery or therapy. If it is then by all means we need to seek to correct it, if it has a big impact on our relationships and effectiveness.

Many times, however, the most insecure people are beauty queen types or muscle men. They constantly compare themselves to others and focus so much on the outside that they have yet to develop an inward foundation of peace and acceptance by God to build on.

Romans 8:37-40 (New King James Version)37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Satan wants us to always feel insecure and un-loved. God wants us to remember we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ.

Lesson 5- Day 3

What causes someone to feel insecure? • Feeling inadequate• Personal rejection in the past• Facing uncertain work situation• Losing someone in death• Growing older or facing health issues

There are lots of reasons why we experience feelings of insecurity at times? Do these feelings continue to plague you all of the time? The way to overcome these are:

1. ask god to help you see your life from His perspective

2. be willing to obey Him and grow in your knowledge about Him and His way

3. seek to be a success from God’s viewpoint and not from the world’s standard

Matthew 21:22 (New King James Version)22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.

God will never give you an opportunity that He will not give you the ability to achieve it. The Key is to believe. He is faithful and true and you can trust Him fully.

Revelation 19:11 (New King James Version) 11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.

There are some things He will not ask us to ever do. There are other things that He wants us to do so that we can grow more like Christ and He will get the glory!

Lesson 5- Day 4

Too many people always say no before they even consider doing anything out of the box. They have a tape recording inside their head that says, “You don’t have time.” Or “You might fail,” or “You might be found out to be less of a person that you have projected to others.” You must reprogram your thinking. You need to change the channels that you are listening to in your mind...

Some falsely believe that if they just try harder they can earn God’s love. You and I cannot earn God’s love for it is given to us freely.

Ephesians 1:4-6 (New King James Version)4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved

We need to hear the words that we are chosen in Him, we are to be holy before Him, and we are accepted in Christ our Beloved. We are not to give in to our fears and thoughts that are so negative. We must be careful not to let what others say about us keep us from focusing on God’s will.

Isaiah 54:17 (New King James Version)17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which raises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.

Lesson 5- Day 5

There are several effects of insecurity:• a lack of lasting relationships• people perceive we are prideful or snobbish• indecisiveness• a fearful attitude• the inability to meet others and establish new relationships• the desire to be in charge of every conversation

The main feeling is inner turmoil. This is what King Saul and the Israelites must have been feeling when David told them, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of Goliath; your servant will go and fight with the Philistine” (I Sam.17:32).

You must acknowledge before God your feelings of insecurity. God already knows that they are there, but He wants to hear you confess them to Him. You must make the decision to overcome insecurity. The first step is to be secure in your eternal destiny and your personal relationship with Christ. You must make up your mind to stop hiding behind your insecurity.

Focus on something secure such as God’s word. You must immerse yourself in it; take Bible study classes, read it on your own, buy good books on the Bible. The surer you are of God’s word, the less you will look at yourself or your abilities.

Hebrews 4:12 (New King James Version)12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Avoid the trap of blaming others and always trying to point out hurts in the past or decisions others have made that keep you insecure. You are insecure because you choose to be!

You have another choice. Choose Christ and His plan for you over what others have done.

Romans 8:33-34 (New King James Version)33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Lesson 6- Day 1

The Landmine of Compromise

The definition of compromise:

a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.

There are times in our lives where compromise is good. For example, in a disagreement over the type of place we want to go on vacation. You can always find a compromise to seek to please most every family member. However, there are times when compromise is deadly. Anything that tempts you to abandon what you know is right should be viewed as deadly and dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

When we violate our conscience and begin flirting with that other person’s spouse. It may seem to be innocent but it is compromise. Some may say, “One drink never hurt anyone.” Yes, it has, and it will continue to hurt those who became drunkards because of that first drink. One step in the wrong direction can lead to compromise and weakens our commitment to the Lord.

Genesis 3

The Temptation and Fall of Man 1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

Compromise can cost us more that we ever thought we would have to pay. When we compromise, in effect, we say that we really don’t believe God’s promises or His challenges. God told them, “You will not surely die,” but spiritually they did die. When you compromise you begin the downward spiral.

Lesson 6- Day 2

1 Kings 2:3-4 (New King James Version)3 And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; 4 that the LORD may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me

in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’

David gave Solomon a serious challenge as written above. Solomon seemed overwhelmed at first with the huge responsibility. In I Kings 3:7-9 Solomon prays for “an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil.” He begins in a spirit of humility.

Later there was a shift in his devotion. He gradually began to compromise. God told him not to associate with the leaders of Egypt, or the Hittites and the Arameans. Instead Solomon begins to do much business with them through importing and exporting. He still continued to worship God yet enter into ungodly relationships.

Solomon ended up becoming miserable in his life and constantly having to deal with major issues. He was introduced to the flaw of compromise.

Lesson 6 – Day 3

Why do people compromise? Doubt and fear can cause us to compromise. Doubt clouds our mind, while fear prevents us from moving head and causes us to be indecisive. We begin to struggle with fear of failure, tragedy, abandonment by God, or any number of mind games. God responds to us by saying:

Isaiah 40:26-29 (New King James Version)26 Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel:

“ My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Nothing that we can face will ever be too great for God to handle. However, once you open the door to compromise, our enemy begins to taunt your every step with words that are meant to chill you to the core. Stop right now and pray to God to forgive you of your compromise and to restore you to the fellowship you once had with Him.

Lesson 6- Day 4

There are other reasons why people compromise their spiritual values and morals:

a. They believe that what they have done is too sinful, that God could never love them anymore.

b. They have a desire for unity at all costs. Unity is important. However, there are times when we cannot stand unified with those who are in direct opposition to God and His Word.

c. A deep need for acceptance. Do you want to be accepted by a group of people who could love me today and not tomorrow, or by an eternal God who will never leave me or forsake me.

d. We become overwhelmed by peer pressure. Peer pressure doesn’t just affect teenagers. It affects adults who want to fit in so much they refuse to stand for purity, life, and wholesome talk so they want offend others.

For Solomon compromise began with a single desire to buy horses in Egypt, but his action led to much more. He decided that marriage to a woman of another culture wasn’t so bad. She had different gods. He compromised by beginning to build her deities a place of worship. He turned this into a lifestyle that led to the eventual split of his kingdom after his death.

It may be compromise in the way we dress, the way we talk, the way we think, or the way we judge others. What you do may be acceptable to others but does God think it is o.k.?

1 Peter 1:15-16 (New King James Version)15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Lesson 6- Day 5

You can say no to compromise. First, ask God to build a new fire for Him in your life.

Jeremiah 20:9 (New King James Version)9 Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.

Secondly, confess your sin so that you can be restored in Him. I John 1:9 says:

1 John 1:9 (New King James Version)9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Thirdly, gather others around you that can help hold you accountable and encourage you in staying close to the Lord.

Ezra 7:28 (New King James Version)28 and has extended mercy to me before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. So I was encouraged, as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me; and I gathered leading men of Israel to go up with me

Obey the Holy Spirit as He leads you and guides you, even when He convicts you of sin. This way you can stay strong in the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 (New King James Version)19 Do not quench the Spirit.

Watch, be on guard for compromise. It is not necessary to be a legalist or a negative complainer to be someone who does not compromise. Look at JESUS!!

Lesson 7- Day 1

The Landmine of unforgiveness

The landmine of unforgiveness is unlike the other landmines. It has a tendency to stay below the surface too often, and if not dealt with scripturally keep coming back over and over. Every person has had to deal with this landmine at one time or the other; some of you are currently dealing with it. Like a yo-yo every time you sling it out, it comes back.

The Lord wants us to live abundant lives but we cannot if we do not forgive. There are many Christians that outwardly seem to have everything together but inwardly struggle with unforgiveness, sometimes for years. You feel hurt, disappointed, angry, and perhaps bitter. It is a choice you have made no matter which way you look at it. Remember this scripture as you go through today:

Ephesians 4:30-32 (New King James Version)30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Lesson 7- Day 2

Dr. Stanley in the book from which these lessons come says there are three parts to uncovering the landmine of unforgiveness. Each one is the result of a godly choice:

1. Choose to let go of every feeling of resentment. No matter what others have done, forgiveness means not harboring angry feelings against those who have harmed us.

2. Lay down the right to get even. Jesus had every right not to die for our sins since he was sinless. Yet he laid aside his rights for us. He will give us the same strength to do that for others.

Philippians 2:5-8 (New King James Version)5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

3. Allow God to deal with the person who has hurt or abused you. Nothing takes God by surprise. Do you not think He knows what is going on? He has promised to work all things out for your good. Trust Him to do that.

Lesson 7- Day 3

Romans 12:17-21 (New King James Version)17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore

“ If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

No one likes to be hurt, but often what we go through, God uses it to make us better people and for a ministry. Leave the payback to God and let Him love someone who has hurt you for His glory and honor.

It is a lot easier to write this than it is to forgive I can assure you. If you have never been hurt deeply by someone you cannot appreciate the true joy of forgiving others. None of us knows the many ways God will use us if we make ourselves available to Him. In a recent movie here at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church called, The Heart of Texas, we saw how a mom and dad had to forgive the man that accidentally ran over their three year old daughter. It was not easy for any of them. There is still much pain. But God used that act of forgiveness to build relationships and change lives that will last into eternity.

Lesson 7- Day 4

God has a step by step plan concerning forgiveness:

1. Lift your head and heart toward Him. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “ I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” These words were recorded during a time that Israel was in captivity. Jeremiah himself was badly mistreated. Yet he still had hope.

2. Pray for the person who has hurt you. This can be very difficult, but the quickest way to deal with your feelings is to go against them and pray a prayer for the offender. At least pray that God would make you willing to pray for the person.

3. Choose to forgive before you seek to feel like forgiving. Your life must be pulled by the engine of God’s will, not by the caboose of doing what I feel like. Read Matthew 6:14-15. What do you believe God wants you to do?

4. The consequences of un-forgiveness is not worth the feelings of justification you feel right now. The broken relationship with God, the depression or guilt, and the way you treat others all come as a result of unforgiveness.

5. Bitterness will always come out in some form. Do not let it get a root in your heart:

Hebrews 12:14-15 (New King James Version)14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

.

Lesson 7- Day 5

It is time when you lay down your anger and move on with your life. Just as we choose to be angry and unforgiving we must choose as I said before to forgive. God will give us the strength.

Psalm 55:22 (New King James Version) 22 Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved

Natives in Africa capture monkeys by setting up cages and placing bait inside. The bait can be anything a monkey would want, such as food or an unusual object. The monkeys are lured to the cages but are too smart to actually go inside. Instead, they reach through the bars, grab the bait, and try to pull it out. Because the object is too large to go through the bars, the only way the monkey can get away is to drop the bait. But monkeys refuse to let go. They kick and squeal but keep holding on. They stay trapped in bondage because they refuse to let go of the bait.

Are you the devil’s monkey? Have you grabbed Satan’s bait, which is called offenses? Satan sets his trap, using offenses as bait. If you grab the offense, you will be his prisoner as long as you hold on. Many people are incarcerated in the devil’s dungeon because they refuse to let go. You must choose to let go of all past offenses and keep your hands off all future ones. (Kent Crockett, I Once Was Blind But Now I Squint, Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2004, 104-105

We base our forgiveness on what God has done for us, not on what another person has done to us.

Lesson 8

Day 1- The Landmine of disappointment

“If I am the anointed King what in the world am I doing hiding in a cave,” are the thoughts that perhaps David was thinking. He had been anointed King by Samuel the prophet (I Sam. 16:13). A few years later he was still not king, and running for his life from King Saul. There must have been lots of disappointment. Yet through it all David wrote and sang these words:

Psalm 57

–To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave. 1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.

David was learning to live beyond disappointment. He was learning also that God is not swayed by disappointments. He is never taken by surprise and always has a plan. Anything that drives us to the Lord is good for us.

Lesson 8- Day 2

What do you do when feelings of disappointment explode? Do you pick up the phone and call someone as quickly as possible, or do you turn to the Lord in prayer?

Psalm 42 1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, “Where is your God?” 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.

Make sure that He is the first one that hears your cry for help. While godly friends are important, no one can help us like God. You are never alone. Hear the promise of Christ as he says, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18).

Lesson 8- Day 3

There are many sources of disappointment. It could include areas of weakness in our life that constantly causes us to mess up or to give in to temptation. Unrealistic goals for our lives can be a constant source of disappointment. If we do not know our limitations as well as our strengths we can be in for some long days of heart break. It could be that in your mind you know how to handle certain situations but your leadership skills are lacking to actually implement the desired goal. This may take further training, and perhaps months or years of help from leaders who have succeeded in these areas.

Realize that God is aware of your circumstances. While you may be stunned or shocked, God never is. He has promised to provide for you. Understand also that disappointment is a part of life. You will have to make a choice not if you will be disappointed but how will I respond to it.

James 4:8-10 (New King James Version)8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Most of the people that live in the day that James wrote these words were living under some very difficult circumstances. Disappointment was almost daily. There are some clear steps he outlines here to deal with challenging times:

1. Make God your first resources not your last

2. Deal with any attitude or sin that does not reflect Jesus. Often it is in times of difficulty that we can learn how best to change our own lives.

3. Humility is not weakness but strength. It is that response to God’s promptings in our life that gives Him the great joy of responding and lifting us up.

Lesson 8 – Day 4

The greatest ministries that have developed came from people’s disappointments.

The year was 1920. The scene was the examining board for selecting missionaries. Standing before the board was a young man named Oswald Smith. One dream dominated his heart. He wanted to be a missionary. Over and over again, he prayed, "Lord, I want to go as a

missionary for you. Open a door of service for me." Now, at last, his prayer would be answered. When the examination was over, the board turned Oswald Smith down. He did not meet their qualifications. He failed the test. Oswald Smith had set his direction, but now life gave him a detour. What would he do? As Oswald Smith prayed, God planted another idea in his heart. If he could not go as a missionary, he would build a church which could send out missionaries. And that is what he did. Oswald Smith pastored The People's Church in Toronto, Canada, which sent out more missionaries than any other church at that time. Oswald Smith brought God into the situation, and God transformed his detour into a main thoroughfare of service.

Brian L. Harbour, Rising Above the Crowd.

In I Corinthians 10:13 the Bible says, “No temptation has overtake you but such as is common to man, and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able , but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” The Greek word there for temptation refers to suffering, disappointment, and trial. Trials can have a beneficial purpose. God’s goal is always to draw you close to Him and accomplish His purposes in the world.

Lesson 8- Day 5

Psalm 23 has stood as a tower of strength for so many during days of disappointment. Keep in mind these truths about the Psalm.

1. David wrote these words during a very trying time. He was facing an extreme physical threat.

2. David admitted there was a problem. He did not try to deny it or ignore it. Whatever dark valley he was walking through was very real to him.

3. David understood that God did not send the trial he was facing. The Lord had allowed it for a purpose and that he could learn a lesson through it.

4. David never shifted his focus onto himself. It always remained on God. David knew that God would bring “goodness and mercy into his life, and that he had the assurance to know that he would dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

5. David confessed with his mouth that God would do exactly what He had promised.

Conclusion

• Few of us know how to go it alone.

• We need to travel on the high paths of righteousness, in the footsteps of our Lord.

• Illustration: A story tells of a young man who could skillfully recite the psalm, he was an actor on Broadway. When he came home to visit his parents he went to church with them. He was asked to recite the 23rd Psalm. When he finished everyone was very polite and acknowledged how well he did. The pastor an elderly man, just happened to be preaching on that

Psalm that day. He began to recite the Psalm from memory. It was different. He knew the shepherd and not just the Psalm. When he finished everyone was in tears.

• Big Idea: This psalm lives because it says there is a Shepherd who knows his sheep by name, who is abundantly able to provide, who guides and protects, and who at the close of day welcomes his own into the fold.

Lesson 9- Day 1

The Landmine of Fear

In 1942 England was on the brink of disaster. The Germans were bombing England daily. The British air force was shrinking quickly. Fear filled the hearts of the people and would have overcome them except for two things: their will and their faith. Winston Churchill challenged the people with these words, “ Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never, in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

Isaiah 40:29-31 (New King James Version)29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Lesson 9- Day 2

Nehemiah 4:9-15 (New King James Version)

9 Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night. 10 Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.” 11 And our adversaries said, “They will neither know nor see anything, till we come into their midst and kill them and cause the work to cease.” 12 So it was, when the Jews who dwelt near them came, that they told us ten times, “From whatever place you turn, they will be upon us.” 13 Therefore I positioned men behind the lower parts of the wall, at the openings; and I set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” 15 And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work.

When God called Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to lead the people to re-build the city walls, there were people there that did not want that to happen. They issued one threat after another ( Neh. 4). Notice what Nehemiah did not do:

1. He did not panic, become fearful, or cynical.

2. He did not listen to the voice of the enemy.

3. He did not stop construction of the walls.

You can know what God wants you to do if you seek him and ask him. When you do seek to do God’s will there will rise up a host of fears and doubts the enemy will assault you with. There may be people who try to prevent God’s will to be accomplished in your life. Be sure you are listening to is voice and not your own will. If you are certain of God’s plan. Go forth!

Lesson 9- Day 3

Mark 4:35-40 (New King James Version)

Wind and Wave Obey Jesus 35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”[a]

Notice Jesus instructed his disciples to get into the boat and go to the other side? Did he not know there would be a storm? Did he not realize what danger they faced?

1. Yes, he did know there was going to be a storm.

2. No, there was no danger. He was right there in the middle of the storm.

Even though he appeared to be asleep, He was aware of their circumstances. He was in control of the wind, the rain, and the sea. He knew exactly what was going on around their small boat. He knows what is happening around you all the time.

He wanted them to come to Him in faith, not in fear. He wasn’t surprised by their fear, and He certainly made it clear that He was God when he spoke to the storm and told it to be still. Victory over fear comes when you learn to focus on the Savior and not the storm.

Lesson 9 – Day 4

Isaiah 58:11 (New King James Version)11 The LORD will guide you continually,

And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones;

You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

Though trouble comes from time to time and changes the landscape of our lives, God never changes (Hebrews 13:8). Fear does not fit who you are as a child of God. In times of crisis or tragedy, remember God will strengthen your bones, and keep your soul watered in times of drought.

Fear may come as a result of how we were raised. Sometimes we as parents can be very over protective. We can instill fearful ideas in our children’s lives. Other times fear may come because of our imagination not being under God’s control. We can become so distracted that we lose focus on what is as we worry about what MIGHT be. Sometimes our fears may be based on something wrong we did and we face consequences of that action. God may not deliver us from the consequences, but deliver us through them.

We are adequate through Jesus Christ to face any fear and overcome it. You need to see your future through His perspective and not your own. If you are faced with a challenge that is greater than your ability to handle it, ask the Lord to give you His perspective and rely upon that.

Lesson 9- Day 5

Isaiah 41:10-13 (New King James Version)10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ 11 “ Behold, all those who were incensed against you Shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, And those who strive with you shall perish. 12 You shall seek them and not find them— Those who contended with you. Those who war against you Shall be as nothing, As a nonexistent thing. 13 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

Conquering fear is done when we focus on Someone greater than the circumstances. If God has placed you in a certain position , He will handle all the details concerning it and your life. Your only responsibility is to obey Him and leave the consequences to Him.

For too many people fear is an addiction. Some even gain attention by telling others about their fears. They become paralyzed in their personal lives and affect others, especially their own families by their fears. There can be fears and anxieties that come from depression. This can actually have a physical cause, and need to be treated by medical help. Other times it is caused by spiritual issues and can be resolved through :

Admitting there is a problem and you need God’s help.

Confess your belief in God’s sovereign care.

Commit yourself to spending time each day with God in prayer.

Meditate on God’s Word, which contains His personal promises to you.

The Enemy may whisper, “ What if…?” But you can answer with, “I know whom I have believed….”

Psalm 46:1-2 (New King James Version)

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

LANDMINES IN THE PATH OF THE BELIEVER

The Landmine of Immorality

LESSON 10- DAY 1

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 (New King James Version)10 Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor. 11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done And on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun.

Solomon had everything-concubines, slaves, houses, vineyards, silver, gold, and so much more. Yet he was empty. The things he valued the most had nothing to do with God.

Sexual sin has become rampant today. Even among Christians adultery and other sexual sins have begun tearing down the family at an alarming rate. Yet testimony after testimony shares the horrible affects of their sin: children at risk, sexual diseases, broken lives, suicide, and personal emptiness are at an all time high.

In I Thessalonians 4:7-8 the Bible tells us that :

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (New King James Version)7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given[a] us His Holy Spirit.

To reject God’s principles of holiness is to reject God Himself. What we must learn is the process of victory over these temptations which the Bible calls sanctification. We are saved once but sanctified ( grow spiritually) each day we choose to let Jesus be Lord.

Lesson 10- Day 2

1 Corinthians 10:13 (New King James Version)13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

God has promised a way of escape when we are tempted to immorality. The power of God’s Word and the Power of the Holy Spirit are our primary resources. Every believer has available to them the same resources for dealing with temptation. It is a matter of allowing God to use them in our lives.

1. Do you spend some time each day in God’s word? If not, why not? Do you watch TV each day, or read a newspaper, or work with a hobby? Why not take 10-15 minutes a day to help you deal with issues that come in your life?

2. Each day that you live you need to ask God to deliver you from temptation through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask and it shall be given you!

3. When you are tempted by thoughts of lust, confess them, and ask God to draw near to you, and that you desire to resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Lesson 10- Day 3People who fall morally often look great on the surface. Deep inside, however, where only God can see there are un-controlled thoughts that have been burning. They are about to blaze into a raging fire.

James 1:14 (New King James Version)14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

There is no one else to blame except for you when you give in to temptation. The Bible says it is up to us to flee immorality. That means we need to run away from it. Men, do not think you can flirt with sin and it not affect you. Run, Run, Run!

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (New King James Version)18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body[a] and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Lesson 10- Day 4

People misuse sex for many different reasons: to build personal self esteem, to meet personal desires, to control another person, to make financial gains, to express lust and abuse. Sex outside of marriage leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self esteem. Sexual intimacy is the most private expression two people can have for one another.

The most common side affects for believers that fall morally are guilt, anxiety, and a divided mind. A person that is hiding ( or thinks he/she is hiding) the sin always has their mind on how to keep it secret. Their work suffers, their family life suffers, and obviously their spiritual life suffers. They have feelings of dishonesty because they have to lie to keep things hidden. It may take a while but this sin is almost 100% of the time uncovered.

The testimonies of the Christians’ life is damaged, sometimes beyond repair it seems. Not only have they hurt themselves and those closest to them, but they have left a black eye and a sour taste with non believers about the Christian faith. Remember sin will be uncovered, sin hurts others, and sin hurts the Lord Jesus because of His child’s misbehavior.

Lesson 10- Lesson 5

There is hope. If we are willing to do things God’s way and turn from our sin, there is hope and forgiveness.

First, acknowledge that what you have done is not right. This may take a while for you to accept but you must accept the truth regardless of why you did it.

Secondly, take responsibility for your sin. This could mean asking forgiveness of another person or persons . Sometimes a person becomes angry at a spouse for something said or done. This is used as an excuse to get even at them. Remember you are still at fault for crossing the line and God is willing to forgive if you are willing to confess and agree with Him that you are guilty.

Be genuine in your repentance. There is a temporary sorrow because a person gets caught. Below the surface, however, there is no remorse or repentance. Given enough time they will repeat their actions again.

Ask God to forgive you and help you to get past the immorality. It may take not only God’s forgiveness but also biblical counseling to repair the walls that have been torn down. Listen to one broken man’s confession and request for help:

Psalm 51

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. 1 Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your loving-kindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak,[a]

And blameless when You judge.

God has the ability to defuse any type of sinful passion and replace it with a sense of godly contentment. If you will allow Him to have control of your sexual desire, He will show you how to live with a pure heart, whether you are married or single. If you have failed He and He alone can restore and repair the broken lives. Forgiveness is instant but rebuilding may take years. Give God the chance.

THE LANDMINE OF SLOTHFULNESS

LESSON 11 – DAY 1

Another word for slothfulness is laziness. Usually the person who struggles with this sin also struggles with self esteem, pride, and a passive-aggressive attitude. In II Thessalonians 3:6 Paul was dealing with a group of people who had become lazy in their devotion to God and in their work. They assumed incorrectly that Jesus was to return any day. Why should they work hard if he was coming to take them home.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 (New King James Version)

Warning Against Idleness 6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through

our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good

The question you must ask yourself is am I doing my best? Do I offer something much less to my employer and coworkers as a result of taking shortcuts and procrastinating.

Lesson 11- Day 2

John 5:2-9 (New King James Version)2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.

Christ asked the man a very interesting question, “Do you wish to get well?” Why wouldn’t he want to be healed so he could walk again? Then he would be expected to work, no one would take care of him. It would be his responsibility to pay the bills. Jesus calls the lazy person into action.

Do you want to do better financially? Do you really deep down? Do you want mama and daddy to take care of you the rest of your life? Are you willing to say no to your grown children if they are not willing to work, or always finding excuses as to why they cannot work or hold a job. Going without a meal or sleeping in the car might be quiet a motivator to get a job!!

Lesson 11- Day 3

I have a friend that is a multi-millionaire. He started with nothing and has worked very hard to obtain what He has. He goes into work everyday and works the same schedule his employees do. He comes in on many Saturday’s to make sure his company is ran correctly. He is a very generous man and very wealthy. He could have slacked down on his hands on approach to business and let his employees work it for him and he collect the profits. He is very disciplined in his life and has a tremendous work ethic.

On the other hand a slothful person makes up his mind that he does not want to do something, and then he finds a way not to do it. This is a dangerous position.

Proverbs 6:9-11 (New King James Version)9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?

10 A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep— 11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

Some of the temptations we face that deal with laziness usually come in the form of, “I just don’t feel like helping out.” “Stuffing envelopes is not my thing.” “I don’t have children anymore, why should I serve in the preschool?”

There are times when we physically are sick, or just cannot help because of previous commitments. Then there are times….

LESSON 11- DAY 4

How do you deal with laziness in yourself or someone you are trying to help?

1. Set goals to be reached before there is any more reward. Until you or the other person reaches the first goal then the first reward cannot be given.

2. The antidote to selfishness is giving. Find a way to give back to others. If not money then time. Find a family that needs yard work done and volunteer to do it. Get involved in a ministry through the church and give back.

3. Get into God’s word at least 15 minutes a day. A person who is lazy physically is lazy spiritually. Take time each day to hear from God.

4. Pray for help daily to overcome desires to slack off. Focus on the fact that you are working for God and not man.

5. Realize the consequences of laziness will grow if left unchecked. They include:• Personal problems increase• Stress and pressure increase as you slack up on your obligations• Emotional and physical pain• A lack of peace and sense of good pride as you see a job well done• Poverty

6. Jesus Christ must be Lord of your life. He has a plan and purpose for your life. Only as you release control of your life to Him will you truly be free.

He is your only source of victory. When He is alive in you, your battle against laziness will be won!

John 8:31-32 (New King James Version)

The Truth Shall Make You Free 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Lesson 11- Day 5

Living on Purpose is really what we are talking about. If you understand that God has a purpose for your life, and you can know His purpose then you can focus on Him and His plans for you. Remember His plans for you always include others. It’s not about you. It’s about Him and His purposes for this world.

Never forget the truth of Jeremiah 29:11: (NKJV)11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Lesson 12=Defusing the Landmines Along your Path

Day 1

Genesis 18:13-14 (New King James Version)13 And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”

Is there anything too hard for God? We cannot use the excuse, “Well I couldn’t help myself.” Without a strong faith in God, we will become easy targets for the enemy. Like Sarah, we will be tempted to laugh instead of obey.

The closer we stay to God the further away the landmine will be. Every landmine poses a serious threat to the path of the believer. You and I have a resource the non Christian does not have, that is that God promises to deliver us through and from temptation. Trust in Him to do it.

Lesson 12- Day 2

Peter failed the Lord miserably. After telling Christ he would never run or deny Him, Peter did deny the Lord three times. Peter repented and turned back to the Lord. He became a great evangelist after his failure when he repented and turned back to Christ.

There are two ways we encounter landmines. The first is by taking a route that God does not want us to travel without knowing the consequences. Even when the landmine explodes and we fail we may still have to experience the consequences, but we can be forgiven and restored back to the Lord.

The second is to make a choice without any consideration of God. We know there are consequences. The passions and desires of our heart supersede what we know is right. We take a chance anyway and boom, there goes the landmine. We hurt ourselves and others. READ PSALM 51 today for your understanding of the consequences and cure for failure.

Lesson 12- Day 3

Psalm 139:23-24 (New King James Version)

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

David learned the hard way to avoid landmines. He was proactive. He asked God to search his heart. Often when we look at ourselves we either don’t see what God does or we excuse what we do as being so small as to not matter. David had a submissive spirit. He wanted to know the truth. His life was open to God. David was willing for God to “try” him to see if he had learned other lessons. David had taken a direct hit from a landmine of lust and failed. It cost him and others a lot of grief and pain. He kept a check on his heart from then on and ask clearly for God’s guidance.

Lesson 12- Day 4

Isaiah 54:17 (New King James Version)17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.

You and I would do well to commit this verse of scripture to memory. When you are walking in his will God has your front and your back and both sides. It may become very difficult and intense for a while but God will get you through.

During a very difficult time in my days on the school board we all faced intense pressure from a very vocal group of parents, the press, and even behind the scenes some teachers that wanted us to change our course. Was I 100% sure we were correct. No, I wasn’t. But I did trust in those other board members, our superintendent and ultimately when the final vote came I cast it; to make it a unanimous decision. Everything did not go away in terms of criticism. But two or three things did happen:

1. God raised up a host of parental supporters in the local communities which begin to stand with us.

2. Even a handful (very small) of the media got behind us.

3. We implemented the changes and saw almost immediate results.

4. The long range results have been tremendous as well.

It was a learning experience for me as a believer and as a leader.

Lesson 12- Day 5

Psalm 37:23-24 (New King James Version)

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.

God knows where the landmines are. As you respond to the promptings of God’s spirit, and His word He can direct you around the landmines. Will you trust Him to order your steps of your life, to lead you along a pathway that is secure from enemy attack?

The moment you say , “Lord use me, train me, and teach me more about yourself,” He will answer your prayer, and all of heaven’s joy, contentment, and eternal peace will be yours.