PreacherLanny

1. Read Prov. 4:23.
a. How would you define the “heart” that the writer is describing?
b. What would it mean to “guard your heart?”
2. Look at 1 Sam. 16:1-7. Note v. 7.
a. In terms of religion, how might our “outward appearance” be different from what is really going on in the heart?
b. What is it that [...]

1. Admit sin. Admit that laziness is the problem and confess it as sin to God. Until something is recognized as sin, there will be little motivation to deal with it.
2. Establish priorities and manage time. Priorities and time management are the keys to solving disorganization.
3. Refocus. The next step is working to refocus attention [...]

1. “Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep…” Prov. 19:15. “As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.” Prov. 26:14.
2. There appears to be a clear relationship between excessive sleep and laziness.
3. It is clear that an undisciplined person will often have the accompanying problem of excessive sleep. Sleep is [...]

1. Know God’s commands. A growing knowledge of God’s word is necessary to see clearly what God desires for us to do.
2. Look to God for power. The Christian’s life is supernatural and is impossible to live on our own. When we step out in faith to obey God’s commands, he honors our obedience by [...]

In the following verses the emphasis is on disciplined obedience. Read these carefully and comment on them.
1. Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23
2. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I [...]

1. The Apostle Paul tells his young friend Timothy to “train” himself in godliness (1 Tim. 4:7-8). The root meaning of “train” is to exercise consistently.
2. Paul identified the consistent, disciplined practice of godliness as the means of achieving true maturity.
3. God never implies we are to have passive role in our maturity. “But solid [...]

1. Self-discipline not only applies to how we use our time, money and possessions, it applies to how we handle our emotions.
2. List three emotions that need to be controlled and disciplined in your life.
a.
b.
c.
3. Read Hebrews 11:8
a. What emotions could have controlled Abraham in this instance? How does faith bring those emotions under control?
4. [...]

1. Read 2 Tim. 2:1-7 and look for the three analogies Paul uses to characterize the Christian life.
a.
b.
c.
2. What discipline is involved in being a soldier?
3. What discipline is involved in being an athlete?
4. What discipline is involved in being a successful farmer?

5. As we seek to be disciplined like a soldier, an athlete, or [...]

1. There are many things that are not wrong in and of themselves, but to do them in excess without God’s control will have a negative impact on your life and outreach.
2. What example of this does Paul give in 1 Tim. 6:6-10?
3. In the past what have been some things you might have done [...]

If you’ve been following along, I’m posting a short devotional study each weekday that’s designed to help us to grow spiritually. The biggest potential audience will be folks I know through Facebook. If you’d like to review all of the devotions, go to my website www.preacherlanny.com. Thanks for reading and studying with me!
1. Read 2 [...]