1 Where should we start when we decide to follow the command found in Deuteronomy 6:5?
Note: In order to love God with all our might, it requires us to develop that which we have. Our first duty to God and our fellow man is that of personal development. Being able to grow in all that you have is essential in order for you to live out God’s plan and His purposes for your life. One of the best ways that we can develop any of our talents is in the service for others. This is how we can develop to the highest capacity of every faculty and talent that God has given us.

2 What is the foundational requirement that enlists us in the process of Infinite Development? John 17:3
Note: The path of Infinite Development begins when we come into relations with Christ, whom God has sent. This is where eternal life begins for us. Christ was sent to earth to give us a perfect example of the infinite possibilities that man can reach unto through an intimate relationship with His son.

3 Is it Christ’s will that we should be limited on the amount of development we can have? John 10:10
Note: Many times we’re so fixed on this idea or belief that we are not meant to have an abundant amount of development. We might believe we’re so limited on all these different opportunities, when, in reality, God came that you might have abundance in every area of life.

4 What does the Lord expect us to do with the talents and faculties He has bestowed on us? Matthew 25:27
Note: God expects us to put whatever talents however few they may seem, into the exchangers so that we can have an increase when Christ comes again. God is actually expecting you not to be limited to what you have but to be limitless; to actually expand that which you’re capable of.

5 Through whom are we able to infinitely develop our talents? Colossians 1:27
Note: Did you know that all the infinite talents and endless possibilities of Christ can be formed in you? How infinite do you think we could get through Christ’s possibilities? This shows you that there isn’t a path of limited development that God has set before you to walk on, but rather, one of infinite development. It is a joy to go on this journey together because at The Army of Youth this is the only thing we are focused on: helping you to live your calling and to equip you along this journey for Christ.

6 How are we able to make eternal life longer? John 17:3
Note: Do you want to know how you can experience eternal life and make eternal life longer? How would you like to expand the time so that you can have unlimited amounts? The only way to make eternal life longer is to start now. A talent that everybody has is time. time is a gift from God; in fact, our time, our life, was purchased by the infinite blood of Calvary. When we begin to realize the infinite price paid for our time and life, every moment is rightly employed and valued. Then we have all the time necessary for ourselves, and for the cause of God. We would now be able to do what we need because we have time for what we make time for. Eternal life doesn’t begin in heaven. On earth, is where eternal life begins.

7 Why is it necessary that we incrementally develop our ability to connect with others? Luke 2:52
Note: Our ability to connect with others can expand and strengthen as we exercise it. Christ was constantly in a stage of continual growth, improving on his talents that He may be able to reach others more effectively. There is not a measure in which our influence can extend to. Let us be determined to add strength to strength, as God adds grace for grace.

8 What is the pivotal connection between Infinite development and the use of our finances? Deuteronomy 8:13
Note: Contrary to popular belief, money is not the root of all evil. The bible specifies this statement in [1Timothy 6:10] Admonishing that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” The power to gain wealth is the prerogative of God alone. It is God who owns the infinite resources both in heaven and in the earth. Every cent that is placed within our accessibility God wants us to make the right use of it. Surely as there is no limit to our mental and physical development is just as certain there is no limit to our financial development. For stewardship is mainly spiritual. Let us be intentional to develop every talent possible as it is our duty to God and to our fellow beings.

9 How does the Lord desire us to use the talents that He has given us? Philemon 1:6
Note: Another universal talent that everybody has and that God wants us to have an abundance in is communication. Helen Keller who was deaf, dumb, and blind was still able to communicate to the masses. How much more can God’s people communicate to others? One of the best ways for our communication to increase is by speaking of the goodness of Christ instead of focusing on what’s missing. Gratitude is one of the secrets to abundance because it is when we’re grateful for what we have that what we have increases. So, when we use our communication skills to speak words of gratitude our communication skills will increase. Whatever skills you have, It is a talent that we can cultivate for God’s glory and for His cause. There are literally no limits these days and no excuses for us to not communicate our message of Christ to the world.

10 When we put our talents and gifts to the right use, how does God bless them? Proverbs 18:16
Note: It is your gifts that are going to make the difference of where you are able to reach and who you are able to impact in this world. It is the cultivation of these talents that God has given to you that will determine where you end up in this life and it will affect the life to come as well.

In Light of God’s Word…

Is it your desire to step onto the path of infinite development and activate that potential by rightly exercising and employing the gifts the Lord has given to you?

Is it your decision to start developing today, to invest your time, resources etc. in the service of the Lord while reaching new heights in your Christian walk?

Today’s Offer:

If you would like an aid, to help you in your journey of ever-expanding development, then please consider ordering our “Live Your Calling” Daily Account book today at: Thearmyofyouth.com/accountbook

If you desire to contribute to The Army of Youth Ministry Financially, please visit: Championofyouth.com

1 To whom can we go for promised direction and clarity from God? John 16:13
Note: The holy spirit is promised to be sent and He will bring back to your remembrance Whatever God has said and Jesus promised that just as parents are willing to give good gifts to their children, how much more is our father in heaven willing to give?

2 What simple step does the Lord entreat us to take to get direction from the Holy Spirit? Matthew 7:7
Note: God sends the Holy Spirit to those who ask. The first thing we have to do to get instruction from the holy spirit is to ask for it. When He speaks to you, it’s a gentle, still, small voice that leads you and He speaks to your faculty of intuition so that you can understand more of His will. So that’s one of the ways that God speaks to us.

3 Who else does God send us to help guide us in the Lord’s will? Hebrews 1:14
Note: The bible talks about sinless angels and asked the question “are they not ministering spirits that are sent to minister to those who would be heirs of salvation?”. Hebrews 13:2 talks about how we should be not forgetful to entertain strangers because some thereby have entertained angels unaware. We also see in the stories of Abraham and Lot that God has and sends messengers to reveal His will for us.

4 What is the standard we must hold up when we believe we are being ministered to by a holy angel or any man at all? Isaiah 8:20
Note: If an angel or if any other man or any other message comes to you that is not in harmony with what the word of God says, it is not God speaking to us and we have to be sure that we are listening to sinless angels and not satanic angels so you want to be clear.

5 Can this standard also give us direction in and of itself as to what God’s will is for our life? 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: When we study the word of God and search out our problems, questions, concerns, and the direction that we’re looking for, God is able to speak to us in a way that we wouldn’t even think of before. The truth is, the word of God is God’s will expressed. If we want to understand God’s will for us we need not look for much further than what a “thus saith the Lord” is. It is written in scripture to direct our lives and to help us to make decisions that are so important. The Holy Bible is a sure and definite way to hear the voice of God speaking to us.

6 Where are we able to go to surround ourselves with sound wisdom? Proverbs 11:14
Note: You want to surround yourself with people who love the Lord, study His Word, and are able to help counsel you. God uses these godly counselors to instruct and to reveal His will to us

7 What is another type of counselor that can also provide us with wisdom? Psalm 119:24
Note: It is the entrance of God’s word that bringeth the light and gives understanding to the simple so any time we are seeking for direction we have to be careful who we listen to and also try to find and listen to those who have the results that you want.

8 What are the almost silent things that help us to hear God’s voice speak to us? Romans 1:20
Note: Through nature, God is able to speak to us and it’s what we like to call the “Book of Nature”. The book of nature was the first book given to Adam and Eve in sinless Eden. Before sin ever came in, they had nature that was to ever testify of God and His love and to reveal to them more and more of His divine will every day. What we focus on we find; so if we’re looking for instruction through nature we’ll find it. The book of nature is something that is a powerful tool that was even given before the Bible was given to man. This is a powerful way that God communicates to man. We could tell that Jesus was very receptive to the book of nature because when you look at his instructions, and parables Jesus often took lessons from nature and understood spiritual mental, physical, moral, and social lessons through the simple book of nature.

9 Where is one place that the Lord has already placed a “multitude of counselors?” Matthew 18:20
Note: Another way that God uses to communicate to man, are His people, which is the church. Where Christ’s presence is among His people, that is His church. There may be times where we pray and ask God for guidance and then there’s someone who comes along who wants to help; who wants to give us some counsel, encouragement, or maybe it’s a financial aid, a lending hand and we don’t want to accept their gifts, hospitality, kindness or encouragement. We might believe that God will take care of us because we’re praying to Him but we don’t realize that Jesus actually said what you’ve done to the least of these my brethren you’ve done it to me. He closely unites Himself with His children. When his children are seeking to represent Him that is God’s way of communicating His will and helping those who are seeking to know and understand. We don’t want to underestimate the human instruments that God is able to use in our lives.

10 What is the greatest most loving way God provides communication from us to Him? Hebrews 7:25
Note: The ultimate way God speaks to us is through Christ Himself. Not only is He interceding on our behalf, He’s actively laboring for our souls in harmony with the sinless angels who love to do God’s will and love to minister to his children. But His life testifies of His will. We can look at the habits, the words, the instruction, and the parables of Christ and we can see what God would have us to do today. Is our life in harmony with what God has required of us for our own happiness and success in life? This is what Christ has promised to give us when we allow ourselves to give ear to His word and follow in His footsteps.

In Light of God’s Word…

Is it your desire to really hear the voice of God leading you in your life and to continually know what God’s will is for your life?

Is it your decision to find and hear the voice of God in your life by recognizing the ways the Lord desires to speak to you outlined in His word?

Today’s Offer:

If you want to find God’s will for you through His word daily but are finding it hard to find interest and keep consistency, then please sign up for our FREE training on how to make your devotions irresistibly interesting by going to: Thearmyofyouth.com/devotions

If you would like to support The Army of Youth ministry in it’s continual advancement of training and equipping Gospel soldiers for the Lord’s cause, please visit: Thearmyofyouth.com/outreach

1 Do we have an obligation to share God’s word if we call ourselves Christians? Why? Psalm 96:3-4
Note: there are people who want to do something for God but they don’t know where to start. You have a message that the world needs to hear. you’ve been learning things people are dying for lack of knowledge, the knowledge that you are able to impart and publish on a daily basis and I’m going to be sharing with you reasons why I believe the word of God would encourage us to publish every single day

2 What is the most effective tool that we possess that will cause us to have the greatest influence upon others? Proverbs 18:16
Note: The Bible talks about how God has given you a gift; a unique calling that you have. You have a message, you have a specific calling to serve a group of people and they are waiting to hear from you. But how are you going to get better unless you do it every single day? Mastery takes consistency; to be able to consistently share your gift, your craft, your contribution to the world on a daily basis. There is no greater impact and ability to get better and better than to continue to share every day if you commit to publishing your message.

3 In what attitude and For what purpose should we publish God’s word? 1 Corinthians 10:31
Note: Some may not like to present themselves and bring attention to themselves, but don’t put yourself out there, put Christ out there through you so that when people see you and your messages they don’t see you they see Christ in you the hope of glory To glorify God. Wouldn’t you want to give back to God what he has given to you? In such an amazing way, you have an opportunity to publish to God’s glory. You are able to proclaim the character of God throughout the world without being limited.

4 If we each have a talent given to us by the Lord, How do we find our unique talent? 1 Corinthians 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:11
Note: There are differences of administrations or ministries and we all have a unique voice, or a unique gift, something to offer but the challenge is a lot of people don’t really know what that is; they don’t know what it looks like. You’re really not going to know your voice, your style, how you could resonate with your audience, and who you’re there to help until you do it a hundred times. Learn to consistently communicate the gift, the message, that God has given you. When you commit to that journey and you learn to love that journey you will find your voice.

5 What is a promise the Lord makes when we decide to publish His word? Proverbs 11:25
Note: Sometimes we find it difficult to share our message and let others know what the Lord has been revealing to us, but God has given us the assurance that we will lose nothing in publishing His word. When we share what we know we can also benefit. We will be able to remember the things that we now find difficult to learn if we teach or share them with others and God’s word will be able to dwell within us. You’re learning things every day. There must be something that you are passionate about. There are messages that God might have been revealing to you. A hobby or a strength or in things that you enjoy you are able to impart those things. Whatever you want to grow in, whatever you want to learn; give that and share it with other people.

6 The Lord wants us to spread His word without the belief of scarcity. According to John 10:10, how does God want us to live?
Note: The key is being grateful instead of thinking “I don’t have enough, I wouldn’t know what to say,” or “I don’t know how, I don’t have the technology or the equipment”. You can look at all these limitations and see the scarcity, but God is actually promising you an abundance. He’s asking, “What do you know?”. Share what God has done for you.

7 What is the secret to abundance? Luke 6:38
Note: If you want to have a “running over” experience, an abundance of whether it’s knowledge, an abundance of friends, influence, impact, and opportunities, then give and use your influence. Use what you have.

8 How does the Lord fulfill one of our human needs through publishing daily? Psalm 68:6
Note: God is showing that through modern publishing you can create the community you always wish that you had. when deciding to give your life and talents to the Lord, there is a separation. But when you publish every day your message determines your audience. Have a conversation with the people that you would be passionate about communicating, talking to, and being around. Think about who you want to surround yourself with.

9 Does the Lord expect us to come up with and publish new messages to share with people at the start of our publishing journey? Psalm 26:7
Note: The principle is to publish with thanksgiving. Your testimony, your experience, the things that you’ve done. When you think about publishing it might seem or get overwhelming. What we’d recommend is not to create many new things at first, but instead, document your journey document your experience, document your conversations, document what you’re doing instead of thinking you need to create all this fancy content. Pull out your phone and record. have a conversation, talk; whatever your best modality is to communicate. Be excited about it and don’t let the thought of “I don’t know what to create” get the best of you because you will start losing your passion for spreading the precious messages that the Lord has given you. Realize that it is the privilege to be tasked by the Kings of Kings.

10 How will the Lord aide us in the publishing of His word? Acts 1:8
Note: God has promised us many times in His word that He will be with us as we go into all the world to spread the good news. One of the most amazing blessings He has promised us is the outpouring of His Spirit upon us. Without the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we would not be able to effectively publish the Lord’s message. In Matthew 18:20 God has promised us to be with us even to the end of the world.

In Light of God’s Word…

Is it your desire to begin sharing what the Lord has done for you, the experiences He’s brought you through, to others as an encouragement and an inspiration to others?

Is it your decision to publish something for the Lord daily that, you may practice and train to be an effective gospel soldier?

Today’s Offer:

If you are interested in helping support our mission to train gospel soldiers for the Lord’s service, please visit: Thearmyofyouth.com/outreach

If you desire to share with others what God has shared with you, and would like to help others surround themselves with people that can help and encourage, then we encourage you to invite them to these small group squads by sending this link: thearmyofyouth.com/squads

1 Why is it that some are able to remember and retain what they learn more than others? Psalms 111:10

Note: The first object we need to understand is that those who are highly effective learners, meaning that they retain and remember what they learn, understand this one concept. And that is to become active learners. Learning is not a spectator’s sport; it involves you to engage and practice what you learn. It’s an engaging process.

2 Why isn’t trying to learn by just listening to a lesson enough? James 1:22-25 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: Doing is what helps us to remember. When we are just passively learning and listening, we are less likely to retain what we learn and forget those things that matter most to us. There is a saying that goes: “If I hear it I’ll forget it, if I see it, I’ll remember it, but if I do it, I’ll understand it.” Being an active learner involves being engaged. You don’t have to wait for your teacher or instructor to engage you in what you’re learning, but as a student we can take ownership of what we are learning and what we are able to engage in while learning which is what we are now going to be looking at.

3 How has the world been able to remember the words of God that were spoken thousands of years ago? Habakkuk 2:2
Note: Taking notes or writing down what you learn is one of the habits of highly effective learners. Taking notes is very essential to remembering what we learn. It is the best way we can interact or engage in what we are learning. People learn in different ways. For example, some are visual learners, some are audio learners or some might be kinesthetic learners. Some might not think they are able to learn just by listening to an instructor, but what they don’t realize is that by taking notes, they are engaging that kinesthetic involvement. Taking notes is extremely helpful when trying to remember and retain what you learn. Some might feel that taking notes isn’t necessary, that they need to remember all that they are taught in one sitting, but the reality is that just by the action of taking notes, even if you never go back and review them, it still boosts your ability to remember what you have learned. If you find it hard to pay attention while learning, take notes. By taking notes you become more engaged and able to pay more attention to what you are trying to learn.

4 God has promised to give us knowledge and clarity if we do what? James 1:5
Note: Asking questions is a tremendous way to learn. When you ask your questions, its a way to engage and be an active learner. Pray because of what the Lord has promised us. Turn your statements into questions. Instead of saying I have a bad memory, change it to a question: How can I improve my memory? When you start turning your self-doubting statements into questions, it will help you retain and find solutions to things you want to learn.

5 Did Jesus practice the habit of asking questions in His life? Luke 2:46

6 How are we able to strengthen our own knowledge while imparting the blessing of God’s word to others? 1 Peter 3:15
Note: This is a beautiful promise because it shows that we can always be ready to give an answer. A great way to continue being an active learner is to answer questions. Even if you are watching a video and the speaker asks a question, call back and answer. Engage because it’s for your best interest and to help become more engaged to lead you to be able to retain what you are learning. Sometimes when speakers are asking questions during a sermon, the majority of the congregation stays silent as if they were watching some movie, but those who are actually engaging are those are receiving the blessing and are able to remember and retain what they are learning. They’re answering the questions. As we have studied before, the best way to learn is to teach.

7 What natural and physical position did God originally form man in that affects the ability to retain what we learn? Ecclesiastes 7:29
Note: The Lord made man upright. All learning is state-dependent. And uprightness couldn’t be a better state to be in when learning. Our posture has much to do with how we learn. But many times we see others or even ourselves in a slumped or hunched position. When we do this, it causes us to disengage. Boredom, tiredness, etc.; these emotions are influenced by us physically. Many times we can influence our attention and our retention just by our posture. By shallow breathing, poor ventilation, and dehydration, it’s hard to engage and pay attention. Open a window, drink water, sit upright as the Lord intended us to. Your posture matters. How would you be sitting if this was the most interesting topic you have ever heard? Your motions influence emotions. Come with a state of expectation. When you get engaged, you can expect blessings.

8 What is the foundation that strengthens all of the habits of effective learning we have looked at so far? 2 Corinthians 3:18
Note: What You focus on changes you. Listen with the intent to understand. The art of memory is the art of attention. Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to be present. The moment we start thinking of two or more things at once it brings stress which will overwhelm and shut down parts of the brain. Which prevents you from living your calling. This will help you change you and turn it into long term memory.

9 How do we find the most fulfillment in learning? Ecclesiastes 9:10
Note: If we don’t put our full focus into what we are learning, we will never fully understand, appreciate and live what we are trying to learn; and instead are wasting our time, rather than investing our time.

10 Who has the Lord sent to be our ultimate teacher and helper? John 14:26
Note: When you’re studying the word of God, ask Him questions in prayer and the Holy spirit will help you and show you the answers and bring back to your remembrance of things you have learned before.

In Light of God’s Word…

Is it your desire to become an active learner and retain and remember what you learn?

Is it your decision to apply these habits of effective learners to your own life and impart what you have learned, and will learn, to others?

Today’s Offer:

If you want an aid to capture the lessons, help you be able to take notes, have a process to document what you are learning; to Help you be intentional and engaged in the things that need to be done, and being present, then please consider ordering the “Live your Calling” Daily Accountbook at: Thearmyofyouth.com/accountbook

If you would like to help support The Army of Youth Ministry in giving, please visit: Championofyouth.com

1 Does the Lord expect us to do His work by our own power and strength? Matthew 28:18-20 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: Was the great commission Jesus gave us say go ye therefore and avoid all nations? because talking to strangers is uncomfortable or trying new things makes us afraid? No. Christ has said, “all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth..” It is By His power that strengthens you to go and teach all nations. Your message matters.

2 Will the Lord require us to step out of our comfort zone to do this great work? 2 Timothy 2:2-3
Note: Some might believe that because Christ took up the cross, that it means we don’t have to; But taking up the cross was an example, a PATTERN for us to follow in the footsteps of Christ’s sufferings. But by His grace, we can endure and overcome the hardness and uncomfortableness.

3 But doesn’t the Lord call only those who are qualified or have mastered their talents to use in His work? Exodus 4:10-12 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: You might have heard us say this quite a bit in the ministry: God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. You might have a conviction, a message that you need to give, or a service, and God is calling you to share but you might feel uncomfortable or feel unqualified to do it; But has God called us to be comfortable? He will give you the words to say and help you strengthen the skills you need.

4 When is the only time we grow or make progress in anything? Hebrews 5:14
Note: If it doesn’t challenge you, it will never change you. Strength is gained through exercise. Exercise is painful and hard, and often challenges you, but if you don’t use your strength, you will lose it. If it doesn’t challenge you, you will not experience growth. We have two options: we can have comfort, or we can have growth, but you cannot have both at the same time. Nothing changes if nothing changes.

5 What biblical, natural law governs the results in our life and How are we able to change those results? Galatians 6:7
Note: If you are unhappy with the results you have now, or you’re trying to learn a new skill the only way is to try something different, and a lot of times those new different things will cause discomfort.

6 In what state of action should we be in when the Lord gives us clarity in life? John 12:35
Note: Action breeds clarity. We might be confused, but what if we shifted our focus, and changed the questions we ask ourselves. What do you know, what do you understand, and what do you have? (see Exodus 4:2) 9 times out of ten, if we just used what we have, the resources that are available to us now, God will be willing to accept that and help us through any obstacle we have or may go through.

7 If we use that light and walk in it, what potential do we give that light? Proverbs 4:18
Note: How many of us want a bigger comfort zone? In all reality, if you’re not growing, you’re dying. progress equals happiness and fulfillment. There is no standing in the light. It is a continual advancement. You either make progress or you fall back from the light.

8 What if we are too discouraged, we don’t think others will hear our message, and doing God’s work scares us? Romans 10:14-15 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone. Think about it, can you think of one thing that you really want that is inside your comfort zone? If there is no cross, there is no crown. It is because Christ took the cross that we are able to become kings and priests before God. God will give us the skills, the qualifications, etc. If not me, who? if not now, when? You can speak, you can publish. Where would we be if someone didn’t step out of their comfort zones and shared with us?

9 What is the cross of a Christian? Galatians 5:24
Note: Our cross is the fighting against our natural inclination. Oftentimes, our preference is to go the path of least resistance. But that is your cross; your test. A test of discipleship. That is where Christ sees the serious, and only the professors. Who is willing to bear burdens? Paul said, I die daily. Every day he did something challenging. He was daily, stepping out of his comfort zone. Do something every day that scares you and you will find a joy and peace that you’ve never experienced in your comfort zone. Every day ask yourself, “How can I live outside my comfort zone?”

10 What should be our ultimate reason for stepping out of our comfort zone? Revelation 1:5-6 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: Our ultimate reason for stepping out of our comfort zone should be because Christ stepped out of His comfort zone for us. He could have come as an earthly king and lived in ease, but He didn’t. Instead, He chose a life of sacrifice. He was treated as we deserve, so we can be treated as He deserved. (See John 3:16) Dedicate your life because Christ gave everything for you. What can you give to Him?

In Light of God’s Word…

Is it your desire to stand up for Jesus by stepping out of your comfort zone today?

Is it your decision to do the uncomfortable, to do something that scares you each day? What uncomfortable thing will you do for Jesus? What are you willing to commit today?

Today’s Offer:

If it is your desire to step out of your comfort zone for Christ and commit to serving Him while serving others by sharing His word, consider enlisting as a squad leader! To step up today, go to: Thearmyofyouth.com/leaders

If you would like to support this Army of Youth in uplifting and training others for the Lord’s service, please go to: Thearmyofyouth.com/outreach

Study Video:

1 Because The Lord took on all of sin and criticism here on earth, does that mean that we will not have to endure any of that? John 15:20
Note: If you’re going to follow Christ, then you’re going to be criticized. Some are not going to like your methods, how you say things, etc. Some people are going to be looking for things to be critical about.

2 Will everyone, even the ones we love understand or accept our pursuit of God’s calling for our lives? 1 Corinthians 2:13-14 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: There might be some that are well intended but they might be misinformed or don’t see the whole picture. They might not understand what God is calling you to do. But not everyone needs to understand. The real important thing here is, do you understand what God is calling you to do?

3 If we desire to please anyone, who should we strive to please? Galatians 1:10
Note: Has God called us to please others or Him? Which is He leading you to do? There is no greater joy than knowing the will of God and actually living out the will of God in your life. That is when, in a sense, the opinions or criticisms of others do not affect you.

4 What if our calling conflicts with the desires and expectations of those close or influential to us? Acts 5:29
Note: If we’re seeking to please men, then God’s work isn’t for us. It’s not going to be a pleasant experience. Not everyone is going to like what you do. We all have this desire to be accepted and the approval of our loved ones and to understand our dream, But God didn’t give them your dream. You have to be the one to follow it. As you continue on the path of purpose, God will bring others to you to go on this journey with you, to encourage you, and to strengthen you. And they can give you the counsel that is needed to be and to live what God has called you to be. Not everyone will understand that, but the safest and happiest place we can be is in the will of God.

5 What is part of the criterion to follow Christ? Luke 14:26
Note: We must obey God rather than men and those “men” could be our family, friends, mentors, etc. Different people have ideas and expectations for you but the only approval that matters is God’s approval, and of what He thinks about us in every aspect of life. If your ways please God, then you can be accepted of heaven and a heavenly family that earthly ties can’t compare to.

6 Did Christ wait for us to understand, and to accept Him as our savior before going to the cross and dying for us? Romans 5:8
Note: If we are not willing to take up our cross, not willing to put God before our family and friends, then we cannot be followers of Christ. A hard statement but at what lengths did Jesus go to save you? He died for you. He didn’t wait for you to be righteous.

7 What level of love did Christ have for us that drove Him to do this? John 15:13
Note: Christ had and exemplified the greatest love anyone can have for others. When Christ took up the cross, He was spat on, lashed, and mocked and yet no unkind word or look came from Him. Likewise, It’s not a matter of IF they criticize you, but WHEN they criticize you, how are we going to treat those who criticize us? Will you use it as an opportunity to show Christ?

8 When we get criticized for following God’s calling for our life, how should we react to that? Romans 12:21

9 When you overcome evil with good, what realization does that make on those who criticize you? Matthew 7:18, Matthew 7:20
Note: By your fruits, others see who you represent. One thing we need to know is that hurt people hurt people. You don’t know if they’re going through something, if they are hurt or have had struggles with God. They aren’t criticizing you specifically, it’s who you represent.

10 What does God say to those who chose to return evil for evil on those who criticize them? Romans 2:1
Note: When someone criticizes you, it doesn’t change who you are but it reflects them; their sorrows or hurt. Maybe you can bring the missing element of love to them. But how you respond is what reveals your character. When we judge them, it should trigger us to search ourselves, while we recognize that this verse is for them too when they criticize us.

In Light of God’s Word…

Is it your desire to not shy away from criticism but rather to expect and accept the criticism as the lot of a true Christian?

Is it your decision to stand up for Jesus in every hardship and criticism and use that criticism as an opportunity to show the character of Christ to the world?

Today’s Offer:

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