Blueprint Week 2 – 6/5

A. We focused on question #8 from Week # 2 in Blueprint for Life (see the question below).

1. What can you do during your lifetime that would contribute most significantly to the cause of Christ?

A. We discussed our perception of God and our perception of ourselves

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

“11But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which He will bring about at the proper time – He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.”

“17Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.”

1 Timothy 6:6-19 NASB

2. Am I content with food and shelter (v. 8)?

3. How does money motivate me (v. 10)?

4. What should I pursue (v. 11)? How do I do this intentionally on a daily basis?

5. Am I being faithful to God (v. 14)?

6. Do I know any rich people (v. 17)? Who are they?

7. Do I know any poor people (v. 17)? Who are they?

8. Am I blessing others as God has blessed me (v. 18)? How?

The television show entitled, “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” ran from 1984 to 1995 was hosted by Robin Leach. It featured the extravagant lifestyles of wealthy entertainers, athletes, and business people. When I think of those who are rich I reflect on that extravagant lifestyle that permeated the lives of those featured on this show. Recently, I was driving in an area and looked around in “awe” at the houses, cars, and yards of some extremely rich folks. As I kept driving, it was only a matter of time before I drove through an area that I deemed poor. The houses were dilapidated, cars were a nuisance, and many people were walking or riding bikes (not that walking/riding bikes equates with being poor). WOW – what a difference a few miles can make.

The reality is that we (in the U.S. ) are in the top 3% of income earners in the world. We are the rich. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s an awesome responsibility we have to utilize our resources appropriately to help others. For me, the whole idea of who is rich has always kept my focus in one area: The other guy! You see, I don’t see myself as rich. That’s my problem – my perception limits me to see what type of impact I can make for God. I don’t see the resources I have at my disposal – my God given resources. This video helps me with my perception problem: Check it out:

http://www.sethbarnes.com/index.asp?filename=why-dont-you-reach-out-to-poor-americans-first

B. John 15 – What is pruning? How is God pruning you?

One of the guys shared the story of his daughter who goes through growth spurts. At times, there isn’t much happening and her appetite is fairly stable. At other times, she is in a growth spurt and is eating constantly. He used this as an illustration for our spiritual growth. We should be devouring the Word of God if we expect to grow healthy.

“Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word.” Psalm 119:9 CEV

“I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you.” Psalm 119:11 CEV

C. Quote of the week: J

1. God cooks in a crock-pot not in a microwave

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

FOR NEXT WEEK:

D. Area’s to grow closer to God – in a practical way!

1. This week I encourage you to join us a we “give up” our favorite……………soda, television show (etc.) and use that time to pray and seek God. What will you give up?

2. Next week we will share:

A. What we gave up

B. What God spoke to us

3. Chapter 3 – I Think. I Can.

4. CD – Divine Dreams by Bob Coy

Challenge:

1. Post one comment this week
2. Invite one person to go through this with you

There is a website on discipleship from a few guys in our group. It’s a great way to share our thoughts as we journey together and pass on what we have seen and learned. I encourage you to post your own comments – this will be a great way to share what you are learning as our group time is limited. Additionally, it’s a great way to direct others you know to a resource that you can discuss and share with each other.

I challenge you to bring at least one other person in on this journey with you through this format (yes, it can be a guy from our group). In doing so, the material is there to help lead/generate the topic of discussion. This is a great opportunity for us to take the next step in this process utilizing a format that is user friendly and we can refer to on our own schedule (we all work such different hours).

I look forward to reading your comments and sharing with you what God is teaching me.

___________________________________

Dennis Johnston