American Dreams 5 (Money, Sex and Power)
Battling the Money Monster
Reading for the Week of June 13 – 19
Day 1- Malachi 1-2; Matthew 6:23-25
Day 2- Malachi 3-4
Day 3- Proverbs 11-12
Day 4- Proverbs 13-14
Day 5- Proverbs 15-16
Day 6- Proverbs 17-18
Bonus- Proverbs 19-22
Memorize/Reflect- “A good name is more desirable that great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)
Reflection- What are some of the good materials things God has given me and how can I use them for His glory?
Discussion- Why is it so easy to hold on to what we have and so hard to share? What has helped you learn to share what you have with God and with people?
Prayer Direction- Pray for a deep awareness that all you have is a gift from God. Thank Him for all He has given and ask Him to help you live with a generous heart.
“Live It!” Challenge- Try tithing for the coming month. Actually give the first ten percent of all your income to the ministry of the local church and see what happens.
June Prayer Focus: Continue your focus on confession in your prayers. Use this simple format for your prayers: 1) I confess where I have not followed Your will in my past; 2) I confess where I am resisting Your leading and will today…help me surrender to you; 3) I ask you to help me surrender my future to you, more and more, so I need to confess less and less.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. This week try daily ten-minute time of silence. Each day, read Psalm 23 and then be quiet and seek to meet God in His green pastures and quiet waters.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Check out, Master Your Money or Generous Living by Ron Blue. Also, Pick up Seismic Shifts, by Kevin Harney and read chapters 13-15…they are all about money.
American Dreams 5 (Money, Sex and Power)
Battling the Money Monster
Reading for the Week of June 13 – 19
Day 1- Malachi 1-2; Matthew 6:23-25
Day 2- Malachi 3-4
Day 3- Proverbs 11-12
Day 4- Proverbs 13-14
Day 5- Proverbs 15-16
Day 6- Proverbs 17-18
Bonus- Proverbs 19-22
Memorize/Reflect- “A good name is more desirable that great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)
Reflection- What are some of the good materials things God has given me and how can I use them for His glory?
Discussion- Why is it so easy to hold on to what we have and so hard to share? What has helped you learn to share what you have with God and with people?
Prayer Direction- Pray for a deep awareness that all you have is a gift from God. Thank Him for all He has given and ask Him to help you live with a generous heart.
“Live It!” Challenge- Try tithing for the coming month. Actually give the first ten percent of all your income to the ministry of the local church and see what happens.
June Prayer Focus: Continue your focus on confession in your prayers. Use this simple format for your prayers: 1) I confess where I have not followed Your will in my past; 2) I confess where I am resisting Your leading and will today…help me surrender to you; 3) I ask you to help me surrender my future to you, more and more, so I need to confess less and less.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. This week try daily ten-minute time of silence. Each day, read Psalm 23 and then be quiet and seek to meet God in His green pastures and quiet waters.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Check out, Master Your Money or Generous Living by Ron Blue. Also, Pick up Seismic Shifts, by Kevin Harney and read chapters 13-15…they are all about money.
American Dreams 4 (Money, Sex and Power)
How God Wants Us to Look at Money
Reading for the Week of June 6 – 12
Day 1- Haggai Chapter 1; Luke 16:12-14
Day 2- Haggai Chapter 2; 1 Timothy 3:2-4
Day 3- Malachi 1-2; 1 Timothy 6:9-11
Day 4- Malachi 3-4; 2 Timothy 3:1-3
Day 5- Haggai Chapter 1; Hebrews 13:4-6
Day 6- Haggai Chapter 2; Proverbs 23:5
Bonus- Proverbs 9-10; Malachi 3:10
Memorize/Reflect- “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”(1 Timothy 6:18)
Reflection- Am I rich with good deeds and generous with the material things God has given me? Would others say that I am generous? Would God say I give freely?
Discussion- It is easy to spend more and more of what I have and rationalize the way I use my resources. Sometimes we even compare our financial choices with the people around us to justify our choices. If we try to set aside the comparisons and rationalizations, what does the Bible say we should do with the money God has given us?
Prayer Direction- Next time you get a pay check or even a surprise source of income, stop and ask God what He wants you to do with this money before you decide how to spend it.
“Live It!” Challenge- Keep track of all the money you give for the next thirty days. Also, track the way you spend your money for a whole month. What do you learn about your heart and view of money?
June Prayer Focus: This month we begin a focus on confession. Take some time and read Psalm 51. Take time to confess where your life has fallen short of God’s perfect will and desire for you. If you have not been generous with the resources God has given you, confess this.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. This week try a one-hour silent retreat. Take a walk…alone, and listen. Or, just close the door, turn off your phone, TV, radio, and computer, and listen for God’s voice.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Check out, Master Your Money or Generous Living by Ron Blue. Also, Pick up Seismic Shifts, by Kevin Harney and read chapters 13-15…they are all about money.
American Dreams 4 (Money, Sex and Power)
How God Wants Us to Look at Money
Reading for the Week of June 6 – 12
Day 1- Haggai Chapter 1; Luke 16:12-14
Day 2- Haggai Chapter 2; 1 Timothy 3:2-4
Day 3- Malachi 1-2; 1 Timothy 6:9-11
Day 4- Malachi 3-4; 2 Timothy 3:1-3
Day 5- Haggai Chapter 1; Hebrews 13:4-6
Day 6- Haggai Chapter 2; Proverbs 23:5
Bonus- Proverbs 9-10; Malachi 3:10
Memorize/Reflect- “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”(1 Timothy 6:18)
Reflection- Am I rich with good deeds and generous with the material things God has given me? Would others say that I am generous? Would God say I give freely?
Discussion- It is easy to spend more and more of what I have and rationalize the way I use my resources. Sometimes we even compare our financial choices with the people around us to justify our choices. If we try to set aside the comparisons and rationalizations, what does the Bible say we should do with the money God has given us?
Prayer Direction- Next time you get a pay check or even a surprise source of income, stop and ask God what He wants you to do with this money before you decide how to spend it.
“Live It!” Challenge- Keep track of all the money you give for the next thirty days. Also, track the way you spend your money for a whole month. What do you learn about your heart and view of money?
June Prayer Focus: This month we begin a focus on confession. Take some time and read Psalm 51. Take time to confess where your life has fallen short of God’s perfect will and desire for you. If you have not been generous with the resources God has given you, confess this.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. This week try a one-hour silent retreat. Take a walk…alone, and listen. Or, just close the door, turn off your phone, TV, radio, and computer, and listen for God’s voice.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Check out, Master Your Money or Generous Living by Ron Blue. Also, Pick up Seismic Shifts, by Kevin Harney and read chapters 13-15…they are all about money.
American Dreams 3 (Money, Sex and Power)
Walking in Wisdom (Overcoming Temptations)
Reading for the Week of May 30 – June 5
Day 1- Ecclesiastes 7
Day 2- Ecclesiastes 8
Day 3- Ecclesiastes 9
Day 4- Ecclesiastes 10
Day 5- Ecclesiastes 11
Day 6- Ecclesiastes 12
Bonus- Proverbs 7 daily
Memorize/Reflect- “Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.” (Proverbs 7:2)
Reflection- What are some of the wrong times, wrong places, and wrong crowds that I need to avoid?
Discussion- What shapes and forms the wrong attitudes about sexuality that are so prevalent in our culture? How can the church speak truth into a confused and tangled up culture?
Prayer Direction- Pray for eyes that are open to see the lies that are so prevalent when it comes to our sexuality and the behaviors that are common, but wrong.
“Live It!” Challenge- Identify one of your “dangerous places,” “dangerous times,” “dangerous people,” or “dangerous attitudes,” and do all you can to avoid it so you can walk in greater sexual holiness.
May Prayer Focus: In June we will be focusing on the importance of confession in our prayer life. Read Psalm 51 (David wrote this after he was caught in adultery, lying, and murder!). Let this prayer shape your prayers of confession.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. Try a full day fast from music, radio, TV, and any other constant source of sound. Use the quiet to listen for God’s still small voice.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Every Man’s Battle, S. Arterburn (Winning the war on sexual temptation one victory at a time). Also, look online for resources to help keep your Internet activity safe. Here are three options: Safe Eyes / Covenant Eyes (flyers at the Connections table) / XXXChurch.com (free resources and reporting program).
American Dreams 3 (Money, Sex and Power)
Walking in Wisdom (Overcoming Temptations)
Reading for the Week of May 30 – June 5
Day 1- Ecclesiastes 7
Day 2- Ecclesiastes 8
Day 3- Ecclesiastes 9
Day 4- Ecclesiastes 10
Day 5- Ecclesiastes 11
Day 6- Ecclesiastes 12
Bonus- Proverbs 7 daily
Memorize/Reflect- “Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.” (Proverbs 7:2)
Reflection- What are some of the wrong times, wrong places, and wrong crowds that I need to avoid?
Discussion- What shapes and forms the wrong attitudes about sexuality that are so prevalent in our culture? How can the church speak truth into a confused and tangled up culture?
Prayer Direction- Pray for eyes that are open to see the lies that are so prevalent when it comes to our sexuality and the behaviors that are common, but wrong.
“Live It!” Challenge- Identify one of your “dangerous places,” “dangerous times,” “dangerous people,” or “dangerous attitudes,” and do all you can to avoid it so you can walk in greater sexual holiness.
May Prayer Focus: In June we will be focusing on the importance of confession in our prayer life. Read Psalm 51 (David wrote this after he was caught in adultery, lying, and murder!). Let this prayer shape your prayers of confession.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. Try a full day fast from music, radio, TV, and any other constant source of sound. Use the quiet to listen for God’s still small voice.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Every Man’s Battle, S. Arterburn (Winning the war on sexual temptation one victory at a time). Also, look online for resources to help keep your Internet activity safe. Here are three options: Safe Eyes / Covenant Eyes (flyers at the Connections table) / XXXChurch.com (free resources and reporting program).
American Dreams 2 (Money, Sex and Power)
Keeping the Fire in the Fire Ring
Reading for the Week of May 23-29
Day 1- Ecclesiastes 1
Day 2- Ecclesiastes 2
Day 3- Ecclesiastes 3
Day 4- Ecclesiastes 4
Day 5- Ecclesiastes 5
Day 6- Ecclesiastes 6
Bonus- Proverbs 5-7 two or three times
Memorize/Reflect- “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Reflection- Where do I deal with sexual confusion, temptation, or sinful patterns and how can I surrender this part of my life more fully to Jesus?
Discussion- What are some of the confusing messages about sexuality that are being sent by our culture? What can we do to maximize God’s healthy message about our sexuality and minimize the influence of the culture’s confused understanding about sexuality?
Prayer Direction- Pray for the presence and power of the Spirit to give you eyes to see where you are tempted and power to say, “Yes,” to God and, “No,” to sexual temptations.
“Live It!” Challenge- Identify one or two of the key sources of confusing sexual messages about sexuality in your life and cut them off for a week. It could be a TV show, Internet sites, things you read… anything.
May Prayer Focus: Continue journaling. Write down what God is teaching you from your Bible reading and let these truths guide your prayers.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. Make time this week to take 30 minutes in silence and reflect on the words of Philippians 4:8 (our Bible memory passage for this week).
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Every Man’s Battle, S. Arterburn (Winning the war on sexual temptation one victory at a time). Also, look online for resources to help keep your Internet activity safe. Here are three options: Safe Eyes / Covenant Eyes (flyers at the Connections table) / XXXChurch.com (free resources and reporting program).
American Dreams 2 (Money, Sex and Power)
Keeping the Fire in the Fire Ring
Reading for the Week of May 23-29
Day 1- Ecclesiastes 1
Day 2- Ecclesiastes 2
Day 3- Ecclesiastes 3
Day 4- Ecclesiastes 4
Day 5- Ecclesiastes 5
Day 6- Ecclesiastes 6
Bonus- Proverbs 5-7 two or three times
Memorize/Reflect- “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Reflection- Where do I deal with sexual confusion, temptation, or sinful patterns and how can I surrender this part of my life more fully to Jesus?
Discussion- What are some of the confusing messages about sexuality that are being sent by our culture? What can we do to maximize God’s healthy message about our sexuality and minimize the influence of the culture’s confused understanding about sexuality?
Prayer Direction- Pray for the presence and power of the Spirit to give you eyes to see where you are tempted and power to say, “Yes,” to God and, “No,” to sexual temptations.
“Live It!” Challenge- Identify one or two of the key sources of confusing sexual messages about sexuality in your life and cut them off for a week. It could be a TV show, Internet sites, things you read… anything.
May Prayer Focus: Continue journaling. Write down what God is teaching you from your Bible reading and let these truths guide your prayers.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. Make time this week to take 30 minutes in silence and reflect on the words of Philippians 4:8 (our Bible memory passage for this week).
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore: Every Man’s Battle, S. Arterburn (Winning the war on sexual temptation one victory at a time). Also, look online for resources to help keep your Internet activity safe. Here are three options: Safe Eyes / Covenant Eyes (flyers at the Connections table) / XXXChurch.com (free resources and reporting program).
American Dreams 1 (Money, Sex and Power)
God Loves Sex and So Should We!
Reading for the Week of May 16-22
Day 1- Ecclesiastes 7 and Romans 1
Day 2- Ecclesiastes 8
Day 3- Ecclesiastes 9 and Matthew 5:27-30
Day 4- Ecclesiastes 10
Day 5- Ecclesiastes 11 and 1 Peter 4:2-4
Day 6- Ecclesiastes 12
Bonus- Judges 13-16
Memorize/Reflect- “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins people commit are outside their bodies, but those who sin sexually sin against their own bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:18, TNIV)
Reflection- Where have I crossed boundaries with my own sexuality? How can I repent of these, confess them, and live in a new and God-honoring way?
Discussion- What can Christians do to protect ourselves from the lies and dangerous invitations the world offers to us in the area of sexual immorality?
Prayer Direction- Ask God to help you live in holiness. Pray for power to resist sexual temptation and for humility to get help where you need it.
“Live It!” Challenge- Do a one or two day fast from TV, Movies, or any other source of sexually confused messages. During this time, pray for a fresh new sensitivity to the mixed-up messages coming through the media. When you go back to viewing these things, ask God to help you discern what is unhealthy and avoid it.
May Prayer Focus: Continue developing a habit of writing a prayer journal.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. This week try a silent retreat for a full hour.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore
Real Questions, Real Answers About Sex, Louis McBurney and Sacred Influence, Gary Thomas.
American Dreams 1 (Money, Sex and Power)
God Loves Sex and So Should We!
Reading for the Week of May 16-22
Day 1- Ecclesiastes 7 and Romans 1
Day 2- Ecclesiastes 8
Day 3- Ecclesiastes 9 and Matthew 5:27-30
Day 4- Ecclesiastes 10
Day 5- Ecclesiastes 11 and 1 Peter 4:2-4
Day 6- Ecclesiastes 12
Bonus- Judges 13-16
Memorize/Reflect- “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins people commit are outside their bodies, but those who sin sexually sin against their own bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:18, TNIV)
Reflection- Where have I crossed boundaries with my own sexuality? How can I repent of these, confess them, and live in a new and God-honoring way?
Discussion- What can Christians do to protect ourselves from the lies and dangerous invitations the world offers to us in the area of sexual immorality?
Prayer Direction- Ask God to help you live in holiness. Pray for power to resist sexual temptation and for humility to get help where you need it.
“Live It!” Challenge- Do a one or two day fast from TV, Movies, or any other source of sexually confused messages. During this time, pray for a fresh new sensitivity to the mixed-up messages coming through the media. When you go back to viewing these things, ask God to help you discern what is unhealthy and avoid it.
May Prayer Focus: Continue developing a habit of writing a prayer journal.
April-June: Continue the practice of Silence. This week try a silent retreat for a full hour.
Resources in the Shoreline Bookstore
Real Questions, Real Answers About Sex, Louis McBurney and Sacred Influence, Gary Thomas.
