There is no limit to what God can do through the man or woman who is fully committed to Him.

Daniel knew the meaning of commitment. When he and his 3 teenage friends were carried away captive to Babylon, he knew trying times would come. He “made up his mind that he would not defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8) And he didn’t. He took a risk — made his stand — and God blessed him and his friends. They were sharp young men who excelled in their training. Soon, Daniel found himself on top of the heap — if being second to the king can be called that. Jealousy and rage flew about the palace.

The king made a stupid decree that all people could pray only to him. The palace plotters knew well Daniel’s practice of praying to God 3 times a day in view of anyone who wanted to look. With full knowledge of the consequences — being thrown to the lions — Daniel kept his commitment to God. He didn’t hide. He didn’t scratch his head thoughtfully as he pretended to work on other things. He knelt and prayed. And the plotters caught him.

Daniel had no promise of deliverance. He counted the cost and kept his commitment. He was thrown to the lions. Of course, you know that the lions kept him warm through the night and waited for a morning breakfast of palace plotters. But Daniel didn’t know that would happen. The choice belonged to God. Hebrews 11:32-40 records a list of events that went both ways for committed believers — some to victory and some to suffering and death.

Jesus gives the cost of commitment in Luke 14:25-30. Please find and read this passage.
In this passage, Jesus teaches us 3 things about commitment:

1.) Count the cost before we commit.
2.) Costly, life-changing commitments flow from a life of smaller commitments.
3.) We make the commitment & leave the results to God.

MY TIME WITH GOD

1.) Preparation Time

Read Luke 6:49

What commitments is God calling you to make in the following areas?
Personal Life:
Family Life:
Church Life:
Business Life:
Other:

2.) Waiting Time
During your waiting time, let God…

Love you.
“God, I feel your love today, especially in the area of…”

Search you.
“God, are there any commitments I have made that I am not acting upon with full completion?”

Show you.
“God is there anything I need to know as we enter into this day?”

3.) Confession Time
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)

Confess to God any commitments you have made to people or activities that were made without thoughtful prayer or wise counsel:

4.) Bible Time
We can never pray out of God’s will when we pray God’s Word.

…Read Hebrews 12:1-3 slowly a couple of times.
…Close your eyes & allow a main truth to surface in your heart.
…Pray the Scripture and allow God to minister to you.

5.) Meditation Time
After praying the Scriptures, write down the thoughts that God has impressed upon your mind:

6.) Intercession Time – Praying for Others
Begin this time with a prayer of blessing & thanksgiving for the people of whom you will now intercede.

Name Request

7.) Petition Time – Praying for Yourself

How to Petition God Properly
Talk to Him about the “little things.”
Be honest with God.
Pray “Thy Will Be Done.”
Prayer Requests

8.) Application Time
The smallest obedient act is better than the greatest intention.

Q: What is the main thing that God has impressed on me today?

Q: What am I going to do about it?

Steps to take in my Obedience to God this Week

My Goal: To implement the above steps in the next 7 days.

9.) Faith Time
Faith is our positive response to what God has said. Spend a few moments praying through your eyes of faith. Tell God the positive things you see happening because of His goodness!

10.) Praise & Thanksgiving Time

Praise God by Recognizing WHO HE IS!
Thank God by recognizing WHAT HE HAS DONE!

This Week’s Memory Verse: Psalm 37:5

This Week’s Time Alone With God:

Monday – This Lesson.
Tuesday – Memorize Psalm 37:5.
Wednesday – Prioritize the commitments in your life.
Thursday – Read & Meditate on Proverbs 20 & 21.
Friday – Review your Memory verses.