VALUES

“All that is truly valuable in human society both honors God and develops man.”

I counted dollars, while God counted crosses.
I counted gains, while He counted losses.
I counted my worth, my things gained in store,
And He sized me up by the scars that I bore.
I counted honors and sought degrees,
He counted the hours I spent on my knees.
I never knew until one day by the grave,
How vain are the things we spend life to save.

What are your values — what is important to you?

Values, most simply stated, are the things in life that are most important to you. They are the guideposts & convictions that shape your decisions, actions and everyday lifestyle.

Jesus addresses the heart of the issue. Read Matthew 6:19-21.

Three Biblical Insights About Christian Values
1.) There is a strong contrast between the temporary nature of the world and the eternal nature of God’s Kingdom.
2.) Where you invest is where your rewards will be.
3.) Values are an issue of the heart. They begin there and express themselves in your actions.

My Time With God

Preparation Time
Read Colossians 3:1-4.

List the areas that you have not yet settled in your personal value system. In other words, in what areas do you at times question or waver in your beliefs and actions?

Family Values:
Church Values:
Relational Values:
Personal Values:
Career Values:

Waiting Time
During your waiting time, let God…

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

Search You.
“God, You have permission to reveal any wrong values in my life.”

Show You.
“God, is there anything I need to know as I enter this day?”

Confession Time
Read Joshua 24:14-15.
Then confess any areas where worldly values have crept into your life…

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

…Read 1 John 2:15-17 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.

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

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

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

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:

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!

Praise & Thanksgiving Time

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

This Week’s Memory Verse – Romans 12:2

This Week’s Time Alone With God

Monday – This Lesson

Tuesday – Pray through Matthew 19:16-26

Wednesday – Make a list of the values you have settled in your heart to live by.

Thursday – Write a prayer of commitment to God that you will live by His values, as you understand them in Scripture.

Friday – Review your memory verse.