diligence – Inner Beauty Bible Study

DILIGENCE CH 8: DILIGENT PRAYER

Ever since I was 15, I struggled with what I called “staring spells.” At first, the doctor thought it was epilepsy but the tests came back normal. They told me that it was psychological because I had been sexually abused. The doctors called them “pseudo seizures.” Pseudo means false, so they were telling me that I was having false seizures. I felt so alone and not validated by my suffering. I cried out to God on numerous occasions but the doctors’ response was still the same. I stopped going to neurologists because they ignored my suffering. I suffered 15 long years.

That was until I moved to Arizona. The “spells” were getting worse and I decided to go to a neurologist once again. As I was waiting for the doctor to call me, I prayed fervently like I had never done before. When the neurologist called my name, I began gathering my stuff. As I was doing so, a man went up to the neurologist and gave him a book. I overheard him say that he had been in the Christian bookstore and felt God nudging him to purchase a Bible for him. I was overwhelmed with gladness. God had placed me in the hands of a Christian neurologist! I felt peace and joy in my spirit.

When I went into the appointment, the doctor wanted to start from scratch and run tests. The tests showed I had scar tissue in my brain which was causing my seizures. I finally had a diagnosis. A surgeon removed the scar tissue. That was in 1999. I went from having several seizures a month to having very few mild ones. I praised God for answering my diligent prayer and placing me in the hands of a Christian neurologist.

MEMORY VERSE

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Prayer…

Prayer is “an earnest request; entreaty; supplication” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “an address as a petition to God…in word or thought” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). “Prayer is to be offered in the Name of the Lord Jesus…that is, the prayer must accord with His character, and must be presented in the same spirit of dependence and submission that marked Him” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

God desires to answer our prayers. However, we must come to Him in faith, believing that He hears us. God knows our desires before we ask. However, God desires a close relationship with us through prayer. When we ask, we must spend time in silence so that we can hear the answers from God.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV).

Read Jeremiah 33:3. Who are we to call to?

What will God do in response?

What will God tell us?

When God answers our prayers, we stand amazed at the answers we receive. The answers may not be what we asked for. However, it may be much better. We can then praise God for His answers which are perfect for the situations we are facing.

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words” (Matthew 6:6-7, NIV).

Read Matthew 6:6-7. How are we to pray?

How is God described?

What does God see?

What will God do in response to our prayers done in secret?

Who should we not be like when we pray?

Why do the pagans believe they would be heard?

Religious leaders in Jesus’ day would babble on and on. They thought the more words the better. They also prayed out in public to receive recognition from the people. However, Jesus shows us a better way. When we spend time with God in secret, He will reward us openly. This does not mean we cannot pray in public such as when we share grace before a meal. It means that God desires an intimate relationship with us.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22, NIV). This verse does not mean that we will receive whatever we ask God for in prayer. We must pray that we receive the answer to the prayers we pray if it is God’s will. It is then that God will answer our heartfelt pleas.

Name a trial in your life which was difficult to endure.

How did you cry out to God?

What was your prayer?

How did God answer your prayer?

God desires to answer our pleas. However, He desires a close, intimate relationship with us first and foremost. When we spend time speaking our prayers and listening to Him, the intimacy will be strengthened. Diligent prayers are answered.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You answer my heartfelt pleas if they are according to Your will. I pray that You guide and direct my steps each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

The purpose of asking is that you may get to know God better. Oswald Chambers

God denies a Christian nothing, but with a design to give him something better. Richard Cecil

Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure. D.L. Moody

Prayer is taking our troubles to God. Faith is leaving them there. Author unknown

Prayer is the application of the heart to God, and the internal exercise of love. Madame Guyon

DILIGENCE CH 7: DILIGENT FORGIVENESS

Growing up as a child, I felt as if it was my own fault for the sexual abuse I endured. I put myself down and felt shameful. I will never forget the message God gave me when I returned to Him at the age of 25: I have already forgiven you, My child, you must forgive yourself. These were the exact words I needed to hear as I faced the abuse and emotional pain I endured as a child. I found it easier to forgive those who hurt me than myself. However, God’s words came back to me each time I faced a decision to forgive myself. I thanked God for giving me the words I needed to hear so that I could be released from self-hatred and self-contempt.

MEMORY VERSE

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Forgive…

To forgive is “to give up resentment against or the desire to punish; stop being angry with; pardon” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to cease to feel resentment against an offender” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “a dismissal, release” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

We are called to diligent forgiveness. Sometimes it is difficult to forgive another person, especially if he or she deeply harmed us. Like myself, it can also be difficult to forgive ourselves. However, God does not ask us to do something that is impossible to do. Forgiveness frees us from the burden of unforgiveness.

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times but seventy-seven times’” (Matthew 18:21-22, NIV).

Read Matthew 18:21-22. Who came to Jesus?

What did Peter ask?

What was the response of Jesus?

Sometimes, we want to put a limit on the number of times we forgive another person. We may become frustrated with the person. However, Jesus calls us to forgive countlessly.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44, NIV).

Read Matthew 5:43-44. What did Jesus say in the beginning?

However, who does He say we must love?

Who are we to pray for?

Jesus turned the world upside-down in His life on earth. What made since to the disciples Jesus challenged. We are called to love our enemies and pray for them. This will give us a peace that passes all understanding instead of the pain of unforgiveness.

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (Mark 11:25, NIV).

Read Mark 11:25. What must we do first before praying?

What will our Father in Heaven do for us?

It is difficult to pray when we hold unforgiveness in our hearts. However, when we forgive others, we are set free. God will then forgive us our sins.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8, NIV).

Read 1 Peter 4:8. What are we to do to each other?

What does love cover?

Love does indeed cover a multitude of sins. Love leads us to forgiveness. When we forgive others, we act in love.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV). God forgave us our sins through Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. We must be kind and compassionate to one another. When we forgive others, we will be set free from the bondage of unforgiveness.

Name a time when you found it difficult to forgive another person.

How did God convict you of your unforgiveness?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did you feel when you forgave the person?

How did that renew your fellowship with God and the other person?

We must be diligent in forgiveness. Unforgiveness weight heavily upon our spirits. However, that burden is lifted when we choose to forgive others.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to forgive promptly. Do not allow unforgiveness to remain in my spirit. I choose to have fellowship with you this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Forgiveness is the key to happiness. Author unknown

I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves. C.S. Lewis

Forgiveness is all-powerful. Forgiveness heals all ills. Catherine Ponder

Forgiveness is not an occasional act: it is an attitude. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The more a man knows, the more he forgives. Catherine the Great

DILIGENCE CH 6: DILIGENT SERVANTHOOD

I will never forget the lesson I learned on servanthood. I had attended a Christian retreat where I experienced the joy of agape love. I was overwhelmed with the love I experienced. A year later, I was called upon to now serve at the same retreat. As a “cookie,” I served the pilgrims by cooking and cleaning and keeping up the grounds. I also had the privilege of showering the pilgrims with gifts as we sang songs of joy. I commented to my friend after the retreat that I experienced more joy and satisfaction from serving rather than being served. I thanked God for this experience of diligent servanthood which brought me great joy.

MEMORY VERSE

“Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling” (Psalm 2:11, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Servant…

A servant is “a person employed to perform services…such as household duties, for another” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “one who performs duties about the person” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “servants of righteousness” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

In a “me first” society, it can be difficult to see servanthood in people. However, Jesus did not come to be served but to serve. In the same way, we must copy His example and serve others.

“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12, NIV).

Read Matthew 23:11-12. Who will the greatest among you be?

What will happen to those who exalt themselves?

What will happen to those who humble themselves?

Jesus introduced an upside-down way of living which was against the way others lived. We are called the greatest when we are a servant. Pride interferes with a servant mentality. However, God will humble those who have pride while exalting the humble.

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all’” (Mark 9:35, NIV).

Read Mark 9:35. Who is Jesus speaking to in this Scripture verse?

What must one who wants to be first?

Who will they serve?

The servant of all – Jesus makes it clear that society has it wrong. When we follow Jesus’ example of servanthood, we will be blessed. The first must indeed be the very last.

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21, NIV).

Read Ephesians 5:21. What must we do to one another?

Out of what for Christ is submission done?

Submission is defined as “the act of…yielding or surrendering” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). Out of reverence to Christ, we must yield to one another. Submission leads to servanthood. We will be blessed as we take on a servant’s attitude.

“Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7, NIV).

Read Philippians 2:7. Who does this verse describe?

What did Jesus make Himself?

What nature did Jesus take on?

What was He being made of?

Jesus came from Heaven to being made in human likeness. Jesus took on a servant’s attitude. We must copy the example of Jesus in the Scriptures.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

As I was abused in my childhood, my level of trust diminished. I looked out for myself in fear of being taken advantage of. As I came back to God, He helped me to be a servant and serve others with gladness.

Name a time when you were called to be a servant.

How did this copy Jesus in the Scriptures?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

What reward came from serving others?

We will indeed be blessed when we serve others in humility. The world calls us to look out for ourselves. However, Jesus calls us to look out for others and serve them.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, remind me to keep a servant’s attitude as I go about my day today. Open my eyes to opportunities to serve others and put a smile on their faces. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

The greatest reward for serving others is the satisfaction found in your own heart. Author unknown

The head grows by taking in but the heart grows by giving out. Author unknown

To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity. Donald A. Adams

In the time we have it is surely our duty to do all the good we can to all the people we can in all the ways we can. William Barclay

Our lives will harmonize best with God’s will and the demands of the Law when they serve other people best. John Calvin

DILIGENCE CH 5: STUDY THE BIBLE DILIGENTLY

I will never forget the first time I opened my Bible at the age of twenty-five. I had just returned to God. I had a difficult road of dealing with the sexual abuse I endured as a child and also my anger at my brother for committing suicide at the age of 21 when I was just 12. When I opened the Bible, my eyes fell on Job 23:10: “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” I found great comfort in this Scripture. In the years to come, I clung to this verse as I faced the pain of my past. I dug deeply into Scriptures which caused me to grow. After several years, I did indeed come forth as gold as I was stronger in my faith and Christian walk as God was there for me every step of the way. I thanked God for His Word which provided comfort and strength when I needed it the most.

MEMORY VERSE

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17, NIV).

HIDDEN GEMS

Bible study is vital in a believer’s life. We will grow in our Christian walk when we dig deeply into God’s Word each day. God speaks to us through His Word. A verse will come to us when we need it the most. This will give us the strength and comfort to face whatever comes our way.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2, NIV).

Read Psalm 1:1-2. Who should we not walk in step with?

What should we not stand in the way of?

Who should we not sit in the company of?

What should be our delight?

What should we do day and night?

When we meditate on Scriptures, we will be blessed. We can roll a verse over and over in our mind to get the full meaning of the verse. We can delight in God’s Word when we study His Word.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:11. What did the psalmist hide in his heart?

Why did he do so?

The Word of God guides and directs our steps. We all desire to not sin against God. When we spend time in His Word daily, we will know the right way to take.

“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways” (Psalm 119:15, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:15. What did the psalmist meditate on?

What did he consider?

A precept is “a commandment or direction meant as a rule of action or conduct” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). When we study the Bible, we do indeed meditate on His precepts. This will guide us in the way we should go each day.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV).

Read 2 Timothy 2:15. How should we present ourselves to God?

When we do so, what will we not be?

What do we correctly handle?

God illuminates the Scriptures to us through the Holy Spirit. We can correctly handle the Word of God through prayer and asking for wisdom for His truths found in Scriptures.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts” (Deuteronomy 6:6, NIV). God gave commandments to Israel in order to guide us. We are blessed with the New Testament in addition to the Old Testament to guide and direct our paths.

Name a time when you felt confused about the way to go in a certain situation.

How did you cry out to God?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did this give you guidance and direction?

How can you thank God this day for His magnificent Word.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105, NIV). The Bible gives us guidance as a lamp for our feet and a light on our paths. We can praise God in thanksgiving for His Word.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. I pray that You illuminate my mind to understand your precepts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

One of my great regrets is that I have not studied enough. I wish I had studied more and preached less. Billy Graham

No one understands Scripture unless it is brought home to them, that is, unless they experience it. Martin Luther

It be a certain truth, that none can understand the prophets’ and apostles’ writings aright, without the same Spirit by which they were written. George Fox

I know the Bible is inspired because it finds me at a greater depth of my being than any other book. Samuel Tayler Coleridge

We cannot rely on the doctrine of Scripture until we are absolutely convinced that God is its author. John Calvin

DILIGENCE CH 4: SEEK GOD DILIGENTLY

I had just been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer which had spread to my liver. I had a myriad of tests – one right after another. I felt overwhelmed with the diagnosis. It was made even worse with the rush that the oncologist had when he moved up my appointment so that I could start chemotherapy. I felt as if I didn’t have time to think. I called cancer phone numbers but found no relief. I cried out to God for help. God helped me to see that His desire was that I not undergo chemotherapy. I was relieved because I had heard about “chemo brain.” Chemotherapy would have interfered with the writing of the blog which I had received such blessings from. I will never forget being in the parking lot of the oncologist with a friend. We prayed together and I was filled with peace as I sought God diligently.

MEMORY VERSE

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Seek…

To seek is “to get or find out by asking or searching” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to go in search of: look for” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is to “strive after, endeavor, to desire” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

We are to seek God with all that we have. When we seek God for answers to our problems, He will answer. He will never let us down. God will fill us with peace and wisdom when we seek Him.

“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10, NIV).

Read Psalm 34:10. What animal did David use in this psalm?

What two things will they become?

What is promised to those who seek the Lord?

We will indeed lack no good thing when we seek the Lord. He will be there for us in the good times and bad times. We often seek God more in the bad times and forget Him in the good times. I know I have succumbed to this. However, God desires for us to seek Him at all times.

“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always” (Psalm 105:3-4, NIV).

Read Psalm 105:3-4. What are we to do in His holy name?

What are those who seek the Lord be?

What are we to look to the Lord for?

How often are we to seek the Lord?

We are to glory in God’s holy name. We can rejoice because we have a God who cares about every little concern that we have. We can bring all things that trouble us to God because He cares for us.

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6, NIV).

Read Isaiah 55:6. When are we to seek the Lord?

When are we to call on Him?

We can call on God because He is indeed near. The Holy Spirit lives within us and guides and directs our steps. When we seek God, He will never let us down.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6, NIV).

Read Hebrews 11:6. What must we have to please God?

What do those who come to Him do?

What does God do for those who seek Him?

God desires to reward those who seek Him. God rewards us with peace and guidance and wisdom among other things. We can be confident that God is there for us in good times and in bad times.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands” (Psalm 119:10, NIV). God’s Word is one way to seek God. God desires to illuminate His Word through the Holy Spirit. When we spend time daily in His Word, Scriptures will come to us in times of trouble.

Name a time when you felt alone.

When did you seek God?

How did you seek God?

Did you dig deeply into God’s Word?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did God reward you as you sought Him?

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me” (Proverbs 8:17, NIV). We can find God and His wisdom when we seek Him. We will have peace in knowing that God has the answers to all our problems. God will supply the need of wisdom through prayer and His Word.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I seek You this day for Your wisdom. I surrender to You. Thank You that You impart wisdom to me as I seek You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

If we seek God for our own good and profit, we are not seeking God. Johannes Eckhart

Desire only God, and your heart will be satisfied. Augustine of Hippo

We pursue God because, and only because, He has first put an urge within us that spurs us to the pursuit. A.W. Tozer

Seeking with faith, hope and love pleases our Lord and finding him pleases the soul, filling it full of joy. Julian of Norwich

DILIGENCE CH 3: DILIGENT PERSEVERANCE

It was a tumultuous time in my life. I had just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It felt as if my world had been turned upside down. I vowed that I would stay close to God. This was unlike the distance I created when I was 12 when my brother committed suicide. During the bipolar disorder, I indeed had to run the race with perseverance. Although I did not think any good could come from the bipolar disorder, I never gave up on God. I stayed close to Him in prayer. It took years before I saw the fruit produced from the bipolar disorder. In response, I praised God for always being there as I ran the race with perseverance. I’ll never forget the song gave me during this time: “Never give up. Never give in. There is always light on the other side. God gives us hope. God gives us dreams. To do as we may to honor His ways.”

MEMORY VERSE

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Perseverance…

Perseverance is “to continue in some effort, course of action…in spite of difficulty, opposition…to be steadfast in purpose; persist” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to persist in …an undertaking in spite of…opposition or discouragement” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

HIDDEN GEMS

We live in tumultuous times. It can be very stressful if we focus on the bad news which fill the Internet. However, we have the Good News. When we focus on God’s Word, we can develop perseverance in times of trouble.

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4, NIV).

Read Romans 5:3-4. What are we to do in our sufferings?

What does suffering produce?

What does perseverance produce?

What does character produce?

Perseverance, character and hope – what astounding benefits of suffering. We may not feel good during suffering but we can stick close to God in the midst of the suffering. We can ask God what we can learn in the midst of the suffering. God will teach us lessons through the suffering if we draw close to Him.

“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13, NIV).

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:13. Who is Paul addressing?

What are we to never tire in doing?

When we do good for others, we will reap a harvest. It may not be immediate but we will reap what we so. When we continue persevering in doing good, we will be rewarded.

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:36, NIV).

Read Hebrews 10:36. What are we to persevere in doing?

What will we receive?

God has a will and plan for each of His children. I learned the lesson of perseverance and never giving up through submitting the writing God had led me to do. I praised God for the blessings which came as a result of never giving up.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4, NIV).

Read James 1:2-4. What are we to consider pure joy?

What do trials test?

What does this produce?

Why are we to let perseverance finish its work?

What will we not be lacking?

I did not consider the bipolar disorder pure joy. My faith was stretched to the limit. However, with time, I praised God for the lessons I learned in the midst of the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. In the same way, we can praise God for learning lessons in the midst of our trials.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12, NIV). We will all face trials. However, we can hold strong to our faith and ask God for His strength to never give up. God will come through for us and we will be stronger after the trial is over.

Name a trial in your life when you felt like giving up.

How did you persevere in the trial?

How did you cry out to God?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

What blessings came as a result of you persevering in the midst of the trial?

Blessings will flow to a person who never gives up in the midst of a trial. We can give God glory for always being there for us as we cry out to Him. God will strengthen our faith as we persevere and never give up.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for Your strength to help me persevere in the midst of my trials. I surrender my life to You and I thank You for Your presence in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Trying times are no time to quit trying. Author unknown

A quitter never wins, a winner never quits. Author unknown

Perseverance is the sister of patience. Bernard of Clairvaux

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another. Walter Elliott

The best way out is always through. Robert Frost

DILIGENCE CH 2: BLESSED DILIGENCE

I will never forget the time when God asked me to step out in faith and begin submitting my articles and devotionals for publication. I resisted at first because I didn’t think I could take the rejections. However, I obeyed God and began diligently submitting the articles. I began getting many rejections. However, acceptances would also follow. I will never forget one editor of a take-home paper I submitted to. When she accepted an article or devotional, she would send me an edited version for me to make the corrections. She also insisted that I tell her if I still had my voice in the work. I learned a lot from her about writing and editing. Although I had many rejections, she would explain why she was rejecting it, such as already accepting a similar work recently. This relationship with the editor gave me strength and courage to continue submitting my writing diligently.

MEMORY VERSE

“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Diligence…

Diligence is “persevering and careful in work; industrious…done with careful, steady effort” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort; painstaking” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “earnest, zealous” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

Diligent people are committed servants of God. They do His will with a steady effort. They do it all for God’s glory.

“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth” (Proverbs 10:4, NIV).

Read Proverbs 10:4. What do lazy hands make for?

What do diligent hands bring?

As we begin this study on diligence, laziness is mentioned once again as a contrast to diligence. Society is filled with lazy people. They want others to do the work for them. As children of God, we can joyfully be committed to diligent work. God will bless the diligent.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV).

Read Ecclesiastes 9:10. How are we to do our work?

What is not there in the realm of the dead?

We are indeed to work with all our might. Diligence is a godly reminder to go about our work each day. God calls each of us to a unique calling. When we find our calling, we can joyfully work for God’s glory.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV).

Read 1 Corinthians 15:58. How are we to stand?

What are we to have nothing do to us?

How are we to give ourselves to the work of the Lord?

What is not in vain?

We can give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. In doing this, we can diligently put our hands to whatever God calls us to do. Our labor is not in vain.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, NIV).

Read Galatians 6:9. What are we not to become weary in?

When will we reap a harvest?

What should we not do to get this harvest?

When we have been doing good and praying diligently for a long time, it can be tempting to give up. However, when we keep doing good, God will bless us at His appointed time. It is then that we can see how God used that time to help us grow in our faith.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

Diligence is what God calls us to work with. We can work as unto the Lord and not to men. In doing so, we can give God the glory for the fruit of our labor.

Name a time when you worked diligently.

Were you tempted to give up?

If so, how did God convict you?

How did you continue to work for God’s glory?

What Scripture spoke to you on diligence during this time?

How did you praise God for the fruit of your labor?

Diligence is a key component of our walk with Christ. God calls us to do different things. We can draw near to God and ask Him for His will for our lives. We can then work diligently for God’s glory and not our own.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to work diligently to do what You call me to do each day. Help me to never give up. Help me to work for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

He who labors diligently need never despair. Menander of Athens

Follow the tasks of your calling carefully and diligently. Richard Baxter

You will be in a way of obedience to God when the slothful are in constant sins of omission. Richard Baxter

DILIGENCE CH 1: LAZINESS

I had just been placed on disability due to the bipolar disorder. The bipolar disorder had paralyzed me with fear. I was frozen in place. I could not do anything productive. I just sat around all day and did nothing due to the fear. However, God intervened and led me to the parable of the talents. I realized that I was being a lazy servant of God. I began using my days to write for God’s glory. This gave me a sense of purpose again. I praised God for convicting me of my laziness and giving me a whole new life and purpose.

MEMORY VERSE

“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth” (Proverbs 10:4, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Lazy…

Laziness is “not eager or willing to work or exert oneself; indolent; slothful” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “disinclined to activity or exertion: not energetic or vigorous” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is being “sluggish…not flagging in zeal” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

Laziness is something we can all succumb to at times. We may not feel like doing what needs to be done in our lives. However, God desires for us to be productive with our lives. When we seek God, He will fill us with purpose.

“Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor” (Proverbs 12:24, NIV).

Read Proverbs 12:24. What will diligent hands to?

What will laziness end with?

Diligence and laziness are often described together in Proverbs. We do not desire to be forced to do something like those who are lazy. We can desire to please the Lord by being diligent.

“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4, NIV).

Read Proverbs 13:4. How are those who are lazy described in this Proverb?

What is the sluggard’s appetite never?

What is done for the desires of the diligent?

A sluggard is “a habitually lazy or idle person” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). A sluggard makes laziness a habit. The good news is that habits can be changed. We can come to the Lord for help to make our days productive and fruitful.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11, NIV).

Read Romans 12:11. What should we never be lacking in?

What are we to keep?

What are we to do?

Zeal is “intense enthusiasm, as in working for a cause; ardent endeavor or devotion…fervor” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). When we keep our spiritual fervor, we are alive in Christ. The opposite of this is laziness. A lazy person may feel distant from God. They lack purpose in their lives.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22, NIV).

Read James 1:22. What are we not to merely do?

What will this cause?

What are we to do instead?

When we study God’s Word, we will grow in our walk with Him. However, knowledge of Scripture can be poured into us but lack no purpose if we do not put it into action. We must do what it says.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews 6:12, NIV). We must be imitators of Christ. This will build our faith and combat laziness.

Name a time when you felt lazy.

How did God convict you?

How did you draw near to God in response?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did God then give you new purpose?

How did you put this new purpose into action?

There are times in all our lives when we do not feel like doing what needs to be done. However, we must not rely upon our feelings. We must repent and draw near to God. He will then guide and direct our steps and put them into action.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the times when I was lazy. Help me to be fruitful in my life according to Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Perseverance in prayer is the annihilation of sloth. John Climacus

The lazier a man is, the more he plans to do tomorrow. Norwegian proverb

Sloth should not be confused with exhaustion or illness. W.H. Griffith Thomas

I like the word “indolence.” It makes my laziness seem classy. Bern Williams

CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER CH 7: DILIGENT PERSEVERANCE

“Never give up, never give in. There is always light on the other side. God gives us hope, God gives us dreams. To do as we may to honor His ways.” God gave me this chorus to a song when I was struggling with bipolar disorder. This gave me the hope to not give up in the midst of the emotional turmoil. I thanked God for this gift and gentle reminder that He was with me through it all. This gave me the strength and diligence to persevere in the midst of the bipolar disorder. I learned that I had all the strength I needed through Christ. He gave me the power to never give up in the midst of adversity. All in all, it was persevering under my trials that developed my character to become more like Christ.

MEMORY VERSE

“But without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Diligence…

Diligence is “persevering and careful in work…done with careful, steady effort” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). Diligence is “to hasten to do a thing, to exert oneself, endeavor” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

Perseverance…

To persevere is “to be steadfast in purpose” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

HIDDEN GEMS

Diligent perseverance is never giving up in the midst of turmoil. It is holding onto high character even when tempted to give up. When we put our hearts into something, good things will come to pass according to God’s will. “A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4, NIV).

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4, NIV).

Read Romans 5:3-4. What did Paul say we glory in?

What does suffering produce?

What does perseverance produce?

What does character produce?

Suffering and trials produce good things in our lives. Although trials may not feel good at the time, we can look back and praise God for developing perseverance, character and hope in our lives. We can see how we grew in our hard times much more than when things seemed to flow in our lives.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV).

Read Hebrews 12:1-2. What are we surrounded by?

What are we to throw off?

How is sin described?

How are we to run the race?

Who are we to fix our eyes upon?

How is Jesus described?

How did Jesus endure the cross?

Where is Jesus sitting at?

We can be encouraged to run our race with perseverance. A great cloud of witnesses is cheering us on. God is right in the midst of our circumstances. When we act in diligence in the midst of our trials, we will be strengthened to overcome. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”(John 16:33, NIV).

Read James 1:2-4. What are we to consider pure joy?

What does the testing of our faith produce?

What two things will be developed if we allow perseverance to finish its work in our lives?

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11, NIV). We can serve the Lord with diligent perseverance. When we don’t give up in the midst of trials and hold tightly to the promises of God, He will be there for us. God will grant us the strength and ability to overcome. As we do so, the blessings will shine through in our character.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5, NIV). We live in a hurried world. Everything is fast-paced. We are always trying to keep up with our neighbors. However, God desires for us to slow down and act with diligence in our everyday lives.

Name a time when you felt caught up in the hurried pace of the world.

What caused you to hurry?

How did it affect the decisions you made during this time?

What was the result?

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15, NIV). While the world may hurry, we can slow our pace down to follow God and His will for our lives. We can follow the Holy Spirit and obtain His peace that passes all understanding. Trials may threaten us but God will grant us the strength to overcome them. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12, NIV).

Name a time when you felt like a trial would overwhelm you.

How did you reach out to God?

How did He empower you to act in diligent perseverance and never give up?

What character trait was developed during this trial?

How do you see diligence working in your life?

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:36, NIV). We are promised eternal life in the future. However, God desires for us to work in diligence according to His plan for our lives. When we do so, we will be rewarded. “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized” (Hebrews 6:11, NIV).

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for always being there for me in the midst of stormy trials. Produce in me a diligent character to never give up. Grant me the strength to persevere as I follow You and Your will for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another. Walter Elliott

Persistent people begin their success where others end in failures. Edward Eggleston

Press on. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Ray A. Kroc

It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up again. Vince Lombardi

Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed, not by strength, but perseverance. Samuel Johnson