Lord, Help Me Do Better

 

A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

"Lord, Help Me Do Better"

Have you ever felt like you're not living up to your full potential? Like you're stuck and can't seem to make progress? The truth is, we all struggle with feelings of inadequacy and frustration at times. But the good news is that God is always willing to help us do better.

Following Jesus Requires Sacrifice

In Luke 9:57-58, we read:

"As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.' Jesus replied, 'Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.'"

This passage reminds us that following Jesus requires sacrifice. We can't just follow Him when it's convenient or easy; we have to be willing to give up our own desires and plans in order to follow Him.

Serving Two Masters

In Matthew 6:24, we read:

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

This verse reminds us that we can't serve two masters. We have to choose between serving God and serving our own desires and interests.

The World is Passing Away

In 1 John 2:17, we read:

"The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."

This passage reminds us that the world and its desires are temporary, but doing the will of God is eternal. We should focus on living for God, rather than trying to fit in with the world.

Living as Foreigners

In 1 Peter 2:15-17, we read:

"For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."

This passage reminds us that as Christians, we are living as foreigners in a world that is not our home. We should live in such a way that we honor God and show respect to everyone around us.

Taking Up Our Cross

In Matthew 16:24-25, we read:

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.'"

This passage reminds us that following Jesus requires us to take up our cross and deny ourselves. We have to be willing to give up our own desires and plans in order to follow Him.

Spiritual Warfare

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, we read:

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

This passage reminds us that as Christians, we are in a spiritual battle. We need to use the weapons of spiritual warfare, such as prayer and Scripture, to demolish strongholds and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Conclusion

Living for God is not always easy, but it's worth it. When we surrender our lives to Him and ask for His help, He will give us the strength and wisdom we need to do better. Let us pray, "Lord, help me do better."

Reflection Questions

What areas of your life do you feel like you're not doing well in?
How can you surrender those areas to God and ask for His help?
What does it mean to you to take up your cross and follow Jesus?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to do better. Give us the strength and wisdom we need to live for You. Help us to surrender our lives to You and to follow You, no matter what the cost. In Jesus' name, Amen

God's Timing

 God's Timing 

A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

Have you ever felt like you're waiting forever for something to happen? Maybe you're waiting for a breakthrough, a healing, or a new opportunity. Whatever it is, it's easy to get impatient and wonder when God is going to show up.

Waiting on God

In Psalm 27:14, we read:

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Waiting on God is not always easy, but it's a crucial part of trusting in His timing. When we wait on God, we're showing that we trust in His goodness and sovereignty.

Trusting in God's Ways

In Proverbs 3:5-6, we read:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Trusting in God's ways is not always easy, especially when we can't see what's ahead. But when we trust in God, we can know that He is working everything out for our good.

Renewed Strength

In Isaiah 40:31, we read:

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

When we hope in God, we will renew our strength. We'll be able to soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, and walk and not be faint.

God is With Us

In Jeremiah 20:11, we read:

"But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten."

God is with us, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. He's a mighty warrior who will fight for us and defend us.

Peace That Transcends Understanding

In Philippians 4:6-7, we read:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

When we pray and give thanks to God, we can experience peace that transcends understanding. This peace will guard our hearts and minds, even in the midst of uncertainty.

Conclusion

God's timing is not always our timing. But when we wait on God, trust in His ways, and hope in His goodness, we can know that He is working everything out for our good. Let us be strong and take heart, knowing that God is with us and will renew our strength.

Reflection Questions

What are you waiting for God to do in your life?
How can you trust in God's ways and timing?
What does it mean to you to hope in God and renew your strength?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and sovereignty. Help us to wait on You, trust in Your ways, and hope in Your goodness. Renew our strength and give us peace that transcends understanding. In Jesus' name, Amen