Kerry Shook: Week 2 Curriculum

But really the reason I'm to get to know But really the reason I'm to get to know God's [music] word is to get to know God's [music] word is to get to know God's [music] word is to get to know Jesus better. You know, we don't get to Jesus better. You know, we don't get to Jesus better. You know, we don't get to know God's word so we know more about know God's word so we know more about know God's word so we know more about the Bible. We get to know God's word, the Bible. We get to know God's word, the Bible. We get to know God's word, put it into our lives because we want to put it into our lives because we want to put it into our lives because we want to be closer to Jesus, be a disciple of be closer to Jesus, be a disciple of be closer to Jesus, be a disciple of Jesus, be a follower of Christ. Jesus, be a follower of Christ. Jesus, be a follower of Christ. >> This is The Woodlands Church >> This is The Woodlands Church >> This is The Woodlands Church Discipleship Podcast with Pastor Kerry. Discipleship Podcast with Pastor Kerry. Discipleship Podcast with Pastor Kerry. My name is Pastor Ryan, one of Pastor My name is Pastor Ryan, one of Pastor My name is Pastor Ryan, one of Pastor Kerry's sons. And as always, it's an Kerry's sons. And as always, it's an Kerry's sons. And as always, it's an honor to get to spend time with you, one honor to get to spend time with you, one honor to get to spend time with you, one of our church members or guest or even of our church members or guest or even of our church members or guest or even if you're someone who's just connected if you're someone who's just connected if you're someone who's just connected to our church. We love spending this to our church. We love spending this to our church. We love spending this time with you and spending this time time with you and spending this time time with you and spending this time with Pastor Kerry. Dad, I know we've with Pastor Kerry. Dad, I know we've with Pastor Kerry. Dad, I know we've been talking all about discipleship and been talking all about discipleship and been talking all about discipleship and all about becoming a better follower of all about becoming a better follower of all about becoming a better follower of Christ. What is the one thing that we Christ. What is the one thing that we Christ. What is the one thing that we can do to become better followers? can do to become better followers? can do to become better followers? >> Yeah, I I was thinking um as God was >> Yeah, I I was thinking um as God was >> Yeah, I I was thinking um as God was really convicting me that I don't want really convicting me that I don't want really convicting me that I don't want to be the same person this year to be the same person this year to be the same person this year uh the same person next year that I am uh the same person next year that I am uh the same person next year that I am this year. this year. this year. I can't really afford to be the same old I can't really afford to be the same old I can't really afford to be the same old person making the same old mistakes with person making the same old mistakes with person making the same old mistakes with the same character flaws and hurtful the same character flaws and hurtful the same character flaws and hurtful habits and sins that are hurting people habits and sins that are hurting people habits and sins that are hurting people in my life by this time next year that I in my life by this time next year that I in my life by this time next year that I am this year. I I've got to make changes am this year. I I've got to make changes am this year. I I've got to make changes with God's power. And so, we're talking with God's power. And so, we're talking with God's power. And so, we're talking about who do you want to be by this time about who do you want to be by this time about who do you want to be by this time next year? And you know, I I started next year? And you know, I I started next year? And you know, I I started thinking of all the things I wanted God thinking of all the things I wanted God thinking of all the things I wanted God to change me in or wanted to commit to to change me in or wanted to commit to to change me in or wanted to commit to to make changes, but then God brought me to make changes, but then God brought me to make changes, but then God brought me back to the most simple, most uh back to the most simple, most uh back to the most simple, most uh powerful, the deepest thing and that's powerful, the deepest thing and that's powerful, the deepest thing and that's to spend time with God's word because to spend time with God's word because to spend time with God's word because you know, if I will do that spend time you know, if I will do that spend time you know, if I will do that spend time with God's word, more time in God's with God's word, more time in God's with God's word, more time in God's word, then that'll change me more than

word, then that'll change me more than word, then that'll change me more than anything else. The number one thing that anything else. The number one thing that anything else. The number one thing that you can do you can do you can do to become a different person by this to become a different person by this to become a different person by this time next year time next year time next year is spend more time in God's word. And I is spend more time in God's word. And I is spend more time in God's word. And I was really convicted about that because was really convicted about that because was really convicted about that because I don't I hate to say it, but I don't I don't I hate to say it, but I don't I don't I hate to say it, but I don't spend near enough time in God's word spend near enough time in God's word spend near enough time in God's word to lead the way I need to lead. To be to lead the way I need to lead. To be to lead the way I need to lead. To be the man I need to be, the husband I need the man I need to be, the husband I need the man I need to be, the husband I need to be. And so, um to be. And so, um to be. And so, um my wife and I, you know, uh spoke um my wife and I, you know, uh spoke um my wife and I, you know, uh spoke um just recently on this, the power of just recently on this, the power of just recently on this, the power of God's word, and we used Psalm 119, the God's word, and we used Psalm 119, the God's word, and we used Psalm 119, the longest passage in longest chapter in longest passage in longest chapter in longest passage in longest chapter in the Bible, but we picked different the Bible, but we picked different the Bible, but we picked different places from it because David here is places from it because David here is places from it because David here is just or the psalmist is just doing a just or the psalmist is just doing a just or the psalmist is just doing a celebration of God's word. And so, celebration of God's word. And so, celebration of God's word. And so, in Psalm 119, in Psalm 119, in Psalm 119, verse verse verse 49, it says, "Your word, Lord, is 49, it says, "Your word, Lord, is 49, it says, "Your word, Lord, is eternal. It stands firm in the heavens. eternal. It stands firm in the heavens. eternal. It stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all Your faithfulness continues through all Your faithfulness continues through all generations. You established the earth generations. You established the earth generations. You established the earth and it endures." and it endures." and it endures." God's word is eternal. God's word is eternal. God's word is eternal. It lasts forever. And in our culture, It lasts forever. And in our culture, It lasts forever. And in our culture, I mean, it's changing all the time, you I mean, it's changing all the time, you I mean, it's changing all the time, you know, but if you know God's word, you're know, but if you know God's word, you're know, but if you know God's word, you're able to stand strong against the able to stand strong against the able to stand strong against the culture. The culture's always changing culture. The culture's always changing culture. The culture's always changing and what's popular's always changing.

and what's popular's always changing. and what's popular's always changing. And so, And so, And so, >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> you know, all the technology's always >> you know, all the technology's always >> you know, all the technology's always changing, but God's word never changes. changing, but God's word never changes. changing, but God's word never changes. And I want to know God's word, and I And I want to know God's word, and I And I want to know God's word, and I want to spend time in God's word. want to spend time in God's word. want to spend time in God's word. And I, you know, I got this book, Ryan, And I, you know, I got this book, Ryan, And I, you know, I got this book, Ryan, and and um and and um and and um I've had this in my office for a long I've had this in my office for a long I've had this in my office for a long time. I don't even know why. I don't time. I don't even know why. I don't time. I don't even know why. I don't know where I got it, but it looks like a know where I got it, but it looks like a know where I got it, but it looks like a big book with a lot of content, but you big book with a lot of content, but you big book with a lot of content, but you open it up and it's just totally empty. open it up and it's just totally empty. open it up and it's just totally empty. And um And um And um I guess you're supposed to put your keys I guess you're supposed to put your keys I guess you're supposed to put your keys or your wallet or something in it, hide or your wallet or something in it, hide or your wallet or something in it, hide it from everybody, but um it from everybody, but um it from everybody, but um but it reminds me of me sometimes, you but it reminds me of me sometimes, you but it reminds me of me sometimes, you know, it's like on the outside I look know, it's like on the outside I look know, it's like on the outside I look good, you know, I like, "Man, look good, you know, I like, "Man, look good, you know, I like, "Man, look pretty spiritual." pretty spiritual." pretty spiritual." But I can feel real empty on the inside But I can feel real empty on the inside But I can feel real empty on the inside because I haven't been spending time because I haven't been spending time because I haven't been spending time with God the way I should. And with God the way I should. And with God the way I should. And maybe [snorts] you feel like that, you maybe [snorts] you feel like that, you maybe [snorts] you feel like that, you know, maybe you feel a little empty on know, maybe you feel a little empty on know, maybe you feel a little empty on the inside. Maybe you feel a little the inside. Maybe you feel a little the inside. Maybe you feel a little confused and a little distracted. This confused and a little distracted. This confused and a little distracted. This is the time. is the time. is the time. Let's commit to spending more time in Let's commit to spending more time in Let's commit to spending more time in God's word. And so, how how do you spend God's word. And so, how how do you spend God's word. And so, how how do you spend time in God's word? Because I think time in God's word? Because I think time in God's word? Because I think there's all different ways to do it, there's all different ways to do it, there's all different ways to do it, Ryan. Ryan. Ryan. >> Yeah, I know, that's a great question. I >> Yeah, I know, that's a great question. I >> Yeah, I know, that's a great question. I think, you know, I love being out in in think, you know, I love being out in in think, you know, I love being out in in nature. I love praying to God, but nature. I love praying to God, but nature. I love praying to God, but ultimately, like you said, Dad, if we're ultimately, like you said, Dad, if we're ultimately, like you said, Dad, if we're not in the word of of the Lord, then not in the word of of the Lord, then not in the word of of the Lord, then we're going to be disconnected from we're going to be disconnected from we're going to be disconnected from truth. I love that you reminded us of truth. I love that you reminded us of truth. I love that you reminded us of the eternal nature of God's word, that the eternal nature of God's word, that the eternal nature of God's word, that it's always been, it will always will it's always been, it will always will it's always been, it will always will be.

be. be. That sometimes we, even as Christians, That sometimes we, even as Christians, That sometimes we, even as Christians, start to think of the Bible as, you start to think of the Bible as, you start to think of the Bible as, you know, oh, it's a it's a great book, a know, oh, it's a it's a great book, a know, oh, it's a it's a great book, a lot of wisdom in it, but we, you know, lot of wisdom in it, but we, you know, lot of wisdom in it, but we, you know, we kind of almost downplay the we kind of almost downplay the we kind of almost downplay the supernatural power of scripture. And so, supernatural power of scripture. And so, supernatural power of scripture. And so, um I'm just so glad that we get to spend um I'm just so glad that we get to spend um I'm just so glad that we get to spend time in God's word together on the time in God's word together on the time in God's word together on the weekends, but too often, I'm going to be weekends, but too often, I'm going to be weekends, but too often, I'm going to be honest, I just I don't spend enough time honest, I just I don't spend enough time honest, I just I don't spend enough time really getting into God's word, building really getting into God's word, building really getting into God's word, building that discipline. And so, I'm glad that that discipline. And so, I'm glad that that discipline. And so, I'm glad that we're able to challenge each other we're we're able to challenge each other we're we're able to challenge each other we're able to challenge each other as as able to challenge each other as as able to challenge each other as as Christ followers to do that. It's so Christ followers to do that. It's so Christ followers to do that. It's so important. important. important. >> Oh, yeah, and I think, um >> Oh, yeah, and I think, um >> Oh, yeah, and I think, um you know, when I remember that God's you know, when I remember that God's you know, when I remember that God's word word word is really all about Jesus, you know, is really all about Jesus, you know, is really all about Jesus, you know, Jesus is the word. And so, Jesus is the word. And so, Jesus is the word. And so, God's word is divinely inspired, you God's word is divinely inspired, you God's word is divinely inspired, you know, it it is know, it it is know, it it is has all authority, has all authority, has all authority, and and and is powerful. is powerful. is powerful. It's life-changing. It's life-changing. It's life-changing. But really, the reason I'm to get to But really, the reason I'm to get to But really, the reason I'm to get to know God's word is to get to know Jesus know God's word is to get to know Jesus know God's word is to get to know Jesus better. You know, we don't get to know better. You know, we don't get to know better. You know, we don't get to know God's word so we know more about the God's word so we know more about the God's word so we know more about the Bible. We get to know God's word and put Bible. We get to know God's word and put Bible. We get to know God's word and put it into our lives because we want to be it into our lives because we want to be it into our lives because we want to be closer to Jesus and be a disciple of closer to Jesus and be a disciple of closer to Jesus and be a disciple of Jesus, be a follower of Christ. And so, Jesus, be a follower of Christ. And so, Jesus, be a follower of Christ. And so, I think about direction. I don't know I think about direction. I don't know I think about direction. I don't know about you, Ryan, but I'm thinking a lot about you, Ryan, but I'm thinking a lot about you, Ryan, but I'm thinking a lot about direction. God, I'm confused about about direction. God, I'm confused about about direction. God, I'm confused about this decision. You know, what do I do this decision. You know, what do I do this decision. You know, what do I do here? What do I do there? I mean, I just here? What do I do there? I mean, I just here? What do I do there? I mean, I just there's so many decisions, and even there's so many decisions, and even there's so many decisions, and even little ones have profound ramifications, little ones have profound ramifications, little ones have profound ramifications, you know, and so, you know, and so, you know, and so, and I look in Psalm 119, and the and I look in Psalm 119, and the and I look in Psalm 119, and the psalmist says, "Your word is a lamp for psalmist says, "Your word is a lamp for psalmist says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

my feet, a light on my path." my feet, a light on my path." I love that because, I need direction. I love that because, I need direction. I love that because, I need direction. And here's the thing, though, I don't And here's the thing, though, I don't And here's the thing, though, I don't think I'm desperate enough or realize think I'm desperate enough or realize think I'm desperate enough or realize how desperate I am without it, or I how desperate I am without it, or I how desperate I am without it, or I would spend more time in God's word. would spend more time in God's word. would spend more time in God's word. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I think every once in a while we realize >> I think every once in a while we realize >> I think every once in a while we realize how desperate we really are, and then we how desperate we really are, and then we how desperate we really are, and then we go to God's word. God, I need you so go to God's word. God, I need you so go to God's word. God, I need you so desperately, but most of the time, we're desperately, but most of the time, we're desperately, but most of the time, we're we're always desperate, we just don't we're always desperate, we just don't we're always desperate, we just don't know it a lot of times, we just don't know it a lot of times, we just don't know it a lot of times, we just don't realize it because here if we really realize it because here if we really realize it because here if we really believe God's word is so powerful and believe God's word is so powerful and believe God's word is so powerful and it's a word from God almighty to us on it's a word from God almighty to us on it's a word from God almighty to us on how to live our lives and it brings how to live our lives and it brings how to live our lives and it brings fulfillment then fulfillment then fulfillment then I'd spend time with God's word. If I I'd spend time with God's word. If I I'd spend time with God's word. If I realize how desperately I need his realize how desperately I need his realize how desperately I need his direction and how I can get off so direction and how I can get off so direction and how I can get off so quickly then I'll spend time with God's quickly then I'll spend time with God's quickly then I'll spend time with God's word. But if I don't, I'm basically word. But if I don't, I'm basically word. But if I don't, I'm basically saying God I can kind of handle this saying God I can kind of handle this saying God I can kind of handle this without you or with not much of you. without you or with not much of you. without you or with not much of you. >> Yeah. Well, I've got to ask I mean I >> Yeah. Well, I've got to ask I mean I >> Yeah. Well, I've got to ask I mean I think one of the ways that scripture has think one of the ways that scripture has think one of the ways that scripture has become more powerful to me recently is become more powerful to me recently is become more powerful to me recently is by uh memorizing scripture. You by uh memorizing scripture. You by uh memorizing scripture. You challenge the people you work with challenge the people you work with challenge the people you work with including me to really memorize including me to really memorize including me to really memorize scripture. scripture. scripture. Uh what is it that you Is there any Uh what is it that you Is there any Uh what is it that you Is there any scripture in partic- in particular right scripture in partic- in particular right scripture in partic- in particular right now that you feel like you know you want now that you feel like you know you want now that you feel like you know you want to challenge our life groups with to to challenge our life groups with to to challenge our life groups with to take to heart and really internalize?

take to heart and really internalize? take to heart and really internalize? >> Well, as you know we've been doing those >> Well, as you know we've been doing those >> Well, as you know we've been doing those uh screen lock scriptures every week uh screen lock scriptures every week uh screen lock scriptures every week where you can uh download the wallpaper where you can uh download the wallpaper where you can uh download the wallpaper from the app and and put a scripture up from the app and and put a scripture up from the app and and put a scripture up that we all go together all do together that we all go together all do together that we all go together all do together as a church to meditate on and memorize as a church to meditate on and memorize as a church to meditate on and memorize and and and I found that just doing that memorizing I found that just doing that memorizing I found that just doing that memorizing meditating on scripture meditating on scripture meditating on scripture and um trying to put it into my life and um trying to put it into my life and um trying to put it into my life is so powerful. It's so life-changing. is so powerful. It's so life-changing. is so powerful. It's so life-changing. It changes the brain to uh to have the It changes the brain to uh to have the It changes the brain to uh to have the truth in our mind renews our mind as the truth in our mind renews our mind as the truth in our mind renews our mind as the Bible says so that we can make the Bible says so that we can make the Bible says so that we can make the decisions according to God's word and decisions according to God's word and decisions according to God's word and God's will. And it's so encouraging to God's will. And it's so encouraging to God's will. And it's so encouraging to hold on to God's promises when you're hold on to God's promises when you're hold on to God's promises when you're going through tough times. And so we going through tough times. And so we going through tough times. And so we memorize a lot of God's promises and and memorize a lot of God's promises and and memorize a lot of God's promises and and there's so many and we'll put some up there's so many and we'll put some up there's so many and we'll put some up you [snorts] know on the website and um you [snorts] know on the website and um you [snorts] know on the website and um we'll give you a lot of the the screen we'll give you a lot of the the screen we'll give you a lot of the the screen saver scriptures you can go to the app saver scriptures you can go to the app saver scriptures you can go to the app and you can get those on the app and and and you can get those on the app and and and you can get those on the app and and put those up on your wallpaper on your put those up on your wallpaper on your put those up on your wallpaper on your phone. And you know when it comes up on phone. And you know when it comes up on phone. And you know when it comes up on my phone that you know I you know my phone that you know I you know my phone that you know I you know remember it and I can meditate on it remember it and I can meditate on it remember it and I can meditate on it memorize it. Um memorize it. Um memorize it. Um I think this whole thing Ryan I have to I think this whole thing Ryan I have to I think this whole thing Ryan I have to admit as a pastor who's preached on admit as a pastor who's preached on admit as a pastor who's preached on meditate on God's word have your quiet meditate on God's word have your quiet meditate on God's word have your quiet time you know spend time in God's word time you know spend time in God's word time you know spend time in God's word and a lot of Christ followers think yeah and a lot of Christ followers think yeah and a lot of Christ followers think yeah I've heard that all before. Yeah, I know I've heard that all before. Yeah, I know I've heard that all before. Yeah, I know that that's not really that deep you that that's not really that deep you that that's not really that deep you know I want to hear something new and know I want to hear something new and know I want to hear something new and different from God's word.

different from God's word. different from God's word. And I think that at times and I've And I think that at times and I've And I think that at times and I've realized how hypocritical that is. realized how hypocritical that is. realized how hypocritical that is. That That That it's not about it's not about it's not about teaching it or knowing it, it's about teaching it or knowing it, it's about teaching it or knowing it, it's about doing it. doing it. doing it. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And I'm telling you Satan will fight >> And I'm telling you Satan will fight >> And I'm telling you Satan will fight nothing harder than you spending time in nothing harder than you spending time in nothing harder than you spending time in God's word, praying and spending time in God's word, praying and spending time in God's word, praying and spending time in God's word. God's word. God's word. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But when I realize I'm desperate and if >> But when I realize I'm desperate and if >> But when I realize I'm desperate and if I could just stay in that place knowing I could just stay in that place knowing I could just stay in that place knowing I'm desperate and develop the habit cuz I'm desperate and develop the habit cuz I'm desperate and develop the habit cuz it's a habit, you know, it's like and so it's a habit, you know, it's like and so it's a habit, you know, it's like and so I really challenge you, I challenge I really challenge you, I challenge I really challenge you, I challenge myself, let's really get in that habit. myself, let's really get in that habit. myself, let's really get in that habit. And we're not going to always feel like And we're not going to always feel like And we're not going to always feel like it, you know, I'm telling you things you it, you know, I'm telling you things you it, you know, I'm telling you things you know. know. know. You're going to miss a couple days. Just You're going to miss a couple days. Just You're going to miss a couple days. Just say God forgive me for not connecting say God forgive me for not connecting say God forgive me for not connecting with you. I'm ready to get back and you with you. I'm ready to get back and you with you. I'm ready to get back and you just do whatever it takes. Let this be just do whatever it takes. Let this be just do whatever it takes. Let this be the number one habit. You're going to the number one habit. You're going to the number one habit. You're going to figure out how to spend time in God's figure out how to spend time in God's figure out how to spend time in God's word. If it's 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 word. If it's 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 word. If it's 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes. minutes. minutes. I like to do it in the morning because I I like to do it in the morning because I I like to do it in the morning because I get so distracted. If I don't do it in get so distracted. If I don't do it in get so distracted. If I don't do it in the morning then it's like I'm just off the morning then it's like I'm just off the morning then it's like I'm just off in my day and you know. in my day and you know. in my day and you know. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's that's a great reminder. That's that's a great reminder. That's that's a great reminder. Setting aside that time and choosing Setting aside that time and choosing Setting aside that time and choosing when I'm going to do it. We we we plan when I'm going to do it. We we we plan when I'm going to do it. We we we plan when we're going to go to work, we plan when we're going to go to work, we plan when we're going to go to work, we plan when we're going to eat, we plan, you when we're going to eat, we plan, you when we're going to eat, we plan, you know, know, know, what we're going to do [clears throat] what we're going to do [clears throat] what we're going to do [clears throat] with friends later but how often do we with friends later but how often do we with friends later but how often do we not really think I'm going to plan this not really think I'm going to plan this not really think I'm going to plan this time with God or plan this time in his time with God or plan this time in his time with God or plan this time in his word. So being intentional, I love that word. So being intentional, I love that word. So being intentional, I love that and I think that's that's one of the and I think that's that's one of the and I think that's that's one of the things I love about our life groups is things I love about our life groups is things I love about our life groups is that we can when we're in a group that we can when we're in a group that we can when we're in a group together, I love getting texts from, you together, I love getting texts from, you together, I love getting texts from, you know, my my buddies and say, "Hey, have know, my my buddies and say, "Hey, have know, my my buddies and say, "Hey, have you have you did you read the scripture you have you did you read the scripture you have you did you read the scripture yet? Did you did you do your quiet time yet? Did you did you do your quiet time yet? Did you did you do your quiet time yet?"

yet?" yet?" >> right. >> right. >> right. >> Accountability is so important and >> Accountability is so important and >> Accountability is so important and that's why we do do this in life that's why we do do this in life that's why we do do this in life together, right? together, right? together, right? >> Amen. And I just I think that it's >> Amen. And I just I think that it's >> Amen. And I just I think that it's sometimes hard for me me to admit I need sometimes hard for me me to admit I need sometimes hard for me me to admit I need such accountability. It's like I should such accountability. It's like I should such accountability. It's like I should be beyond that. No, you're never beyond be beyond that. No, you're never beyond be beyond that. No, you're never beyond that. And you need encouragement from that. And you need encouragement from that. And you need encouragement from others and in life groups that's what others and in life groups that's what others and in life groups that's what you do in a life group. That's what you you do in a life group. That's what you you do in a life group. That's what you do, you know, with friends in do, you know, with friends in do, you know, with friends in discipleship. You know, you just you go, discipleship. You know, you just you go, discipleship. You know, you just you go, "Hey, man, how's your what God show you "Hey, man, how's your what God show you "Hey, man, how's your what God show you in your quiet time on these days, you in your quiet time on these days, you in your quiet time on these days, you know? How did how did it go, you know?" know? How did how did it go, you know?" know? How did how did it go, you know?" Well, I blew it on this one and didn't Well, I blew it on this one and didn't Well, I blew it on this one and didn't do it, you know, a couple days and okay, do it, you know, a couple days and okay, do it, you know, a couple days and okay, well, let's get back with it, man. Let's well, let's get back with it, man. Let's well, let's get back with it, man. Let's do it and I think do it and I think do it and I think that's so important. Um a lot of that's so important. Um a lot of that's so important. Um a lot of practical things that are important. practical things that are important. practical things that are important. Maybe you want to pick the same place Maybe you want to pick the same place Maybe you want to pick the same place every day. I'm really a big proponent, every day. I'm really a big proponent, every day. I'm really a big proponent, Ryan, of having a Bible in your hand. Ryan, of having a Bible in your hand. Ryan, of having a Bible in your hand. You know, uh You know, uh You know, uh a Bible in your hand. But I know a lot a Bible in your hand. But I know a lot a Bible in your hand. But I know a lot of people use Bible apps and um I love of people use Bible apps and um I love of people use Bible apps and um I love YouVersion, you know, is amazing. Uh YouVersion, you know, is amazing. Uh YouVersion, you know, is amazing. Uh there's a lot of and we we use all those there's a lot of and we we use all those there's a lot of and we we use all those things, but when I'm having my daily things, but when I'm having my daily things, but when I'm having my daily time time time or trying to make it daily or trying to make it daily or trying to make it daily it's so important for me to have God's it's so important for me to have God's it's so important for me to have God's word and then have a notebook. I've got word and then have a notebook. I've got word and then have a notebook. I've got a notebook that I go to that a notebook that I go to that a notebook that I go to that and what I do I just write down, you and what I do I just write down, you and what I do I just write down, you know, the date know, the date know, the date and then I write down the chapter or two and then I write down the chapter or two and then I write down the chapter or two that I'm going to be reading and I pick that I'm going to be reading and I pick that I'm going to be reading and I pick up where I left off and then I um up where I left off and then I um up where I left off and then I um I write down the word prayer and I pray, I write down the word prayer and I pray, I write down the word prayer and I pray, "God, help me understand this because I "God, help me understand this because I "God, help me understand this because I really have you right here with me. Not really have you right here with me. Not really have you right here with me. Not only the book, but I got the author.

only the book, but I got the author. only the book, but I got the author. Help me understand this and put it into Help me understand this and put it into Help me understand this and put it into my life. Show me what you want." And my life. Show me what you want." And my life. Show me what you want." And then I I write down the word prayer and then I I write down the word prayer and then I I write down the word prayer and then I just check it. I prayed. And then then I just check it. I prayed. And then then I just check it. I prayed. And then I write down what God showed me and I I write down what God showed me and I I write down what God showed me and I may write down a verse from the passage. may write down a verse from the passage. may write down a verse from the passage. I may write down, you know, two or three I may write down, you know, two or three I may write down, you know, two or three verses or just something God showed me verses or just something God showed me verses or just something God showed me from it. from it. from it. And [snorts] then I write down, "How can And [snorts] then I write down, "How can And [snorts] then I write down, "How can I put this in my life today? How can I I put this in my life today? How can I I put this in my life today? How can I apply it?" apply it?" apply it?" Some days I get a lot out of it. Some Some days I get a lot out of it. Some Some days I get a lot out of it. Some days I may not, but um days I may not, but um days I may not, but um I think that as we spend time with God, I think that as we spend time with God, I think that as we spend time with God, I'm telling you, if I will spend more I'm telling you, if I will spend more I'm telling you, if I will spend more time with God this year time with God this year time with God this year I'll be a completely different person. I'll be a completely different person. I'll be a completely different person. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Two things that change your life the >> Two things that change your life the >> Two things that change your life the most are what you read and who you hang most are what you read and who you hang most are what you read and who you hang out with. You read the word of God, the out with. You read the word of God, the out with. You read the word of God, the infallible, authoritative, divinely infallible, authoritative, divinely infallible, authoritative, divinely inspired word of God inspired word of God inspired word of God and spend time with God and spend time with God and spend time with God you can't help but be a different person you can't help but be a different person you can't help but be a different person by this time next year. by this time next year. by this time next year. >> That's right. Well, >> That's right. Well, >> That's right. Well, uh if you're watching with your group uh if you're watching with your group uh if you're watching with your group right now, I want you to uh take a right now, I want you to uh take a right now, I want you to uh take a moment after this video ends and share moment after this video ends and share moment after this video ends and share with your group where and when you're with your group where and when you're with your group where and when you're going to be doing that quiet time. Maybe going to be doing that quiet time. Maybe going to be doing that quiet time. Maybe you already do it, but it's great to you already do it, but it's great to you already do it, but it's great to have accountability. We can challenge have accountability. We can challenge have accountability. We can challenge each other. If you're by watching by each other. If you're by watching by each other. If you're by watching by yourself, write it down. Make a yourself, write it down. Make a yourself, write it down. Make a commitment to say, "I'm going to spend commitment to say, "I'm going to spend commitment to say, "I'm going to spend time with God in this way at this time time with God in this way at this time time with God in this way at this time in this place." Because there's power in in this place." Because there's power in in this place." Because there's power in accountability and in making it real and accountability and in making it real and accountability and in making it real and writing it down.

writing it down. writing it down. Dad, will you pray for us and pray for Dad, will you pray for us and pray for Dad, will you pray for us and pray for our groups? our groups? our groups? >> I sure will. I sure will, Ryan. And I'm >> I sure will. I sure will, Ryan. And I'm >> I sure will. I sure will, Ryan. And I'm going to pray that we feel desperate for going to pray that we feel desperate for going to pray that we feel desperate for God's word. I don't want bad things to God's word. I don't want bad things to God's word. I don't want bad things to happen to us, but happen to us, but happen to us, but in pain, but a lot of times God brings in pain, but a lot of times God brings in pain, but a lot of times God brings pain into our lives, you know, so that pain into our lives, you know, so that pain into our lives, you know, so that we can we can we can understand how desperate we are. And if understand how desperate we are. And if understand how desperate we are. And if pain's come into your life right now, pain's come into your life right now, pain's come into your life right now, just know that God wants to push you just know that God wants to push you just know that God wants to push you into his word. He wants to push you into into his word. He wants to push you into into his word. He wants to push you into his word and he wants to push you into his word and he wants to push you into his word and he wants to push you into him because he loves you and he will him because he loves you and he will him because he loves you and he will take care of you. take care of you. take care of you. He will take care of you and he's got He will take care of you and he's got He will take care of you and he's got something great ahead for you. something great ahead for you. something great ahead for you. So, let's push ourselves into God's So, let's push ourselves into God's So, let's push ourselves into God's word, encourage each other to do that. word, encourage each other to do that. word, encourage each other to do that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Dear God, I thank you for your love for >> Dear God, I thank you for your love for >> Dear God, I thank you for your love for us. I pray that you would just us. I pray that you would just us. I pray that you would just help us realize we're always desperate help us realize we're always desperate help us realize we're always desperate for you. for you. for you. We're always desperate and need of you We're always desperate and need of you We're always desperate and need of you even when we don't recognize it. So, even when we don't recognize it. So, even when we don't recognize it. So, help us stay in that place so that we help us stay in that place so that we help us stay in that place so that we spend time in your word and really get spend time in your word and really get spend time in your word and really get your guidance. Lord, I need your your guidance. Lord, I need your your guidance. Lord, I need your guidance more than ever this year. guidance more than ever this year. guidance more than ever this year. Decisions, Lord, small and huge. Decisions, Lord, small and huge. Decisions, Lord, small and huge. Every one are important. So, Every one are important. So, Every one are important. So, Lord, I want to be a different person by Lord, I want to be a different person by Lord, I want to be a different person by this time next year. I want to be making this time next year. I want to be making this time next year. I want to be making better decisions. I don't want to be better decisions. I don't want to be better decisions. I don't want to be making the same old mistakes that I'm making the same old mistakes that I'm making the same old mistakes that I'm making at this time this year. So, help making at this time this year. So, help making at this time this year. So, help me me me stay in your word, Lord, stay in your word, Lord, stay in your word, Lord, to just do to just do to just do whatever it takes whatever it takes whatever it takes to have a discipline of that daily time to have a discipline of that daily time to have a discipline of that daily time in your word consistently in your word consistently in your word consistently so that I can grow in you and be the so that I can grow in you and be the so that I can grow in you and be the disciple you've called me to be. For disciple you've called me to be. For disciple you've called me to be. For it's in Jesus' [music] name we pray.

it's in Jesus' [music] name we pray. it's in Jesus' [music] name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen.