Many folks have questions about applying character changes they know they need...  these resources should give you more information and a handle on moving forward with actively becoming more and more like Jesus,  Whose character we should be always striving to reflect...   

   Authorstream (here you can see our powerpoints)  Chirbit (here you can access most of our audio sermons & teaching)   Docstoc (here you will find downloadable notes & takeaway papers)         Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP)                    CharacterFirst!                        The Character Doctor            Embassy Institute

  

On Being Responsible

Some thoughts on Lesson 9~ being a responsible person and member of a local body of believers....             (watch the ppt          hear the lesson        read the takaway)

  Responsibility vs Unreliability   Knowing & doing what God & others are expecting of me  “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Ro 14:12

           As Christians our responsibility is first to God.    If we fulfill this responsibility all other responsibilities will be fulfilled.  What is our  responsibility to God?

          “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandment: for this is the whole duty of man.”   Ecclesiastes 12:13

                   Practicing  this truth, we should be able to walk together in complete harmony.   Are you walking in harmony with your fellow Christians?  

          “Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3:3

On Living with Courage

Thoughts on Lesson 10 ~ Courage lesson 1...do we freeze?  hide our light? join the world? or boldly face our challengers and/or fears?                                                        What is courage?  One facet is responding to danger without thought of retreat...                                     (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 11 ~ Courage lesson 2...all of a sudden the plans we made put us into an extreme & dire situation~now what?                                                              What is courage?  Applying my resources creatively when facing overwhelming odds...                            (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 12 ~ Courage lesson 3...Oh, wow, no!  My boss, parent, God, preacher, teacher,partner wants me to do what?                                                                What is courage?  Following difficult instructions in the face of danger...                                                     (watch the ppt        hear the lesson        read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 13 ~ Courage lesson 4..."Look, bub, I'm just going about my day..." OR "Enough!  How can this be allowed to continue! ? If you

     won't, I will!"  What is courage?  Confronting an opponent with the confidence that I will ultimately succeed...  (watch the ppt        hear the lesson        read the takaway)

 

On Living with Determination      (see an overview ppt from CharacterFirst...)

Thoughts on Lesson 14 ~ Determination lesson 1... "when times get tough, the tough get going" & "that which does not kill me...."

               What is determination?  Realizing that my present struggles are essential for future achievements...             (watch the ppt        hear the lesson        read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 15 ~ Determination lesson 2... "Wow, this is such a huge thing to do!  How can I possibly get that done?  Ok. time to start...."

               What is determination? Breaking down seemingly impossible tasks by concentrating on achievable goals...(watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 16 ~ Determination lesson 3... "Give it all you have, plus some..."

               What is determination? Expending whatever energy is necessary to complete a project...                                 (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 17 ~ Determination lesson 4... "Focus, focus, focus! "

               What is determination? Rejecting any distraction which may hinder the completion of a task...                        (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

 

On Living with Orderliness            (see an overview video from The Character Doctor...)     

Thoughts on Lesson 18 ~ Orderliness lesson 1... "ok, what is the best way to use what I have at hand...."

               What is orderliness?   Organizing & utilizing my resources to their greatest efficiency...                                     (watch the ppt        hear the lesson        read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 19 ~ Orderliness lesson 2... "You mean, first impressions really ARE important?"

               What is orderliness? Maintaining cleanliness and good grooming...                                                                        (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 20 ~ Orderliness lesson 3... "Taking inventory~to keep or not to keep; that is the question..."

               What is orderliness? Removing items that could hinder achievement...                                                                   (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 21 ~ Orderliness lesson 4... "Every place has a reason, every reason a place..."

               What is orderliness?  Providing specific areas for different functions...                                                                    (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

 

On Living with Initiative            (see an overview video from The Character Doctor...) 

Thoughts on Lesson 22 ~ Initiative lesson 1... "Oh cool! Another neat thing to know how to do!"

               What is initiative?   Expanding my world by exploring new areas of interest...                                                      (watch the ppt        hear the lesson        read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 23 ~ Initiative lesson 2... "Let me help you here; I have an idea..."

               What is initiative?  Taking the lead to relieve pressure on those around me...                                                       (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 24 ~ Initiative lesson 3... "I'm on it, no, really, I have this..."

               What is initiative?  Acting with an assurance of the outcome...                                                                                 (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 25 ~ Initiative lesson 4... "Alright, let's think about this and find the best way..."

               What is initiative?  Responding quickly and wisely to dangerous situations...                                                        (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)  

 

Living with Decisiveness (Lesson 26~An Overview... watch the ppt    hear the lesson   read the takeaway     presentation by Matt Stauver on the decisive choices a church must consider)

Thoughts on Lesson 27 ~ Decisiveness lesson 1... "Uh, no... I've already made my choice..."

               What is decisiveness?   Refusing to reconsider a decision which I know is right...                                                  (watch the ppt        hear the lesson        read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 28 ~ Decisiveness lesson 2... "I do not want the wrong path. so I choose to read the map first..."

               What is decisiveness?  Making present commitments to avoid future failures                                                       (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 29 ~ Decisiveness lesson 3... "I'm focused on getting it right..."

               What is decisiveness?  Devoting all my energies to a right course of action                                                             (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 30 ~ Decisiveness lesson 4... "Immediate, efficient, wise... and now!"

               What is decisiveness?  Evaluating courses of action quickly and accurately...                                                          (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)  

 

On Being Flexible (Lesson 31~An Overview...Flexibility vs Resistance "...be subject one to another... clothed with humility" (watch the ppt    hear the lesson   read the takeaway)   

Thoughts on Lesson 32 ~ Flexibility lesson 1... "If I read you right, you'd like us to .."

               What is flexibility?   Sensing & adapting to the wishes of the one I serve...                                                             (watch the ppt        hear the lesson        read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 33 ~ Flexibility lesson 2... "I think my best choice right now is..."

               What is flexibility?  Conserving my time & energy to complete my priorities...                                                       (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 34 ~ Flexibility lesson 3... "If it goes this way, then we can...and plans B and C would allow us to..."

               What is flexibility?  Remaining free to accept the best course of action...                                                                 (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 35 ~ Flexibility lesson 4... "Stop, think, consider my options... and head this way!"

               What is flexibility?  Changing plans when unexpected conditions require it...                                                         (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)  

 

On Being Alert (Lesson 36~An Overview...Alertness vs Carelessness "And Jesus increased in wisdom & stature..." Lk 2:52 (watch the ppt        hear the lesson        read the takeaway)   

Thoughts on Lesson 37 ~ Alertness lesson 1... "Keep your eyes open, bro .."

               What is Alertness?   Recognizing opportunites & dangers which others overlook...                                              (watch the ppt        hear the lesson        read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 38 ~ Alertness lesson 2... "Move!"

               What is Alertness?  Acting quickly on danger signals...                                                                                                (watch the ppt        hear the lesson        read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 39 ~ Alertness lesson 3... "Look for the clues, especially from ill-wishers..."

               What is Alertness?  Anticipating the actions of those who seek to harm us...                                                          (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 40 ~ Alertness lesson 4... "Picture the possibilities, especially the lurking dangers..."

               What is Alertness?  Visualizing the consequences of subtle dangers.                                                                      (watch the ppt        hear the lesson       read the takaway)  

 

On Being Available (Lesson 41~An Overview...Availability vs. Self-centeredness "For I have no man likeminded" Philippians 2:20 (watch the ppt     hear the lesson    read the takeaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 42 ~ Availability lesson 1... "Gather around, family; let's see what we need .."

               What is Availability?  First serving my family, before I consider other wants or needs....                                      (watch the ppt        hear the lesson         read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 43 ~ Availability lesson 2... "I will not go for the shiny stuff!"

               What is Availability?  Refusing to be deterred by deceptive distractions....                                                             (watch the ppt       hear the lesson         read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 44 ~ Availability lesson 3... "Does this opportunity fit with the service needed?"

               What is Availability?  Rejecting ambitions that hinder us from being where we are needed...                            (watch the ppt      hear the lesson          read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 45 ~ Availability lesson 4... "Quitters never win, and winners never quit..."

               What is Availability?  Standing by a task until it is fully completed...                                                                          (watch the ppt      hear the lesson         read the takaway)

 

On Endurance   (Lesson 46~An Overview...Endurance vs. Discouragement/giving up)  " For you have need of endurance, so that       (watch the ppt       hear the lesson         read the takaway)

                when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised."   Hebrews 10:36                Experiencing the power of God’s love by rejoicing in trials and tribulation                               

Thoughts on Lesson 47 ~ Endurance  lesson 1... "Let's not do that~we have folks that this may harm..."     (watch the ppt       hear the lesson         read the takaway)

               What is Endurance?  Setting aside privileges which weaken me or others....                                                                         

Thoughts on Lesson 48 ~ Endurance  lesson 2... "Never, never, never give up." W. Churchill                            (watch the ppt       hear the lesson         read the takaway)

               What is Endurance?  Maintaining commitment to a goal in times of stress....                                                              

Thoughts on Lesson 49 ~ Endurance  lesson 3... "Teamwork and One Voice when a matter is decided"        (watch the ppt       hear the lesson         read the takaway)

               What is Endurance? Uniting with other like minded people to withstand destructive influences...                     

Thoughts on Lesson 50 ~ Endurance  lesson 4... "Know your tools & use them effectively..."                            (watch the ppt       hear the lesson         read the takaway)

               What is Endurance?  Knowing how and when to use the resources available to me...     (note: we had many sound problems, but with patience, you can listen to the lesson)

 

On Joy   (Lesson 51~An Overview...Joy vs. Self-pity)  Keeping that bright spirit & radiant countenance which comes from full fellowship with the Lord, even when faced                with unpleasant conditions .     Hebrews 12:2   Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,

           despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.                                                              (watch the ppt     hear the lesson    read the takeaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 52 ~ Joyfulness lesson 1... "Rain or shine, keep your chin up & don't be afraid to share love, comfort, & joy with others."

             What is Joyfulness?  First serving my family, before I consider other wants or needs...Providing brightness in the lives of others regardless of outward

                       conditions        2 Corinthians 1:3-4                                                                                                                     (watch the ppt       hear the lesson         read the takaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 53 ~ Joyfulness lesson 2.."Cut out the practical jokes & gossip, & stop with the assassination around the water cooler

                                                     already!"                   2 Corinthians 1:12                                                                                                         (watch the ppt         hear the lesson       read the takaway)        

              What is Joyfulness?  Refusing to enjoy anything which harms the person or reputation of another                

Thoughts on Lesson 54 ~ Joyfulness lesson 3... "Living cheerfully despite physical limitations"                      (watch the ppt      hear the lesson          read the takaway) 

               What is Joyfulness?  Be an energy giver!!  (Stop lookin' at chur bellybutton...  :-)    2 Corinthians 12:9-10                                                      

Thoughts on Lesson 55 ~ Joyfulness lesson 4... "Knowing, and being, where God intends me to be."            (watch the ppt      hear the lesson          read the takaway)

               What is Joyfulness?  Eyes up! Set your sights on something larger than just you!    John 15:10-11   

 

On Hospitality     ( Lesson 56 ~ An Overview... Hospitality vs. Unfriendliness)                                                                    (watch the ppt     hear the lesson    read the takeaway)

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, & friendship, using what God has given us so we might demonstrate to others His love for them.       John 14:2-3  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also        

Thoughts on Lesson 57 ~ Hospitality lesson 1...  "Do you have everything you need?"                                       (watch the ppt    hear the lesson    read the takeaway)

              What is Hospitality? Making sure that the environment is suitable for those whom we serve.   

              Hebrews 13:1-2  Let brotherly love continue.  Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 

Thoughts on Lesson 58 ~ Hospitality lesson 2... "I appreciate you letting us use this much of your time..."  (watch the ppt    hear the lesson    read the takeaway)

              What is Hospitality? Knowing how long a visit should last.                                                                                        addtional reading: Overstaying Our Welcome, Brian Olson

              Proverbs 25:17  Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, & so hate thee.                          Rereading Judges 19, Claude Mariottini

Thoughts on Lesson 59 ~ Hospitality lesson 3... "Wow! So much to do and learn!"                                                 (watch the ppt    hear the lesson     read the takeaway)

              What is Hospitality? Providing an atmosphere which contributes to growth.

              Proverbs 15:17  Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

Thoughts on Lesson 60 ~ Hospitality lesson 4... "Let's pool our ideas & resources & see if we can work things out..."  (ppt    lesson audio    read the takeaway)

              What is Hospitality? Providing leadership for a peaceful, harmonious surrounding.  

              Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 

 

On Generosity  (Lesson 61 ~ An Overview... Generosity vs. Stinginess)                                                                                  (watch the ppt     hear the lesson    read the takeaway)

Demonstrating the nature of God by wisely reinvesting the resources that He has entrusted to me and carefully managing my resources so I can freely give to those in need.          John 15:13; 3:16   Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  God so loved…that he gave…"     

Thoughts on Lesson 61 ~ Generosity lesson 1...  Giving  a gift that is cherished by the receiver & the giver.    (watch the ppt    hear the lesson    read the takeaway)

              Proverbs 18:24  A man who hath friends must show himself friendly; and there is a friend who sticketh closer than a brother. 

              Another Way to Say It: Be other minded & treat them as you’d like to be treated.  

Thoughts on Lesson 62 ~ Generosity lesson 2... Withholding a gift that would hurt the one who might receive it. (the ppt    hear the lesson    read the takeaway)

             1 Timothy 6:9   But they that will be rich fall into temptation & a snare, & into many foolish & hurtful lusts, which  drown men in destruction & perdition.  

             Another Way to Say It (an old fashioned warning): Be careful what you ask for…

Thoughts on Lesson 63 ~ Generosity lesson 3... Giving a gift which requires personal sacrifice.                       (watch the ppt    hear the lesson     read the takeaway)

             2 Samuel 24:24    ...Neither will I offer … unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.

             Another Way to Say It:  

Thoughts on Lesson 64 ~ Generosity lesson 4... Giving the right amount at the right time.                                (watch the ppt    hear the  lesson     read the takeaway)

             Galatians 6:10  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.  

             Another Way to Say It:  Do what you can when you can…

 

On Cautiousness  (Lesson 65 ~ An Overview... Cautiousness vs Rashness)                                                                        (watch the ppt     hear the lesson    read the takeaway)

Knowing the importance of right timing in accomplishing right actions.   Proverbs 19:2  Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good;  and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

Thoughts on Lesson 66 ~ Cautiousness lesson 1... Living within the protection of my God-given resources.

               2 Cor. 10:13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule         (watch the ppt     hear the lesson    read the takeaway)

                which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 

Thoughts on Lesson 67 ~ Cautiousness lesson 2... Realizing my greatest ability is also the point of my greatest vulnerability

               1 Cor 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.                                                        (watch the ppt     hear the lesson    read the takeaway)

Thoughts on Lesson 68 ~ Cautiousness lesson 3... Remembering that greed crouches at the door of every heart.  (watch the ppt   hear the lesson  read the takeaway)

               Luke 12:15  And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.    Thoughts on Lesson 69 ~ Cautiousness lesson 4... Recognizing that the majority is often wrong.                      (watch the ppt   hear the lesson  read the takeaway)

               Matthew 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in

               thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.