30-Day Bible Study Book

By George Blacken

Learn how to use the Bible to make your life better! "30-Day Bible Study Book" contains thirty bible study lessons that provide further insight on understanding how to use the Bible, scriptural interpretation, salvation, deliverance, prayer, healing, finances, spiritual authority, spiritual gifts, purpose, relationships, stress management, success, end times, dispensations, covenants, ages, witnessing, discipleship, and more!

These accessible lessons help you apply the Bible to situations we face every day. Notes pages are included with each lesson so you can reflect. Discover biblical principles that will supply you with strategies, tactics, and adjustments for both spiritual and earthly successes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9780998963075

Book preview

Copyright © 2020 by George Allen Blacken

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the author, except for brief quotations used in reviews and critiques.

Printed in the United States of America

Published by Apostolic Pentecostal Alliance Books LLC, Ohio

www.apabooksllc.com

The Apostolic Pentecostal Alliance Books LLC name, logo, and colophon are the trademarks of Apostolic Pentecostal Alliance Books LLC.

ISBN: 978-0-9989630-6-8 (Printed Edition)

ISBN: 978-0-9989630-7-5 (Electronic Book Edition)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020909883

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Blacken, George Allen, author.

Title: 30-day bible study book / by George Allen Blacken.

Description: Barberton, OH : Apostolic Pentecostal Alliance Books, 2020.

Identifiers: LCCN 2020909883 (print) | ISBN 978-0-9989630-6-8 (paperback) | ISBN 978-0-9989630-7-5

(ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Bible—Study and teaching. | Bible—Theology. | Bible—Inspiration. | Faith development. |

Christian life. | BISAC: RELIGION / Biblical Studies / Bible Study Guides. | RELIGION / Christian

Living / Spiritual Growth. | RELIGION / Christianity / Pentecostal & Charismatic. | RELIGION /

Christian Theology / General.

Classification: LCC BV4501.2 .B63 2020 (print) | LCC BV4501.2 (ebook) | DDC 220.6—dc23.

All glory and honor belong to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! This book is also dedicated to my wife, mother, brother, children, and all others who have been there for me. Thank you again Holy Temple Cross Ministries Inc. family for participating when I taught the early versions of several of these bible study lessons! I love all of you!

Contents

Introduction

Lesson One: The Creation and Fall of Man

Lesson Two: Why People Fail

Lesson Three: What Happens When You Die

Lesson Four: Why Spiritual Rebirth

Lesson Five: The Inspired Word of God

Lesson Six: Interpreting Scripture Basics

Lesson Seven: Ages and Dispensations

Lesson Eight: Covenants

Lesson Nine: Hearing the Voice of God

Lesson Ten: Effective Faith

Lesson Eleven: Prayer and Fasting

Lesson Twelve: Spiritual Authority and Boundaries of Power

Lesson Thirteen: Spiritual Gifts Overview

Lesson Fourteen: Divine Healing

Lesson Fifteen: Spiritual Authority and Finances

Lesson Sixteen: Discovering Your Purpose

Lesson Seventeen: Overcoming Obstacles to Your Purpose

Lesson Eighteen: Effective Mentorship

Lesson Nineteen: Witnessing Basics

Lesson Twenty: Discipleship Basics

Lesson Twenty-One: Prophetic Word from God

Lesson Twenty-Two: Effective Praise and Worship

Lesson Twenty-Three: Stress Management

Lesson Twenty-Four: Finding a Soulmate

Lesson Twenty-Five: Marriage Discussion

Lesson Twenty-Six: Present Age Prophecies

Lesson Twenty-Seven: Tribulation Prophecies

Lesson Twenty-Eight: Second Coming of Jesus Christ Prophecies

Lesson Twenty-Nine: Prophecies of the Millennium

Lesson Thirty: Prophecies of the Eternal State

About the Author

Also Available from Apostolic Pentecostal Alliance Books LLC

Introduction

Thank you for putting this collection of bible study lessons in your hands, on your lap, or on display in an accessible area. Every minute of your time is precious. Time is the only currency that cannot be replenished once spent, and it is definitely of limited supply. There are thirty lessons contained within this collection of bible study lessons. Whether you study these lessons within thirty days, thirty weeks, or a shorter duration of time, if you are willing to read, meditate on, and apply all of these lessons, something has to change within you or the situations surrounding you. The investments made from these lessons offer you a high rate of return in matters concerning your life.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. – Joshua 1:8

There are answers to many, if not all, of our questions in the Bible. Oftentimes, the Bible has been made inaccessible to many. There are words being read, but not understood. There are sermons being preached, but are not relevant to your needs. There is a growing number of cheers for shouted lies trying to drown out the amens for spoken truth. I am not even trying to insinuate that I know it all. The Lord motivated me to minister to you by simply sharing with you what He has taught me over the years.

Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. – John 16:13

With the purest of intentions, everything in this collection of bible study lessons is being presented with truth in love. There is great joy rising up inside of me knowing that whoever fully applies what is in this collection shall have an abundant life in this lifetime and the eternity to come. May what is revealed inside be a great blessing to you, your household, your relatives, your friends, and all of your future generations. I celebrate what the Lord is doing in your life. At God’s appointed time, I will be moving on to my final reward. Along the way, it feels good that I obeyed the Lord, sharing the truth with you, helping you fulfill your true destiny. With God, all things are possible! Be encouraged in the Lord always.

Pastor George Allen Blacken,

Publisher and Author

Lesson One: The Creation and Fall of Man

Focus Thought: Mankind’s origin and fall require our creator, God, to deliver us. God came in the form of Jesus Christ to save us from the curses we inherited from our common ancestor, Adam.

Primary Lesson Objectives:

Review mankind’s origin and triune nature.

Familiarize everyone with the three realms.

Recap the rise and fall of mankind.

Reveal several of the curses mankind inherited from Adam, especially those pertaining to power and authority.

Introduction

Why God? To some, this is a pointed question. Others would rephrase the question, Why not God? Are we talking about why we need God or looking for answers on why God has done or allowed something to either happen or not happen? To have any chance of attempting a response for the latter question, we must first focus on addressing the prior question pertaining to why we need God.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

In the Beginning

You are a created being, not a fabricated evolutionary bi-product whose missing link can never be substantiated. You are a spirit with a soul in a physical body created by God in His image for a specific purpose. Your purpose is the reason for your existence.

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. – Genesis 2:7

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. – Genesis 1:27

Mankind can only create something new by modifying material that already exists. We can either help preserve life or take life, but cannot create life. Yes, the birth of a child requires a supernatural encounter to bring that which is naturally conceived to life. It takes God to breath in you and make you a living soul.

No matter how someone arrives on this Earth, your birth is not a mistake. You were called by God from the very beginning for a specific purpose.

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. – Jeremiah 1:5

No, not everyone is called to prophesy or preach, but all are called to serve God to help mankind in some strategic or tactical way.

Discussion Question: Do you know your purpose? Who can help you discover your purpose?

The Triune Man and the Three Realms

To help set the stage for further discussion of this lesson and future lessons, we must understand that a realm is a domain where things happen. There are three domains that pertain to us including: 1) Spiritual Realm, 2) Mental Realm, and 3) Physical Realm. The Spiritual Realm is normally not detected by the human senses, but yet has the greatest influence on the other realms. In spite of appearances, nothing randomly happens in the Physical Realm. Everything that happens in the Physical Realm is initiated by the Spiritual Realm. Our physical senses alone are not designed to perceive what is in the Spiritual Realm.

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. – II Corinthians 4:18

There are barriers limiting communication and other interactions between the three realms. Still, God blesses us with proof of the invisible things through visible things.

For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse – Romans 1:20

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. – Hebrews 11:3

Even the scientific inconsistencies of the traditional Big Bang Theory require a greater leap of faith. Who do you trust more, your creator or man?

The Spiritual Realm consists of spiritual beings and locations such as God and His angels which reside in Heaven, Satan and his demonic forces, those we have declared as physically dead (both good and evil), Hell, Lake of Fire, and every supernatural force and mystical influence in existence which is derived from either God or Satan. The Mental Realm pertains to our minds, dreams, and the psychological elements influenced by the other realms. The Physical Realm consists of the material things, people, and locations we can communicate and interact with through our physical senses.

Review Question 1: What are the three realms that we interface with and how do they differ?

Since we are made in the image of God, we consist of three components: 1) Body, 2) Soul, and 3) Spirit.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. - I Thessalonians 5:23

Yes, a man or woman is a triune being, but yet one person. God reminded the nation of Israel about His oneness as well.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord - Deuteronomy 6:4

Let us look at the complete man or woman including:

The Body – This is your material component. You use your body to interact with the Physical Realm, the earth. Because of your body, you, through your physical senses of hearing, sight, smell, touch, taste, and equilibrium have world consciousness. Feeling is the voice of the body. Until the time that you leave this earth, your body serves as a temple in which your soul and spirit dwell in.

Soul – This is one of your non-material components. The soul is not your life force, but includes your imagination, memories, reasoning, and affections. Your soul is your mind. The soul links your body and spirit. Your soul gives you self-consciousness. Reason is the voice of the soul or mind.

Spirit - This is your primary non-material component. The spirit is your life force. This is the life force that God places in your soul, as mentioned in Genesis 2:7. Your spirit is who you are (also your heart) and makes you capable of God-consciousness and communication with God. Your spirit is your link to the Spiritual Realm. Conscience is the voice of the spirit. Your will is also part of your heart.

In review, you are a spirit with a soul in a body.

Review Question 2: How is a person a triune being? What are the differences between the three components of a person?

Authority Gained and Lost

To better understand the fall of man, which originated with Adam, the terms power, authority, and ability must be defined. Power is the authority or opportunity to make decisions or change the outcome of a situation. Authority is delegated power. Power makes things happen. Ability is the right combination of understanding and skill to accomplish what you desire to do. God made Adam and Eve the most powerful beings on Earth, giving them full authority over Earth. They also had the necessary abilities to retain control over the earth with there not being the present barriers between the Spiritual, Mental, and Physical realms. God talked with them as people physically talked with and heard from each other.

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. - Genesis 1:27-30

In this perfect scenario, Adam and Eve only had one commandment, which was to not eat any fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, or else the consequence would be death as commanded by God Himself in Genesis 2:16-17.

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. - Genesis 2:16-17

God owned the Earth and made Adam the manager, but there was an intruder on the Earth, who would eventually make his presence known, Satan. When reading Genesis 1:6-8, it can be noticed that the second day of Earth’s creation is the only day of creation that the Lord did not call good.

And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. – Genesis 1:6-8

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience – Ephesians 2:2

During this second day of creation the sky was separated from the sea because previously, the whole Earth was filled with frozen water like something you would picture from an ice age. As described in Ephesians 2:2, Satan is the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. The Lord noticed Satan’s intrusion on the Earth when the second day of creation was completed. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and this led to multiple consequences in all three realms.

Review Question 1: What do power, authority, and ability mean?

Review Question 2: Why did God not call the second day of creation good?

Mankind Cursed Through Adam

Focusing on the power that was lost, such consequences included:

Losing power over evil. As shown when God confronted Adam and Eve in Genesis chapter 3, they picked up a new sinful nature not desiring the presence of God and accountability to His authority. As a result, we were all born as sinners with a nature wanting to disobey God.

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever: Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. – Genesis 3:6-23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God – Romans 3:23

Losing power over death. Adam sinned against God and all of mankind was given a double death sentence as a result, evidenced by physical death mankind experiences (sickness and decay are bi-products coming from the sin resulting in the pronounced death sentence) and eternal death, which God came in the form of Jesus to save us from.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. – Romans 6:23

Jesus came to save us from the second death sentence, eternal death. We are not saved from the physical death sentence because this flesh is corrupted from our ancestral connection with Adam and will always oppose the will of God and cannot be saved.

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. – Galatians 5:17

Losing power over Earth. Creation itself changed when Adam sinned. Adam no longer had dominion over Earth. The animal and plant kingdoms no longer instantly obeyed Adam and Eve, catering to their every need and whim. All Adam previously had to do was speak a word, but must now work for everything. Mankind and animals would overall form more of an adversarial relationship between each other and many men and women would conflict with each other more than complement each other as God intended. Instead of man being one with the earth, he lost his place in the world trying to once again subdue it through material means rather than the supernatural power previously given to him by God. Man would compete for resources more than sharing with each other, leading to continual poverty, violence, and other vices among the population. Further complicating matters, when Adam sinned against God, thus rejecting God’s authority, Adam gave authority of Earth over to the devil. The devil went from intruder to manager of the Earth as evidenced by the devil tempting Jesus with the kingdoms of the Earth if He would bow down to him during Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness.

Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto Him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve. - Matthew 4:8-10

Whatever contract Adam had on this earth will determine how long it will take for Satan’s presence to be completely removed from the earth. When this contract expires, the time will come for Satan’s presence to be completely removed from the earth. Satan’s demonic forces realize this.

And when He was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought Him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And He said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told everything, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. - Matthew 8:28-33

Losing power over evil spiritual forces. Adam’s sin also resulted in mankind being handicapped with there now being barriers placed between the Spiritual, Mental, and Physical realms that were previously not present. Adam lost connection with God and as a result, we are all naturally born with our spirit being in a dormant state, dead to the things of God, lacking the connection to the Spiritual Realm.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. - I Corinthians 2:14

Even with our spirit in a dormant state, God still speaks to our conscience, but only a few accept His invitation.

For many are called, but few are chosen. - Matthew 22:14

Without that spiritual connection with the Lord, we do not have the spiritual power needed to overcome the power of Satan and his demonic forces who work from the Spiritual Realm. We also need spiritual power to overcome people who are influenced by these same dark forces.

Review Question 1: What are some curses we inherited from our common ancestor, Adam? How can we be delivered from these curses?

Review Question 2: Why do followers of Jesus Christ still experience physical death?

Review Question 3: Why does Satan’s presence still remain on the Earth?

Conclusion

Why God? God came in the form of Jesus Christ to undo the curses mankind inherited from Adam. Who else can deliver us from our evil nature? Who else can take the second death sentence, eternal death away from us? Who else can sustain us on Earth and one day completely remove Satan’s presence all together? Who else can deliver us from demonic forces and give us power to subdue them? Why not God? Concerning why God does or allows things to happen to us and others, remember that what God does or allows either helps us with our purpose or is in response to our rejection of our purpose.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

Everything the thief, Satan, does is to oppose, distract, or discourage us from fulfilling our purpose. Without the Lord, you will not fulfill your purpose.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. – John 10:10

Bible Study Notes

Lesson Two: Why People Fail

Focus Thought: To better understand what causes failure in order to experience more success as a consitent, positive trend.

Primary Lesson Objectives:

Define success and failure.

Examine the primary reasons why people fail.

Share some examples of those who have failed in the Bible.

Discuss some consequences for failure.

Introduction

One of the struggles with overcoming failure is not defining or understanding what success is. The bottom line defintion is success being the achievement or attainment of a desired objective on terms that do not exceed the value of what has been accomplished. In other words, success is measured by what you have gained in comparison to what you have lost. This definition of success is derived from Mark 8:36-37.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? – Mark 8:36-37

This definition and scriptural passage do not mean that the Lord negates our earthly needs. On the contrary, our relationship and fellowship with the Lord will impact our health and natural prosperity.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. III John 2

Now, we must get to failure for the full perspective. Failure is the lack of ability, desire, opportunity, or execution leading to not meeting the accomplishment of a necessary objective. Failure is the opposite of success; you have lost more in comparison to what you have gained. Necessary is a key word because not all accomplishments desired are really good for us.

Review Question: What are success and failure?

Some Reasons Why People Fail

People typically fail for the four primary reasons.

Lack of Ability - Let us turn to Matthew 25:14-30.

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. – Matthew 25:14-30

We see from Matthew 25:14-30 from the parable of the talents, that the Lord has given everyone some form and measure of ability to accomplish specific things according to His will. We are also held accountable by our ability.

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. – Luke 12:48

Ability is having the right combination of understanding, skill, and instinct to accomplish a specific goal or objective. There are some abilities God gives us from the very beginning at natural birth, while there are others, He blesses us to learn over time through various experiences.

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. – Romans 11:29

For both cases, abilities need to be discovered through exposure of a variety of activities, interests, and venues and matured through the right instruction, discipline, and experiences to be effective.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. – II Timothy 2:15

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. - I Corinthians 9:24-27

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. - II Timothy 2:3-6

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way. – Psalm 37:23

For spiritual abilities or gifts, we need to be empowered by God’s spirit, who gives us specific callings.

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. – I Corinthians 12:11

Too many times, people have taken on challenges that they were not enlightened, equipped, or empowered to deal with, ultimately failing. It is important to faithfully work towards and continue in our true callings from God.

Lack of Desire - What you desire to do is what you truly want; it is what your heart treasures.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. – Matthew 6:21

Desire is primarily triggered by either: 1) Actively seeking to please our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, 2) A sincere desire to help someone with something, 3) Consequences (real or perceived) driving your decisions, 4) A discovered or acknowledged passion, or 5) Selfish desires.

Selfish desires are manifested through the lust of the eye, lust of the flesh, and pride of life.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. - I John 2:15-17

If desires are triggered the wrong way (e.g. fearing consequences of disobeying people more than consequences of disobeying God, evil passions, selfish desires, etc.) and such desires drive who you are and what you do, you will ultimately fail. Your self-destruction is assured.

A weaker desire cannot overcome opposition that is stronger. Whose will is greater, your will or another person’s will? How long will you allow a setback to keep you down? Have you fully submitted your will to God’s will? The only way to conquer the devil and all of the opposition he brings in your life is to fully submit, willfully obey God.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7

The growth or transformation of desires comes from the combination of the heart and mind. The heart is the soil that the mind cultivates. It takes God’s Holy Spirit to change your heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27) and daily fellowship with the Lord and a focus on the right things to conquer the daily battleground within your mind (Philippians 4:8-9).

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. - Ezekiel 36:26-27

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Those things, which ye