Running To Win on Oneplace.com

What do you do when life is hard and options are few? In this message, Dr. Lutzer takes us to the Old Testament story of a man who had it all, and then lost it all. Through his life we learn about Finding God in Your Desert.

A thirsty woman once came to Jacobs well. There she met a man who told her she had a deeper thirst than her need for water. In John 4 Jesus teaches a Samaritan woman, and us, about how we can have living water.

The Bible tells us to love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds. In John 4 we meet a woman with a difficult past, a woman who finds a very positive future through Jesus. Its all wrapped up in becoming a worshipper.

When we hear the words of Jesus on our motivations, we realize that we must let in the light to scatter the darkness from our lives. Our hearts and our actions will be changed forever as we receive Jesus words in Matthew 6.

Surgery is no fun, but it can be necessary and crucial. Spiritual surgery is the same: it isnt enjoyable, but it is rewarding. We must evaluate our inner motivations, in order that our attitudes might be improved as we serve the Lord.

Good deeds can be seen, but motivations cant. Why we behave the way we do is a key part of Christs teaching in Matthew 6. Are we laboring for the praise of men? Our Lord wants our works to done with Him in mind.

For some Christians, fasting is completely foreign, and it seems pointless and fruitless. Yet, in Matthew 6, Christ assumed that we all would fast. We need to understand the obligations and benefits of fasting. Are we neglecting some great spiritual rewards?

To forego eating for a time has some known health benefits. But for the Christian, fasting has spiritual benefits as well. But why exactly should we fast, and how should we do it?

Most of us enjoy eating. But there are times in a Christians life when eating should be set aside. We need to remember the importance of Christs teaching on the benefits of fasting.

Many of us say grace together before eating a meal. Prayer is the vehicle that takes our thanks before Gods throne. Jesus also taught us to pray in secret, that we might one day be rewarded openly.

In the Lords Prayer, Jesus showed us how to pray, and there is depth and breadth of meaning latent in these sacred words. These beautiful lines train us in the way we should approach God with our petitions.

Some Christians wonder if God listens when they pray. Jesus taught that the Father listens and even knows what we need before we ask. But this raises the question: why should we pray at all?

In the race of life, success with God depends on time spent with Him in secret. This means setting aside regular time for the discipline of prayer. For many, prayer is something mysterious, especially private prayer, but it shouldnt be.

God wants believers to give their money in secret, so only He knows who did what. Then we cant flaunt our donations as badges of honor. We must give first and foremost to please God, and not ourselves.

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. God wants to break moneys stranglehold on our hearts, and the key is giving in secret. We must pursue right motives and methods to do just that.