You’re doing all the right things - reading your Bible, going to church, being generous with your finances - but you feel spiritually dead inside. What’s wrong? Chip shares how to break the spiritual activity trap and begin experiencing the peace and power you’re longing for.

To what degree have you taken specific steps in the following areas? (1=none; 2=little; 3=started & doing okay; 4=making good progress; 5=vigorously pursuing)

• Objectives: Moving from vague ideas to specific decisions about the kind of person I want to become and what I want to accomplish.
• Priorities: Ordering my life in such a way that the important and eternal are not forfeited by the "pressing" and the "urgent."
• Schedule: Determining specifically how and when I will place the important and eternal in my daily life.
• Discipline: Doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.
• Accountability: Enlisting the support of those who love me to help me keep my commitments to God.

Jesus' Warning #1: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is the danger of DISTORTION.

Application of Matthew 5:20 to...

• Murder –5:21-26
• Adultery –5:27-30
• Divorce –5:31-32
• Oaths –5:33-37
• Retribution –5:38-41
• Enemies –5:43-48

Jesus' Warning #2: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is also the danger of DECEPTION. -Matthew 6:1-18

• Giving: Key Issue = MOTIVE -Matthew 6:1-4
• Prayer: Key Issue = DISCERNMENT -Matthew 6:5-8
• Fasting: Key Issue = PERSPECTIVE -Matthew 6:16-18

Application: SECRECY is God's method of keeping our motives pure.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

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In this message, Chip reveals the danger of becoming too disciplined in both your personal and spiritual life. He shares how to recognize the warning signs of an out-of-balance spiritual life.

To what degree have you taken specific steps in the following areas? (1=none; 2=little; 3=started & doing okay; 4=making good progress; 5=vigorously pursuing)

• Objectives: Moving from vague ideas to specific decisions about the kind of person I want to become and what I want to accomplish.
• Priorities: Ordering my life in such a way that the important and eternal are not forfeited by the "pressing" and the "urgent."
• Schedule: Determining specifically how and when I will place the important and eternal in my daily life.
• Discipline: Doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.
• Accountability: Enlisting the support of those who love me to help me keep my commitments to God.

Jesus' Warning #1: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is the danger of DISTORTION.

Application of Matthew 5:20 to...

• Murder –5:21-26
• Adultery –5:27-30
• Divorce –5:31-32
• Oaths –5:33-37
• Retribution –5:38-41
• Enemies –5:43-48

Jesus' Warning #2: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is also the danger of DECEPTION. -Matthew 6:1-18

• Giving: Key Issue = MOTIVE -Matthew 6:1-4
• Prayer: Key Issue = DISCERNMENT -Matthew 6:5-8
• Fasting: Key Issue = PERSPECTIVE -Matthew 6:16-18

Application: SECRECY is God's method of keeping our motives pure.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

Setting priorities, putting first things first is important. The question is how do you keep those priorities in place? Chip explores the essential elements that must be in place in order for you to be able to keep your priorities in line over the long haul.

The Problem: Many start well, but few finish well.

The Answer: Biblical Accountability

• Definition: Biblical Accountability is enlisting the support of those who love me to help me keep my commitments to God.
• Its Power: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

The Need: Why accountability is essential for spiritual success

Five Reasons:

1. Because we never outgrow the need for PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY. -1 Corinthians 9:34-27
2. Because past successes are no guarantee of FUTURE FAITHFULNESS. -1 Corinthians 10:1-5
3. Because we constantly underestimate the power of our own SINFUL PASSIONS. -1 Corinthians 10:6-11
4. Because we constantly overestimate our ability to handle TEMPTATION. -1 Corinthians 10:12
5. Because we naively believe our struggles and temptations are UNIQUE. -1 Corinthians 10:13

Summary: "Therefore, my beloved, flee from IDOLATRY!” -1 Corinthians 10:14

The Means: “How to” develop accountability in relationships:

• It begins at HOME.
• In an atmosphere of LOVE.
• It must be voluntary and by PERMISSION.
• It must be SPECIFIC, not generic.
• It must be REGULAR, not sporadic.
• No more than 4 PEOPLE.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

Whatever happened with those New Year’s resolutions? Still working out? Still on that diet program? Well, getting started is one thing, but soon the real question is: “How do you keep it going?” Join Chip and find out how to keep first things first.

The Problem: Many start well, but few finish well.

The Answer: Biblical Accountability

• Definition: Biblical Accountability is enlisting the support of those who love me to help me keep my commitments to God.
• Its Power: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

The Need: Why accountability is essential for spiritual success

Five Reasons:

1. Because we never outgrow the need for PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY. -1 Corinthians 9:34-27
2. Because past successes are no guarantee of FUTURE FAITHFULNESS. -1 Corinthians 10:1-5
3. Because we constantly underestimate the power of our own SINFUL PASSIONS. -1 Corinthians 10:6-11
4. Because we constantly overestimate our ability to handle TEMPTATION. -1 Corinthians 10:12
5. Because we naively believe our struggles and temptations are UNIQUE. -1 Corinthians 10:13

Summary: "Therefore, my beloved, flee from IDOLATRY!” -1 Corinthians 10:14

The Means: “How to” develop accountability in relationships:

• It begins at HOME.
• In an atmosphere of LOVE.
• It must be voluntary and by PERMISSION.
• It must be SPECIFIC, not generic.
• It must be REGULAR, not sporadic.
• No more than 4 PEOPLE.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

There are three words that can liberate you from the tyranny of the urgent. Three words that can help you regain control of your life. Three words that will reduce your stress and increase your joy. Join Chip to find out what those three words are.

Three reasons why most of us live with two sets of priorities:

1. We are DECEIVED. We honestly don't see the discrepancy between what we think and say, and how we actually live.
2. We are AFRAID. Though we long to put "first things first," we simply do not believe that God will supply our needs if we give Him the first portion of our time, our lives, and our money.
3. We have FAILED repeatedly. Our sincere and honest efforts to put "first things first" in the past lasted only a short time and ended with frustration and disillusionment with ourselves.

So, what’s the “Missing Ingredient” to living out our priorities?

• It's a RARELY USED word.
• It's a FRUIT of the Spirit.
• It comes to us by GRACE.
• We ADMIRE it in others.
• It's ESSENTIAL for putting "first things first."

The Word = DISCIPLINE / SELF CONTROL

Definition: Discipline is doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.

The Dynamics of Biblical Discipline Can Be Summed Up in 2 Words:

• DELAYED GRATIFICATION - Hebrews 12:11

The Method of Developing Biblical Discipline Can Be Summed Up in 3 Words:

• ADVANCED DECISION-MAKING - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

How Does It Work?

1. Advanced Decision Making begins with CLEAR–CUT OBJECTIVES.
2. Advanced Decision Making is reinforced by REWARDING ALONG the WAY.
3. Advanced Decision Making becomes a personal conviction when you PONDER the CONSEQUENCES.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

Is your “to-do” list too long? Do you have too many people wanting your attention? If you’re struggling to keep all the balls in the air, join Chip as he shares how you can put first things first.

Three reasons why most of us live with two sets of priorities:

1. We are DECEIVED. We honestly don't see the discrepancy between what we think and say, and how we actually live.
2. We are AFRAID. Though we long to put "first things first," we simply do not believe that God will supply our needs if we give Him the first portion of our time, our lives, and our money.
3. We have FAILED repeatedly. Our sincere and honest efforts to put "first things first" in the past lasted only a short time and ended with frustration and disillusionment with ourselves.

So, what’s the “Missing Ingredient” to living out our priorities?

• It's a RARELY USED word.
• It's a FRUIT of the Spirit.
• It comes to us by GRACE.
• We ADMIRE it in others.
• It's ESSENTIAL for putting "first things first."

The Word = DISCIPLINE / SELF CONTROL

Definition: Discipline is doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.

The Dynamics of Biblical Discipline Can Be Summed Up in 2 Words:

• DELAYED GRATIFICATION - Hebrews 12:11

The Method of Developing Biblical Discipline Can Be Summed Up in 3 Words:

• ADVANCED DECISION-MAKING - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

How Does It Work?

1. Advanced Decision Making begins with CLEAR–CUT OBJECTIVES.
2. Advanced Decision Making is reinforced by REWARDING ALONG the WAY.
3. Advanced Decision Making becomes a personal conviction when you PONDER the CONSEQUENCES.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

Feeling overwhelmed? Need a dose of peace and a renewed sense of God’s power? Join Chip and discover how you can experience God’s peace and power like never before.

Six symptoms of misplaced priorities:

1. BUSYNESS - The Activity Trap.
2. UNDUE stress and pressure.
3. Low grade NAGGING GUILT.
4. FINANCIAL debt.
5. PRAYER-LESSNESS - "Leakage” in your devotional life.
6. ESCAPISM behavior.

Two words hold the keys to enjoying the peace and power of a prioritized life:

1. Your TIME - Psalm 90:10-12; Ephesians 5:15-17
2. Your MONEY - Proverbs 3:9-10

Application: Four Commitments

1. GIVE the first portion of each paycheck to God.
2. PAY your bills next.
3. LIVE on the rest.
4. GET OUT of debt.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

Would you like to make this the best year of your life, no matter what happens with the economy, on your job, or even your health? It is possible! Chip explores how to balance the demands of life and prioritize the activities and relationships that matter most to you.

Six symptoms of misplaced priorities:

1. BUSYNESS - The Activity Trap.
2. UNDUE stress and pressure.
3. Low grade NAGGING GUILT.
4. FINANCIAL debt.
5. PRAYER-LESSNESS - "Leakage” in your devotional life.
6. ESCAPISM behavior.

Two words hold the keys to enjoying the peace and power of a prioritized life:

1. Your TIME - Psalm 90:10-12; Ephesians 5:15-17
2. Your MONEY - Proverbs 3:9-10

Application: Four Commitments

1. GIVE the first portion of each paycheck to God.
2. PAY your bills next.
3. LIVE on the rest.
4. GET OUT of debt.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003