The Creed
The Most Powerful Name in History
July 13, 2025
Jesus!
Philippians 2:7-11 - [Jesus] made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead. On the third day, He rose again.
He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
What you call someone reveals how well you know them.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
Jesus Christ is Lord.
Mark 3:11 - Whenever the impure spirits saw [Jesus], they fell down before him and cried out, âYou are the Son of God.â
12 Verbs About Jesus From the Apostlesâ Creed
Conceived
Descended
Born
Rose
Suffered
Ascended
Crucified
Seated
Died
Come
Buried
Judge
Luke 6:46 - Why do you call me, âLord, Lord,â and do not do what I say?
Matthew 7:21-23 NLT - Not everyone who calls out to me, âLord! Lord!â will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, âLord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.â But I will reply, âI never knew you.'
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead. On the third day, He rose again.
He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
What you call someone reveals how well you know them.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
Jesus Christ is Lord.
Mark 3:11 - Whenever the impure spirits saw [Jesus], they fell down before him and cried out, âYou are the Son of God.â
12 Verbs About Jesus From the Apostlesâ Creed
Conceived
Descended
Born
Rose
Suffered
Ascended
Crucified
Seated
Died
Come
Buried
Judge
Luke 6:46 - Why do you call me, âLord, Lord,â and do not do what I say?
Matthew 7:21-23 NLT - Not everyone who calls out to me, âLord! Lord!â will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, âLord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.â But I will reply, âI never knew you.'
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
was born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day, He rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy universal Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
WORSHIP:
Song #1: Honey in the Rock: Rachel
Chorus 1:
There's honey in the rock, water in the stone
Manna on the ground, no matter where I go
I don't need to worry now that I know
Ev'rything I need You've got, there's honey in the rock
Verse 1:
Praying for a miracle, thirsty
for the living well, only you can satisfy
sweetness at the mercy seat, now I've tasted
It's not hard to see, only You can satisfy
Chorus 2:
There's honey in the rock, there's honey in the rock
There's honey in the rock, there's honey in the rock
Verse 2:
Freedom where the Spirit is
Bounty in the wilderness, You will always satisfy
Chorus 3:
There's honey in the rock, water in the stone
Manna on the ground, no matter where I go
I don't need to worry now that I know
Ev'rything I need You've got
There's honey in the rock, purpose in your plan
Power in the blood, healing in your hands
Started flowing when you said it is done
Ev'rything you did's enough
Bridge 1A
I keep looking, I keep finding, You keep giving, keep providing
I have all that I need, you are all that I need
I keep praying, You keep moving, I keep praising, You keep proving
I have all that I need, You are all that I need
Bridge 1B
I keep looking, I keep finding, You keep giving, keep providing
I have all that I need, you are all that I need
I keep praying, You keep moving, I keep praising, You keep proving
I have all that I need, You are all that I need
Tag:
I have all that I need, You are all that I need, yeah
Chorus 4:
There's honey in the rock, water in the stone
Manna on the ground, no matter where I go
I don't need to worry now that I know
Ev'rything I need You've got
There's honey in the rock, purpose in your plan
Power in the blood, healing in Your hands
Started flowing when you said it is done
Jesus, who You are is enough
Interlude:
There's honey in the rock, there's honey in the rock
There's honey in the rock
Ending:
Oh, how sweet, how sweet it is to trust in you, Jesus
Oh, how sweet, how sweet it is to trust in you, Jesus
Oh, how sweet, how sweet it is to trust in you, Jesus
Song #2: Nothing but the Blood: Derek
Verse 1:
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Chorus:
Oh, precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Verse 2:
For my pardon this I see
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
for my cleansing this my plea
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Verse 3:
Nothing can for sin atone
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Naught of good that I have done
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Verse 4:
This is all my hope and peace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Song #3: Thank you Jesus for the Blood: Dana
Verse 1:
I was a wretch, I remember who I was
I was lost I was blind, I was running out of time
Sin separated, the breach was far too wide
But from the far side of the chasm, You held me in Your sight
Verse 2:
So You made a way, across the great divide
Left behind Heaven's throne to build it here in side
There at the cross, You paid the debt I owed
Broke my chains freed my soul for the first time I had hope
Chorus:
Thank you Jesus for the blood applied
Thank you Jesus it has washed me white
Thank you Jesus you have saved my life
Brought me from the darkness into glorious light
Verse 3:
You took my place laid inside my tomb of sin
You were buried for three days but then You walked right out again
And now death has no sting and life has no end
For I have been transformed by the blood of the Lamb
Bridge:
There is nothing stronger than the wonder working power
Of the blood, the blood
That calls us sons and daughters we are ransomed by our Father
Through the blood, the blood
Through the blood, the blood
Ending:
Glory to His name
Glory to His name
There to my heart was the blood applied
Glory to His name.
Making Change
Tomorrow Matters
June 29, 2025
So difficult for so many to see that tomorrow matters!
76% are living paycheck to paycheck.
Tomorrow matters - change how you live today.
Proverbs 21:20 - The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
Proverbs 6:6-8 - Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
76% are living paycheck to paycheck.
Tomorrow matters - change how you live today.
Proverbs 21:20 - The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
Proverbs 6:6-8 - Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
Two Ways to Make Money
1. People making money
2. Money making money
Matthew 25:16 - The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more.
2. Money making money
Matthew 25:16 - The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more.
Investing Principles
1. Don't invest in things you don't understand
Proverbs 24:3-4 - By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
2. Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Ecclesiastes 11:2 - But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.
3. Don't try to get rich quick
1 Timothy 6:9 - Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
Proverbs 13:11 - Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Money + Consistency + Time = Wealth
Proverbs 24:3-4 - By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
2. Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Ecclesiastes 11:2 - But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.
3. Don't try to get rich quick
1 Timothy 6:9 - Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
Proverbs 13:11 - Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Money + Consistency + Time = Wealth
Making Change
Giving Is Good
June 22, 2025
Acts 20:35 NLT - You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
2 Corinthians 9:11 - You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Proverbs 11:24-25 MSG - The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed.
2 Corinthians 9:11 - You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Proverbs 11:24-25 MSG - The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed.
Grow in Generosity
1. Trust God with the Tithe
Leviticus 27:30 NLT - One tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD and must be set apart to him as holy.
Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,â says the LORD Almighty, âand see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Worship God with my first and my best - trust him to bless the rest!
Matthew 23:23 NLT - What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law - justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
2. Plan Your Generosity
Isaiah 32:8 NLT - But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.
3. Start Being Generous Now
Philemon 1:6 NLT - And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.
Leviticus 27:30 NLT - One tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD and must be set apart to him as holy.
Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,â says the LORD Almighty, âand see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Worship God with my first and my best - trust him to bless the rest!
Matthew 23:23 NLT - What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law - justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
2. Plan Your Generosity
Isaiah 32:8 NLT - But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.
3. Start Being Generous Now
Philemon 1:6 NLT - And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.
Making Change
Stress Is Bad
June 15, 2025
Proverbs 22:7 - The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Three Prayers to Pray When Getting Out of Debt
1. God, give me self-control
Proverbs 25:28 - Like a city whose walls are broken down is a person who lacks self-control.
Learn to say no for a little while so you can say yes for the rest of your life.
2. God, give me understanding
Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
3. God, give me a plan
Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Three Prayers to Pray When Getting Out of Debt
1. God, give me self-control
Proverbs 25:28 - Like a city whose walls are broken down is a person who lacks self-control.
Learn to say no for a little while so you can say yes for the rest of your life.
2. God, give me understanding
Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
3. God, give me a plan
Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Making Change
Less Is More
June 8, 2025
What you donât have is what you need!
Ecclesiastes 4:6 - Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
Less is More Living
Ecclesiastes 4:6 - Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
Less is More Living
- Cut back - life does not consist in the abundance of stuff
- Clear out - less is more
- Pay off - borrower is a servant to lender
Better a little nice stuff that you own - than a bunch of junk owns you!
The richest people are not those who have the most - need the least!
The richest people are not those who have the most - need the least!
Christian-ish
Where Christians Get It Wrong
June 1, 2025
John 15:5 - I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:8 - This is to my Fatherâs glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Matthew 7:16 - You will know them by their fruits.
Matthew 7:17 - Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
They wonât just know you by what you say, but by how you live.
Fruit of the Spirit - Fruit of the Flesh
Loving - Selfish
Joyful - Frustrated
Peaceful - Anxious
Patient - Impatient
Kind - Uncaring
Good - Bad
Faithful - Disloyal
Gentle - Harsh
Self-Controlled - Indulgent
Jesus didnât call us to dress up the flesh, but to crucify it.
How pleased do you think God is with the quality of your fruit?
How pleased do you think God is with the quantity of your fruit?
John 15:5 - I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Jesus is the Vine. You are the branch.
Jesus is the Vine. I am the branch.
John 15:4 - Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
Donât focus on production; focus on connection.
Galatians 5:25 - Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
John 15:8 - This is to my Fatherâs glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Matthew 7:16 - You will know them by their fruits.
Matthew 7:17 - Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
They wonât just know you by what you say, but by how you live.
Fruit of the Spirit - Fruit of the Flesh
Loving - Selfish
Joyful - Frustrated
Peaceful - Anxious
Patient - Impatient
Kind - Uncaring
Good - Bad
Faithful - Disloyal
Gentle - Harsh
Self-Controlled - Indulgent
Jesus didnât call us to dress up the flesh, but to crucify it.
How pleased do you think God is with the quality of your fruit?
How pleased do you think God is with the quantity of your fruit?
John 15:5 - I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Jesus is the Vine. You are the branch.
Jesus is the Vine. I am the branch.
John 15:4 - Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
Donât focus on production; focus on connection.
Galatians 5:25 - Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Christian-ish
When God Doesn't Do It
May 25, 2025
True faith is relational, not transactional - itâs about knowing and loving God for who He is, not just for what He does.
Transactional faith is a distorted belief that turns our relationship with God into a contract - believing that if we do our part, God is obligated to do His.
Transactional faith is a distorted belief that turns our relationship with God into a contract - believing that if we do our part, God is obligated to do His.
- Israelites - We trusted you. Why are we struggling? (Exodus 16:3)
- Jonah - I obeyed you. Why did you bless them? (Jonah 4:1-3)
- Martha - Lord, if youâd been here, my brother wouldnât have died. (John 11:21)
- Older brother - I did everything right. Whereâs my party? (Luke 15:29-30)
- Rich young ruler - I kept the rules. Why isnât that enough? (Matthew 19:16-22)
True faith is relational not transactional.
Itâs about knowing and loving God for who He is, not just for what He does.
A contract is transactional, temporary, and enforceable by law.
A covenant is relational, eternal, and sustained by love.
2 Timothy 2:13 - If we are faithless, [God] remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Psalm 63:1, 3, 6-8 - You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you... Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. On my bed I remember you⊠I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
Do I follow God because of what He does for me, or because of who He is?
Do I still trust God when He doesnât answer my prayer the way I want, or do I feel betrayed?
Do I serve God because I love Him, or because Iâm hoping for something in return?
If youâre doing Godâs will just to get Godâs stuff, youâre missing Godâs heart.
Matthew 6:33 - But seek first [Godâs] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Itâs about knowing and loving God for who He is, not just for what He does.
A contract is transactional, temporary, and enforceable by law.
A covenant is relational, eternal, and sustained by love.
2 Timothy 2:13 - If we are faithless, [God] remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Psalm 63:1, 3, 6-8 - You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you... Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. On my bed I remember you⊠I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
Do I follow God because of what He does for me, or because of who He is?
Do I still trust God when He doesnât answer my prayer the way I want, or do I feel betrayed?
Do I serve God because I love Him, or because Iâm hoping for something in return?
If youâre doing Godâs will just to get Godâs stuff, youâre missing Godâs heart.
Matthew 6:33 - But seek first [Godâs] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Christian-ish
A Faith That Puts God Second
May 18, 2025
A faith that puts God second reflects a divided heart where God is first in your words but not in your life.
Exodus 20:3 - You shall have no other gods before me.
1 John 5:21 - Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
Idolatry isn't just bowing to golden statues; it's putting anything before God.
God is a jealous God.
Exodus 34:14 - Do not worship any other god, for the Lord whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Exodus 20:5 - You shall not bow down to (idols/ or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God.
Deuteronomy 4:24 - For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
God's righteous, consuming, covenant-keeping jealousy that relentlessly pursues and protects his relationship with his people.
2 Corinthians 11:2 - I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy.
Psalm 16:4 - Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
Even good things become idols when they take God's place in your heart.
Does this lead me closer to God or distract me from God?
Do I rely on this more than God for my comfort, my identity or my worth?
If God asked me to give this up, would I give it up without hesitation?
What you resist the hardest often reveals what controls you the most.
You don't just remove the idol; you replace it.
Exodus 20:3 - You shall have no other gods before me.
1 John 5:21 - Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
Idolatry isn't just bowing to golden statues; it's putting anything before God.
God is a jealous God.
Exodus 34:14 - Do not worship any other god, for the Lord whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Exodus 20:5 - You shall not bow down to (idols/ or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God.
Deuteronomy 4:24 - For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
God's righteous, consuming, covenant-keeping jealousy that relentlessly pursues and protects his relationship with his people.
2 Corinthians 11:2 - I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy.
Psalm 16:4 - Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
Even good things become idols when they take God's place in your heart.
Does this lead me closer to God or distract me from God?
Do I rely on this more than God for my comfort, my identity or my worth?
If God asked me to give this up, would I give it up without hesitation?
What you resist the hardest often reveals what controls you the most.
You don't just remove the idol; you replace it.
Mother's Day 2025
May 11, 2025
2 Timothy 1:5 - I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
Hebrews 11:23-24 - It was by faith that Mosesâ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the kingâs command. It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaohâs daughter.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 - Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.
Hebrews 11:23-24 - It was by faith that Mosesâ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the kingâs command. It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaohâs daughter.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 - Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.
Christian-ish
Small Choices That Keep You Stuck
May 4, 2025
Christian-ish - selective obedience.
Selective obedience is the dangerous illusion that doing some of what God commands is enough, when itâs really disobedience in disguise.
Deuteronomy 5:33 - Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper...
Exodus 19:5 - Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then you will be my treasured possession.
Job 36:11 - If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed...
Two Things These Verses Have in Common
1. God is asking for our full obedience.
2. Some of Godâs blessings are conditional.
The New Covenant
Unconditional promise: Jesus died and rose again offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life for all who believe.
Conditional blessings: While salvation is a gift, certain blessings flow from obedience to God.
God doesnât want our partial obedience; God wants our full surrender.
1 Samuel 15:7-9 - Then Saul attacked the Amalekites... He took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and all his people he totally destroyed with the sword. But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs - everything that was good.
Disobedience always starts with a whisper.
What you allow in the moment often owns you in the future.
Where are you letting sin whisper its way into your life?
1 Samuel 15:20-21 - But I did obey the Lord,â Saul said. âI went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.
Every sin we justify builds a wall between us and God.
1 Samuel 15:22 - But Samuel replied: âDoes the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice...
Every act of obedience is a demonstration of our love to the One who loved us first.
1 John 5:3-4 - This is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.
Deuteronomy 5:33 - Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper...
Exodus 19:5 - Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then you will be my treasured possession.
Job 36:11 - If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed...
Two Things These Verses Have in Common
1. God is asking for our full obedience.
2. Some of Godâs blessings are conditional.
The New Covenant
Unconditional promise: Jesus died and rose again offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life for all who believe.
Conditional blessings: While salvation is a gift, certain blessings flow from obedience to God.
God doesnât want our partial obedience; God wants our full surrender.
1 Samuel 15:7-9 - Then Saul attacked the Amalekites... He took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and all his people he totally destroyed with the sword. But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs - everything that was good.
Disobedience always starts with a whisper.
What you allow in the moment often owns you in the future.
Where are you letting sin whisper its way into your life?
1 Samuel 15:20-21 - But I did obey the Lord,â Saul said. âI went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.
Every sin we justify builds a wall between us and God.
1 Samuel 15:22 - But Samuel replied: âDoes the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice...
Every act of obedience is a demonstration of our love to the One who loved us first.
1 John 5:3-4 - This is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.
Christian-ish
The Trap of Comfortable Christianity
April 27, 2025
Christian-ish - Having a half-hearted faith; wearing the label of Christianity, without truly following Jesus.
Revelation 3:15-17 - I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, âI am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.â But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
Revelation 3:19-20 - Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Emeo - To vomit, to throw up, to spew out forcefully. It conveys a strong, visceral reaction of rejection or repulsion.
Revelation 3:17 - You say, âI am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.â But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
Revelation 3:15-17 - I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, âI am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.â But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
Revelation 3:19-20 - Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Emeo - To vomit, to throw up, to spew out forcefully. It conveys a strong, visceral reaction of rejection or repulsion.
Revelation 3:17 - You say, âI am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.â But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
5 Signs You Might be Lukewarm
- You crave acceptance from people more than acceptance from God.
- You rationalize sin.
- You rarely share your faith in Christ.
- You only turn to God when you need something.
- Youâre not much different from the world.
1 John 2:15 - Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
Revelation 3:19 NLT - I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
Do something every day that requires faith.
Revelation 3:20 NLT - âLook! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
Stop asking God to make you comfortable.
Start asking God to make you faithful.
Revelation 3:19 NLT - I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
Do something every day that requires faith.
Revelation 3:20 NLT - âLook! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
Stop asking God to make you comfortable.
Start asking God to make you faithful.
Consider Jesus
April 20, 2025
John 14:6 - Jesus answered, âI am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Consider the Ministry of Jesus.
Mark 2:16-17 - When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw [Jesus] eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: âWhy does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?â On hearing this, Jesus said to them, âIt is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.â
Consider the Resurrection of Jesus.
Acts 3:15 - You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.
Consider the Eternal Message of Jesus.
Romans 3:22 - We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
Consider the Ministry of Jesus.
Mark 2:16-17 - When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw [Jesus] eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: âWhy does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?â On hearing this, Jesus said to them, âIt is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.â
Consider the Resurrection of Jesus.
Acts 3:15 - You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.
Consider the Eternal Message of Jesus.
Romans 3:22 - We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
Jonah
When Your Emotions Are Out of Control
April 13, 2025
Jonah 3:1 - Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.
Jonah 3:10 - When God saw what [the Ninevites] did and how they turned from their evil ways, [God] relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah 4:1-3 - But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, âIsnât this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.â
Itâs possible to do the will of God without the heart of God.
Jonah 4:5 - Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city.
Because of Adamâs sin, God sent Adam out of the Garden to the east. (Genesis 3:24)
Cain left the Lordâs presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. (Genesis 4:16)
When Abram and Lot parted, Lot chose to go east to Sodom. (Genesis 13:11-13)
With their backs toward the temple of the Lord, men faced east and worshiped the sun. (Ezekiel 8:16)
Itâs possible to claim God yet live with your back to Him.
Jonah 4:6 - Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant.
Wayisma - rejoice greatly - exceedingly overjoyed.
Jonah 4:7-8 - But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonahâs head so that he grew faint. [Jonah] wanted to die, and said, âIt would be better for me to die than to live.â
Jonah 3:10 - When God saw what [the Ninevites] did and how they turned from their evil ways, [God] relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah 4:1-3 - But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, âIsnât this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.â
Itâs possible to do the will of God without the heart of God.
Jonah 4:5 - Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city.
Because of Adamâs sin, God sent Adam out of the Garden to the east. (Genesis 3:24)
Cain left the Lordâs presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. (Genesis 4:16)
When Abram and Lot parted, Lot chose to go east to Sodom. (Genesis 13:11-13)
With their backs toward the temple of the Lord, men faced east and worshiped the sun. (Ezekiel 8:16)
Itâs possible to claim God yet live with your back to Him.
Jonah 4:6 - Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant.
Wayisma - rejoice greatly - exceedingly overjoyed.
Jonah 4:7-8 - But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonahâs head so that he grew faint. [Jonah] wanted to die, and said, âIt would be better for me to die than to live.â
Jonah's Root Issues
Erratic mood swings ranging from courageous obedience to extreme dissatisfaction and anger suggesting underlying frustration and the need to control.
Entitlement tendencies focusing on his own views of justice and expecting God and others to operate within his parameters.
Depressive symptoms manifesting through feelings of burnout, sadness, anger and hopelessness.
Jonah 4:9-11 - But God said to Jonah, âIs it right for you to be angry about the plant?â âIt is,â he said. âAnd Iâm so angry I wish I were dead.â But the Lord said, âYou have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left - and also many animals?â
Matthew 12 - ...and now something greater than Jonah is here.
Entitlement tendencies focusing on his own views of justice and expecting God and others to operate within his parameters.
Depressive symptoms manifesting through feelings of burnout, sadness, anger and hopelessness.
Jonah 4:9-11 - But God said to Jonah, âIs it right for you to be angry about the plant?â âIt is,â he said. âAnd Iâm so angry I wish I were dead.â But the Lord said, âYou have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left - and also many animals?â
Matthew 12 - ...and now something greater than Jonah is here.
Jonah
God's Not Done with You
April 6, 2025
Jonah 3:1 - Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.
Jonah 1:17 - Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah...
Sometimes what we call a problem, God calls provision.
While youâre waiting, God is still working.
Jonah 2:10 - And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
Titus 3:5 - [God] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
Jonah 3:2 - âGet up and go to the great city of Nineveh and deliver the message I have given you.â
Jonah 3:3-4 - Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a dayâs journey into the city, proclaiming âForty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.â
Jonah 3:5 - The Ninevites believed God.
James 2:19 - You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder.
Jonah 3:5-6 - The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonahâs warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.
Jonah 3:8 - Let everyone call urgently on God.
To truly repent is to change your mind so deeply it changes you completely.
Jonah 3:10 - When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Isaiah 30:18 - Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore, he will rise up to show you compassion.
What is God trying to show you?
Every chance from God demands a choice from you.
Sometimes what we call a problem, God calls provision.
While youâre waiting, God is still working.
Jonah 2:10 - And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
Titus 3:5 - [God] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
Jonah 3:2 - âGet up and go to the great city of Nineveh and deliver the message I have given you.â
Jonah 3:3-4 - Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a dayâs journey into the city, proclaiming âForty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.â
Jonah 3:5 - The Ninevites believed God.
James 2:19 - You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder.
Jonah 3:5-6 - The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonahâs warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.
Jonah 3:8 - Let everyone call urgently on God.
To truly repent is to change your mind so deeply it changes you completely.
Jonah 3:10 - When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Isaiah 30:18 - Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore, he will rise up to show you compassion.
What is God trying to show you?
Every chance from God demands a choice from you.
Jonah
When Youâre Waiting on God
March 30, 2025
If you want to run from God, the devil will always offer you a ride.
Jonah 1:17 - Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
Jonah 2:1 - From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God.
Fishy Prayers
Deepsea Odyssey Drama
A Whale of Prayer
Sometimes what we call a problem, God calls provision.
God doesnât always give us what we want, but God gives us what we need.
James 5:3 - Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.
Jonah 2:2 - He said: âIn my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.
Jonah 2:3-9 - You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, âI have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.â The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. âWhen my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. âThose who cling to worthless idols turn away from Godâs love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, âSalvation comes from the Lord.ââ
Jonah 2:2 - I called to the Lord and he answered me.
Psalm 3:4 - I call out to the Lord and he answers me.
Jonah 2:2 - Deep in the realm of the dead I called for help.
Psalm 16:10 - You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead.
Jonah 2:4 - I have been banished from your sight.
Psalm 31:22 - I am cut off from your sight.
Jonah 2:5 - The waters closed over me.
Psalm 69:1 - The waters have come up to my neck.
Jonah 2:8 - Those who cling to worthless idols.
Psalm 31:6 - I hate those who cling to worthless idols.
Jonah 2:9 - What I have vowed I will make good.
Psalm 116:14 - I will fulfill my vows to the Lord.
Jonah 2:9 - But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, âSalvation comes from the Lord.â
Jonah 2:10 - And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
While youâre waiting, Godâs still working.
Matthew 12:39-40 - [Jesus] answered, âA wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Jonah 1:17 - Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
Jonah 2:1 - From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God.
Fishy Prayers
Deepsea Odyssey Drama
A Whale of Prayer
Sometimes what we call a problem, God calls provision.
God doesnât always give us what we want, but God gives us what we need.
James 5:3 - Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.
Jonah 2:2 - He said: âIn my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.
Jonah 2:3-9 - You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, âI have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.â The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. âWhen my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. âThose who cling to worthless idols turn away from Godâs love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, âSalvation comes from the Lord.ââ
Jonah 2:2 - I called to the Lord and he answered me.
Psalm 3:4 - I call out to the Lord and he answers me.
Jonah 2:2 - Deep in the realm of the dead I called for help.
Psalm 16:10 - You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead.
Jonah 2:4 - I have been banished from your sight.
Psalm 31:22 - I am cut off from your sight.
Jonah 2:5 - The waters closed over me.
Psalm 69:1 - The waters have come up to my neck.
Jonah 2:8 - Those who cling to worthless idols.
Psalm 31:6 - I hate those who cling to worthless idols.
Jonah 2:9 - What I have vowed I will make good.
Psalm 116:14 - I will fulfill my vows to the Lord.
Jonah 2:9 - But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, âSalvation comes from the Lord.â
Jonah 2:10 - And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
While youâre waiting, Godâs still working.
Matthew 12:39-40 - [Jesus] answered, âA wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Jonah
Godâs Plans Are Wrecking Mine
March 23, 2025
Jonah 1:1 - The word of the Lord came to Jonah.
Jonah 1:1-2 - The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: âGo to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.â
Jonah 1:3 - But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
If you want to run from God, the devil will always offer you a ride.
When our mind makes an excuse for what our spirit knows is wrong.
Delayed obedience is disobedience.
A short time between Godâs command and our obedience.
Jonah went down to Joppa. Jonah 1:3
Jonah went down to the bottom of the ship. Jonah 1:5
Jonah was thrown down to the bottom of the sea. Jonah 2:3
Jonah 1:4-5 - Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.
Jonah 1:8-9 - So they asked him, âTell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? [Jonah] answered, âI am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.â
Where in your life are you rationalizing sin and running from God?
Jonah 1:11-12 - The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So, they asked, âWhat should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?â âPick me up and throw me into the sea,â he replied, âand it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.â
Jonah 1:15-16 - Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.
Where in your life are you rationalizing sin and running from God?
Jonah 1:1-2 - The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: âGo to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.â
Jonah 1:3 - But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
If you want to run from God, the devil will always offer you a ride.
When our mind makes an excuse for what our spirit knows is wrong.
Delayed obedience is disobedience.
A short time between Godâs command and our obedience.
Jonah went down to Joppa. Jonah 1:3
Jonah went down to the bottom of the ship. Jonah 1:5
Jonah was thrown down to the bottom of the sea. Jonah 2:3
Jonah 1:4-5 - Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.
Jonah 1:8-9 - So they asked him, âTell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? [Jonah] answered, âI am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.â
Where in your life are you rationalizing sin and running from God?
Jonah 1:11-12 - The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So, they asked, âWhat should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?â âPick me up and throw me into the sea,â he replied, âand it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.â
Jonah 1:15-16 - Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.
Where in your life are you rationalizing sin and running from God?
Unshakable
When God Seems Slow
March 16, 2025
Daniel 10:1-3 NLT - In the third year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) had another vision. He understood that the vision concerned events certain to happen in the future - times of war and great hardship. When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three whole weeks. All that time I had eaten no rich food. No meat or wine crossed my lips, and I used no fragrant lotions until those three weeks had passed.
Daniel 10:5-8 - I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people. Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision.
Daniel 10:5-8 - I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people. Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision.
Daniel 10:8-9 - My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground.
All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God
Daniel 10:10-11 - Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, âDaniel, you are very precious to God
Psalm 3:3 ESV - But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
Daniel 10:12 NLT - Then [the angelic being] said, âDonât be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.â
Daniel 10:13 - But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.
Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
While youâre waiting, God is still working.
Daniel 10:18-19 - Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. âDonât be afraid,â he said, âfor you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!â
Daniel 2:28 - There is a God in heaven.
All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God
Daniel 10:10-11 - Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, âDaniel, you are very precious to God
Psalm 3:3 ESV - But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
Daniel 10:12 NLT - Then [the angelic being] said, âDonât be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.â
Daniel 10:13 - But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.
Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
While youâre waiting, God is still working.
Daniel 10:18-19 - Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. âDonât be afraid,â he said, âfor you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!â
Daniel 2:28 - There is a God in heaven.
Unshakable
Anxious Hearts, Fearless Faith
March 9, 2025
1 Peter 1:7 NLT - These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.
A faith thatâs been tested, is a faith that can be trusted.
Daniel 3:4-6 NLT - Then a herald shouted out, âWhen you hear the sound of the musical instruments, bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzarâs gold statue. Anyone who refuses to obey will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.â
Daniel 3:7 NLT - So at the sound of the musical instruments, all the people, whatever their race or nation or language, bowed to the ground and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Daniel 3:16-17 NLT - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, âKing Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majestyâs hand.
They refused to compromise their faith even in the face of death.
If youâre committed to serving God, the devil will tempt you to compromise your faith in God.
Daniel 3:17 NLT - If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us.
Daniel 3:17-18 NLT - the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesnât, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.
Daniel 3:25 NKJV - âLook!â he answered, âI see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.â
Jesus met them in the fire!
Daniel 3:28 NIV - Then Nebuchadnezzar said, âPraise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the kingâs command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.â
God doesnât always deliver us from our trials, but Heâs always with us in our trials.
Jesus will always meet you in the fire.
The fiery furnace - looked like - end of their lives, turned out to be place where they met with Jesus.
A faith thatâs been tested, is a faith that can be trusted.
Daniel 3:4-6 NLT - Then a herald shouted out, âWhen you hear the sound of the musical instruments, bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzarâs gold statue. Anyone who refuses to obey will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.â
Daniel 3:7 NLT - So at the sound of the musical instruments, all the people, whatever their race or nation or language, bowed to the ground and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Daniel 3:16-17 NLT - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, âKing Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majestyâs hand.
They refused to compromise their faith even in the face of death.
If youâre committed to serving God, the devil will tempt you to compromise your faith in God.
Daniel 3:17 NLT - If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us.
Daniel 3:17-18 NLT - the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesnât, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.
Daniel 3:25 NKJV - âLook!â he answered, âI see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.â
Jesus met them in the fire!
Daniel 3:28 NIV - Then Nebuchadnezzar said, âPraise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the kingâs command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.â
God doesnât always deliver us from our trials, but Heâs always with us in our trials.
Jesus will always meet you in the fire.
The fiery furnace - looked like - end of their lives, turned out to be place where they met with Jesus.
Unshakable
When You're Under Attack
March 2, 2025
A spiritual attack isnât a sign youâre doing something wrong; itâs often evidence youâre doing something right.
Daniel Served Under 4 Kings, 605-530 BC
* King Nebuchadnezzar
* King Belshazzar
* King Darius
* King Cyrus
Daniel 6:1-3 - It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
Distinguished: mitnassah (Only time - Hebrew Bible) to excel, to stand out, to prevail, to distinguish.
Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
The 3 Qualities of Unshakable Impact:
1. We serve God with integrity.
Daniel 6:4-5 - At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally, these men said, âWe will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.â
2. We trust God with consistency.
Daniel 6:10 - Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Itâs not what we do occasionally that makes the difference; itâs what we do consistently.
Daniel 2:21 - [God] controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He stood before men because heâd knelt before God.
3. We honor God with faithfulness.
Daniel 6:22-23 - âMy God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.â The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
When you do whatâs right, you can always trust God with the results.
Daniel Served Under 4 Kings, 605-530 BC
* King Nebuchadnezzar
* King Belshazzar
* King Darius
* King Cyrus
Daniel 6:1-3 - It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
Distinguished: mitnassah (Only time - Hebrew Bible) to excel, to stand out, to prevail, to distinguish.
Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
The 3 Qualities of Unshakable Impact:
1. We serve God with integrity.
Daniel 6:4-5 - At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally, these men said, âWe will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.â
2. We trust God with consistency.
Daniel 6:10 - Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Itâs not what we do occasionally that makes the difference; itâs what we do consistently.
Daniel 2:21 - [God] controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He stood before men because heâd knelt before God.
3. We honor God with faithfulness.
Daniel 6:22-23 - âMy God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.â The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
When you do whatâs right, you can always trust God with the results.
Unshakable
Living for Jesus in a Culture of Compromise
February 23, 2025
If we trade our convictions for convenience, we risk losing the very foundation of who we are in Christ.
Daniel 1:1 - In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.
Daniel 2:28 - But there is a God in heaven.
Daniel 1:3-5 - Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the kingâs service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility - young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the kingâs palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the kingâs table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the kingâs service.
Daniel 1:6-7 - Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
Daniel: God (Elohim) is my judge.
Belteshazzar: Bel protect the King.
Daniel 1:5 - The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the kingâs table.
If we trade our convictions for convenience, we risk losing the very foundation of who we are in Christ.
Daniel 1:8 - But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
Daniel was determined ⊠NLT
Daniel made up his mind ⊠NAS
Daniel purposed in his heart ⊠KJV
Daniel was forced to live in Babylon but wouldnât let Babylon into him.
Do you want to make a point, or do you want to make a difference?
Ephesians 4:15 - Speak the truth in love.
Daniel 1:12-15 - âPlease test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.â So [the chief official] agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.
Daniel 1:19 - The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah
Daniel 2:28 - But there is a God in heaven.
Daniel 1:1 - In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.
Daniel 2:28 - But there is a God in heaven.
Daniel 1:3-5 - Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the kingâs service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility - young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the kingâs palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the kingâs table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the kingâs service.
Daniel 1:6-7 - Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
Daniel: God (Elohim) is my judge.
Belteshazzar: Bel protect the King.
Daniel 1:5 - The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the kingâs table.
If we trade our convictions for convenience, we risk losing the very foundation of who we are in Christ.
Daniel 1:8 - But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
Daniel was determined ⊠NLT
Daniel made up his mind ⊠NAS
Daniel purposed in his heart ⊠KJV
Daniel was forced to live in Babylon but wouldnât let Babylon into him.
Do you want to make a point, or do you want to make a difference?
Ephesians 4:15 - Speak the truth in love.
Daniel 1:12-15 - âPlease test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.â So [the chief official] agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.
Daniel 1:19 - The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah
Daniel 2:28 - But there is a God in heaven.
Does God Care What I Do With My Money?
February 16, 2025
1 Timothy 6:6-10 NIV - But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV - You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
God owns it all.
Money is temporary.
We are to be stewards of what God has entrusted to us.
If you donât like your harvest change your seed.
The things that make you rich are free.
2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV - You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
God owns it all.
Money is temporary.
We are to be stewards of what God has entrusted to us.
If you donât like your harvest change your seed.
The things that make you rich are free.
Identity Theft - Week 5
February 9, 2025
2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB - Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Luke 24:45 NASB - Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
Matthew 22:37 NASB - And He said to him, ââYou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.â
Philippians 4:7 NASB - And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:2 NASB - Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.
Romans 8:6 NASB - For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
Romans 12:2 NASB - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Corinthians 2:16 NASB - For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Philippians 2:5 KJV - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Crooked thinking wonât produce right living, right thinking leads to right living.
Matthew 12:35 NKJV - A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
I canât afford to have one thought about me that God doesnât have about me.
Luke 24:45 NASB - Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
Matthew 22:37 NASB - And He said to him, ââYou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.â
Philippians 4:7 NASB - And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:2 NASB - Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.
Romans 8:6 NASB - For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
Romans 12:2 NASB - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Corinthians 2:16 NASB - For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Philippians 2:5 KJV - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Crooked thinking wonât produce right living, right thinking leads to right living.
Matthew 12:35 NKJV - A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
I canât afford to have one thought about me that God doesnât have about me.
Identity Theft - Week 4
February 2, 2025
Genesis 1:27 NLT - So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Numbers 12:3 NLT - (Now Moses was very humble - more humble than any other person on earth.)
Humility is not thinking less of yourself. Humility is thinking of yourself less.
Matthew 18:1-4 NLT - About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, âWho is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?â Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, âI tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Greatness in the kingdom is measured differently than the way we measure it.
1 Corinthians 4:5-7 NASB - Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of human hearts; and then praise will come to each person from God. Now these things, brothers and sisters, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos on your account, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. For who considers you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
When did worship become about the one worshipping and stop being about the One being worshiped?
John 3:30 NLT - He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
All of you in all of me.
I canât afford to have one thought about me that God doesnât have about me.
Numbers 12:3 NLT - (Now Moses was very humble - more humble than any other person on earth.)
Humility is not thinking less of yourself. Humility is thinking of yourself less.
Matthew 18:1-4 NLT - About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, âWho is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?â Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, âI tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Greatness in the kingdom is measured differently than the way we measure it.
1 Corinthians 4:5-7 NASB - Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of human hearts; and then praise will come to each person from God. Now these things, brothers and sisters, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos on your account, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. For who considers you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
When did worship become about the one worshipping and stop being about the One being worshiped?
John 3:30 NLT - He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
All of you in all of me.
I canât afford to have one thought about me that God doesnât have about me.
Identity Theft - Week 3
January 26, 2025
1 Samuel 10:25 AMP - Then Samuel told the people the requirements of the kingdom and wrote them in a book and placed it before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT - This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
John 8:11 NLT - âNo, Lord,â she said. And Jesus said, âNeither do I. Go and sin no more.â
Proverbs 18:21 NLT - The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
When we are saved, does Holy Spirit comes to live in us?
Why would we think He would live in sin?
Genesis 1:1-2 NLT - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
Genesis 1:3 NLT - Then God said, âLet there be light,â and there was light.
Our help does not come from a man in the white house, it comes from the man on a white horse!
God is not scared of our issues.
Ezekiel 37:1-4 KJV - The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, and caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
Ezekiel 37:7-8 NLT - So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them.
Ezekiel 37:9-10 NLT - Then he said to me, âSpeak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, âThis is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.ââ So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet - a great army.
1 Timothy 2:14 NLT - And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result.
Let there be light!
Matthew 21:21-22 NASB - And Jesus answered and said to them, âTruly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, âBe taken up and cast into the sea,â it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it all.â
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT - This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
John 8:11 NLT - âNo, Lord,â she said. And Jesus said, âNeither do I. Go and sin no more.â
Proverbs 18:21 NLT - The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
When we are saved, does Holy Spirit comes to live in us?
Why would we think He would live in sin?
Genesis 1:1-2 NLT - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
Genesis 1:3 NLT - Then God said, âLet there be light,â and there was light.
Our help does not come from a man in the white house, it comes from the man on a white horse!
God is not scared of our issues.
Ezekiel 37:1-4 KJV - The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, and caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
Ezekiel 37:7-8 NLT - So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them.
Ezekiel 37:9-10 NLT - Then he said to me, âSpeak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, âThis is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.ââ So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet - a great army.
1 Timothy 2:14 NLT - And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result.
Let there be light!
Matthew 21:21-22 NASB - And Jesus answered and said to them, âTruly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, âBe taken up and cast into the sea,â it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it all.â
Identity Theft - Week 2
January 19, 2025
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT - For I know the plans I have for you,â says the Lord. âThey are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Godâs plans trump the enemyâs plans.
His bad plans cannot overrun Godâs good plans.
1 Samuel 10:25 AMP - Then Samuel told the people the requirements of the kingdom, and wrote them in a book and placed it before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home.
Even though greatness is inside everyone of us, we have to be taught how to develop it!
I propose the problem is not that I donât know who your daddy is.
The problem is you donât know who your daddy is!
Proverbs 30:21-22 NASB - Under three things the earth quakes, and under four, it cannot endure: Under a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when he is satisfied with food,
Romans 12:3-8 NLT - Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Donât think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christâs body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Numbers 12:3 NLT - (Now Moses was very humble - more humble than any other person on earth.)
Godâs plans trump the enemyâs plans.
His bad plans cannot overrun Godâs good plans.
1 Samuel 10:25 AMP - Then Samuel told the people the requirements of the kingdom, and wrote them in a book and placed it before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home.
Even though greatness is inside everyone of us, we have to be taught how to develop it!
I propose the problem is not that I donât know who your daddy is.
The problem is you donât know who your daddy is!
Proverbs 30:21-22 NASB - Under three things the earth quakes, and under four, it cannot endure: Under a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when he is satisfied with food,
Romans 12:3-8 NLT - Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Donât think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christâs body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Numbers 12:3 NLT - (Now Moses was very humble - more humble than any other person on earth.)
Identity Theft - Week 1
January 12, 2025
Hebrews 1:3 KJV - Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
Colossians 1:15 KJV - Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Isaiah 52:14 NLT - But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man.
Isaiah 14:13-14 NLT - For you said to yourself, âI will ascend to heaven and set my throne above Godâs stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.â
Genesis 1:27 KJV - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
1 Corinthians 15:49 KJV - And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Jeremiah 1:5 NLT - âI knew you before I formed you in your motherâs womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.â
Jeremiah could be anything he wanted to be as long as he wanted to be a prophet!
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT - For I know the plans I have for you,â says the Lord. âThey are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
God had a plan for His people then.
God has a plan for His people now.
He tried to do through performance what you do through birth.
Colossians 1:15 KJV - Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Isaiah 52:14 NLT - But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man.
Isaiah 14:13-14 NLT - For you said to yourself, âI will ascend to heaven and set my throne above Godâs stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.â
Genesis 1:27 KJV - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
1 Corinthians 15:49 KJV - And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Jeremiah 1:5 NLT - âI knew you before I formed you in your motherâs womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.â
Jeremiah could be anything he wanted to be as long as he wanted to be a prophet!
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT - For I know the plans I have for you,â says the Lord. âThey are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
God had a plan for His people then.
God has a plan for His people now.
He tried to do through performance what you do through birth.
Church is Family Not a Business
December 29, 2024
Donât go tearing down fences until you know who built them and why.
Nehemiah 4:6-13 - At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm.â âBut when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious.â âThey all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion.â âBut we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.â âThen the people of Judah began to complain, âThe workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.â Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, âBefore they know whatâs happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.â The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, âThey will come from all directions and attack us!â âSo I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.â
Nehemiah 4:14 - âThen as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, âDonât be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!â
Nehemiah 4:6-13 - At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm.â âBut when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious.â âThey all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion.â âBut we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.â âThen the people of Judah began to complain, âThe workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.â Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, âBefore they know whatâs happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.â The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, âThey will come from all directions and attack us!â âSo I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.â
Nehemiah 4:14 - âThen as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, âDonât be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!â
The Christmas Table
December 22, 2024
Christmas is God inviting us to His family table.
2 Samuel 9:1 NIV - David asked, âIs there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathanâs sake?â
2 Samuel 9:1-13 NIV - David asked, âIs there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathanâs sake?â Now there was a servant of Saulâs household named Ziba. They summoned him to appear before David, and the king said to him, âAre you Ziba?â âAt your service,â he replied. The king asked, âIs there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show Godâs kindness?â Ziba answered the king, âThere is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.â âWhere is he?â the king asked. Ziba answered, âHe is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.â So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel. When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, âMephibosheth!ââAt your service,â he replied. âDonât be afraid,â David said to him, âfor I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table. Mephibosheth bowed down and said, âWhat is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?â Then the king summoned Ziba, Saulâs steward, and said to him, âI have given your masterâs grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your masterâs grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.â (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) Then Ziba said to the king, âYour servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do.â So Mephibosheth ate at Davidâs table like one of the kingâs sons. Mephibosheth had a young son named Mika, and all the members of Zibaâs household were servants of Mephibosheth. And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the kingâs table; he was lame in both feet.
How is This Christmas?
1. Life hadnât gone according to plan
2. People he trusted let him down
3. He was in danger and there was no way to run
4. There was a good king who wanted to show him kindness
5. He was given a seat at royal table
How is This Christmas?
1. Life hadnât gone according to plan
2. People he trusted let him down
3. He was in danger and there was no way to run
4. There was a good king who wanted to show him kindness
5. He was given a seat at royal table
2 Samuel 4:4 NIV - (Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became disabled. His name was Mephibosheth.)
Romans 3:23 NIV - âfor all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,â
Luke 2:9-11 NIV - An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, âDo not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
âChristmas is not a reminder that the world is really a quite nice place. It reminds us that the world is a shockingly bad old place, where wickedness flourishes unchecked, where children are murdered, where civilized countries make a lot of money by selling weapons to uncivilized ones so they can blow each other apart. Christmas is God lighting a candle; and you donât light a candle in a room thatâs already full of sunlight. You light a candle in a room that so murky that the candle, when lit, reveals just how bad things are. The light shines in the darkness, says St John, and the darkness has not overcome itâ NT Wright
His condition was hidden by his position at the table.
Ephesians 2:1,4-6 NIV - Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by Godâs grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 2:1,4-6 NIV - Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by Godâs grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms.
The Road to Recovery
Recycling My Pain
December 8, 2024
Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others by both my example and my words.
Why Has God Allowed My Pain?
1. He has given me a free will
2. He uses it to get our attention
Proverbs 20:30 - Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways.
2 Corinthians 7:9 - I am glad not because it hurts you but because the pain turns you to God.
Jonah 2:7 - When I had lost all hope, I once again turned my thoughts to the Lord.
3. God uses pain to teach me to depend on Him
Psalm 119:71 - It was the best thing that could have happened to me for it taught me to pay attention to your laws.
4. God allows pain to give me a ministry to others
2 Corinthians 1:4 - Why does God do this? So that when others are troubled needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them the same help and comfort God has given us.
Genesis 50:20 - They intended it to harm me, but God intended it for good.
How Do I Use My Pain to Help Others?
1 Peter 3:15 - Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Galatians 6:1-2 - If someone is overcome by some sin, humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that next me it might be you who is in the wrong. Share each otherâs troubles and problems and so obey our Lordâs command.
3 Suggestions in Sharing Your Story
1. Be humble
2. Be real
3. Don't lecture
Acts 20:24 - Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus.
Why Has God Allowed My Pain?
1. He has given me a free will
2. He uses it to get our attention
Proverbs 20:30 - Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways.
2 Corinthians 7:9 - I am glad not because it hurts you but because the pain turns you to God.
Jonah 2:7 - When I had lost all hope, I once again turned my thoughts to the Lord.
3. God uses pain to teach me to depend on Him
Psalm 119:71 - It was the best thing that could have happened to me for it taught me to pay attention to your laws.
4. God allows pain to give me a ministry to others
2 Corinthians 1:4 - Why does God do this? So that when others are troubled needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them the same help and comfort God has given us.
Genesis 50:20 - They intended it to harm me, but God intended it for good.
How Do I Use My Pain to Help Others?
1 Peter 3:15 - Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Galatians 6:1-2 - If someone is overcome by some sin, humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that next me it might be you who is in the wrong. Share each otherâs troubles and problems and so obey our Lordâs command.
3 Suggestions in Sharing Your Story
1. Be humble
2. Be real
3. Don't lecture
Acts 20:24 - Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus.
The Road to Recovery
Maintaining Momentum
December 1, 2024
Relapses happen in a very predictable pattern.
- Complacency
- Confusion
- Compromise
- Catastrophe
What can cause a relapse?
1. Reverting to willpower
Galatians 3:3 - How can you be so foolish? You began by Godâs spirit; do you now want to finish on your own power?
1. Reverting to willpower
Galatians 3:3 - How can you be so foolish? You began by Godâs spirit; do you now want to finish on your own power?
Zechariah 4:6 - Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit says the Lord. You will succeed because of My Spirit.
2. Ignoring one of the steps
3. Trying to recover without support
Hebrews 10:25 - Let us not give up the habit of meeting together.
4. We become prideful
Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction.
1 Corinthians 10:12 - So if you think youâre standing watch out that you do not fall.
How Do I Prevent a Relapse?
Maintenance
Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and gain the power to do it.
Mark 14:38 - Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation, for the Spirit is willing but the body is weak.
Three maintenance tools:
1. Evaluation
What do evaluate: physical, emotional, relational, spiritual
2. Meditation - slowing down long enough to hear God
Psalm 1:1-3 - Happy are those who are always meditating on Godâs laws and thinking about ways to follow Him closely. They are like trees on a river that do not dry up, they succeed in everything they do.
Psalm 119 - I thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin.
3. Prayer
Matthew 6:9-13 - âThis, then, is how you should pray: âOur Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
2. Ignoring one of the steps
3. Trying to recover without support
Hebrews 10:25 - Let us not give up the habit of meeting together.
4. We become prideful
Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction.
1 Corinthians 10:12 - So if you think youâre standing watch out that you do not fall.
How Do I Prevent a Relapse?
Maintenance
Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and gain the power to do it.
Mark 14:38 - Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation, for the Spirit is willing but the body is weak.
Three maintenance tools:
1. Evaluation
What do evaluate: physical, emotional, relational, spiritual
2. Meditation - slowing down long enough to hear God
Psalm 1:1-3 - Happy are those who are always meditating on Godâs laws and thinking about ways to follow Him closely. They are like trees on a river that do not dry up, they succeed in everything they do.
Psalm 119 - I thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin.
3. Prayer
Matthew 6:9-13 - âThis, then, is how you should pray: âOur Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
The Road to Recovery
Repairing Relationships
November 24, 2024
Evaluate all my relationships, offer forgiveness to those who've hurt me and make amends for harm I've done to others except when to do so would harm them or others.
Ephesians 4:31-32 - Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.
Why should I do this step and how do I do it?
1. I'm to forgive those who hurt me. Why? Because God has forgiven me.
Never hold grudges. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
2. Resentment doesn't work.
Job 5:2 - To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do.
Ecclesiastes 6:9 - Itâs foolish to harbor a grudge.
Job 18:4 - Youâre only hurting yourself with your anger.
Job 21 - Some men stay healthy till the day they dieâŠothers have no happiness at all, they live and die with bi er hearts.
âItâs not so much what you eat, itâs what eats you that matters.â - Dr. S.I. McMillin
3. Because I need forgiveness in the future.
Mark 11:25 - When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too.
How do I forgive those who hurt me?
1. Reveal my hurt
2. Release the offender
3. Replace my hurt with Godâs peace
Hebrews 12 - Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble hurting many in their spiritual lives.
How do I make amends to the people whoâve hurt me?
1. You make a list of those Iâve harmed and what I did.
2. Think how Iâd like someone to make amends to me.
Time - Ecclesiastes 8:6 - Thereâs a right me and right way to do everything.
Attitude - Ephesians 4:15 - Speak the truth in a spirit of love.
3. Is it appropriate?
Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword but wisely spoken words can heal.
Romans 12:8 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Job 11 - Put your heart right, reach out to God, then face the world again, firm and courageous, then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more.
Three steps to refocusing your life:
1. Put your heart right
2. Reach out to God
3. Face the world again
Ephesians 4:31-32 - Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.
Why should I do this step and how do I do it?
1. I'm to forgive those who hurt me. Why? Because God has forgiven me.
Never hold grudges. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
2. Resentment doesn't work.
Job 5:2 - To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do.
Ecclesiastes 6:9 - Itâs foolish to harbor a grudge.
Job 18:4 - Youâre only hurting yourself with your anger.
Job 21 - Some men stay healthy till the day they dieâŠothers have no happiness at all, they live and die with bi er hearts.
âItâs not so much what you eat, itâs what eats you that matters.â - Dr. S.I. McMillin
3. Because I need forgiveness in the future.
Mark 11:25 - When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too.
How do I forgive those who hurt me?
1. Reveal my hurt
2. Release the offender
3. Replace my hurt with Godâs peace
Hebrews 12 - Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble hurting many in their spiritual lives.
How do I make amends to the people whoâve hurt me?
1. You make a list of those Iâve harmed and what I did.
2. Think how Iâd like someone to make amends to me.
Time - Ecclesiastes 8:6 - Thereâs a right me and right way to do everything.
Attitude - Ephesians 4:15 - Speak the truth in a spirit of love.
3. Is it appropriate?
Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword but wisely spoken words can heal.
Romans 12:8 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Job 11 - Put your heart right, reach out to God, then face the world again, firm and courageous, then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more.
Three steps to refocusing your life:
1. Put your heart right
2. Reach out to God
3. Face the world again
The Road to Recovery
Making Changes
November 17, 2024
Voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects.
Romans 12:1-2 - Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to himâŠand let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.
Where do my character defects come from?
My Chromosomes - Genetics explain predisposition but donât excuse sin
My Circumstances - Character defects are often attempts to fill unmet needs
My Choices - Character defects are often positive qualities being misused
Why is it so hard to change them?
Because Iâve had them so long
Because I identify with them
Because they have a payoff
Because Satan discourages me
How do I cooperate with Godâs change process?
Romans 12:2 - Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Seven ways to change your mind so you can cooperate with the way God wants to change you and make you what youâve always wanted to be.
1. Focus on changing one defect at a time.
Proverbs 17:24 - An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.
2. Focus on victory one day at a time.
Matthew 6:11 - Give us this day our daily bread.
Matthew 6:34 - Donât worry about tomorrow, each day has enough troubles of its own.
3. Focus on Godâs power not my willpower.
Jeremiah 13:23 - Can a leopard take away his spots? Nor can you who are used to doing evil now start being good.
Philippians 4:13 - I can master anything with the help of Christ who gives me strength.
4. Focus on what I want, not what I donât want.
Philippians 4:8 - Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pureâŠThink about all you can praise God for and be glad about...
5. Focus on doing good, not feeling good.
Galatians 5:16 - If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence.
6. Focus on people who help me, not hinder me in making these positive changes I want to make in my life.
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other.
7. Focus on progress not perfection.
Philippians 1:6 - God who began a good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task with you is finally finished.
Romans 12:1-2 - Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to himâŠand let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.
Where do my character defects come from?
My Chromosomes - Genetics explain predisposition but donât excuse sin
My Circumstances - Character defects are often attempts to fill unmet needs
My Choices - Character defects are often positive qualities being misused
Why is it so hard to change them?
Because Iâve had them so long
Because I identify with them
Because they have a payoff
Because Satan discourages me
How do I cooperate with Godâs change process?
Romans 12:2 - Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Seven ways to change your mind so you can cooperate with the way God wants to change you and make you what youâve always wanted to be.
1. Focus on changing one defect at a time.
Proverbs 17:24 - An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.
2. Focus on victory one day at a time.
Matthew 6:11 - Give us this day our daily bread.
Matthew 6:34 - Donât worry about tomorrow, each day has enough troubles of its own.
3. Focus on Godâs power not my willpower.
Jeremiah 13:23 - Can a leopard take away his spots? Nor can you who are used to doing evil now start being good.
Philippians 4:13 - I can master anything with the help of Christ who gives me strength.
4. Focus on what I want, not what I donât want.
Philippians 4:8 - Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pureâŠThink about all you can praise God for and be glad about...
5. Focus on doing good, not feeling good.
Galatians 5:16 - If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence.
6. Focus on people who help me, not hinder me in making these positive changes I want to make in my life.
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other.
7. Focus on progress not perfection.
Philippians 1:6 - God who began a good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task with you is finally finished.
The Road to Recovery
Coming Clean
November 3, 2024
O stands for openly examine and confess my faults to God, to myself, and to someone I trust.
Psalm 32:1-2 - What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven. What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.
3 Things That Guilt Does to Us
1. Guilt destroys your confidence
2. Guilt absolutely damages your relationships
3. Guilt keeps you stuck in the past
How to Bury the Past
1. Take a personal moral inventory
Lamentations 3:40 - Let us examine our ways and test them.
Psalm 139:23-24 - Search me O God and know my heart. Test my thoughts, point out anything you find in me that makes you sad.
Take a personal, moral inventory: write down my resentments. The effect? What part of it am I responsible for? Admit to God and to ourselves and to others the exact nature of our wrongs.
2. Accept responsibilities for my faults
Proverbs 20:27 - The Lord gave us a mind and a conscious. We cannot hide from ourselves.
The greatest holdup to the healing for my hang-up is me.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
The point is that if I really want to stop defeating myself, Iâve got to stop deceiving myself.
3. I ask God for forgiveness
How not to get forgiveness from God?
1. Don't beg
2. Don't bargain
3. Don't bribe
You just believe!
Isaiah 1:18 - No matter how deep the stain of your sin is, I can take it out and make it clean as freshly fallen snow.
4. Admit my faults to another person
James 5:16 - âAdmit your faults, to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
I am only as sick as my secrets.
Revealing your feelings is the beginning of healings.
5. Accept God's forgiveness and forgive myself
Romans 3:23 - All of us have sinned.
Who Do You Tell?
1. Somebody you trust
2. Somebody who understands the value of what you're doing
3. Somebody who is mature enough that they are not going to be shocked
4. Somebody who knows the Lord well enough that they can reflect His forgiveness to you
How Does God Forgive?
1. God forgives instantly
2. He forgives freely
3. He forgives completely
Psalm 32:1-2 - What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven. What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.
3 Things That Guilt Does to Us
1. Guilt destroys your confidence
2. Guilt absolutely damages your relationships
3. Guilt keeps you stuck in the past
How to Bury the Past
1. Take a personal moral inventory
Lamentations 3:40 - Let us examine our ways and test them.
Psalm 139:23-24 - Search me O God and know my heart. Test my thoughts, point out anything you find in me that makes you sad.
Take a personal, moral inventory: write down my resentments. The effect? What part of it am I responsible for? Admit to God and to ourselves and to others the exact nature of our wrongs.
2. Accept responsibilities for my faults
Proverbs 20:27 - The Lord gave us a mind and a conscious. We cannot hide from ourselves.
The greatest holdup to the healing for my hang-up is me.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
The point is that if I really want to stop defeating myself, Iâve got to stop deceiving myself.
3. I ask God for forgiveness
How not to get forgiveness from God?
1. Don't beg
2. Don't bargain
3. Don't bribe
You just believe!
Isaiah 1:18 - No matter how deep the stain of your sin is, I can take it out and make it clean as freshly fallen snow.
4. Admit my faults to another person
James 5:16 - âAdmit your faults, to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
I am only as sick as my secrets.
Revealing your feelings is the beginning of healings.
5. Accept God's forgiveness and forgive myself
Romans 3:23 - All of us have sinned.
Who Do You Tell?
1. Somebody you trust
2. Somebody who understands the value of what you're doing
3. Somebody who is mature enough that they are not going to be shocked
4. Somebody who knows the Lord well enough that they can reflect His forgiveness to you
How Does God Forgive?
1. God forgives instantly
2. He forgives freely
3. He forgives completely
The Road to Recovery
Letting Go
October 27, 2024
Matthew 11:28-30 - âCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.â
Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control.
What causes me to procrastinate giving my problems to God and to delay surrendering my life to the care and control of Christ?
1. Pride
2. Guilt
3. Fear
4. Worry
5. Doubt
Proverbs 18:12 - Arrogant people are on the way to ruin because they wonât admit it when they need help.
Psalm 40:13 - âProblems, far too big for me to solve are piled higher than my head. Meanwhile, my sins, too many to count, have caught up with me and Iâm ashamed to look up.â
How do I take this step?
1. I accept God's Son as my Savior
2. I accept God's word as my standard for living
3. I accept God's will as my strategy, as my goal in life
4. I accept God's power as my strength
Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control.
What causes me to procrastinate giving my problems to God and to delay surrendering my life to the care and control of Christ?
1. Pride
2. Guilt
3. Fear
4. Worry
5. Doubt
Proverbs 18:12 - Arrogant people are on the way to ruin because they wonât admit it when they need help.
Psalm 40:13 - âProblems, far too big for me to solve are piled higher than my head. Meanwhile, my sins, too many to count, have caught up with me and Iâm ashamed to look up.â
How do I take this step?
1. I accept God's Son as my Savior
2. I accept God's word as my standard for living
3. I accept God's will as my strategy, as my goal in life
4. I accept God's power as my strength
The Road to Recovery
Where to Get Help When You Hurt
October 20, 2024
Hebrews 11:6 - And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
God uses three denial busters:
1. Crisis
2. Confrontation
3. Catastrophe
First step in recovery is to first realize I'm not God, admit I'm powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.
Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.
Acknowledge God's existence.
Romans 1:20 - Since the creation of the world, Godâs invisible qualities, his eternal power, and his divine nature have been clearly seen.
Psalm 19:1 - The heavens declare the glory of God.
Understand God's character.
Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God.
God knows all about my situation.
God cares about my situation.
Psalm 103:13 - He is like a Father to us, tender and sympathetic for he knows what we are made of dust.
Romans 5:8 - God showed His great love for us, by sending Christ to die for us.
God can change me and my situation.
Accept God's offer to help me.
Philippians 2:13 - âFor God is at work within you, giving the will and the power to achieve his purpose.â
Isaiah 43:2 - When you go through deep waters and great troubles, I will be with you. You wonât drown. When you walk through the fires of oppression, you wonât be burned up.
1. Crisis
2. Confrontation
3. Catastrophe
First step in recovery is to first realize I'm not God, admit I'm powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.
Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.
Acknowledge God's existence.
Romans 1:20 - Since the creation of the world, Godâs invisible qualities, his eternal power, and his divine nature have been clearly seen.
Psalm 19:1 - The heavens declare the glory of God.
Understand God's character.
Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God.
God knows all about my situation.
God cares about my situation.
Psalm 103:13 - He is like a Father to us, tender and sympathetic for he knows what we are made of dust.
Romans 5:8 - God showed His great love for us, by sending Christ to die for us.
God can change me and my situation.
Accept God's offer to help me.
Philippians 2:13 - âFor God is at work within you, giving the will and the power to achieve his purpose.â
Isaiah 43:2 - When you go through deep waters and great troubles, I will be with you. You wonât drown. When you walk through the fires of oppression, you wonât be burned up.
The Road to Recovery
The First Step to Freedom
October 13, 2024
Isaiah 57:18-19 GNT - âI have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn. I offer peace to all, both near and far! I will heal my people.
Proverbs 14:12 NIV - There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Romans 7:15 - âI donât understand myself at all. For I really want to do whatâs right, but I canât. I do what I donât want to do but what I hate. I know perfectly well that what Iâm doing is wrong, but I canât help myself. Itâs sin inside me thatâs stronger than I am, that makes me do those evil things.
Proverbs 14:12 NIV - There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Romans 7:15 - âI donât understand myself at all. For I really want to do whatâs right, but I canât. I do what I donât want to do but what I hate. I know perfectly well that what Iâm doing is wrong, but I canât help myself. Itâs sin inside me thatâs stronger than I am, that makes me do those evil things.
How Do We Play God?
1. We try to control our image
2. We try to control other people
3. We try to control problems, our problems
4. We try to control our pain
2. We try to control other people
3. We try to control problems, our problems
4. We try to control our pain
What Are the Consequences of Playing God?
1. Fear
2. Frustration
3. Fatigue
4. Failure
Proverbs 28:13 - Youâll never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them. Give them up. Then God will show mercy to you.
God whispers to us in our pleasures, but He shouts to us in our pain. Pain is Godâs megaphone.
If you could handle it, you would have, but you canât, so you wonât
2. Frustration
3. Fatigue
4. Failure
Proverbs 28:13 - Youâll never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them. Give them up. Then God will show mercy to you.
God whispers to us in our pleasures, but He shouts to us in our pain. Pain is Godâs megaphone.
If you could handle it, you would have, but you canât, so you wonât
Maturity comes when you recognize these three facts of life:
1. I admit that I am powerless to change my past.
2. I admit that I am powerless to control other people.
3. I admit that I am powerless to cope with my harmful habits, behaviors, actions.
2. I admit that I am powerless to control other people.
3. I admit that I am powerless to cope with my harmful habits, behaviors, actions.
The Lord's Supper
October 6, 2024
Mark 14:12-26 NLT - On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, Jesusâ disciples asked him, âWhere do you want us to go to prepare the Passover meal for you?â So Jesus sent two of them into Jerusalem with these instructions: âAs you go into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, say to the owner, âThe Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?â He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.â So the two disciples went into the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there. In the evening Jesus arrived with the Twelve. As they were at the table eating, Jesus said, âI tell you the truth, one of you eating with me here will betray me.â Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, âAm I the one?â He replied, âIt is one of you twelve who is eating from this bowl with me. For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!â As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, âTake it, for this is my body.â And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, âThis is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many. I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.â Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB - Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, letâs rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and letâs run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB - Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, letâs rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and letâs run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Almost True
The Problem with Perfectionism
September 29, 2024
The problem with âalmost truthsâ is that they almost work.
âNobody expects you to be perfect.â
Matthew 5:48 NIV - Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Perfection is not a prize to achieve, but a promise to receive.
The command to be perfect is actually really good news.
Being made perfect: the process of becoming like Jesus so we can love God and love people the same way Jesus does.
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV - âCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.â
âNobody expects you to be perfect.â
Matthew 5:48 NIV - Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Perfection is not a prize to achieve, but a promise to receive.
The command to be perfect is actually really good news.
Being made perfect: the process of becoming like Jesus so we can love God and love people the same way Jesus does.
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV - âCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.â
How do we partner with God in His plans to make us perfect?
1. Remove your pride
Matthew 11:28 NIV - âCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Pride always leads to shame.
If the solution to my pride and shame is giving myself grace, then itâs still all about me, giving myself what I need!
2. Receive His grace
Matthew 11:28 NIV - âCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV - But he said to me, âMy grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.â Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christâs power may rest on me.
3. Respond with obedience
Matthew 11:28-29 NIV - âCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
What pride do you need to remove?
What grace do you need to receive?
What step of obedience do you need to take?
Matthew 11:30 NIV - For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.â
Matthew 5:48 NIV - Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 11:28 NIV - âCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Pride always leads to shame.
If the solution to my pride and shame is giving myself grace, then itâs still all about me, giving myself what I need!
2. Receive His grace
Matthew 11:28 NIV - âCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV - But he said to me, âMy grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.â Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christâs power may rest on me.
3. Respond with obedience
Matthew 11:28-29 NIV - âCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
What pride do you need to remove?
What grace do you need to receive?
What step of obedience do you need to take?
Matthew 11:30 NIV - For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.â
Matthew 5:48 NIV - Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Almost True
Why Doesnât God Give Me What I Want?
September 22, 2024
What Role Does God Play in Your Happiness?
God wants you to experience happiness, but not at the expense of holiness.
1 Peter 1:14-16 NLT - So you must live as Godâs obedient children. Donât slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didnât know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, âYou must be holy because I am holy.â
The Happiness Gospel
1. Whatever makes me happy must be right
2. Whatever makes me unhappy must be wrong
Rationalizing sin: when our mind makes an excuse for what our spirit knows is wrong
âThe sin that is most destructive in your life right now is the one you are most defensive about.â - Tim Keller
Holiness and happiness are not opposing values.
True holiness leads to lasting happiness.
Psalm 51:1-2 NIV - Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:10 NIV - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:12 NIV - Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Lasting happiness is found in a WHO not a WHAT.
Psalm 16:2 NIV - I say to the Lord, âYou are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.â
Psalm 16:5 NIV - Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.
Psalm 16:11 NIV - You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
You canât Self-Help your way to happiness.
Where are you pursuing happiness over holiness?
What is God calling you to do about it?
God is not my ticket TO happiness - He is my happiness!
God wants you to experience happiness, but not at the expense of holiness.
1 Peter 1:14-16 NLT - So you must live as Godâs obedient children. Donât slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didnât know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, âYou must be holy because I am holy.â
The Happiness Gospel
1. Whatever makes me happy must be right
2. Whatever makes me unhappy must be wrong
Rationalizing sin: when our mind makes an excuse for what our spirit knows is wrong
âThe sin that is most destructive in your life right now is the one you are most defensive about.â - Tim Keller
Holiness and happiness are not opposing values.
True holiness leads to lasting happiness.
Psalm 51:1-2 NIV - Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:10 NIV - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:12 NIV - Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Lasting happiness is found in a WHO not a WHAT.
Psalm 16:2 NIV - I say to the Lord, âYou are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.â
Psalm 16:5 NIV - Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.
Psalm 16:11 NIV - You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
You canât Self-Help your way to happiness.
Where are you pursuing happiness over holiness?
What is God calling you to do about it?
God is not my ticket TO happiness - He is my happiness!
Almost True
Why Donât I Feel Like Enough?
September 15, 2024
Without Christ, you are not enough.
Colossians 2:8-10 NLT - Donât let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Colossians 2:8-10 NLT - Donât let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
When you believe youâre enough, you wonât seek the One who is.
Without Christ, We Are
Without Christ, We Are
- Dead in our sins - Ephesians 2:1
- Without hope and without help - Ephesians 2:12
- Foolish, deceived, and slaves to sin - Titus 3:3
- Spiritually blind - 1 John 2:11
- Wretched and miserable - Romans 7:24
- Ignorant, separated from the life of God - Ephesians 4:18
- Objects of wrath, destined for destruction - Romans 9:22
Romans 3:10 NLT - As the Scriptures say, âNo one is righteous - not even one.
Romans 3:12 NLT - All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.â
To fully treasure what you have âin Christ,â you need to remember what you were without him.
Ephesians 2:1-5 NLT - Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil - the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to Godâs anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by Godâs grace that you have been saved!)
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 ESV - Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,
The Good News
Romans 3:12 NLT - All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.â
To fully treasure what you have âin Christ,â you need to remember what you were without him.
Ephesians 2:1-5 NLT - Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil - the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to Godâs anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by Godâs grace that you have been saved!)
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 ESV - Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,
The Good News
- Youâre helpless, but Jesus is your helper - Hebrews 13:6
- Youâre weak, but Jesus is your strength - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
- Youâre depressed, but Jesus is your hope - 2 Thessalonians 2:16
- Youâre exhausted, but Jesus is your rest - Matthew 11:28
- Youâre anxious, but Jesus is your peace - John 14:27
- Youâre struggling financially, but Jesus is your provider - Philippians 4:19
- Youâre hurting, but Jesus is your comforter - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
- Youâre in bondage, but Jesus is the Savior who sets you free - John 8:36
In what area of your life are you relying on yourself instead of God? What is God calling you to do about it?
God Says to You
God Says to You
- Call to me and I will answer you - Jeremiah 33:3
- Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you - Psalm 50:15
- The LORD is near to all who call on him - Psalm 145:18
- When I am in distress, I call to you - Psalm 86:7
- Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved - Romans 10:13
In what area of your life are you relying on yourself instead of God? What is God calling you to do about it?
Almost True
When Self-Love Is Selfish
September 8, 2024
Putting ourselves first is one of the most natural things we do.
Philippians 2:3-42 NIV - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV - But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
Maybe our problem isnât that we donât love ourselves enough.
Maybe itâs that we love ourselves too much.
Mark 12:30-31 NIV - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.â The second is this: âLove your neighbor as yourself.â There is no commandment greater than these.â
Loving yourself is not a command; itâs an assumption.
Matthew 16:24 NIV - Then Jesus said to his disciples, âWhoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Galatians 2:20 NIV - I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
In what area of your life are you loving yourself more than loving God and loving others?
What is God calling you to do about it?
Jesus Didnât Call Us To
âą Promote ourselves, but to humble ourselves
âą Pamper ourselves, but to deny ourselves
âą Serve ourselves, but to serve others
âą Put ourselves first, but to put ourselves last
âą Seek our pleasure, but to pursue Godâs purpose
Our problem isnât that we donât love ourselves enough.
Our problem - we love ourselves too much.
Because Self-Love is always about - Self!
Self-Love will never fill you - like Godâs love!
In what area of your life - loving yourself more than loving God and loving others?
What is God calling you to do about it?
Philippians 2:3-42 NIV - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV - But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
Maybe our problem isnât that we donât love ourselves enough.
Maybe itâs that we love ourselves too much.
Mark 12:30-31 NIV - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.â The second is this: âLove your neighbor as yourself.â There is no commandment greater than these.â
Loving yourself is not a command; itâs an assumption.
Matthew 16:24 NIV - Then Jesus said to his disciples, âWhoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Galatians 2:20 NIV - I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
In what area of your life are you loving yourself more than loving God and loving others?
What is God calling you to do about it?
Jesus Didnât Call Us To
âą Promote ourselves, but to humble ourselves
âą Pamper ourselves, but to deny ourselves
âą Serve ourselves, but to serve others
âą Put ourselves first, but to put ourselves last
âą Seek our pleasure, but to pursue Godâs purpose
Our problem isnât that we donât love ourselves enough.
Our problem - we love ourselves too much.
Because Self-Love is always about - Self!
Self-Love will never fill you - like Godâs love!
In what area of your life - loving yourself more than loving God and loving others?
What is God calling you to do about it?
Almost True
The Danger With âYour Truthâ
September 1, 2024
John 18:37-38 NIV - âYou are a king, then!â said Pilate. Jesus answered, âYou say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.â âWhat is truth?â retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, âI find no basis for a charge against him.
What Is Truth? Truth is absolute, constant, and true for everyone, everywhere, all the time.
What if âyour truthâ is a trap?
Proverbs 14:12 NLT - There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
What Is Truth? Truth is absolute, constant, and true for everyone, everywhere, all the time.
What if âyour truthâ is a trap?
Proverbs 14:12 NLT - There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
Two Truths About Truth
1. Just because you believe something, doesnât make it true.
Jeremiah 17:9 NLT - âThe human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?
The Danger With âYour Truthâ
Jeremiah 17:9 NLT - âThe human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?
The Danger With âYour Truthâ
- There are no absolute truths that apply to all people.
- Morality becomes subjective because right and wrong are relative.
- My perception determines whatâs true.
- I am the source of truth.
- If itâs true to me, you canât question âmy truth.â
2 Timothy 4:2-4 NLT - Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
Godâs truth doesnât change - based on our ability to stomach it.
What we want to hear is often different from what we need to hear.
2. Truth isnât just something we believe; truth is someone we follow.
John 14:6 NIV - Jesus answered, âI am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
If Jesusâ truth is different from what you believe, then die to âyour truthâ and live according to the truth.
John 18:38-40 NIV - âWhat is truth?â retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, âI find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release âthe king of the Jewsâ?â They shouted back, âNo, not him! Give us Barabbas!â Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.
But Truth isnât just something we believe - Truth is a person!
John 8:32 NLT - And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.â
If Jesusâ truth is different - die to âyour truthâ - live according to âthe truth.â
Godâs truth doesnât change - based on our ability to stomach it.
What we want to hear is often different from what we need to hear.
2. Truth isnât just something we believe; truth is someone we follow.
John 14:6 NIV - Jesus answered, âI am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
If Jesusâ truth is different from what you believe, then die to âyour truthâ and live according to the truth.
John 18:38-40 NIV - âWhat is truth?â retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, âI find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release âthe king of the Jewsâ?â They shouted back, âNo, not him! Give us Barabbas!â Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.
But Truth isnât just something we believe - Truth is a person!
John 8:32 NLT - And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.â
If Jesusâ truth is different - die to âyour truthâ - live according to âthe truth.â
Surrender Yourself for More
August 25, 2024
Luke 9:20 AMP - And He said to them, âBut who do you say that I am?â Peter replied, âThe Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) of God!â
Luke 9:23 ESV - And he said to all, âIf anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:24 ESV - For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
Luke 9:25 ESV - For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
We have to recalibrate and reckon with what it actually means to surrender all.
To really be willing to surrender all, we must know who Jesus is.
Luke 9:18 ESV - Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, âWho do the crowds say that I am?â
Itâs possible to be a fan and not be a follower.
Will we surrender all to Jesus, or just stand on the sidelines?
How fully and completely do we surrender our lives to Him?
Do you really believe He is who He said He is?
Luke 9:23 ESV - And he said to all, âIf anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:24 ESV - For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
Luke 9:25 ESV - For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
We have to recalibrate and reckon with what it actually means to surrender all.
To really be willing to surrender all, we must know who Jesus is.
Luke 9:18 ESV - Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, âWho do the crowds say that I am?â
Itâs possible to be a fan and not be a follower.
Will we surrender all to Jesus, or just stand on the sidelines?
How fully and completely do we surrender our lives to Him?
Do you really believe He is who He said He is?
Desperate for Hope
Don't Look Back
August 18, 2024
Luke 17:20-37 CSB - When he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, âThe kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say, âSee here!â or âThere!â For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.â Then he told the disciples, âThe days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you wonât see it. They will say to you, âSee there!â or âSee here!â Donât follow or run after them. For as the lightning flashes from horizon to horizon and lights up the sky, so the Son of Man will be in his day. But first it is necessary that he suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. âJust as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man: People went on eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage until the day Noah boarded the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. It will be the same as it was in the days of Lot: People went on eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building. But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be like that on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, a man on the housetop, whose belongings are in the house, must not come down to get them. Likewise, the man who is in the field must not turn back. Remember Lotâs wife! Whoever tries to make his life secure will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.â âWhere, Lord?â they asked him. He said to them, âWhere the corpse is, there also the vultures will be gathered.â
Genesis 13:12-13 ESV - Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord.
Ezekiel 16:49-50 CSB - Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters had pride, plenty of food, and comfortable security, but didnât support the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable acts before me, so I removed them when I saw this.
Genesis 19:17 ESV - And as they brought them out, one said, âEscape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.â
Genesis 19:26 ESV - But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
She got calcified and stuck in a place she was only meant to be passing through.
Hebrews 6:19 CSB - We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.
Hebrews 13:8 CSB - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV - For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
We are not a product of time, we are a product of eternity.
Matthew 28:19 CSB - Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Luke 24:21 ESV - But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.
Hebrews 12:27 MEV - And this statement, âYet once more,â signifies the removal of those things that can be shaken, things that are created, so that only those things that cannot be shaken will remain.
Stop looking back at what was and start fixing your eyes on Jesus.
Your history does not define your destiny.
Philippians 3:13-14 ESV - Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Genesis 13:12-13 ESV - Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord.
Ezekiel 16:49-50 CSB - Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters had pride, plenty of food, and comfortable security, but didnât support the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable acts before me, so I removed them when I saw this.
Genesis 19:17 ESV - And as they brought them out, one said, âEscape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.â
Genesis 19:26 ESV - But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
She got calcified and stuck in a place she was only meant to be passing through.
Hebrews 6:19 CSB - We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.
Hebrews 13:8 CSB - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV - For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
We are not a product of time, we are a product of eternity.
Matthew 28:19 CSB - Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Luke 24:21 ESV - But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.
Hebrews 12:27 MEV - And this statement, âYet once more,â signifies the removal of those things that can be shaken, things that are created, so that only those things that cannot be shaken will remain.
Stop looking back at what was and start fixing your eyes on Jesus.
Your history does not define your destiny.
Philippians 3:13-14 ESV - Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The Power of Conversations
Your Response When Temptation Strikes
August 11, 2024
James 1:14-18 ESV - But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
The pursuit of intimacy with God happens in the context of adversity.
Romans 7:19 NIV - For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing.
If life is a struggle, how do we struggle well?
The pursuit of intimacy with God happens in the context of adversity.
1 John 3:8 NASB - the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.
Isaiah 61:1 NASB - The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord anointed me
to bring good news to the humble; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim release to captives and freedom to prisoners;
Luke 11:21-22 NASB1995 - When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder.
The good news of the gospel is that the stronger one is here.
âEnemy-occupied territory - that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise and is calling us to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.â - C.S. Lewis
Because Jesus has been victorious, so can we.
You havenât been freed from the fight. Youâve been freed for the fight.
2 Timothy 2:22 NIV - Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Colossians 2:15 NIV - And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
James 1:14 NET - But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires.
James 1:15 ESV - Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
What you think about is what you care about. And what you care about, you will chase.
1 Timothy 4:16 NIV - Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
The enemyâs going to come at you. Know how he does it.
âIf you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.â - Sun Tzu, The Art of War
The pursuit of intimacy with God happens in the context of adversity.
Romans 7:19 NIV - For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing.
If life is a struggle, how do we struggle well?
The pursuit of intimacy with God happens in the context of adversity.
1 John 3:8 NASB - the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.
Isaiah 61:1 NASB - The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord anointed me
to bring good news to the humble; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim release to captives and freedom to prisoners;
Luke 11:21-22 NASB1995 - When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder.
The good news of the gospel is that the stronger one is here.
âEnemy-occupied territory - that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise and is calling us to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.â - C.S. Lewis
Because Jesus has been victorious, so can we.
You havenât been freed from the fight. Youâve been freed for the fight.
2 Timothy 2:22 NIV - Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Colossians 2:15 NIV - And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
James 1:14 NET - But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires.
James 1:15 ESV - Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
What you think about is what you care about. And what you care about, you will chase.
1 Timothy 4:16 NIV - Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
The enemyâs going to come at you. Know how he does it.
âIf you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.â - Sun Tzu, The Art of War
What do we do in response?
1. Eliminate the moment
Matthew 26:41 ESV - Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.â
Donât let shame impede strategic thinking.
Romans 13:14 ESV - But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Attack sin when itâs small. Donât wait till itâs fully grown.
2. Paddle Downstream
James 1:15 ESV - Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
3. Paddle upstream. What is giving my temptations their energy?
James 1:16 ESV - Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
Downstream from temptation is destruction; upstream from temptation is deception.
James 1:17 ESV - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:18 ESV - Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
The best defense against sin is a good offense.
Philippians 3:8 NASB - More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ,
But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, who is already sick and pale with grief, That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she. - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
âHow sweet all at once it was for me to be rid of those fruitless joys which I had once feared to lose...you drove them from me, you who are the true, the sovereign joy. You drove them from me and took their place, you who are sweeter than all pleasure ...â - St. Augustine
Matthew 26:41 ESV - Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.â
Donât let shame impede strategic thinking.
Romans 13:14 ESV - But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Attack sin when itâs small. Donât wait till itâs fully grown.
2. Paddle Downstream
James 1:15 ESV - Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
3. Paddle upstream. What is giving my temptations their energy?
James 1:16 ESV - Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
Downstream from temptation is destruction; upstream from temptation is deception.
James 1:17 ESV - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:18 ESV - Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
The best defense against sin is a good offense.
Philippians 3:8 NASB - More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ,
But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, who is already sick and pale with grief, That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she. - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
âHow sweet all at once it was for me to be rid of those fruitless joys which I had once feared to lose...you drove them from me, you who are the true, the sovereign joy. You drove them from me and took their place, you who are sweeter than all pleasure ...â - St. Augustine
Back to School Sunday
The Power of Conversations
August 4, 2024
Get up, get out there, and get after it.
Gospeler: one who shares their faith, either publicly or personally
Gospeler: one who shares their faith, either publicly or personally
Bringing up the name of Jesus should be as natural as when we talk about our spouse.
When the church starts preaching the gospel, we will then start seeing a movement.
Matthew 28:18-20 NIV - Then Jesus came to them and said, âAll authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.â
Make disciples, baptize people, and teach people.
Conversations start with caring.
Conversations take courage.
Conversations can create change.
Luke 19:10 NABRE - For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.â
Conversations can lead to change.
What conversations do you need to have?
Who do you need to care about?
Where do you need to be courageous?
Who do you know who needs some change?
Friend Sunday
Church is Family, not a Business
July 28, 2024
Luke 7:34 NIV - The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, âHere is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.â
Luke 7:39-43 NIV - When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, âIf this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is - that she is a sinner.â Jesus answered him, âSimon, I have something to tell you.â âTell me, teacher,â he said. âTwo people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?â Simon replied, âI suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.â âYou have judged correctly,â Jesus said.
Luke 7:50 NIV - Jesus said to the woman, âYour faith has saved you; go in peace.â
Something special happens when we break bread together.
We aren't designed for isolation. We're wired for connection.
Psalm 68:6 NLT - God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Christ came to give life and life to the fullest.
Luke 7:39-43 NIV - When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, âIf this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is - that she is a sinner.â Jesus answered him, âSimon, I have something to tell you.â âTell me, teacher,â he said. âTwo people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?â Simon replied, âI suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.â âYou have judged correctly,â Jesus said.
Luke 7:50 NIV - Jesus said to the woman, âYour faith has saved you; go in peace.â
Something special happens when we break bread together.
We aren't designed for isolation. We're wired for connection.
Psalm 68:6 NLT - God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Christ came to give life and life to the fullest.
3 things you learn when you find your tribe:
1. Pass the salt
You need the right people in your life to share your pain so you can heal together. To pass the salt.
Psalm 34:18 NIV - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Revelation 21:4 NIV - âHe will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more deathâ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.â
2. Taste the difference
1 Peter 3:8 ESV - Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Luke 7:40-47 NIV - Jesus answered him, âSimon, I have something to tell you.â âTell me, teacher,â he said. âTwo people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?â Simon replied, âI suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.â âYou have judged correctly,â Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, âDo you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.â
A divided world needs a united church.
John 13:35 NIV - By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.â
3. Savor the flavor
Psalm 34:8 NIV - Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Youâre either coming out of a storm or heading into one.
John 14:27 NIV - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
The biggest deception to overcome is allowing past trauma to cause you to expect being hurt again.
You need the right people in your life to share your pain so you can heal together. To pass the salt.
Psalm 34:18 NIV - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Revelation 21:4 NIV - âHe will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more deathâ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.â
2. Taste the difference
1 Peter 3:8 ESV - Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Luke 7:40-47 NIV - Jesus answered him, âSimon, I have something to tell you.â âTell me, teacher,â he said. âTwo people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?â Simon replied, âI suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.â âYou have judged correctly,â Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, âDo you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.â
A divided world needs a united church.
John 13:35 NIV - By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.â
3. Savor the flavor
Psalm 34:8 NIV - Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Youâre either coming out of a storm or heading into one.
John 14:27 NIV - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
The biggest deception to overcome is allowing past trauma to cause you to expect being hurt again.
Habits of a Healthy Heart
Don't Quit Too Early
July 21, 2024
Matthew 17:20 NLT - âYou donât have enough faith,â Jesus told them. âI tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, âMove from here to there,â and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.â
Luke 16:10 NLT - âIf you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you wonât be honest with greater responsibilities.
G.R.I.T.
Grace
Resilience
Integrity
Teachability
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV - But he said to me, âMy grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.â Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christâs power may rest on me.
Galatians 6:9 NIV - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Proverbs 9:9 NLT - Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.
1 Corinthians 10:12 NLT - If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.
Matthew 25:21 NLT - âHis master replied, âWell done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your masterâs happiness!â
Luke 16:10 NLT - âIf you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you wonât be honest with greater responsibilities.
G.R.I.T.
Grace
Resilience
Integrity
Teachability
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV - But he said to me, âMy grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.â Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christâs power may rest on me.
Galatians 6:9 NIV - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Proverbs 9:9 NLT - Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.
1 Corinthians 10:12 NLT - If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.
Matthew 25:21 NLT - âHis master replied, âWell done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your masterâs happiness!â
Habits of a Healthy Heart
Get Rid of Your Guilt
July 14, 2024
If you want to change your habits, let God change your heart.
- Keep you living in shame
- Keep you distant from God
- Keep you from fulfilling your calling
2 Corinthians 7:9-10 NIV - yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Godly Sorrow - Repentance - Salvation
Worldly Sorrow - Remorse - Spiritual Death
We tend to accuse others and excuse ourselves.
Isaiah 5:20 NIV - Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
Romans 3:23 NLT - For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of Godâs glorious standard.
Until you see yourself as a sinner, you wonât see your need for a Savior.
Remorse is not the same as repentance.
Why donât I feel God? Sin separates us from God.
What sin have you befriended? What sin have you gotten comfortable with?
Rationalizing your sin is the first sign your heart is growing cold.
1 John 1:9 NIV - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Matthew 5:4 NIV - Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Romans 2:4 NLT - Donât you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Canât you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
Worldly Sorrow - Remorse - Spiritual Death
We tend to accuse others and excuse ourselves.
Isaiah 5:20 NIV - Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
Romans 3:23 NLT - For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of Godâs glorious standard.
Until you see yourself as a sinner, you wonât see your need for a Savior.
Remorse is not the same as repentance.
Why donât I feel God? Sin separates us from God.
What sin have you befriended? What sin have you gotten comfortable with?
Rationalizing your sin is the first sign your heart is growing cold.
1 John 1:9 NIV - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Matthew 5:4 NIV - Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Romans 2:4 NLT - Donât you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Canât you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
Habits of a Healthy Heart
When Your Mind Wonât Stop
July 7, 2024
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 NIV - What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest.
There is no such thing as intimacy without intentionality.
Mark 1:35-37 NIV - âVery early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: âEveryone is looking for you!â
There is no such thing as intimacy without intentionality.
Mark 1:35-37 NIV - âVery early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: âEveryone is looking for you!â
- Before starting His ministry. Luke 4:1-2, 14-15
- Before making important decisions. Luke 6:12-13
- After a long, hard day of work. Matt 14:23
- After ministering to lots of people. Luke 5:15-16
- After losing a close friend. Matt 14:10-13
You canât continue to pour out if you donât fill up.
Psalm 46:10 NIV - âHe says, âBe still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.â
ââ
Luke 3:22 NIV - âand the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: âYou are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.â
Luke 4:1 NIV - âJesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,â
ââ
Matthew 6:6 MSG - âHereâs what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you wonât be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.â
You can make excuses
You can know God
Canât do both
There is no such thing as intimacy w/o intentionality.
You canât busy your way to God.
Canât continue to pour out - if you donât fill up.
ââ
Luke 3:22 NIV - âand the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: âYou are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.â
Luke 4:1 NIV - âJesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,â
ââ
Matthew 6:6 MSG - âHereâs what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you wonât be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.â
You can make excuses
You can know God
Canât do both
There is no such thing as intimacy w/o intentionality.
You canât busy your way to God.
Canât continue to pour out - if you donât fill up.
Habits of a Healthy Heart
When Less Is Better
June 30, 2024
What if the stuff you have is keeping you from the life you want?
When Less Is Better - Pray
Acts 27:36, 38 - Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves...So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.
I have enough.
God, give me less of what doesnât matter.
God, give me more of what does matter.
When Less Is Better - Pray
Acts 27:36, 38 - Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves...So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.
I have enough.
God, give me less of what doesnât matter.
God, give me more of what does matter.
Matthew 6:19-21 NLT - âDonât store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
If you want to change your habits, let God change your heart.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT - Let us strip off every weight that slows us down...We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.
God, give me less of what doesnât matter.
Ecclesiastes 4:6 - Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
Define what matters most.
The most meaningful things in life are not things.
I have enough.
Because of Jesus I have enough.
Phillipians 4:12-13 NIV - I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
If you want to change your habits, let God change your heart.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT - Let us strip off every weight that slows us down...We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.
God, give me less of what doesnât matter.
Ecclesiastes 4:6 - Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
Define what matters most.
The most meaningful things in life are not things.
I have enough.
Because of Jesus I have enough.
Phillipians 4:12-13 NIV - I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Habits of a Healthy Heart
The Habit That Will Heal Your Heart
June 23, 2024
Jeremiah 17:9 NLT - âThe human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?
If you want to change your habits, let God change your heart.
5 Habits of a Healthy Heart
* The Habit of Self-Examination
* The Habit of Simplicity
* The Habit of Solitude
* The Habit of Sorrow
* The Habit of Slowing
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
* The Habit of Simplicity
* The Habit of Solitude
* The Habit of Sorrow
* The Habit of Slowing
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
2 Samuel 11:1 NLT - In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.
Psalm 36:2 NIV - In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin.
Self-Deception - Manifests in 5 Major Ways:
* Addiction to Distraction
* Manic Cheeriness
* Judgmentalism
* Defensiveness
* Cynicism
2 Samuel 2:7 NIV - Then Nathan said to David, âYou are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: âI anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.
Psalm 36:2 NIV - In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin.
Self-Deception - Manifests in 5 Major Ways:
* Addiction to Distraction
* Manic Cheeriness
* Judgmentalism
* Defensiveness
* Cynicism
2 Samuel 2:7 NIV - Then Nathan said to David, âYou are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: âI anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.
3 Warning Signs
1. Watch for what others have tried to tell you
2. Watch for what you rationalize
3. Watch for where youâre most defensive
The more convinced you are that you donât have a problem, the more likely it is that you do.
You cannot change what you wonât confront.
Psalm 51:10 NIV - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:12 NIV - Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Search me, God, and know my heart.
Test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me.
And lead me in the way everlasting.
2. Watch for what you rationalize
3. Watch for where youâre most defensive
The more convinced you are that you donât have a problem, the more likely it is that you do.
You cannot change what you wonât confront.
Psalm 51:10 NIV - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:12 NIV - Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Search me, God, and know my heart.
Test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me.
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Decisions Good Dads Make
June 16, 2024
Good fathers keep deciding to be fathers.
Children catch character from good fathers.
A crisis does not develop character. Crisis reveals character.
You may have been chosen queen for such a time as this.
Good fathers challenge their children to live for a purpose.
Never underestimate the providence of God.
Never underestimate the influence of a good father.
Never underestimate the significance of a disciple.
Children catch character from good fathers.
A crisis does not develop character. Crisis reveals character.
You may have been chosen queen for such a time as this.
Good fathers challenge their children to live for a purpose.
Never underestimate the providence of God.
Never underestimate the influence of a good father.
Never underestimate the significance of a disciple.
Who Do You Think You Are?
Normal Isn't Working
June 9, 2024
1 Peter 2:11 NLT - Dear friends, I warn you as âtemporary residents and foreignersâ to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.
ÏαÏοίÎșÎżÏ Ï ÏαÏΔÏÎčÎŽÎźÎŒÎżÏ Ï
paroikous parepidemous
Para - Beside / Near / Temporary
âą To live near, but not in
âą To be close, but not from
âą To be in, but not of
Philippians 3:20 NLT - But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
Philippians 3:18-20 NLT - For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
ÏαÏοίÎșÎżÏ Ï ÏαÏΔÏÎčÎŽÎźÎŒÎżÏ Ï
paroikous parepidemous
Para - Beside / Near / Temporary
âą To live near, but not in
âą To be close, but not from
âą To be in, but not of
Philippians 3:20 NLT - But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
Philippians 3:18-20 NLT - For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
Because Youâre a Citizen of Heaven
1. You will think differently from this world
Romans 12:2 NLT - Donât copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know Godâs will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Colossians 3:1-2 NIV - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
2. You will live differently from this world
1 Peter 2:11 MSG - Friends, this world is not your home, so donât make yourselves cozy in it. Donât indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.
If you donât actively resist the current of culture, youâll drift into the deception of this world.
Donât worry if youâre different from the world. Worry if youâre not.
Who are you?
I am a Citizen of Heaven.
My life belongs to God.
Because earth is not my home, I think differently, and I live differently.
Romans 12:2 NLT - Donât copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know Godâs will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Colossians 3:1-2 NIV - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
2. You will live differently from this world
1 Peter 2:11 MSG - Friends, this world is not your home, so donât make yourselves cozy in it. Donât indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.
If you donât actively resist the current of culture, youâll drift into the deception of this world.
Donât worry if youâre different from the world. Worry if youâre not.
Who are you?
I am a Citizen of Heaven.
My life belongs to God.
Because earth is not my home, I think differently, and I live differently.
Who Do You Think You Are?
When What You Do Doesnât Feel Good Enough
June 2, 2024
Our world is obsessed with what you do. God cares about who you are.
Matthew 5:13 NIV - âYou are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Matthew 5:14 NIV - âYou are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:13 NIV - âYou are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Matthew 5:14 NIV - âYou are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
You are the salt of the earth
1. You are Godâs people
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV - âYou are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
2. Be who you are
1. You are Godâs people
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV - âYou are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
2. Be who you are
Who Do You Think You Are?
Your Most Important Assignment
May 26, 2024
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting peopleâs sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christâs ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christâs behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Presbeuo - an ambassador, a chosen representative of a ruling authority.
An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat sent from one country to another to promote and protect the interest of their home country.
An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat sent from one country to another to promote and protect the interest of their home country.
As Christâs Ambassador...
1. You were not elected by people but chosen by God.
John 15:16 NIV - You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
John 15:19 NIV - If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
Philippians 3:20 NLT - But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
When God selects you, it doesnât matter who rejects you.
2. You never represent yourself. You always represent God.
Philippians 1:27 NLT - Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Colossians 3:17 NLT - And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
3. You have the authority of the One who sent you.
2 Corinthians 10:8 NLT - I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesnât tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.
Luke 10:19 NLT - Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.
2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT - So we are Christâs ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, âCome back to God!â
2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT - For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
John 15:16 NIV - You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
John 15:19 NIV - If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
Philippians 3:20 NLT - But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
When God selects you, it doesnât matter who rejects you.
2. You never represent yourself. You always represent God.
Philippians 1:27 NLT - Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Colossians 3:17 NLT - And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
3. You have the authority of the One who sent you.
2 Corinthians 10:8 NLT - I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesnât tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.
Luke 10:19 NLT - Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.
2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT - So we are Christâs ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, âCome back to God!â
2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT - For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Who Do You Think You Are?
When You Donât Feel Good Enough
May 19, 2024
Ephesians 2:10 NLT - For we are Godâs masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Without Christ, you are not enough.
Ephesians 2:1-3 NLT - Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil - the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to Godâs anger, just like everyone else.
Until you admit youâre a sinner, you wonât see your need for a savior.
Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT - But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by Godâs grace that you have been saved!)
Ephesians 2:10 NLT - For we are Godâs masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
With Christ, you are Godâs masterpiece.
Poiema: that which has been created, workmanship, masterpiece, Godâs poetic statement created by God for Godâs divine purposes.
αáœÏοῊ ÎłÎŹÏ áŒÏΌΔΜ ÏÎżÎŻÎ·ÎŒÎ±
autou gar esmen poiema
Literal word order is...of him for we are masterpiece.
You arenât saved BY good works, but FOR good works.
Psalm 139:13-16 NIV - For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my motherâs womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Romans 8:28 NIV - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
âI created a vision of David in my mind and simply carved away everything that was not David.â -Michelangelo
Without Christ, you are not enough.
Ephesians 2:1-3 NLT - Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil - the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to Godâs anger, just like everyone else.
Until you admit youâre a sinner, you wonât see your need for a savior.
Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT - But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by Godâs grace that you have been saved!)
Ephesians 2:10 NLT - For we are Godâs masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
With Christ, you are Godâs masterpiece.
Poiema: that which has been created, workmanship, masterpiece, Godâs poetic statement created by God for Godâs divine purposes.
αáœÏοῊ ÎłÎŹÏ áŒÏΌΔΜ ÏÎżÎŻÎ·ÎŒÎ±
autou gar esmen poiema
Literal word order is...of him for we are masterpiece.
You arenât saved BY good works, but FOR good works.
Psalm 139:13-16 NIV - For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my motherâs womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Romans 8:28 NIV - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
âI created a vision of David in my mind and simply carved away everything that was not David.â -Michelangelo
Think Ahead
Driven By Your Dreams
May 12, 2024
Ephesians 2:10 NLT - For we are Godâs masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Genesis 37:2-7 NASB - These are the records of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, when he was seventeen years of age, was pasturing the flock with his brothers, while he was still a youth, along with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his fatherâs wives. And Joseph brought back a bad report about them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his other sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a multicolored tunic. And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms. Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. He said to them, âPlease listen to this dream which I have had; for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf stood up and also remained standing; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.â
If money were no object, what would you do for the rest of your life?
Everyone ends up somewhere. Few people end up somewhere on purpose.
Genesis 37:2-7 NASB - These are the records of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, when he was seventeen years of age, was pasturing the flock with his brothers, while he was still a youth, along with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his fatherâs wives. And Joseph brought back a bad report about them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his other sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a multicolored tunic. And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms. Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. He said to them, âPlease listen to this dream which I have had; for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf stood up and also remained standing; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.â
If money were no object, what would you do for the rest of your life?
Everyone ends up somewhere. Few people end up somewhere on purpose.
Four Phases of Living with Divine Purpose
1. The Spirit's Prompting
2. Certain Uncertainity
Genesis 37:6-7 NASB - He said to them, âPlease listen to this dream which I have had; for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf stood up and also remained standing; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.â
Past misery oftens becomes present ministry.
3. Predictable resistance
Genesis 37:18-22 NASB - When they saw him from a distance, and before he came closer to them, they plotted against him to put him to death. They said to one another, âHere comes this dreamer! Now then, come and letâs kill him, and throw him into one of the pits; and we will say, âA vicious animal devoured him.â Then we will see what will become of his dreams!â But Reuben heard this and rescued him out of their hands by saying, âLetâs not take his life.â Then Reuben said to them, âShed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on himâ - so that later he might rescue him out of their hands, to return him to his father.
Genesis 39:20 NASB - So Josephâs master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the kingâs prisoners were confined; and he was there in the prison.
Genesis 40:21-23 NASB - He restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he put the cup into Pharaohâs hand; but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
Genesis 41:15-16 NASB - Pharaoh said to Joseph, âI have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.â Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, âIt has nothing to do with me; God will give Pharaoh an answer for his own good.â
Genesis 41:33 NASB - So now let Pharaoh look for a man discerning and wise, and appoint him over the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:38-40 NASB - Then Pharaoh said to his servants, âCan we find a man like this, in whom there is a divine spirit?â So Pharaoh said to Joseph, âSince God has informed you of all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you are. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people shall be obedient to you; only regarding the throne will I be greater than you.â
4. Uncommon clarity
Genesis 45:4-8 NASB - Then Joseph said to his brothers, âPlease come closer to me.â And they came closer. And he said, âI am your brother Joseph, whom you sold to Egypt. Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to save lives. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. So God sent me ahead of you to ensure for you a remnant on the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
The Lion of the tribe of Judah.
2. Certain Uncertainity
Genesis 37:6-7 NASB - He said to them, âPlease listen to this dream which I have had; for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf stood up and also remained standing; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.â
Past misery oftens becomes present ministry.
3. Predictable resistance
Genesis 37:18-22 NASB - When they saw him from a distance, and before he came closer to them, they plotted against him to put him to death. They said to one another, âHere comes this dreamer! Now then, come and letâs kill him, and throw him into one of the pits; and we will say, âA vicious animal devoured him.â Then we will see what will become of his dreams!â But Reuben heard this and rescued him out of their hands by saying, âLetâs not take his life.â Then Reuben said to them, âShed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on himâ - so that later he might rescue him out of their hands, to return him to his father.
Genesis 39:20 NASB - So Josephâs master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the kingâs prisoners were confined; and he was there in the prison.
Genesis 40:21-23 NASB - He restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he put the cup into Pharaohâs hand; but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
Genesis 41:15-16 NASB - Pharaoh said to Joseph, âI have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.â Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, âIt has nothing to do with me; God will give Pharaoh an answer for his own good.â
Genesis 41:33 NASB - So now let Pharaoh look for a man discerning and wise, and appoint him over the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:38-40 NASB - Then Pharaoh said to his servants, âCan we find a man like this, in whom there is a divine spirit?â So Pharaoh said to Joseph, âSince God has informed you of all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you are. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people shall be obedient to you; only regarding the throne will I be greater than you.â
4. Uncommon clarity
Genesis 45:4-8 NASB - Then Joseph said to his brothers, âPlease come closer to me.â And they came closer. And he said, âI am your brother Joseph, whom you sold to Egypt. Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to save lives. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. So God sent me ahead of you to ensure for you a remnant on the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
The Lion of the tribe of Judah.
Think Ahead
Tell Me What to Do, God
May 5, 2024
Genesis 22:1 NIV - Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, âAbraham!â âHere I am,â he replied.
Here I am - Hineni
Your greatest ability is your availability.
Genesis 22:3-12 NIV - Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, âStay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.â Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, âFather?â âYes, my son?â Abraham replied. âThe fire and wood are here,â Isaac said, âbut where is the lamb for the burnt offering?â Abraham answered, âGod himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.â And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, âAbraham! Abraham!â âHere I am,â he replied. âDo not lay a hand on the boy,â he said. âDo not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.â
Obedience leads you toward God; disobedience drives you away from God.
Here I am - Hineni
Your greatest ability is your availability.
Genesis 22:3-12 NIV - Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, âStay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.â Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, âFather?â âYes, my son?â Abraham replied. âThe fire and wood are here,â Isaac said, âbut where is the lamb for the burnt offering?â Abraham answered, âGod himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.â And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, âAbraham! Abraham!â âHere I am,â he replied. âDo not lay a hand on the boy,â he said. âDo not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.â
Obedience leads you toward God; disobedience drives you away from God.
How Does God Speak To Us?
1. Sometimes God directs us clearly
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Luke 6:46 NIV - âWhy do you call me, âLord, Lord,â and do not do what I say?
2. Sometimes God guides us quietly
Romans 8:14 NIV - For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
3. Sometimes God grows us silently
Genesis 22:13-14 NIV - Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, âOn the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.â
Isaiah 58:9 NIV - Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
Isaiah 58:9 - Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Hineni.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Luke 6:46 NIV - âWhy do you call me, âLord, Lord,â and do not do what I say?
2. Sometimes God guides us quietly
Romans 8:14 NIV - For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
3. Sometimes God grows us silently
Genesis 22:13-14 NIV - Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, âOn the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.â
Isaiah 58:9 NIV - Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
Isaiah 58:9 - Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Hineni.
Think Ahead
No More Fake News
April 28, 2024
1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT - Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
John 3:16 NIV - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:1-2 NLT - There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. âRabbi,â he said, âwe all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.â
John 3:3-5 NLT - Jesus replied, âI tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.â âWhat do you mean?â exclaimed Nicodemus. âHow can an old man go back into his motherâs womb and be born again?â Jesus replied, âI assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.
John 3:9 NLT - âHow are these things possible?â Nicodemus asked.
The difference between knowing the truth and believing IN truth has eternal implications.
John 3:16 NIV - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:1-2 NLT - There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. âRabbi,â he said, âwe all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.â
John 3:3-5 NLT - Jesus replied, âI tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.â âWhat do you mean?â exclaimed Nicodemus. âHow can an old man go back into his motherâs womb and be born again?â Jesus replied, âI assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.
John 3:9 NLT - âHow are these things possible?â Nicodemus asked.
The difference between knowing the truth and believing IN truth has eternal implications.
3 Truths You Must Discover
1. Identity: Who are you becoming?
What you believe determines who you are and who you become.
John 3:3 NLT - Jesus replied, âI tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.â
If you want to change what you see, change what you say.
Any declaration not based on the truth of Godâs Word will still leave you empty.
2. Community: Where are you belonging?
John 7:50-52 NLT - Then Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, spoke up. âIs it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?â he asked. They replied, âAre you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself - no prophet ever comes from Galilee!â
Tell the truth: Do you have the right people in your life?
Proverbs 13:20 MSG - Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.
3. Eternity: What master are you serving?
What you chase after defines your master.
John 19:39 NLT - With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes.
John 8:32 NLT - And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.â
What you believe determines who you are and who you become.
John 3:3 NLT - Jesus replied, âI tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.â
If you want to change what you see, change what you say.
Any declaration not based on the truth of Godâs Word will still leave you empty.
2. Community: Where are you belonging?
John 7:50-52 NLT - Then Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, spoke up. âIs it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?â he asked. They replied, âAre you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself - no prophet ever comes from Galilee!â
Tell the truth: Do you have the right people in your life?
Proverbs 13:20 MSG - Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.
3. Eternity: What master are you serving?
What you chase after defines your master.
John 19:39 NLT - With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes.
John 8:32 NLT - And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.â
Think Ahead
Trusting God When You Don't Understand
April 21, 2024
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
What you worry about the most often reveals where you trust God the least.
1 Samuel 1:2 ERV - Elkanah had two wives. One wife was named Hannah and the other wife was named Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not.
1 Samuel 1:6-7 NLT - So Peninnah would taunt Hannah and make fun of her because the Lord had kept her from having children. Year after year it was the same - Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat.
We learn to trust God in the trials.
1 Samuel 1:8 NLT - âWhy are you crying, Hannah?â Elkanah would ask. âWhy arenât you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me - isnât that better than having ten sons?â
1 Samuel 1:9-10 NLT - Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.
1 Samuel 1:11 NLT - And she made this vow: âO Lord of Heavenâs Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut."
1 Samuel 1:18 NLT - âOh, thank you, sir!â she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.
1 Samuel 1:19 NLT - The entire family got up early the next morning and went to worship the Lord once more. Then they returned home to Ramah. When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea,
1 Samuel 1:20 NLT - and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, âI asked the Lord for him.â
Because God has been faithful in the past, we can trust Him with the future.
What you worry about the most often reveals where you trust God the least.
1 Samuel 1:2 ERV - Elkanah had two wives. One wife was named Hannah and the other wife was named Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not.
1 Samuel 1:6-7 NLT - So Peninnah would taunt Hannah and make fun of her because the Lord had kept her from having children. Year after year it was the same - Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat.
We learn to trust God in the trials.
1 Samuel 1:8 NLT - âWhy are you crying, Hannah?â Elkanah would ask. âWhy arenât you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me - isnât that better than having ten sons?â
1 Samuel 1:9-10 NLT - Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.
1 Samuel 1:11 NLT - And she made this vow: âO Lord of Heavenâs Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut."
1 Samuel 1:18 NLT - âOh, thank you, sir!â she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.
1 Samuel 1:19 NLT - The entire family got up early the next morning and went to worship the Lord once more. Then they returned home to Ramah. When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea,
1 Samuel 1:20 NLT - and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, âI asked the Lord for him.â
Because God has been faithful in the past, we can trust Him with the future.
Think Ahead
Do This to Get Closer to God
April 14, 2024
5 People - 5 Pre-Decisions
Prioritize intimacy with God - David
Trust God - Hannah
Seek truth - Nicodemus
Obey God - Abraham
Believe Godâs calling - Joseph
There is no such thing as intimacy without intentionality.
Psalm 27:4 NIV - One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Prioritize intimacy with God - David
Trust God - Hannah
Seek truth - Nicodemus
Obey God - Abraham
Believe Godâs calling - Joseph
There is no such thing as intimacy without intentionality.
Psalm 27:4 NIV - One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Why Do I Prioritize Intimacy With God?
1. Iâm desperate for Godâs presence.
Psalm 63:1-3 NIV - You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
2. I'm desperate for God's word.
Psalm 19:7-8 NLT - The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
Psalm 63:1-3 NIV - You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
2. I'm desperate for God's word.
Psalm 19:7-8 NLT - The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
Psalm 19:10 NLT - They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
3. Iâm desperate for Godâs Church.
Psalm 122:1 NIV - I rejoiced with those who said to me, âLet us go to the house of the Lord.â
Psalm 92:13 NIV - planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.
3. Iâm desperate for Godâs Church.
Psalm 122:1 NIV - I rejoiced with those who said to me, âLet us go to the house of the Lord.â
Psalm 92:13 NIV - planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.
The Lord's Supper
April 7, 2024
Mark 14:12-26 NLT - On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, Jesusâ disciples asked him, âWhere do you want us to go to prepare the Passover meal for you?â So Jesus sent two of them into Jerusalem with these instructions: âAs you go into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, say to the owner, âThe Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?â He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.â So the two disciples went into the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there. In the evening Jesus arrived with the Twelve. As they were at the table eating, Jesus said, âI tell you the truth, one of you eating with me here will betray me.â Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, âAm I the one?â He replied, âIt is one of you twelve who is eating from this bowl with me. For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!â As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, âTake it, for this is my body.â And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, âThis is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many. I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.â Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB - Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, letâs rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and letâs run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB - Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, letâs rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and letâs run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Julius Maddox
Irregular Strength
March 31, 2024
1 John 4:9-10 NIV - This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Exodus 3:10 ESV - Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.â
Genesis 22:2 NIV - Then God said, âTake your son, your only son, whom you love - Isaac - and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.â
Mark 10:29-30 NIV - âTruly I tell you,â Jesus replied, âno one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields - along with persecutions - and in the age to come eternal life.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV - God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Exodus 3:10 ESV - Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.â
Genesis 22:2 NIV - Then God said, âTake your son, your only son, whom you love - Isaac - and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.â
Mark 10:29-30 NIV - âTruly I tell you,â Jesus replied, âno one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields - along with persecutions - and in the age to come eternal life.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV - God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Making Jesus Known
Go and Grow
March 24, 2024
John 8:32 NLT - And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.â
Information alone does not bring transformation
John 7:14-17 NLT - Then, midway through the festival, Jesus went up to the Temple and began to teach. The people were surprised when they heard him. âHow does he know so much when he hasnât been trained?â they asked. So Jesus told them, âMy message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.
2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT - Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who donât believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They donât understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
Today is the day to grow
So today is the day to go
Information alone does not bring transformation
John 7:14-17 NLT - Then, midway through the festival, Jesus went up to the Temple and began to teach. The people were surprised when they heard him. âHow does he know so much when he hasnât been trained?â they asked. So Jesus told them, âMy message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.
2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT - Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who donât believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They donât understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
Today is the day to grow
So today is the day to go
2 Lies about Evangelism
1. I am not an evangelist
Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT - Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip Godâs people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of Godâs Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
2. I am not gifted
Acts 3:6 NLT - But Peter said, âI donât have any silver or gold for you. But Iâll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!â
Acts 4:19-20 NLT - But Peter and John replied, âDo you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.â
Go and Grow
Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT - Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip Godâs people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of Godâs Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
2. I am not gifted
Acts 3:6 NLT - But Peter said, âI donât have any silver or gold for you. But Iâll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!â
Acts 4:19-20 NLT - But Peter and John replied, âDo you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.â
Go and Grow
Making Jesus Known
Evangelism is Easy
March 17, 2024
1. The Call
Matthew 4:18-20 ESV - While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, âFollow me, and I will make you fishers of men.â Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Luke 19:10 ESV - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.â
2. The Commission
Matthew 28:16-20 ESV - Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, âAll authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.â
3. The Cost of the Call
Matthew 16:24-25 ESV - Then Jesus told his disciples, âIf anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Romans 12:1 ESV - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Matthew 4:18-20 ESV - While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, âFollow me, and I will make you fishers of men.â Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Luke 19:10 ESV - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.â
2. The Commission
Matthew 28:16-20 ESV - Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, âAll authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.â
3. The Cost of the Call
Matthew 16:24-25 ESV - Then Jesus told his disciples, âIf anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Romans 12:1 ESV - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Six Lies We Believe About Evangelism
1. Evangelism is not for me
Romans 14:7-8 ESV - For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.
2. I donât evangelize because itâs not my personality
Galatians 2:20 ESV - I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
3. Iâm not a street evangelist
âWe are all called to share, not just a select a few.â
Acts 8:1-5 ESV - And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.
Luke 24:48 ESV - You are witnesses of these things.
4. I'm not gifted
Acts 2:38-39 ESV - And Peter said to them, âRepent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.â
5. I just donât like pushing my beliefs on people
John 3:16-18 ESV - âFor God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
We are sharing good news and preaching people out of condemnation into life in Christ.
Romans 10:13-15 ESV - For âeveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.â How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, âHow beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!â
6. I'm just too fearful
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV - for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Matthew 9:35-38 ESV - And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, âThe harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.â
He saw the Crowd as they really were "Harassed and Helplessâ
When he saw the crowd he saw a harvest that was plentiful.
He saw that the laborers were few.
"We don't have a harvest problem we have a labor problem."
Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers.
Romans 14:7-8 ESV - For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.
2. I donât evangelize because itâs not my personality
Galatians 2:20 ESV - I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
3. Iâm not a street evangelist
âWe are all called to share, not just a select a few.â
Acts 8:1-5 ESV - And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.
Luke 24:48 ESV - You are witnesses of these things.
4. I'm not gifted
Acts 2:38-39 ESV - And Peter said to them, âRepent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.â
5. I just donât like pushing my beliefs on people
John 3:16-18 ESV - âFor God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
We are sharing good news and preaching people out of condemnation into life in Christ.
Romans 10:13-15 ESV - For âeveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.â How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, âHow beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!â
6. I'm just too fearful
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV - for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Matthew 9:35-38 ESV - And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, âThe harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.â
He saw the Crowd as they really were "Harassed and Helplessâ
When he saw the crowd he saw a harvest that was plentiful.
He saw that the laborers were few.
"We don't have a harvest problem we have a labor problem."
Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers.
The Grace Awakening
I See God
March 10, 2024
Week 5
Romans 1:20 NLT - For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
Psalms 19:1-4 NLT - The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
John 10:37-38 NLT - Donât believe me unless I carry out my Fatherâs work. But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you donât believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.â
John 8:49-58 NLT - âNo,â Jesus said, âI have no demon in me. For I honor my Father - and you dishonor me. And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge. I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!â The people said, âNow we know you are possessed by a demon. Even Abraham and the prophets died, but you say, âAnyone who obeys my teaching will never die!â Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?â Jesus answered, âIf I want glory for myself, it doesnât count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, âHe is our God,â but you donât even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him. Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.â The people said, âYou arenât even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?" Jesus answered, âI tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!â
Ezekiel 36:26 NLT - And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
Galatians 2:20 NLT - My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
John 14:12 NLT - âI tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
Colossians 1:27 NLT - For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
John 17:20-24 NLT - âI am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are oneâas you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. âI have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
John 17:23 NLT - I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
1 John 4:9 NLT - God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.
1 John 4:10 NLT - This is real love - not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV - For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
Jeremiah 17:9 NLT - âThe human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?
Ezekiel 36:26 NLT - And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV - God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we are made righteous!
John 10:37-38 NLT - Donât believe me unless I carry out my Fatherâs work. But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you donât believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.â
John 8:49-58 NLT - âNo,â Jesus said, âI have no demon in me. For I honor my Father - and you dishonor me. And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge. I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!â The people said, âNow we know you are possessed by a demon. Even Abraham and the prophets died, but you say, âAnyone who obeys my teaching will never die!â Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?â Jesus answered, âIf I want glory for myself, it doesnât count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, âHe is our God,â but you donât even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him. Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.â The people said, âYou arenât even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?" Jesus answered, âI tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!â
Ezekiel 36:26 NLT - And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
Galatians 2:20 NLT - My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
John 14:12 NLT - âI tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
Colossians 1:27 NLT - For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
John 17:20-24 NLT - âI am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are oneâas you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. âI have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
John 17:23 NLT - I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
1 John 4:9 NLT - God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.
1 John 4:10 NLT - This is real love - not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV - For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
Jeremiah 17:9 NLT - âThe human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?
Ezekiel 36:26 NLT - And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV - God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we are made righteous!
The Grace Awakening
March 3, 2024
Week 4
Colossians 2:6-8 NIV - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2:9-10 NIV - For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Colossians 2:11-12 NIV - In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:13 NIV - When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,
Colossians 2:14 NIV - having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:14 NKJV - having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Colossians 2:15 NIV - And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Ephesians 6:12 NIV - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Revelation 12:10-11 NIV - Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: âNow have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
1 Timothy 2:5 NIV - For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,
Romans 10:4 NIV - Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
Romans 8:1 NIV - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
Isaiah 54:17 NIV - no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,â declares the Lord.
Isaiah 54:16 NIV - âSee, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc;
2 Corinthians 3:6 NIV - He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV - And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lordâs glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NIV - But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christâs triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
Colossians 2:9-10 NIV - For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Colossians 2:11-12 NIV - In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:13 NIV - When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,
Colossians 2:14 NIV - having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:14 NKJV - having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Colossians 2:15 NIV - And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Ephesians 6:12 NIV - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Revelation 12:10-11 NIV - Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: âNow have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
1 Timothy 2:5 NIV - For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,
Romans 10:4 NIV - Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
Romans 8:1 NIV - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
Isaiah 54:17 NIV - no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,â declares the Lord.
Isaiah 54:16 NIV - âSee, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc;
2 Corinthians 3:6 NIV - He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV - And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lordâs glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NIV - But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christâs triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
The Grace Awakening
Credit of Righteousness
February 25, 2024
Week 3
Romans 5:19 NLT - Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
1 Corinthians 15:21-22 NLT - So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.
1 Corinthians 15:45-48 NLT - The Scriptures tell us, âThe first man, Adam, became a living person.â But the last Adam - that is, Christ - is a life-giving Spirit. What comes first is the natural body, then the spiritual body comes later. Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven. Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man.
Joshua 3:1-4 NLT - Early the next morning Joshua and all the Israelites left Acacia Grove and arrived at the banks of the Jordan River, where they camped before crossing. Three days later the Israelite officers went through the camp, giving these instructions to the people: âWhen you see the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God, move out from your positions and follow them. Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you. Stay about half a mile behind them, keeping a clear distance between you and the Ark. Make sure you donât come any closer.â
Joshua 3:11-14 NLT - Look, the Ark of the Covenant, which belongs to the Lord of the whole earth, will lead you across the Jordan River! Now choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. The priests will carry the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. As soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will stand up like a wall.â So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them.
Joshua 3:14-16 NLT - So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. It was the harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the riverâs edge, the water above that point began backing up a great distance away at a town called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho.
Joshua 3:17 NLT - Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Lordâs Covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by. They waited there until the whole nation of Israel had crossed the Jordan on dry ground.
Exodus 25:10-22 NLT - âHave the people make an Ark of acacia wood - a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high. Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold, and run a molding of gold all around it. Cast four gold rings and attach them to its four feet, two rings on each side. Make poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it. These carrying poles must stay inside the rings; never remove them. When the Ark is finished, place inside it the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. âThen make the Arkâs cover - the place of atonement - from pure gold. It must be 45 inches long and 27 inches wide. Then make two cherubim from hammered gold, and place them on the two ends of the atonement cover. Mold the cherubim on each end of the atonement cover, making it all of one piece of gold. The cherubim will face each other and look down on the atonement cover. With their wings spread above it, they will protect it. Place inside the Ark the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. Then put the atonement cover on top of the Ark. I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.
Hebrews 9:3-4 NLT - Then there was a curtain, and behind the curtain was the second room called the Most Holy Place. In that room were a gold incense altar and a wooden chest called the Ark of the Covenant, which was covered with gold on all sides. Inside the Ark were a gold jar containing manna, Aaronâs staff that sprouted leaves, and the stone tablets of the covenant.
Hebrews 9:5 NLT - Above the Ark were the cherubim of divine glory, whose wings stretched out over the Arkâs cover, the place of atonement. But we cannot explain these things in detail now.
James 2:13 NLT - There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
1 Samuel 6:19 NLT - But the Lord killed seventy men from Beth-shemesh because they looked into the Ark of the Lord. And the people mourned greatly because of what the Lord had done.
Psalm 30:5 NLT - For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Romans 3:20 NLT - For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
Romans 3:21 NLT - But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago.
Romans 3:28 NLT - So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
Romans 4:1 NLT - Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God?
Romans 4:3 NLT - For the Scriptures tell us, âAbraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.â
Romans 4:4-6 NLT - When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:
Romans 4:7-8 NIV - âBlessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.â
Romans 3:23 NLT - For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of Godâs glorious standard.
Romans 6:23 NLT - For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Isaiah 64:6 NLT - We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.
1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT - For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.
Hebrews 9:12 NLT - With his own blood - not the blood of goats and calves - he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.
Titus 2:11-12 NIV - For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say âNoâ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
II Corinthians 5:21 NIV - God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
1 Corinthians 15:45-48 NLT - The Scriptures tell us, âThe first man, Adam, became a living person.â But the last Adam - that is, Christ - is a life-giving Spirit. What comes first is the natural body, then the spiritual body comes later. Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven. Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man.
Joshua 3:1-4 NLT - Early the next morning Joshua and all the Israelites left Acacia Grove and arrived at the banks of the Jordan River, where they camped before crossing. Three days later the Israelite officers went through the camp, giving these instructions to the people: âWhen you see the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God, move out from your positions and follow them. Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you. Stay about half a mile behind them, keeping a clear distance between you and the Ark. Make sure you donât come any closer.â
Joshua 3:11-14 NLT - Look, the Ark of the Covenant, which belongs to the Lord of the whole earth, will lead you across the Jordan River! Now choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. The priests will carry the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. As soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will stand up like a wall.â So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them.
Joshua 3:14-16 NLT - So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. It was the harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the riverâs edge, the water above that point began backing up a great distance away at a town called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho.
Joshua 3:17 NLT - Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Lordâs Covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by. They waited there until the whole nation of Israel had crossed the Jordan on dry ground.
Exodus 25:10-22 NLT - âHave the people make an Ark of acacia wood - a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high. Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold, and run a molding of gold all around it. Cast four gold rings and attach them to its four feet, two rings on each side. Make poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it. These carrying poles must stay inside the rings; never remove them. When the Ark is finished, place inside it the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. âThen make the Arkâs cover - the place of atonement - from pure gold. It must be 45 inches long and 27 inches wide. Then make two cherubim from hammered gold, and place them on the two ends of the atonement cover. Mold the cherubim on each end of the atonement cover, making it all of one piece of gold. The cherubim will face each other and look down on the atonement cover. With their wings spread above it, they will protect it. Place inside the Ark the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. Then put the atonement cover on top of the Ark. I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.
Hebrews 9:3-4 NLT - Then there was a curtain, and behind the curtain was the second room called the Most Holy Place. In that room were a gold incense altar and a wooden chest called the Ark of the Covenant, which was covered with gold on all sides. Inside the Ark were a gold jar containing manna, Aaronâs staff that sprouted leaves, and the stone tablets of the covenant.
Hebrews 9:5 NLT - Above the Ark were the cherubim of divine glory, whose wings stretched out over the Arkâs cover, the place of atonement. But we cannot explain these things in detail now.
James 2:13 NLT - There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
1 Samuel 6:19 NLT - But the Lord killed seventy men from Beth-shemesh because they looked into the Ark of the Lord. And the people mourned greatly because of what the Lord had done.
Psalm 30:5 NLT - For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Romans 3:20 NLT - For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
Romans 3:21 NLT - But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago.
Romans 3:28 NLT - So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
Romans 4:1 NLT - Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God?
Romans 4:3 NLT - For the Scriptures tell us, âAbraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.â
Romans 4:4-6 NLT - When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:
Romans 4:7-8 NIV - âBlessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.â
Romans 3:23 NLT - For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of Godâs glorious standard.
Romans 6:23 NLT - For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Isaiah 64:6 NLT - We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.
1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT - For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.
Hebrews 9:12 NLT - With his own blood - not the blood of goats and calves - he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.
Titus 2:11-12 NIV - For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say âNoâ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
II Corinthians 5:21 NIV - God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
The Grace Awakening
The Big Picture
February 18, 2024
Week 2
Genesis 12:1-3 NIV - The Lord had said to Abram, âGo from your country, your people and your fatherâs household to the land I will show you. âI will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.â
Exodus 24:7 NIV - Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, âWe will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.â
Exodus 31:18 NIV - When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.
Exodus 32:1 NIV - When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, âCome, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we donât know what has happened to him.â
Exodus 32:25-28 NIV - Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies. So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, âWhoever is for the Lord, come to me.â And all the Levites rallied to him. Then he said to them, âThis is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: âEach man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.ââ The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died.
Deuteronomy 28:1-6 NIV - If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock - the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.
Deuteronomy 28:15-19 NIV - However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you: You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. Your basket and your kneading trough will be cursed. The fruit of your womb will be cursed, and the crops of your land, and the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. You will be cursed when you come in and cursed when you go out.
Deuteronomy 31:26 NIV - âTake this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. There it will remain as a witness against you.
2 Corinthians 3:7 NIV - Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was,
2 Corinthians 3:9 NIV - If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!
Colossians 2:14 NIV - having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
Romans 5:20 NIV - The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
Romans 3:20 NIV - Therefore no one will be declared righteous in Godâs sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
John 1:1 NIV - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 NIV - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:10-11 NIV - He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
John 1:12-13 NIV - Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husbandâs will, but born of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Exodus 24:7 NIV - Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, âWe will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.â
Exodus 31:18 NIV - When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.
Exodus 32:1 NIV - When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, âCome, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we donât know what has happened to him.â
Exodus 32:25-28 NIV - Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies. So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, âWhoever is for the Lord, come to me.â And all the Levites rallied to him. Then he said to them, âThis is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: âEach man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.ââ The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died.
Deuteronomy 28:1-6 NIV - If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock - the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.
Deuteronomy 28:15-19 NIV - However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you: You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. Your basket and your kneading trough will be cursed. The fruit of your womb will be cursed, and the crops of your land, and the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. You will be cursed when you come in and cursed when you go out.
Deuteronomy 31:26 NIV - âTake this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. There it will remain as a witness against you.
2 Corinthians 3:7 NIV - Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was,
2 Corinthians 3:9 NIV - If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!
Colossians 2:14 NIV - having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
Romans 5:20 NIV - The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
Romans 3:20 NIV - Therefore no one will be declared righteous in Godâs sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
John 1:1 NIV - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 NIV - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:10-11 NIV - He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
John 1:12-13 NIV - Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husbandâs will, but born of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
The Grace Awakening
The Big Picture
February 11, 2024
Week 1
Amos 3:7 NIV - Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
John 15:15 NIV - I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his masterâs business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
John 16:13-15 NIV - But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.â
Daniel 7:27-28 NIV - Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.â âThis is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself.â
John 15:15 NIV - I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his masterâs business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
John 16:13-15 NIV - But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.â
Daniel 7:27-28 NIV - Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.â âThis is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself.â
Revelation 21:1-7 NIV - Then I saw âa new heaven and a new earth,â for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, âLook! Godâs dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. âHe will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more deathâ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.â He who was seated on the throne said, âI am making everything new!â Then he said, âWrite this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.â He said to me: âIt is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
Isaiah 46:10-11 NIV - I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, âMy purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.â From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.
Genesis 1:1 NIV - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:31 NIV - God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning - the sixth day.
Genesis 1:26-28 NIV - Then God said, âLet us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.â So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, âBe fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.â
Genesis 6:5 NIV - The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.
Romans 5:19 NIV - For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Genesis 6:11-12 NIV - Now the earth was corrupt in Godâs sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.
Genesis 8:21 NIV - The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: âNever again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.
Genesis 1:1 NIV - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:31 NIV - God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning - the sixth day.
Genesis 1:26-28 NIV - Then God said, âLet us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.â So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, âBe fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.â
Genesis 6:5 NIV - The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.
Romans 5:19 NIV - For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Genesis 6:11-12 NIV - Now the earth was corrupt in Godâs sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.
Genesis 8:21 NIV - The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: âNever again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.
Identity Theft - Week 5
February 4, 2024
2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB - Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Luke 24:45 NASB - Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
Matthew 22:37 NASB - And He said to him, ââYou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.â
Philippians 4:7 NASB - And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:2 NASB - Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.
Romans 8:6 NASB - For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
Romans 12:2 NASB - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Corinthians 2:16 NASB - For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Philippians 2:5 KJV - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Matthew 12:35 NKJV - A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
Right thinking leads to right living.
Luke 24:45 NASB - Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
Matthew 22:37 NASB - And He said to him, ââYou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.â
Philippians 4:7 NASB - And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:2 NASB - Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.
Romans 8:6 NASB - For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
Romans 12:2 NASB - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Corinthians 2:16 NASB - For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Philippians 2:5 KJV - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Matthew 12:35 NKJV - A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
Right thinking leads to right living.
Identity Theft - Week 4
January 28, 2024
Genesis 1:27 NLT - So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Numbers 12:3 NLT - (Now Moses was very humble - more humble than any other person on earth.)
Humility is not thinking less of yourself. Humility is thinking of yourself less.
Matthew 18:1-4 NLT - About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, âWho is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?â Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, âI tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Greatness in the kingdom is measured differently than the way we measure it.
1 Corinthians 4:5-7 NASB - Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of human hearts; and then praise will come to each person from God. Now these things, brothers and sisters, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos on your account, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. For who considers you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
" When did worship become about the one worshipping and stop being about the One being worshiped?â
John 3:30 NLT - He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
All of you in all of me.
I canât afford to have one thought about me that God doesnât have about me.
Numbers 12:3 NLT - (Now Moses was very humble - more humble than any other person on earth.)
Humility is not thinking less of yourself. Humility is thinking of yourself less.
Matthew 18:1-4 NLT - About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, âWho is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?â Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, âI tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Greatness in the kingdom is measured differently than the way we measure it.
1 Corinthians 4:5-7 NASB - Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of human hearts; and then praise will come to each person from God. Now these things, brothers and sisters, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos on your account, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. For who considers you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
" When did worship become about the one worshipping and stop being about the One being worshiped?â
John 3:30 NLT - He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
All of you in all of me.
I canât afford to have one thought about me that God doesnât have about me.
Identity Theft - Week 3
January 21, 2024
1 Samuel 10:25 AMP - Then Samuel told the people the requirements of the kingdom, and wrote them in a book and placed it before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT - This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
John 8:11 NLT - âNo, Lord,â she said. And Jesus said, âNeither do I. Go and sin no more.â
Proverbs 18:21 NLT - The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
When we are saved, does Holy Spirit comes to live in us?
Why would we think He would live in sin?
Genesis 1:1-2 NLT - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
Genesis 1:3 NLT - Then God said, âLet there be light,â and there was light.
God is not scared of our issues.
Ezekiel 37:1-4 KJV - The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, and caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
Ezekiel 37:7-8 NLT - So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them.
Ezekiel 37:9-10 NLT - Then he said to me, âSpeak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, âThis is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.ââ So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet - a great army.
1 Timothy 2:14 NLT - And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result.
Let there be light!
Matthew 21:21-22 NASB - And Jesus answered and said to them, âTruly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, âBe taken up and cast into the sea,â it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it all.â
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT - This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
John 8:11 NLT - âNo, Lord,â she said. And Jesus said, âNeither do I. Go and sin no more.â
Proverbs 18:21 NLT - The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
When we are saved, does Holy Spirit comes to live in us?
Why would we think He would live in sin?
Genesis 1:1-2 NLT - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
Genesis 1:3 NLT - Then God said, âLet there be light,â and there was light.
God is not scared of our issues.
Ezekiel 37:1-4 KJV - The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, and caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
Ezekiel 37:7-8 NLT - So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them.
Ezekiel 37:9-10 NLT - Then he said to me, âSpeak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, âThis is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.ââ So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet - a great army.
1 Timothy 2:14 NLT - And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result.
Let there be light!
Matthew 21:21-22 NASB - And Jesus answered and said to them, âTruly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, âBe taken up and cast into the sea,â it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it all.â
Identity Theft - Week 2
January 14, 2024
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT - For I know the plans I have for you,â says the Lord. âThey are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Godâs plans trump the enemyâs plans.
His bad plans cannot overrun Godâs good plans.
1 Samuel 10:25 AMP - Then Samuel told the people the requirements of the kingdom, and wrote them in a book and placed it before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home.
Even though greatness is inside everyone of us, we have to be taught how to develop it!
I propose the problem is not that I donât know who your daddy is.
The problem is you donât know who your daddy is!
Proverbs 30:21-22 NASB - Under three things the earth quakes, and under four, it cannot endure: Under a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when he is satisfied with food,
Romans 12:3-8 NLT - Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Donât think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christâs body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Numbers 12:3 NLT - (Now Moses was very humble - more humble than any other person on earth.)
Godâs plans trump the enemyâs plans.
His bad plans cannot overrun Godâs good plans.
1 Samuel 10:25 AMP - Then Samuel told the people the requirements of the kingdom, and wrote them in a book and placed it before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home.
Even though greatness is inside everyone of us, we have to be taught how to develop it!
I propose the problem is not that I donât know who your daddy is.
The problem is you donât know who your daddy is!
Proverbs 30:21-22 NASB - Under three things the earth quakes, and under four, it cannot endure: Under a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when he is satisfied with food,
Romans 12:3-8 NLT - Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Donât think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christâs body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Numbers 12:3 NLT - (Now Moses was very humble - more humble than any other person on earth.)
Identity Theft - Week 1
January 7, 2024
Hebrews 1:3 KJV - Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
Colossians 1:15 KJV - Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Isaiah 52:14 NLT - But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man.
Isaiah 14:13-14 NLT - For you said to yourself, âI will ascend to heaven and set my throne above Godâs stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.â
Genesis 1:27 KJV - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
1 Corinthians 15:49 KJV - And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Jeremiah 1:5 NLT - âI knew you before I formed you in your motherâs womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.â
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT - For I know the plans I have for you,â says the Lord. âThey are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
God had a plan for His people then.
God has a plan for His people now.
Colossians 1:15 KJV - Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Isaiah 52:14 NLT - But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man.
Isaiah 14:13-14 NLT - For you said to yourself, âI will ascend to heaven and set my throne above Godâs stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.â
Genesis 1:27 KJV - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
1 Corinthians 15:49 KJV - And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Jeremiah 1:5 NLT - âI knew you before I formed you in your motherâs womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.â
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT - For I know the plans I have for you,â says the Lord. âThey are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
God had a plan for His people then.
God has a plan for His people now.
Church is Family Not a Business
December 31, 2023
Nehemiah 4:6-13 - At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm.â âBut when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious.â âThey all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion.â âBut we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.â âThen the people of Judah began to complain, âThe workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.â Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, âBefore they know whatâs happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.â The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, âThey will come from all directions and attack us!â âSo I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.â
Nehemiah 4:14 - âThen as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, âDonât be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!â
Nehemiah 4:14 - âThen as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, âDonât be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!â
The Christmas Table
December 24, 2023
Christmas is God inviting us to His family table.
2 Samuel 9:1 NIV - David asked, âIs there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathanâs sake?â
2 Samuel 9:1-13 NIV - David asked, âIs there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathanâs sake?â Now there was a servant of Saulâs household named Ziba. They summoned him to appear before David, and the king said to him, âAre you Ziba?â âAt your service,â he replied. The king asked, âIs there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show Godâs kindness?â Ziba answered the king, âThere is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.â âWhere is he?â the king asked. Ziba answered, âHe is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.â So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel. When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, âMephibosheth!ââAt your service,â he replied. âDonât be afraid,â David said to him, âfor I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table. Mephibosheth bowed down and said, âWhat is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?â Then the king summoned Ziba, Saulâs steward, and said to him, âI have given your masterâs grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your masterâs grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.â (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) Then Ziba said to the king, âYour servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do.â So Mephibosheth ate at Davidâs table like one of the kingâs sons. Mephibosheth had a young son named Mika, and all the members of Zibaâs household were servants of Mephibosheth. And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the kingâs table; he was lame in both feet.
2 Samuel 4:4 NIV - (Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became disabled. His name was Mephibosheth.)
Romans 3:23 NIV - âfor all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,â
Luke 2:9-11 NIV - An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, âDo not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
âChristmas is not a reminder that the world is really a quite nice place. It reminds us that the world is a shockingly bad old place, where wickedness flourishes unchecked, where children are murdered, where civilized countries make a lot of money by selling weapons to uncivilized ones so they can blow each other apart. Christmas is God lighting a candle; and you donât light a candle in a room thatâs already full of sunlight. You light a candle in a room that so murky that the candle, when lit, reveals just how bad things are. The light shines in the darkness, says St John, and the darkness has not overcome itâ NT Wright
Ephesians 2:1,4-6 NIV - Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by Godâs grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms
Why Should I Worry?
When You Just Can't Decide
December 17, 2023
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Why is it so complicated?
1. We have too many choices
2. We're afraid of making a costly mistake
Acts 15:22 NASB - Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,
Acts 15:25 NASB - it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Acts 15:28 NASB - For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:
Proverbs 14:12 ESV - There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
If you are around the wrong people
Listening to the wrong voices
Living for the wrong values
What seems right - will often be wrong
With a posture of prayer and perspective of praise, we will seek God and do what seems right.
Romans 8:28 NIV - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
God has a way of bringing good things out of wrong turns.
Why is it so complicated?
1. We have too many choices
2. We're afraid of making a costly mistake
Acts 15:22 NASB - Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,
Acts 15:25 NASB - it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Acts 15:28 NASB - For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:
Proverbs 14:12 ESV - There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
If you are around the wrong people
Listening to the wrong voices
Living for the wrong values
What seems right - will often be wrong
With a posture of prayer and perspective of praise, we will seek God and do what seems right.
Romans 8:28 NIV - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
God has a way of bringing good things out of wrong turns.
Why Should I Worry?
The Perspective of Praise
December 10, 2023
Philippians 4:4 NIV - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:12-13 BPV (Bad Perspective Version) - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me really sucks. God let me down. Iâm overwhelmed with anxiety, depression and hopelessness. Because of the hell Iâve been through, Iâm quitting dinner party and never going back to church.
Philippians 1:12-13 NIV (Perspective of Praise) - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
Acts 16:22 NIV - The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods.
Wasnât praise for the WHAT but WHO God was!
Praise before provision!
Acts 16:25-26 NIV - About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyoneâs chains came loose.
The key that unlocks your miracle is the sound of your praise!
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:12-13 BPV (Bad Perspective Version) - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me really sucks. God let me down. Iâm overwhelmed with anxiety, depression and hopelessness. Because of the hell Iâve been through, Iâm quitting dinner party and never going back to church.
Philippians 1:12-13 NIV (Perspective of Praise) - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
Acts 16:22 NIV - The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods.
Wasnât praise for the WHAT but WHO God was!
Praise before provision!
Acts 16:25-26 NIV - About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyoneâs chains came loose.
The key that unlocks your miracle is the sound of your praise!
Why Should I Worry
Praying Through the Pain
December 3, 2023
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Anxiety is a signal alerting you that itâs time to pray.
Big enough to worry about - Big enough to pray about!
If itâs on your mind - Itâs on Godâs heart!
Isaiah 54:17 NIV - no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,â declares the Lord.
1 Peter 5:6-8 NIV - Humble yourselves, therefore, under Godâs mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
You donât always have the power to control but you always have the power to surrender!
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Anxiety is a signal alerting you that itâs time to pray.
Big enough to worry about - Big enough to pray about!
If itâs on your mind - Itâs on Godâs heart!
Isaiah 54:17 NIV - no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,â declares the Lord.
1 Peter 5:6-8 NIV - Humble yourselves, therefore, under Godâs mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
You donât always have the power to control but you always have the power to surrender!
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Why Should I Worry
When You've Had Enough
November 26, 2023
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Kings 19:3-5 NIV - Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a dayâs journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. âI have had enough, Lord,â he said. âTake my life; I am no better than my ancestors.â Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
1. We run ourselves into the ground.
2. We shut people out.
3. We focus on the negative.
4. We forget God.
My God is my breath!
To often you are facing your fears while forgetting your God!
1 Kings 19:11-12 NIV - The Lord said, âGo out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.â Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
Why does He whisper?
He whispers because He is always close.
1 Kings 19:3-5 NIV - Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a dayâs journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. âI have had enough, Lord,â he said. âTake my life; I am no better than my ancestors.â Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
1. We run ourselves into the ground.
2. We shut people out.
3. We focus on the negative.
4. We forget God.
My God is my breath!
To often you are facing your fears while forgetting your God!
1 Kings 19:11-12 NIV - The Lord said, âGo out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.â Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
Why does He whisper?
He whispers because He is always close.
Dangerous Prayers
Break My Heart
November 19, 2023
You will be blessed as your heart breaks over something that breaks the heart of God.
Jeremiah 8:18 NLT - My grief is beyond healing; my heart is broken.
Jeremiah 8:21 NLT - I hurt with the hurt of my people. I mourn and am overcome with grief.
What if Godâs greatest blessings come from Godâs greatest breakings?
Itâs better to hurt with a purpose than to exist without one.
Romans 9:1-3 NLT - With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed - cut off from Christ! - if that would save them.
Jeremiah 8:18 NLT - My grief is beyond healing; my heart is broken.
Jeremiah 8:21 NLT - I hurt with the hurt of my people. I mourn and am overcome with grief.
What if Godâs greatest blessings come from Godâs greatest breakings?
Itâs better to hurt with a purpose than to exist without one.
Romans 9:1-3 NLT - With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed - cut off from Christ! - if that would save them.
Dangerous Prayers
Send Me
November 5, 2023
3 Responses to God's Call
1. Jonah: Here I am. I'm not going.
Jonah 1:3 NIV - The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: âGo to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.â But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
2. Moses: Here I am. Send someone else.
Exodus 3:10-11 NIV - So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.â But Moses said to God, âWho am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?â
3. Isaiah: Here I am. Send me.
Isaiah 6:8 NIV - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, âWhom shall I send? And who will go for us?â And I said, âHere am I. Send me!â
What do you need to fully surrender to God?
1. A genuine experience with the presence of God.
Isaiah 6:1 NIV - In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
2. A genuine awareness of your sinfulness.
Isaiah 6:5 NIV - âWoe to me!â I cried. âI am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.â
3. A genuine understanding of God's grace.
Isaiah 6:6-7 NIV - Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, âSee, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.â
Isaiah 6:8 NIV - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, âWhom shall I send? And who will go for us?â And I said, âHere am I. Send me!â
1. Jonah: Here I am. I'm not going.
Jonah 1:3 NIV - The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: âGo to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.â But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
2. Moses: Here I am. Send someone else.
Exodus 3:10-11 NIV - So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.â But Moses said to God, âWho am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?â
3. Isaiah: Here I am. Send me.
Isaiah 6:8 NIV - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, âWhom shall I send? And who will go for us?â And I said, âHere am I. Send me!â
What do you need to fully surrender to God?
1. A genuine experience with the presence of God.
Isaiah 6:1 NIV - In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
2. A genuine awareness of your sinfulness.
Isaiah 6:5 NIV - âWoe to me!â I cried. âI am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.â
3. A genuine understanding of God's grace.
Isaiah 6:6-7 NIV - Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, âSee, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.â
Isaiah 6:8 NIV - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, âWhom shall I send? And who will go for us?â And I said, âHere am I. Send me!â
October 29, 2023
David Philips
Amos 3:7 NIV - Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
James 5:17-19 NIV - Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back,
1 John 5:14-15 NIV - This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him.
John 15:15 NIV - I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his masterâs business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
John 3:1-6 NIV - Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, âRabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.â Jesus replied, âVery truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.â âHow can someone be born when they are old?â Nicodemus asked. âSurely they cannot enter a second time into their motherâs womb to be born!â Jesus answered, âVery truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
Romans 14:17 NIV - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 NIV - We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare Godâs wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: âWhat no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceivedâ - the things God has prepared for those who love him - these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a personâs thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, âWho has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?â But we have the mind of Christ.
James 5:17-19 NIV - Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back,
1 John 5:14-15 NIV - This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him.
John 15:15 NIV - I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his masterâs business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
John 3:1-6 NIV - Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, âRabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.â Jesus replied, âVery truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.â âHow can someone be born when they are old?â Nicodemus asked. âSurely they cannot enter a second time into their motherâs womb to be born!â Jesus answered, âVery truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
Romans 14:17 NIV - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 NIV - We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare Godâs wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: âWhat no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceivedâ - the things God has prepared for those who love him - these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a personâs thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, âWho has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?â But we have the mind of Christ.
Dangerous Prayers
Break Me
October 22, 2023
Mark 14:3 NIV - While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
Her gift represented her past.
Her gift represented her future.
Mark 14:22-24 NLT - As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, âTake it, for this is my body.â And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, âThis is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.
Luke 22:19 NIV - And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, âThis is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.â
Your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.
Her gift represented her past.
Her gift represented her future.
Mark 14:22-24 NLT - As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, âTake it, for this is my body.â And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, âThis is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.
Luke 22:19 NIV - And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, âThis is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.â
Your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.
Dangerous Prayers
Search Me
October 15, 2023
Search me - Break me - Send me
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
1. Search My Heart
Psalm 139:23 NIV - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Jeremiah 17:9 NLT - âThe human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?
Shakespeareâs Polonius said to his son âThis above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not be false to any man."
Jeremiah 17:9 NLT - âThe human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?
Shakespeareâs Polonius said to his son âThis above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not be false to any man."
2. Reveal My Fears
Psalm 139:23 NIV - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
What we fear the most reveals where we trust God the least.
What we fear the most reveals where we trust God the least.
3. Uncover My Sins
Psalm 139:24 NIV - See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
What are others trying to tell me?
What have I rationalized for some time?
Where am I most defensive?
What are others trying to tell me?
What have I rationalized for some time?
Where am I most defensive?
4. Lead Me
Psalm 139:24 NIV - See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
More concerned with what people thought of me than what God thought of me.
Denying the truth doesnât change the facts.
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
More concerned with what people thought of me than what God thought of me.
Denying the truth doesnât change the facts.
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Dangerous Prayers
Speak to Me
October 8, 2023
1 Samuel 3:10 NLT - And the Lord came and called as before, âSamuel! Samuel!â And Samuel replied, âSpeak, your servant is listening.â
Donât ask God to speak - if you donât want to hear what He says!
Prayer is not just talking - prayer is listening!
Donât ask God to speak - if you donât want to hear what He says!
Prayer is not just talking - prayer is listening!
How Do I Learn to Hear God's Voice?
1. Be Still
Psalm 46:10 NLT - âBe still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.â
God speaks through His word.
God speaks through His people.
God speaks through circumstances.
God speaks through His Spirit.
2. Be Willing
Proverbs 3:6 NLT - Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Make sure youâve obeyed what He showed you last.
Maybe He isnât showing you what to do in the future because you havenât done what He gave you to do in the past.
3. Be Ready
Only thing more dangerous praying this prayer - not praying this!
Psalm 46:10 NLT - âBe still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.â
God speaks through His word.
God speaks through His people.
God speaks through circumstances.
God speaks through His Spirit.
2. Be Willing
Proverbs 3:6 NLT - Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Make sure youâve obeyed what He showed you last.
Maybe He isnât showing you what to do in the future because you havenât done what He gave you to do in the past.
3. Be Ready
Only thing more dangerous praying this prayer - not praying this!
Dangerous Prayers
Make Me Bold
October 1, 2023
Acts 4:10 NLT - Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.
Acts 4:13 NLT - The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:29 NLT - And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word.
Acts 4:29-31 NLT - And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.â After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.
Acts 5:18-20 NLT - They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, âGo to the Temple and give the people this message of life!â
Three Attributes of Boldness
1. Boldness almost always triggers spiritual opposition.
Acts 5:18 NLT - They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.
If youâre not ready to face opposition for your obedience to God, Youâre not ready to be used by God.
2. Boldness often releases Godâs miracles.
Acts 5:19 NLT - But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out.
When you walk in obedience to God, you wonât be surprised by the miracles of God.
3. Boldness always requires faith.
Acts 5:20-21 NLT - âGo to the Temple and give the people this message of life!â So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching.
No idea what God might set in motion single act bold obedience!
Never fulfill your calling in your comfort zone!
Acts 5:18 NLT - They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.
If youâre not ready to face opposition for your obedience to God, Youâre not ready to be used by God.
2. Boldness often releases Godâs miracles.
Acts 5:19 NLT - But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out.
When you walk in obedience to God, you wonât be surprised by the miracles of God.
3. Boldness always requires faith.
Acts 5:20-21 NLT - âGo to the Temple and give the people this message of life!â So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching.
No idea what God might set in motion single act bold obedience!
Never fulfill your calling in your comfort zone!
Deep Clean
Get Over Yourself
September 24, 2023
Luke 18:9-14 NIV - To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: âTwo men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: âGod, I thank you that I am not like other people - robbers, evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.â âBut the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, âGod, have mercy on me, a sinner.â âI tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.â
Proverbs 16:5 NIV - The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 8:13 NLT - All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.
1 Peter 5:5-6 NLT - In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for âGod opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.â So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
Proverbs 16:5 NIV - The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 8:13 NLT - All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.
1 Peter 5:5-6 NLT - In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for âGod opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.â So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
3 Types of Sinful Pride
1. I'm better than you pride
2. I can handle it pride
3. It doesn't apply to me pride
Luke 18:14 NIV - âI tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.â
2. I can handle it pride
3. It doesn't apply to me pride
Luke 18:14 NIV - âI tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.â
Deep Clean
When Life Feels Empty
September 17, 2023
1 John 2:15-17 NIV - Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Jeremiah 2:11-13 NIV - Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols. Be appalled at this, you heavens, and shudder with great horror,â declares the Lord. âMy people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
1 Corinthians 3:1 NIV - Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly - mere infants in Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:3 NIV - You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?
Jeremiah 2:11-13 NIV - Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols. Be appalled at this, you heavens, and shudder with great horror,â declares the Lord. âMy people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
1 Corinthians 3:1 NIV - Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly - mere infants in Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:3 NIV - You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?
How Do We Fill the Emptiness?
1. We repent and humble ourselves before God
James 4:4-8 NKJV - Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, âThe Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealouslyâ? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: âGod resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.â Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
2. Live from the right source: the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:16 ESV - But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 6:14 NIV - May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Living from a devoted relationship with Godâs spirit is the fulfilling way to live!
Matthew 5:6 ESV - âBlessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
John 4:13-14 NIV - Jesus answered, âEveryone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.â
Psalm 63:1 ESV - O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalm 63:3-5 ESV - Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
The opposite of loving the world is seeking, loving, and delighting in God and getting to live for the will and glory of His kingdom.
Our God is where fulfillment and joy are found.
James 4:4-8 NKJV - Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, âThe Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealouslyâ? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: âGod resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.â Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
2. Live from the right source: the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:16 ESV - But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 6:14 NIV - May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Living from a devoted relationship with Godâs spirit is the fulfilling way to live!
Matthew 5:6 ESV - âBlessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
John 4:13-14 NIV - Jesus answered, âEveryone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.â
Psalm 63:1 ESV - O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalm 63:3-5 ESV - Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
The opposite of loving the world is seeking, loving, and delighting in God and getting to live for the will and glory of His kingdom.
Our God is where fulfillment and joy are found.
Deep Clean
When God Doesn't Make Sense
September 10, 2023
Ruth 1:1 NIV - In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.
Ruth 1:3-5 NIV - Now Elimelek, Naomiâs husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.
Ruth 1:19-21 NIV - So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, âCan this be Naomi?â âDonât call me Naomi,â she told them. âCall me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted[d] me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.â
The wrong direction always leads to the wrong destination.
Psalm 60:8 NIV - Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.â
A distorted view of God always leads to a distorted view of life.
Ruth 1:20 NIV - âDonât call me Naomi,â she told them. âCall me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.
God is exactly what you need when you need him.
Ruth 4:13-15 NIV - So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: âPraise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.â
Ruth 4:16-17 NIV - Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, âNaomi has a son!â And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Jacob was the Father of Joseph
The husband of Mary
And Mary was the mother of JESUS
Who is called the Messiah
Maybe you are stuck in Moab when God wants to bless you in Bethlehem.
When God is all you have, you realize that God is all you need.
Ruth 1:3-5 NIV - Now Elimelek, Naomiâs husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.
Ruth 1:19-21 NIV - So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, âCan this be Naomi?â âDonât call me Naomi,â she told them. âCall me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted[d] me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.â
The wrong direction always leads to the wrong destination.
Psalm 60:8 NIV - Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.â
A distorted view of God always leads to a distorted view of life.
Ruth 1:20 NIV - âDonât call me Naomi,â she told them. âCall me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.
God is exactly what you need when you need him.
Ruth 4:13-15 NIV - So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: âPraise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.â
Ruth 4:16-17 NIV - Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, âNaomi has a son!â And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Jacob was the Father of Joseph
The husband of Mary
And Mary was the mother of JESUS
Who is called the Messiah
Maybe you are stuck in Moab when God wants to bless you in Bethlehem.
When God is all you have, you realize that God is all you need.
McDivitt Family
September 3, 2023
Matthew 28:16 CSB - The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them.
Matthew 28:17 CSB - When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted.
Matthew 28:18 CSB - Jesus came near and said to them, âAll authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
Matthew 28:19 CSB - Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 28:20 CSB - teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.â
Share the word
Teach the word
Serve the word
Matthew 28:17 CSB - When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted.
Matthew 28:18 CSB - Jesus came near and said to them, âAll authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
Matthew 28:19 CSB - Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 28:20 CSB - teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.â
Share the word
Teach the word
Serve the word
Deep Clean
Healing from Shame
August 27, 2023
Genesis 2:25 NIV - Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
Guilt believes, âI did something bad.â
Shame believes, âI am bad.â
âShame is the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging â something weâve experienced, done, or failed to do makes us unworthy of connection.â BrenĂ© Brown
Shame Based Thinking
1. We are vulnerable to perfectionism.
2. We are critical of ourselves, which drives us to become critical of others.
3. We use self-defeating thoughts to shield ourselves from disappointment.
The only way to heal from shame is to move the focus from what Iâm not, to who Christ is.
Hebrews 12:2 NIV - fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The only way to heal from shame is to move the focus from who you are - who Christ is!
I am not horrible, because of Christ - Forgiven
I am not sick, because of Christ - Healed
I am not broken, because of Christ - Whole
I am not unwanted, because of Christ - Loved
I am not enough - but Christ in me - is more than enough.
Joshua 5:9 NLT - Then the Lord said to Joshua, âToday I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt.â So that place has been called Gilgal to this day.
In Christ: Free - Forgiven - Changed - Redeemed - Healed - Blessed - Chosen - Complete - Accepted
No more shame - Shame off you!
Today heâs rolled away stone and heâs rolled away the shame - You are free!
Guilt believes, âI did something bad.â
Shame believes, âI am bad.â
âShame is the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging â something weâve experienced, done, or failed to do makes us unworthy of connection.â BrenĂ© Brown
Shame Based Thinking
1. We are vulnerable to perfectionism.
2. We are critical of ourselves, which drives us to become critical of others.
3. We use self-defeating thoughts to shield ourselves from disappointment.
The only way to heal from shame is to move the focus from what Iâm not, to who Christ is.
Hebrews 12:2 NIV - fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The only way to heal from shame is to move the focus from who you are - who Christ is!
I am not horrible, because of Christ - Forgiven
I am not sick, because of Christ - Healed
I am not broken, because of Christ - Whole
I am not unwanted, because of Christ - Loved
I am not enough - but Christ in me - is more than enough.
Joshua 5:9 NLT - Then the Lord said to Joshua, âToday I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt.â So that place has been called Gilgal to this day.
In Christ: Free - Forgiven - Changed - Redeemed - Healed - Blessed - Chosen - Complete - Accepted
No more shame - Shame off you!
Today heâs rolled away stone and heâs rolled away the shame - You are free!
Start Fresh
August 20, 2023
Matthew 11:28 NIV - âCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.â
Genesis 1:1-5 NIV - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, âLet there be light,â and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light âday,â and the darkness he called ânight.â And there was evening, and there was morning - the first day.
Genesis 1:27 NIV - So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:31 NIV - God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning - the sixth day.
To rest is to trust that what God has done is enough.
Matthew 3:16-17 NIV - As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, âThis is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.â
Godâs to DONE list is more important than your to DO list.
Rest is whatever focuses us on the goodness of God.
How do we include rest in our rhythm of life? Daily rhythm, weekly rhythm, and seasonal rhythm.
Genesis 1:1-5 NIV - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, âLet there be light,â and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light âday,â and the darkness he called ânight.â And there was evening, and there was morning - the first day.
Genesis 1:27 NIV - So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:31 NIV - God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning - the sixth day.
To rest is to trust that what God has done is enough.
Matthew 3:16-17 NIV - As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, âThis is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.â
Godâs to DONE list is more important than your to DO list.
Rest is whatever focuses us on the goodness of God.
How do we include rest in our rhythm of life? Daily rhythm, weekly rhythm, and seasonal rhythm.
Week 3 - 8/13/2023
Letting Go of Loneliness
You have needs in your life and no one to meet them.
You have hurts to share and no one to listen to them.
You have love to give and no one to receive it.
Genesis 1:1 NIV - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 2:18 NLT - Then the Lord God said, âIt is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.â
Genesis 2:22-23 NLT - Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. âAt last!â the man exclaimed. âThis one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called âwoman,â because she was taken from âman.ââ
Genesis 1:26 NIV - Then God said, âLet us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.â
Why did God create man? God didnât create us because he was lonely. God created us because he is love.
Acts 2:46-47 NIV - Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
The first-century believers desperately needed each other, and they knew it.
Believers today desperately need each other, and they have forgotten it.
People are intentionally pursuing a life that destroys their mental health and robs them of real joy and lasting fulfillment.
Philippians 1:7 TPT - Itâs no wonder I pray with such confidence, since you have a permanent place in my heart! You have remained partners with me in the wonderful grace of God even though Iâm here in chains for standing up for the truth of the gospel.
James 5:16 NIV - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Acts 2:46-47 NIV - Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Serve one another. Galatians 5:13 NIV - You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Show hospitality to one another. 1 Peter 4:9 NIV - Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Be kind to one another. Ephesians 4:32 NIV - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Encourage one another. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 NIV - Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Carry one anotherâs burdens. Galatians 6:2 NIV - Carry each otherâs burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
You have hurts to share and no one to listen to them.
You have love to give and no one to receive it.
Genesis 1:1 NIV - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 2:18 NLT - Then the Lord God said, âIt is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.â
Genesis 2:22-23 NLT - Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. âAt last!â the man exclaimed. âThis one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called âwoman,â because she was taken from âman.ââ
Genesis 1:26 NIV - Then God said, âLet us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.â
Why did God create man? God didnât create us because he was lonely. God created us because he is love.
Acts 2:46-47 NIV - Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
The first-century believers desperately needed each other, and they knew it.
Believers today desperately need each other, and they have forgotten it.
People are intentionally pursuing a life that destroys their mental health and robs them of real joy and lasting fulfillment.
Philippians 1:7 TPT - Itâs no wonder I pray with such confidence, since you have a permanent place in my heart! You have remained partners with me in the wonderful grace of God even though Iâm here in chains for standing up for the truth of the gospel.
James 5:16 NIV - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Acts 2:46-47 NIV - Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Serve one another. Galatians 5:13 NIV - You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Show hospitality to one another. 1 Peter 4:9 NIV - Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Be kind to one another. Ephesians 4:32 NIV - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Encourage one another. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 NIV - Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Carry one anotherâs burdens. Galatians 6:2 NIV - Carry each otherâs burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Week 2 - 8/6/2023
The Miracle You Need Most
Mark 2:17 NIV - On hearing this, Jesus said to them, âIt is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.â
Mark 2:2-5 NIV - They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, âSon, your sins are forgiven.â
In Every Church...
* You see someone in need
* You see someone who cares
* You see someone whoâs preoccupied
* You see someone whoâs critical
* Weâre all someone who can be changed
We will do anything short of sin to reach people who donât know Christ. To reach people no one is reaching, weâll have to do things no one is doing.
Mark 2:5 NIV - When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, âSon, your sins are forgiven.â
Sometimes God gives us what we need before He gives us what we want.
Mark 2:6-7 NIV - Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, âWhy does this fellow talk like that? Heâs blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?â
Mark 2:10-12 NIV - But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.â So he said to the man, âI tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.â He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, âWe have never seen anything like this!â
Mark 2:2-5 NIV - They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, âSon, your sins are forgiven.â
In Every Church...
* You see someone in need
* You see someone who cares
* You see someone whoâs preoccupied
* You see someone whoâs critical
* Weâre all someone who can be changed
We will do anything short of sin to reach people who donât know Christ. To reach people no one is reaching, weâll have to do things no one is doing.
Mark 2:5 NIV - When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, âSon, your sins are forgiven.â
Sometimes God gives us what we need before He gives us what we want.
Mark 2:6-7 NIV - Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, âWhy does this fellow talk like that? Heâs blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?â
Mark 2:10-12 NIV - But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.â So he said to the man, âI tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.â He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, âWe have never seen anything like this!â
Week 1 - 7/30/2023
Mission
Develop and train believers to be mature disciples to go into the community and the world to share the Love of God.
Acts 2:42-47 NIV - They devoted themselves to the apostlesâ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 MDV - They were devoted to their comfort, happiness, personal goals, dreams, and bucket lists. No one really noticed the Christians because they focused on themselves. Very few of the believers were together, and when they were, they fought about stupid things. If they sold anything, they used the money to buy something better for themselves. They claimed to love God, but they didnât even love each other. So they felt empty, alone, and depressed. As a result, most people disliked them and very few lives were changed.
3 Mindsets for Our Church
1. We will be an intensely devoted church.
Acts 2:42 NIV - They devoted themselves to the apostlesâ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Proskartereo - to live in a constant state of relentless pursuit; persistent, ongoing, obstinate devotion.
2. We will be an irrationally generous church.
Acts 4:33-34 NIV - With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And Godâs grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales
We will lead the way with irrational generosity because we truly believe it is more blessed to give than to receive.
3. We will unapologetically share the love of Jesus.
Acts 2:47 NIV - praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
We will do anything short of sin to reach people who donât know Christ. To reach people no one is reaching, we will do things no one is doing.
We are faith-filled, big-thinking, bet-the-farm risk takers. Weâll never insult God with small thinking or safe living.
We are not spiritual consumers. We are spiritual contributors. The church doesnât exist for us. We are the church. And we exist for the world.
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV - Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Acts 2:42-47 NIV - They devoted themselves to the apostlesâ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 MDV - They were devoted to their comfort, happiness, personal goals, dreams, and bucket lists. No one really noticed the Christians because they focused on themselves. Very few of the believers were together, and when they were, they fought about stupid things. If they sold anything, they used the money to buy something better for themselves. They claimed to love God, but they didnât even love each other. So they felt empty, alone, and depressed. As a result, most people disliked them and very few lives were changed.
3 Mindsets for Our Church
1. We will be an intensely devoted church.
Acts 2:42 NIV - They devoted themselves to the apostlesâ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Proskartereo - to live in a constant state of relentless pursuit; persistent, ongoing, obstinate devotion.
2. We will be an irrationally generous church.
Acts 4:33-34 NIV - With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And Godâs grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales
We will lead the way with irrational generosity because we truly believe it is more blessed to give than to receive.
3. We will unapologetically share the love of Jesus.
Acts 2:47 NIV - praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
We will do anything short of sin to reach people who donât know Christ. To reach people no one is reaching, we will do things no one is doing.
We are faith-filled, big-thinking, bet-the-farm risk takers. Weâll never insult God with small thinking or safe living.
We are not spiritual consumers. We are spiritual contributors. The church doesnât exist for us. We are the church. And we exist for the world.
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV - Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.