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Now displaying: 2018
Dec 27, 2018

This week we celebrate Christmas with a traditional Christmas service.  we hope you enjoy.

Thank you for joining us.  You can find us on all social media at #churchbloom.

Dec 18, 2018

YEAR OF THE BIBLE WEEK 47

Let's Be Honest

 

I pray that the Father of glory, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would impart to you the riches of the Spirit of wisdom and the Spirit of revelation to know him through your deepening intimacy with him. Ephesians 1:17 TPT

 

I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of his calling—that is, the wealth of God’s glorious inheritances that he finds in us, his holy ones! Ephesians 1:18 TPT

 

I pray that you will continually experience the immeasurable greatness of God’s power made available to you through faith. Then your lives will be an advertisement of this immense power as it works through you!  Ephesians 1:19 TPT

 

INFLUENCE, IF NOT GUARDED, CAN DRIFT.

THE SEVEN CHURCHES:

  • THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS.

I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people…You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. Revelation 2:2-3

 

“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!” Revelation 2:4

 

WHAT YOU DO IS MEANINGLESS IF YOU FORGET WHY YOU DO IT. NO ONE WANTS ACTIONS WITHOUT SUBSTANCE.

Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. Revelation 2:5

 

  • THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA.

“I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.”

Revelation 2:9-10

 

  • THE CHURCH OF PERGAMUM.

 

  • THE CHURCH OF THYATIRA.

 

I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things. But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman Jezebel to lead my servants astray. Revelations 2:19-20

 

  • THE CHURCH OF SARDIS.

“I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. Revelation 3:1-3

 

  • THE CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA.

 

  • THE CHURCH OF LAODICEA.

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” Revelation 3:15-16

You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked… I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. Revelation 3:17;19

“Look! 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.” Revelation 3:20

 

TAKE HOME

So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for his purposes. Ephesians 5:15-16 TPT

 

  • FIND JESUS: FALL MORE IN LOVE WITH JESUS THROUGH PRAYER, THE SCRIPTURES, AND CHURCH.

 

  • FIND FREEDOM: CONFESS YOUR STRUGGLES TO OTHERS AS YOU ARE STRENGTHENED BY COMMUNITY IN LIFE GROUPS.

 

  • FIND PURPOSE: HAVE A PURPOSE BIGGER THAN YOURSELF AS YOU DEVELOP A DEEP DESIRE TO SEE PEOPLE EXPERIENCE JESUS!

 

  • MAKE A DIFFERENCE: UNDERSTAND YOU ARE CALLED TO BE A DISCIPLE THAT MAKES DISCIPLES AS YOU SERVE OTHERS IN THE CHURCH.
Dec 11, 2018

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23

Jesus had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. Philippians 2:6-8 MSG

THE GIFT OF JESUS IS: 

1. THE GIFT OF PEACE.

 

You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:12-14

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. Hebrews 11:6

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

2. THE GIFT OF UNDERSTANDING.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who rose into the heavenly realm for us, and now sympathizes with us in our frailty. He understands humanity, for as a Man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin. So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness. Hebrews 4:14-16 TPT

 

3. THE GIFT OF LOVE

This is how we have discovered love’s reality: Jesus sacrificed his life for us. Beloved children, our love can’t be an abstract theory we only talk about, but a way of life demonstrated through our loving deeds.  1 John 3:16;18 TPT

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:18-19

 

How wide is the love of God.

 

“Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18

 

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalms 103:12

 

How long is the love of God.

 

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” John 10:28

 

How deep is the love of God.

 

My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:38-39

 

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:24

 

How high is the love of God. 

 

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Dec 3, 2018

Character is destiny. -Heraclitus

IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS ESPECIALLY WITH YOUR CHARACTER.  IT ACTUALLY IS SLAVERY.

Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. Romans 12:2 GNT

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. “Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon….The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach. Azariah was called Abednego. Daniel 1:3-4;7

 

DANIEL MEANS “GOD IS MY JUDGE”

 

BELTESHAZZAR MEANS “LADY, PROTECT THE KING”

 

HANANIAH MEANS “YAHWEH HAS BEEN GRACIOUS”

 

SHADRACH MEANS “I AM FEARFUL OF GOD”

 

MISHAEL MEANS “WHO CAN COMPARE TO MY GOD? NO ONE!”

 

MESHACH MEANS “I AM DESPISED, CONTEMPTIBLE, & HUMILIATED”

 

AZARIAH MEANS “YAHWEH HAS HELPED”

 

ABEDNEGO MEANS “THE SERVANT OF NEBO”

 

GODLY CHARACTER

 

God's divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness. In this way he has given us the very great and precious gifts he promised, so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world, and may come to share the divine nature. For this very reason do your best to add goodness to your faith; to your goodness add knowledge; to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add endurance; to your endurance add godliness; to your godliness add Christian affection; and to your Christian affection add love. 2 Peter 1:3-7

TRUE HONESTY CREATES TRUE GROWTH.

HONEST QUESTIONS FOR GROWTH:

  • GOODNESS – ARE THE PEOPLE I HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH BETTER BECAUSE OF ME?

 

  • KNOWLEDGE – IS MY PASSION TO DO GOOD SHOWING PEOPLE THE POWER OF JESUS OR THE POWER OF ME?

 

  • SELF-CONTROL – DO I REACT EMOTIONALLY IN THE MOMENT, OR DO I PRAYERFULLY COMPOSE MYSELF?

 

  • ENDURANCE – AM I TRULY CONTENT WITH THE PACE OF GOD?

 

  • GODLINESS – DO I NEED A TITLE FOR PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT I AM A CHRISTIAN, OR DOES MY EVERYDAY LIFESTYLE REFLECT MY RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS?

 

  • CHRISTIAN AFFECTION – DO I CELEBRATE AND CHAMPION SUCCESS IN OTHERS?

 

  • LOVE – DO I FOCUS MORE ON SOMEONE’S POTENTIAL OR THEIR FLAWS?

 

These are the qualities you need, and if you have them in abundance, they will make you active and effective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if you do not have them, you are so shortsighted that you cannot see and have forgotten that you have been purified from your past sins. 2 Peter 1:8-9 GNT

 

TAKE HOME

HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOU ARE ALIGNING YOURSELF WITH GOD’S CHARACTER?

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalms 119:105

1. READ THE WORD OF GOD.

Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. Psalms 119:98

2. MEDITATE ON THE WORD OF GOD.

Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. Psalms 119:99

3. OBEY THE WORD OF GOD.

I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. Psalms 119:100-101

Nov 27, 2018

WORSHIP IS LESS ABOUT THE SONGS WE SING AND MORE ABOUT THE LIFE WE SURRENDER.

 

2 Corinthians 2:15

Mark 12:30

Romans 12:1

 

WE ENTER THE PRESENCE OF GOD BY ABANDONING OURSELVES TO THE WILL OF GOD!

 

Ezekiel 47:1-7 MSG

 

4 LEVELS OF CONTROL

  • ANKLE-DEEP

James 1:6-8

  • KNEE-DEEP

Galatians 4:9

  • WAIST-DEEP

Psalms 34:8-10

  • OVER YOUR HEAD-DEEP

Galatians 5:24-25

 

THE REWARDS OF SURRENDER

Ezekiel 47:7-12 MSG

 

  • TREES REPRESENT HEALING
  • FISH REPRESENT HARVEST

Ezekiel 47:8-9 MSG

 

WHEN WE ABANDON OURSELVES TO GOD’S WILL & PRESENCE, WE LIVE A LIFE BIGGER THAN OURSELVES, AND WE GET TO BE A PART OF SEEING SOULS SAVED & PEOPLE HEALED.

 

HOW TO ENTER THE PRESENCE OF GOD

James 4:7-8

1. HUMBLE OURSELVES

James 4:3

 

TOO MANY OF US COMPARTMENTALIZE THE SACRED AND SECULAR WHEN THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO LOOK THE SAME.

John 15:5

2. RESIST THE DEVIL

Daniel 3:17-18

 

3. COME CLOSE TO GOD

John 4:23

Matthew11:28

 

  • WE MUST FEAR WHAT LIFE WOULD LOOK LIKE WITHOUT GOD IN CONTROL OF OUR LIVES.

Proverbs 19:23

Nov 20, 2018

Thank you for joining us.  We hoped you enjoyed the service.  /you can find us on social media, facebook, and instagram at church bloom.

Nov 13, 2018

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 27:12

Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous. Proverbs 27:4

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. Proverbs 14:30

“ENVY IS RESENTING GOD’S GOODNESS IN OTHER’S LIVES AND IGNORING GOD’S GOODNESS IN MY OWN LIFE.” CRAIG GROESCHEL

 

Cain envied Abel… Genesis 4:5

Jacob envied Esau… Genesis 25 & 27

Rachel envied Leah… Genesis 30:1

Leah envied Rachel… Genesis 30:15

The brothers envied Joseph… Genesis 37:5

Saul envied David… 1 Samuel 18:7-9

Chief priests envied Jesus… Mark 15:10

Lucifer envied God… Isaiah 14:13-14

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

“It is hard to learn from experience when we are not looking inward, at the true cause.” Robert Greene

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.

But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

For God does not show favoritism. Romans 2:11

 

WE ARE ALL UNIQUELY DIFFERENT, BUT WE ARE ALSO VERY MUCH ALIKE.

1. WE ALL HAVE THE SAME ENEMY.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world… Ephesians 6:12

THE DEVIL’S GOAL IS TO DIVIDE US, AND SOME OF HIS FAVORITE WEAPONS ARE JEALOUSY & ENVY.

 Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart. Luke 11:17

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge…. he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:4-5;9

appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.  1 Corinthians 1:10

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:14-15

2. WE ALL NEED GRACE.

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13

WE ARE JUST IMPERFECT PEOPLE TRYING TO REPRESENT A PERFECT GOSPEL.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:23-24

 

3. WE ALL NEED SUPPORT.

All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude…For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:7;10-12

 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 1 Corinthians 12:26

4. WE ALL ARE GIFTED.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. Romans 12:6

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. Romans 12:6-8

Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 3:12-14

GOD IS LESS CONCERNED WITH OUR TALENTS AND MORE CONCERNED WITH OUR IMPACT.

5. WE ALL ACCOMPLISH MORE TOGETHER.

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:8-11

“…One man will chase a thousand… two put ten thousand to flight…” Deuteronomy 32:30

WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!

TAKE HOME

  • HELP OTHERS BECOME BLESSED.

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Luke 6:38

  • RECOGNIZE YOUR BLESSINGS.

Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

…Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us. But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit…Titus 3:3-5

Nov 4, 2018
YOU CANNOT HAVE FAITH WITHOUT TRUST AND TRUSTING GOD MEANS YOU WANT HIS WILL OVER YOUR OWN!
 
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. Hebrews 11:6
 
Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time. -Oswald Chambers
 
TRUST SAYS THAT LIFE WILL NEVER MAKE SENSE APART FROM GOD AND I WILL TRUST HIS NATURE AND HIS TIMING DESPITE WHAT SEASON I AM IN. 
 
While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. Hebrews 5:7-8
 
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:15-16
 
While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. Hebrews 5:7-8
 
In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. Hebrews 5:9
 
Trust in the lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
 
Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. Psalms 103:1-2
THE WAYS GOD IS FOR US
 1. BY GIVING US UNCONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION 
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Psalms 103:3
 
This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16
 
He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 1 Corinthians 5:15-20
2. BY GIVING US AN INHERITANCE.
He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. Psalms 103:4
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
 
We are God’s children
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
 
We are heirs to God
Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:7
 
We are royalty!
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. 1 Peter 2:9
 
We are Chosen, holy, and blameless
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4
 
3. BY GIVING US TRUE FULFILLMENT.
 
He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalms 103:5
I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. . . . So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, 17
 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Mark 8:36-37 

TAKE HOME
 
WE’RE NOT MOTIVATED BY REWARDS, BUT WE ARE MOTIVATED BY OUR CONFIDENCE IN THE GOODNESS OF THE GIVER OF SAID REWARDS.
 
  • PRAY WITH A HEART OF SUBMISSION
 
“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. Luke 22:42-44
 
For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Psalms 103:11-13
Oct 31, 2018
 
 
But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. John 14:26 AMP
 
MANY TIMES WE MISS GOD’S VOICE. NOT BECAUSE HE IS NOT SPEAKING, BUT BECAUSE WE ARE NOT NOTICING.
WEAPONS OF MASS DISTRACTION
  • BUSYNESS
Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:39-42
 
Be still, and know that I am God! Psalms 46:10
 
THE MORE QUIET YOU BECOME, THE MORE YOU HEAR GOD’S VOICE.
  • COMPETING VOICES
Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ Luke 14:16-20
 
Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. We must focus on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 GW
 
TO HEAR GOD’S VOICE, YOU MUST TURN DOWN THE WORLD’S VOLUME.
  • UNPREPARED HEART
When anyone hears news of the kingdom and doesn’t take it in, it just remains on the surface, and so the Evil One comes along and plucks it right out of that person’s heart. Matthew 13:19 MSG
 
WHEN WE PREPARE OUR HEARTS WITH EXPECTATIONS, WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S VOICE.
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” John  10:3-5
 
RECOGNIZING GOD
1. RECOGNIZE GOD THROUGH THE BIBLE.
 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:6-8
 
The Scriptures point to me! John 5:39
 
2. RECOGNIZE GOD IN PEOPLE.
 
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16
 
3. RECOGNIZE GOD IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
 
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalms 23:4
 
4. RECOGNIZING GOD IN MY CHURCH.
 
My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries; my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. Psalms 92:11-13 NIV
 
YOU HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD WALKING IN THE DESIGN OF GOD.
5. RECOGNIZING GOD IN OUR CONVICTIONS.
 
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:23-24
 
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. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. Ezekiel 36:26-27
 
I AM GOING TO START PURSUING THE ONE WHO HAS ALREADY BEEN PURSUING ME.
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 MSG
 
Thank you for joining us.  We hope you enjoyed this weeks episode.  You can find us on social media, instagram, and facebook @churchbloom.
Oct 23, 2018

YOU ASKED FOR IT

 

Forgiveness

 

 

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:20-23

 

 

SPIRITUALLY, OUR HEARTS REVEAL THE HEALTH OF OUR LIVES. 

 

 

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23

 

 

Surely resentment destroys the fool. Job 5:2

 

 

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:14-15

 

 

ROOTS ABSORB, STORE, AND  GROW.

 

 

THE TWISTED TRUTHS OF UNFORGIVENESS:

 

 

IF YOU FORGIVE, YOU’RE SAYING THAT THE OFFENSE WAS NOT WRONG.

 

IF YOU FORGIVE, YOU’RE JUST MAKING EXCUSES FOR WHAT HAPPENED.

 

IF YOU FORGIVE, IT WILL MINIMIZE THE HURT YOU FEEL.

 

IF YOU FORGIVE, THERE WILL BE AN INSTANT RESTORATION OF TRUST.

 

IF YOU FORGIVE, THE RELATIONSHIP WILL CONTINUE WITHOUT CHANGES.

 

THE TRUTHS OF FORGIVENESS:

 

 

1. I NEED FORGIVENESS.

 

My guilt overwhelms me— it is a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins. I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken. I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart. Psalms 38:4-8

 

 

YOU CANNOT PERSONALLY BURY YOUR PAST AND THINK IT WILL JUST GO AWAY.

 

People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.  Proverbs 28:13

 

When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Psalms 32:3;5 

 

2. FORGIVENESS IS NOT EARNED.

 

THE ROOT OF UNFORGIVENESS IS UNBELIEF.

 

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

 

Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved” Acts 16:30-31

 

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9

 

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE TO EARN GOD’S FORGIVENESS, YOU WILL MAKE OTHERS EARN YOUR FORGIVENESS.

 

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13

 

 

3. FORGIVENESS MUST LEAD YOU TO BLESS.

 

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God…. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:17-21

 

 

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  Romans 5:8

 

Thank you for joining us.  We hope you enjoyed this weeks episode.  You can find us on social media, instagram, and facebook @churchbloom.

Oct 16, 2018

Pastor Mike Carlton speaks on how to deal with difficult people, giving practical steps for a person to use.

Oct 8, 2018

YOU ASKED FOR IT

Depression

 

WOUNDS LEFT UNADDRESSED WILL BECOME INFECTED.

  • ✓EMOTIONAL PAIN
  • ✓FINANCIAL PAIN
  • ✓PHYSICAL PAIN
  • ✓RELATIONAL PAIN
  • ✓SPIRITUAL PAIN

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Exodus 33:11

 

“I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!” Numbers 11:14-15

 

“Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died” 1 Kings 19:4

 

“We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.” 2 Corinthians 1:8

 

MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES DEAL WITH YOUR MIND, BODY, & SOUL.

 

"We were never designed for the sedentary, indoor, socially isolated, fast-food-laden, sleep-deprived, screen-addicted, frenzied pace of 21st-century life. And the result is an epidemic of clinical depression." Dr. Steve Llardi

 

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1-2

 

  1. UNREALISTIC PACE.

THE BIBLE CALLS THOSE WHO WILL NOT WORK LAZY, BUT IT CALLS THOSE WHO WILL NOT REST DISOBEDIENT!

On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. Genesis 2:2-3

 

It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. Psalms 127:2

 

  1. UNREALISTIC EXPECTATION OF OTHERS.

IT IS EASIER TO BELIEVE IT IS SOMEONE ELSE’S FAULT THAN TO ACCEPT THAT THERE IS A DEEPER PROBLEM.

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. Proverbs 19:3

  1. UNREALISTIC EXPECTATION OF OURSELVES.

And they have defeated him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. Revelation 12:11

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16

  1. UNREALISTIC VIEW OF LIFE.

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. Proverbs 25:28

WE WILL NEVER OVERCOME OUR TRIALS UNTIL WE ALLOW THE FACTS OF WHO GOD IS,  NOT OUR EMOTIONS, TO SHAPE OUR MINDS.

 “Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:15-16

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! Psalms 139:17-18

TAKE HOME

  • BALANCE YOUR LIFE.
  • MAKE A CONSCIOUS DECISION TO SPEAK VICTORY.
  • DESTROY ISOLATION WITH COMMUNITY.
  • LIVE FOR SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOUR PROBLEMS.

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

 

Follow us on all social media platforms @churchbloom

Oct 1, 2018

Pastor Tyler Long speaks on growing through trials and low times

Sep 24, 2018

Pastor Mike Carlton speaks on the topic of the seed, soil, and season of our harvest.

Sep 17, 2018

Pastor Mike Carlton speaks on Spiritual Warfare.

Sep 8, 2018

Pastor Amanda Carlton speaks on change!

Aug 27, 2018

Pastor Mike walks us through Job as we discover the way to get rid of lingering struggles.

Aug 19, 2018

Pastor Mike Carlton shares his thoughts about the scripture from this week's reading plan. We learn from Nehemiah the importance of focus, motivation, and setting priorities.

Aug 18, 2018

Pastor Mike shares his thought on the week's Biblical study.

Aug 18, 2018

Pastor Mike shares his thought on the week's Biblical study.

Jul 4, 2018

Pastor Mike and Amanda share what they have learned in 15 years of marriage!!

Jun 24, 2018

Student Ministries Pastor, Matt Harmon, tells us what it takes to follow God like Elisha.

Jun 19, 2018

Bloom Church celebrates Father's Day.

Jun 11, 2018

Pastor Tyler Long talks about the ways God can bring more into your life if you just make the room.

#bloomchurch #thereismore #yearofthebible #youmatter

Jun 3, 2018

Guest Pastor, Rick Cochran, talks about the power of true loyalty.

#bloomchurch #fierce #youmatter

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