1. WHAT DO WE WANT?
2. WHY DO WE WANT IT?
3. HOW BADLY DO WE WANT IT?
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:10-11 NIV
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. Proverbs 3:13-18 NIV
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full. Proverbs 8:17-21 NIV
WHAT SEPARATES THE WISE FROM THE UNWISE?
1. THE WISE BELIEVE GOD’S WORDS ARE 100% TRUE
My son, if you accept my words… Proverbs 2:1 NIV
TO GROW YOU HAVE TO FULLY TRUST
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT
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. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
IN OUR PATIENCE WE RECEIVE GOD'S INSTRUCTION FOR GROWTH
All who wait patiently for him are happy; your Teacher will not hide any longer. Your eyes will see your Teacher, and whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” Isaiah 30:18;20-21 CSB
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6 NIV
2. THE WISE REFLECT ON THE PROMISES OF GOD
…store up my commands within you Proverbs 2:1 NIV
My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 7:1-3 NIV
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalms 119:105 NLT
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3. THE WISE LET WISDOM SPEAK LOUDER THAN THEIR EMOTIONS
turning your ear to wisdom…Proverbs 2:2 NIV
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:25-26 NIV
THE WORD OF GOD IS A GUIDE, A GUARD, AND A GAUGE.
4. THE WISE UNDERSTAND APPLICATION IS WHAT LEADS TO WISDOM
…applying your heart to understanding— Proverbs 2:2 NIV
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Proverbs 10:4-5 NIV
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. Proverbs 6:6-8 NIV
A - ATTITUDE OF INITIATIVE
N - NATURE OF INTEGRITY
T - THIRST FOR INDUSTRY
S - SOURCE OF INSIGHT
5. THE WISE SEEK WISE COUNSEL
indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding… Proverbs 2:3 NIV
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 NIV
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 NIV
THE NUMBER ONE REASON PEOPLE DO NOT SEEK WISE COUNSEL IS BECAUSE THEY LACK HUMILITY.
HUMILITY IS SIMPLY AWARENESS
What's it like being on the other side of me?
Who am I refusing to listen to?
What person or situation do I refuse to see another perspective on?
What am I missing?
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:4-5 NIV
THE RUTHLESS ELIMINATION OF HURRY
BUSYNESS
BUSYNESS
HOW ARE YOU DOING?
“THE PROBLEM ISN’T WHEN YOU HAVE A LOT TO DO; ITS WHEN YOU HAVE TOO MUCH TO DO AND THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP THE QUOTA UP IS TO HURRY.” – JOHN MARK COMER
“YOU MUST RUTHLESSLY ELIMINATE HURRY FROM YOUR LIFE.” – DALLAS WILLARD
“THERE IS NOTHING ELSE. HURRY IS THE GREAT ENEMY OF SPIRITUAL LIFE IN OUR DAY. YOU MUST RUTHLESSLY ELIMINATE HURRY FROM YOUR LIFE.” – DALLAS WILLARD
HURRY IS NOT JUST A DIS-ORDERED SCHEDULE. HURRY IS A DIS-ORDERED HEART.
“IF THE DEVIL CAN’T MAKE YOU SIN, HE’LL MAKE YOU BUSY.” – CORRIE TEN BOOM
“HURRY IS NOT OF THE DEVIL; HURRY IS THE DEVIL.” – CARL JUNG
BOTH SIN AND BUSYNESS HAVE THE SAME EFFECT – THEY CUT OFF YOUR CONNECTION TO GOD, PEOPLE AND YOUR OWN SOUL
“Today a number of historical circumstances are blindly flowing together and accidentally conspiring to produce a climate within which it is difficult not just to think about God or to pray, but simply to have any interior depth whatsoever…We, for every kind of reason, good and bad, are distracting ourselves into spiritual oblivion. It is not that we have anything against God, depth and spirit, we would like these, it is just that we are habitually to preoccupied to have any of these show up on our radar screens. We are more busy than bad, more distracted than nonspiritual, and more interested in the movie theater, the sports stadium, and the shopping mall and the fantasy life they produce in us than we are in church. Pathological busyness, distraction, and restlessness are major roadblocks today within our spiritual lives.” – Ronald Rolheiser
“For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them.” John Ortberg
“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 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 3:16-19 NLT
LOVE
“You must love the lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:36-39 NLT
HURRY AND LOVE ARE INCOMPATIBLE
LOVE
“HURRY AND LOVE ARE OIL AND WATER: THEY SIMPLY DO NOT MIX.” – JOHN MARK COMER
“Love is patient and kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 NLT
“God walks “slowly” because He is love. If he is not love He would have gone much faster. Love has its speed. It is an inner speed. It is a spiritual speed. It is a different kind of speed from the technological speed to which we are accustomed. It is “slow” yet it is lord over all other speeds since it is the speed of love.” – Kosuke Koyama
“But in the upside-down Kingdom, our value system is turned on it’s head: hurry is of the devil; slow is of Jesus, because Jesus is what love looks like in flesh and blood” – John Mark Comer
“As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her.” So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him.” Matthew 9:18-19 NLT
“Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up b Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.” Matthew 9:20-22 NLT
JESUS’ UNHURRY ALLOWED FOR AN INTERRUPTION, WHICH LED TO AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOVE, WHICH ENDED IN A MIRACLE
HURRY SICKNESS
A HURRIED LIFE OF SPEED IS THE NEW NORMAL IN OUR SOCIETY, AND IT’S TOXIC
“The thief’s (devil) purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.” John 10:10 NLT
TAKE HOME:
SLOW DOWN
TAKE TIME TO PAUSE
WHAT YOU GIVE YOUR ATTENTION TO CONSISTENTLY IS THE PERSON YOU BECOME
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Matthew 16:25 NLT
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. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:18-20 NLT
QUESTIONS THAT DETERMINE WHOSE WAY WE ARE CHOOSING
Then Balak tried again. This time he sent a larger number of even more distinguished officials than those he had sent the first time. They went to Balaam and delivered this message to him: “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Please don’t let anything stop you from coming to help me. I will pay you very well and do whatever you tell me. Just come and curse these people for me!” But Balaam responded to Balak’s messengers, “Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord my God. Numbers 22:15-18 NLT
1. DO WE PREFER GOD’S WILL OR THE WORLDS WEALTH?
MONEY PROMISES THINGS ONLY GOD CAN DELIVER
Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! Ecclesiastes 5:10 NLT
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10 NLT
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?… Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:24-27;33 NLT
I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:24-26 NLT
So the next morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and started off with the Moabite officials. But God was angry that Balaam was going, so he sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the road to block his way. As Balaam and two servants were riding along… This time when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down under Balaam. In a fit of rage Balaam beat the animal again with his staff. Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak. “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?” it asked Balaam. “You have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!” “But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life,” the donkey answered. “Have I ever done anything like this before?” “No,” Balaam admitted. Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him Why did you beat your donkey those three times?” the angel of the Lord demanded. “Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me. Three times the donkey saw me and shied away; otherwise, I would certainly have killed you by now and spared the donkey.” Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned. I didn’t realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going.” But the angel of the Lord told Balaam, “Go with these men, but say only what I tell you to say.” So Balaam went on with Balak’s officials….Balak asked Balaam. “Didn’t you believe me when I said I would reward you richly?” Balaam replied, “Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want. I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth.” Numbers 22:21-22;27-35;37-38 NLT
2. DO WE UNDERSTAND GOD IS EVER-PRESENT IN OUR LIVES?
YOUR EMOTIONS HAVE “THEIR” BEST INTEREST AT HEART, NOT YOUR BEST INTEREST AT HEART!
YOU MUST LIVE UP TO YOUR CALLING AND RESIST LIVING DOWN TO YOUR COMPROMISE!
For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. Proverbs 5:21 NLT
The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT
King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam. He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, “I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times. Now get out of here! Go back home! I promised to reward you richly, but the Lord has kept you from your reward.” Balaam told Balak, “Don’t you remember what I told your messengers? I said, ‘Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord.’ I told you that I could say only what the Lord says! Numbers 24:10-13 NLT
3. ARE WE WILLING TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE OVER THE POPULAR CHOICE?
DOING THE RIGHT THING IS ALWAYS THE RIGHT THING
For they loved human praise more than the praise of God. John 12:43 NLT
IF YOU LIVE FOR PEOPLE'S PRAISE THEN YOU WILL DIE BY THEIR CRITICISM
If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. John 15:18-19 NLT
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10 NLT
HOW TO CHOOSE GOD’S WAY?
STAY SUBMITTED AND COMMITTED TO THE WILL OF GOD!
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalms 16:11 NLT
Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him. Genesis 37:3-4 NLT
1. GRASP THAT PERSPECTIVE IMPACTS YOUR FUTURE
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2 NLT
The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Genesis 39:2 NLT
But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. Genesis 39:21 NLT
Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
2. DON’T FIGHT THE PROCESS
So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:4 NLT
GOD CARES MORE ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER THAN YOUR COMFORT.
“My child, don’t make light of the lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? Hebrews 12:5-7 NLT
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 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. 1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT
3. DECIDE TO FULLY TRUST
But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:6-8
YOUR ATTITUDE IS THE KEY THAT ACTIVATES GOD MOVING IN YOUR LIFE.
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NLT
4. UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS OF TEMPTATION
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15 NLT
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 14:12 NLT
The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:17 NLT
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:24-25 NLT
Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall! He wore a bronze helmet, and his bronze coat of mail weighed 125 pounds. He also wore bronze leg armor, and he carried a bronze javelin on his shoulder. The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield. Goliath stood and shouted a taunt across to the Israelites. “Why are you all coming out to fight?” he called. “I am the Philistine champion, but you are only the servants of Saul. Choose one man to come down here and fight me! If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves! I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me!” When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken. 1 Samuel 17:4-11 NLT
YOUR GOLIATH DOES NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO DEFINE YOUR FUTURE. HOWEVER, YOUR RESPONSE TO YOUR GOLIATH DOES.
1. RECOGNIZE THE LIES OF YOUR GOLIATH
As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, came out from the Philistine ranks. Then David heard him shout his usual taunt to the army of Israel. 1 Samuel 17:23 NLT
Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God? 1 Samuel 17:26 NLT
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:24 NLT
So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36 NLT
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 NLT
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
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 4:7 NLT
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV
YOU HAVE TO PICK ONE. EITHER GOLIATH IS THE LIAR OR GOD IS THE LIAR.
2. STEWARDSHIP IN THE SMALL THINGS GIVES US THE STRENGTH IN THE BIG THINGS
“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” 1 Samuel 17:32-37 NLT
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. Zechariah 4:10 NLT
AS YOU DWELL ON YOUR DAILY VICTORIES YOU START GEARING YOUR MIND TO REPEAT THOSE ACTIONS.
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Psalms 39:4-5 NLT
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10 NLT
3. YOU CAN NOT BE SUSTAINED OFF OF SOMEONE ELSE’S ANOINTING
'Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. “I can’t go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again. 1 Samuel 17:38-39 NLT
And finally Saul son of Kish was chosen from among them. But when they looked for him, he had disappeared! So they asked the Lord, “Where is he?” And the Lord replied, “He is hiding among the baggage.” 1 Samuel 10:21-22 NLT
Meanwhile, Saul stayed at Gilgal, and his men were trembling with fear. Saul waited there seven days for Samuel, as Samuel had instructed him earlier, but Samuel still didn’t come. Saul realized that his troops were rapidly slipping away. So he demanded, “Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!” And Saul sacrificed the burnt offering himself. 1 Samuel 13:7-9 NLT
Just as Saul was finishing with the burnt offering, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet and welcome him, but Samuel said, “What is this you have done?” Saul replied, “I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn’t arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle. 1 Samuel 13:10-11 NLT
Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation—men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys.” Saul and his men spared Agag’s life and kept the best of the sheep and goats, the cattle, the fat calves, and the lambs—everything, in fact, that appealed to them. They destroyed only what was worthless or of poor quality. 1 Samuel 15:3,9 NLT
Early the next morning Samuel went to find Saul. Someone told him, “Saul went to the town of Carmel to set up a monument to himself; then he went on to Gilgal.” 1 Samuel 15:12 NLT
YOU CAN NOT GET YOUR EXTERNAL IN ORDER IF YOUR INTERNAL IS OUT OF ORDER.
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Galatians 6:4-5 NLT
A GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS IS INTENTIONAL, NOT ACCIDENTAL.
4. DON’T COMPARE YOUR GOLIATH TO YOURSELF BUT COMPARE HIM TO YOUR GOD
David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” 1 Samuel 17:45-47 NLT
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11 NLT
But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:13-14 NLT
Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. 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. Hebrew 12:1-2 NLT
1. MAKE SURE YOU ARE FOLLOWING THE RIGHT PERSON
Ruth the Moabitess asked Naomi, “Will you let me go into the fields and gather fallen grain behind someone with whom I find favor?” Ruth 2:2 CSB
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20 NLT
A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 CSB
2. THE DILIGENT REAP THE HARVEST WHILE THE IDLE REAP SCARCITY
She asked, ‘Will you let me gather fallen grain among the bundles behind the harvesters? ’ She came and has been on her feet since early morning, except that she rested a little in the shelter.” Ruth 2:7 CSB
Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! Proverbs 14:23 NLT
Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring riches. The son who gathers during summer is prudent; the son who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful. Proverbs 10:4-5 CSB
The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT
3. DON’T CHASE AFTER FLEETING URGES
Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Don’t go and gather grain in another field, and don’t leave this one, but stay here close to my female servants. See which field they are harvesting, and follow them. Ruth 2:8-9 CSB
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 14:12 NLT
4. FAITHFULNESS MUST PRECEDE FRUITFULNESS
Boaz answered her, “Everything you have done for your mother-in-law since your husband’s death has been fully reported to me: how you left your father and mother and your native land, and how you came to a people you didn’t previously know. May the Lord reward you for what you have done, and may you receive a full reward from the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” Ruth 2:11-12 CSB
When she got up to gather grain, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her even gather grain among the bundles, and don’t humiliate her. Pull out some stalks from the bundles for her and leave them for her to gather. Don’t rebuke her.” So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening. She beat out what she had gathered, and it was about twenty-six quarts of barley. Ruth 2:15-17 CSB
YOUR CONSISTENCY DETERMINES YOUR CHARACTER AND YOUR CHARACTER DETERMINES YOUR DESTINY.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT
5. SURRENDER IS THE PATHWAY TO REST
So she lay down at his feet until morning but got up while it was still dark. Then Boaz said, “Don’t let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.” And he told Ruth, “Bring the shawl you’re wearing and hold it out.” When she held it out, he shoveled six measures of barley into her shawl, and she went into the town. Ruth 3:14-15 CSB
Anyone trusting in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage. Proverbs 11:28 NLT
TRUE PEACE IS DISCOVERED WHEN CONSCIOUSLY RECOGNIZE OUR PROVIDER CONSISTENTLY
Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Luke 12:24,27-28 NLT
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Psalms 34:10 NLT
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father…James 1:17 NLT
6. WHEN WE TOTALLY SURRENDER TO GOD HE WILL TOTALLY FIGHT FOR OUR WELL-BEING!
She went to her mother-in-law, Naomi, who asked her, “What happened, my daughter?” Then Ruth told her everything the man had done for her. Naomi said, “My daughter, wait until you find out how things go, for he won’t rest unless he resolves this today.” Ruth 3:16;18 CSB
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. Romans 8:15-17 NLT
DO YOU WANT THE LEFTOVERS, THE BUNDLES, OR THE FIELD?
Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:6-8 NLT
Do it AFRAID
PRESSURE IS A PRIVILEGE
“Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” Nehemiah 1:3 NLT
“ When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of Heaven.” Nehemiah 1:4 NLT
“Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence. So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Nehemiah 2:1-2 NLT
“…Then I was terrified...” Nehemiah 2:2 NLT
“…I was terrified, but I replied” Nehemiah 2:2-3 NLT
A NERVOUS FEELING IS A GOOD THING
“Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” Nehemiah 2:3-4 NLT
“With a prayer to the God of Heaven, I replied… “ Nehemiah 2:4-5 NLT
WE PRAY
“The right words will be there. The Holy Spirit will give you the right words when the time comes.” Luke 12:12 MSG
GOD WILL PROVIDE THE COURAGE IF HE GAVE YOU THE CALL
Moses pleaded with the LORD, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” Exodus 4:11-12 NLT
“If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked “how long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request.” Nehemiah 2:5-6 NLT
“I also said to the king, “if it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah.” Nehemiah 2:7 NLT
“And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself…” Nehemiah 2:8 NLT
WHEN WE OPERATE USING GOD’S COURAGE WE ALLOW BOLDNESS TO OVERCOME OUR FEAR
“…and the king granted these requests because the gracious hand of God was on me.” Nehemiah 2:8 NLT
“IF YOU’RE BIG ENOUGH FOR YOUR DREAM, YOUR DREAM ISN’T BIG ENOUGH FOR GOD!” – MARK BATTERSON
GOD CHOSE YOU FOR THE DREAM HE PUT INSIDE YOU
IF GOD CALLED YOU TO IT HE WILL EQUIP YOU THROUGH IT
“…I was terrified, but I replied” Nehemiah 2:2-3 NLT
DON’T LET FEAR KEEP YOU FROM WALKING IN OBEDIENCE
Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 NLT
Women should learn quietly and submissively. I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 NLT
1. NEVER READ A VERSE ALONE
2. REMEMBER, THAT THE BIBLE IS WRITTEN FOR US BUT NOT TO US.
3. THE BIBLE DOES NOT CONTRADICT ITSELF
Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice ; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. 1 Corinthians 12:1,4-5,7-11 NLT
DID PAUL HONOR WOMEN OR DISCOUNT THEM?
PHOEBE
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me. Romans 16:1-2 NLT
PRISCILLA AND HER HUSBAND, AQUILA
Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. Romans 16:3 NLT
Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. Acts of the Apostles 18:24-26 NLT
MARY & JUNIA
Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. Romans 16:6-7 NLT
DID PETER HONOR WOMEN?
‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy.’ Acts 2:17-18 NLT
HOW DID JESUS VIEW WOMEN?
WHAT ARE OTHER BIBLICAL EXAMPLES?
MIRIAM
I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam. Micah 6:4 NIV
DEBORAH
Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. Judges 4:4 NIV
HULDAH
IPROVERBS 31
WHAT WAS GOD’S INTENTION AT CREATION?
So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” Genesis 1:27-28 NLT
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 NIV
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 NLT
But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:18-19,21,27 NLT
“Our souls are not hungry for fame, comfort, wealth, or power. Those rewards create almost as many problems as they solve. Our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter, so that the world will be at least a little bit different for our having passed through it.” Rabbi Harold Kushner
1. FIND THE GIFTS GOD HAS FOR YOU
'A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. ' 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT
2. CULTIVATE THE GIFTS GOD HAS GIVEN YOU
'Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives. 1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT
'This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you. ' 2 Timothy 1:6 NLT
3. USE THE GIFTS GOD HAS GIVEN YOU
'God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. ' 1 Peter 4:10 NLT
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 NLT
1. WHO WAS GENESIS WRITTEN TO?
QUESTIONS THAT WE HAVE TODAY ABOUT GENESIS
1. How old is the earth?
2. Was the earth created in six literal twenty-four days or six long periods of time?
3. Does the lack of major transitional forms in the fossil records disprove evolution?
4. Could primitive nucleic acids, amino acids, and other building blocks of life have formed and organized themselves into self-replicating, self-sustaining units, laying the foundation for cellular biochemistry?
5. Was there really a talking snake?
6. Were there dinosaurs on Noah’s ark?
7. If God created Adam as the first person, did he have a belly button?
QUESTIONS ISRAEL LIKELY HAD THAT GENESIS WAS WRITTEN TO ANSWER
1. Are we going to survive here in the desert? Are we safe here?
2. Is there really only one God? What about all the Egyptian gods? Are they angry we left Egypt?
3. Is this God who rescued us still here, or are we alone?
4. What do we have to do to please this one God so we will have crops that won’t fail and have food for our families?
5. Should we worship the sun and the moon like the Egyptians? Or do we worship like the Canaanites, who are now nearby?
6. Is the Egyptian story of how the world was made the true one?
7. How do we live as free people?
2. WHAT IS CLEAR AND WHAT IS UNCLEAR?
HERE IS WHAT IS CLEAR… GOD IS THE CREATOR
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 NLT
'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 1:2 NLT
Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions. Deuteronomy 32:11 NLT
HERE IS WHAT IS UNCLEAR… HOW EXACTLY GOD CREATED EVERYTHING
DID GOD CREATE THE EARTH IN 6 DAYS? MAYBE
DID IT TAKE LONGER? MAYBE
IS THE EARTH YOUNG? MAYBE
IS THE EARTH OLD? MAYBE
My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT
But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 2 Peter 3:8 NLT
Hebrew word YOM
References twelve hours in Gen. 1:5
References a growing season or time in Gen. 4:3 & Is. 30:8
References an eternity or lifetime in Gen. 44:32
References a physical lifetime in Gen. 43:9 & Deut. 4:40;19:9
References a time period equal to forty days in Deut. 10:10
Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” Matthew 21:9 NLT
3. WHY DID GOD GIVE GENESIS TO THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL?
1. Nile to blood came against the false gods Hapi the bull god, god of the Nile; Isis, goddess of the Nile; Khnum, ram god, guardian of the Nile; others
2. Frogs against the false god Heqet, goddess of birth, with a frog head
3. Gnats against the false god Set, god of the desert storms
4. Flies against the false god Uatchit, possibly represented by the fly
5. Death of livestock against the false gods Hathor, goddess with a cow head; Apis, the bull god, symbol of fertility
6. Boils against the false gods Sekhmet, goddess with power over disease; Sunu, the pestilence god; Isis, healing goddess
7. Hail against the false gods Nut, the sky goddess; Osiris, god of the crops and fertility; Set, god of the desert storms
8. Locusts against the false gods Nut, the sky goddess; Osiris, god of the crops and fertility
9. Darkness against the false gods Re, the sun god; Horus, a sun god; Nut, a sky goddess; Hathor, a sky goddess
10. Death of firstborn against the false gods Min, god of reproduction; Heqet, goddess who attended women at childbirth; Isis, goddess who protected children; Pharaoh’s firstborn son considered a god
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. Genesis 12:1-4 NLT
Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:5-6 NLT
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him, “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations. I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them! “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you. And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants.” Genesis 17:1-8 NLT
GOD’S PURPOSE THROUGH GENESIS WAS NOT TO JUST TO DELIVER THEM OUT OF EGYPT BUT TO DRIVE EGYPT OUT OF THEM.
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:15-17 NLT
Alaska: No moose on sidewalks
Arizona: It is illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub
Kentucky: It is illegal to carry ice cream in your back pocket
Connecticut: It is illegal to sell a pickle that does not bounce
1. THE BIBLE IS A LIBRARY, NOT A BOOK.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. John 5:39-40 NLT
2. THE BIBLE IS WRITTEN FOR US, NOT TO US.
You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 NLT
And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture… 2 Peter 3:15-16 NLT
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
3. DO NOT READ A VERSE BY ITSELF.
“What is the single most important practical skill I’ve ever learned as a Christian? Here it is: Never read a Bible verse. That’s right, never read a Bible verse. Instead, always read a paragraph at least.” - Greg Koukl, Author & Apologist
4. THE ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE IS BEYOND COMPREHENSION
5. THE WAY THE BIBLE POINTS TO THE PERSON OF JESUS
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Gandhi
…The scripture cannot be broken John 10:35 KJV
“We’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die. Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”. Matthew 20:18-19 NLT
They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself; Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” Luke 25:23-27;31-32 NLT
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11 NLT
THE PURPOSE OF THE SHEPHERD
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11
1. THE SHEPHERD PROVIDES
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Psalms 23:1-2 ESV
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
2. THE SHEPHERD RESTORES
He restores my soul…. Psalms 23:3 ESV
The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” Judges 6:12 NLT
you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession 1 Peter 2:9 NOT
3. THE SHEPHERD LEADS
He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Psalms 23:3 ESV
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 NLT
4. THE SHEPHERD SUPPORTS
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4 ESV
The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. 2 Timothy 4:16 NLT
May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. 2 Timothy 4:16-17 NLT
For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5 NLT
5. THE SHEPHERD DEFENDS
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Psalms 23:5 ESV
By embracing death, taking it into himself, he (Jesus) destroyed the Devil’s hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death. Hebrews 2:14-15 MSG
6. THE SHEPHERD BLESSES.
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. Psalms 23:5-6 ESV
THE LOVE OF THE SHEPHERD
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. John 10:11,14-15 NLT
'He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. Isaiah 53:3-11 NLT
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? ” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17 NLT
“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Mark 12:30-31 NLT
“…love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength…” Mark 12:30 NLT
Me’od
Me’od: Muchness
“Don’t 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 God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT
WE CAN’T EXPECT AN ORDINARY LIFE WHEN WE SERVE AN EXTRAORDINARY GOD
“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:31 NLT
“…Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10-17 NLT
THE BELT OF TRUTH
“…for he is a liar, and the father of lies.” John 8:44 NLT
BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:3 NLT
SHOES OF PEACE
“A FINAL WORD: BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY POWER. PUT ON ALL OF GOD’S ARMOR SO THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO STAND FIRM AGAINST ALL STRATEGIES OF THE DEVIL….THEREFORE, PUT ON EVERY PIECE OF GOD’S ARMOR SO YOU WILL BE ABLE TO RESIST THE ENEMY IN THE TIME OF EVIL. THEN AFTER THE BATTLE YOU WILL STILL BE STANDING FIRM. STAND YOUR GROUND, PUTTING ON THE BELT OF TRUTH AND THE BODY ARMOR OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS. FOR SHOES, PUT ON THE PEACE THAT COMES FROM THE GOOD NEWS SO THAT YOU WILL BE FULLY PREPARED.” EPHESIANS 6:10 –11,13-15 NLT
PEACE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF PROBLEMS; IT’S THE ADDITION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S POWER IN THE PROBLEMS
THE SPIRITUAL POSTURE YOU HAVE GOING INTO THE BATTLE DETERMINES YOUR PEACE THROUGHOUT THE FIGHT
“For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” Ephesians 6:15 NLT
THE SHIELD OF FAITH
“…hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” Ephesians 6:16 NLT
CHOOSE FAITH IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES
THE HELMET OF SALVATION
“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.” Romans 5:8-10 NLT
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me’” -Erma Bombeck
If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. Matthew 10:37-39 NLT
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Mark 12:30-31 NLT
WHEN YOU ARE INTIMATELY CONNECTED WITH SOMEONE YOU HAVE A DEEP DESIRE TO DO WHAT THEY LOVE.
LOVING JESUS WITH ALL YOUR SOUL IS HAVING THE SAME DESIRES THAT HE DESIRED.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NLT
WHEN WE ARE TRULY ALL IN WE ARE WILLING TO GO ALL OUT
1. BELIEVED
WHEN YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN SOMETHING IT COMPELS YOU TO DO CERTAIN THINGS.
2. CHARACTER
“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us” 1 John 4:12 NLT
When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. Acts 3:1-10 NLT
OUR CHARACTER IS A REFLECTION OF THE LOVE AND PURSUANT NATURE OF OUR GOD!
3. BOLDNESS
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you… Acts 1:8 NLT
“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?; So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”Romans 10:14;17 NLT
“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.” Romans 9:2-3 NLT
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:9-10
LOVE IS NOT SPOKEN, IT IS EXPERIENCED
Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:18-20 NLT
ACCEPT THE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
BUILD A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP
SHARE YOUR PERSONAL STORY
GIVE A PERSONAL INVITE
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Mark 12:30-31
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV
ochuroma (okh-oo'-ro-mah); to fortify, a strong castle, a prisoner locked by deception.
DEMOLISHING THE STRONGHOLD OF THE MIND
1. IDENTIFY THE STRONGHOLD
“Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.” 2 Timothy 2:26 NLT
“When he (the devil) lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 ESV
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV
____ MATERIAL/FINANCIAL STRONGHOLD
____ ADDICTIVE/HABITUAL STRONGHOLD
____ PERSONAL/PHYSICAL STRONGHOLD
____ RELATIONAL STRONGHOLD
____ SPIRITUAL STRONGHOLD
2. ATTACK THE STRONGHOLD WITH GOD’S WEAPONS
A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. Proverbs 21:22 NIV
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 ESV
The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants...These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions... Galatians 5:17 NLT
STOP AND PHYSICALLY ASK YOURSELF…
“WHY AM I FEELING WHAT I AM FEELING RIGHT NOW?”
“WHY AM I REALLY FEELING WHAT I AM FEELING RIGHT NOW?”
“WHY AM I REALLY FEELING WHAT I AM FEELING RIGHT NOW?”
STOP AND PHYSICALLY ASK YOURSELF…
“WHAT LIE AM I BELIEVING TO MAKE THIS FEELING TRUE?”
STOP AND PHYSICALLY PRAY
3. DESTROY STRONGHOLDS WITH GOD’S TRUTH
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV
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. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 NLT
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8:36
One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Matthew 22:35NLT
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40 NLT
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.” Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions. Mark 12:29-34 NLT
1. GOD MUST BE FIRST
The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. Mark 12:29 NLT
God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Numbers 23:19 NLT
God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation… Colossians 1:15 NLT
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NLT
As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.” 1 Peter 1:24-25 NLT
THE DEVIL WANTS US TO TRADE AWAY COMMITTED DISCIPLESHIP FOR A CONVENIENT CHRISTIANITY.
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT
Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. I am the Lord your God. So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. You must obey all my regulations and be careful to obey my decrees, for I am the Lord your God. If you obey my decrees and my regulations, you will find life through them. I am the Lord. Leviticus 18:2-5 NLT
PROGRESSING IN GOD’S WILL IS ONLY ACHIEVED BY SURRENDERING YOUR WILL.
…not my will, but yours be done. Luke 22:42 NIV
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Matthew 16:24-25 NLT
2. GIVE JESUS YOUR WHOLE HEART
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart… Mark 12:30 NLT
A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:43-45 NLT
YOUR HEARTS SOIL IS HARD
This message came to me from the Lord: “Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Ezekiel 14:2-3 NLT
YOUR HEARTS SOIL IS SHALLOW
YOUR HEARTS SOIL IS CROWDED
YOUR HEARTS SOIL IS FERTILE
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:2-8 NLT
The thief’s (devil) purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT
When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. Luke 11:24-26 NLT
A GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS IS INTENTIONAL, NOT ACCIDENTAL.
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:5-10 NLT
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT
SEED
You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:7-9 NLT
YOU CAN’T GET YOUR EXTERNAL LIFE IN ORDER WHEN YOUR INTERNAL LIFE IS OUT OF ORDER.
SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE OUTCOME WISHES WITH NO INPUT DISCIPLINES AND THEY WONDER WHY THEY ARE FRUSTRATED.
READING AND STUDYING THE BIBLE
CONFESSING SINS REGULARLY
SERVING IN THE CHURCH
PRAYING FOR AN UNBELIEVER AND THEIR GROWTH AND INVITING THEM INTO YOUR LIFE.
SOIL
“bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 NLT
SEASON
Does a farmer always plow and never sow? Is he forever cultivating the soil and never planting?; The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him understanding.; Isaiah 28:24;26
WE WANT INSTANTLY WHAT IS ONLY DEVELOPED THROUGH CONSISTENCY
Reset – Week 9
Reset: To set, adjust or fix in a new or different way
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation. Whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NLT
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 NIV
THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT
THE SECRET SAUCE
“This is why I tell you to never be worried about your life, for all that you need will be provided, such as food, water, clothing - everything your body needs. Isn’t there more to your life than a meal? Isn’t your body more than clothing? Look at all the birds – do you think they worry about their existence? They don’t plant or reap or store up food, yet your Heavenly Father provides them each with food. Aren’t you much more valuable to your Father than they?” Matthew 6:25-26 TPT
REGARDLESS OF MY CIRCUMSTANCES, MY POSSESSIONS, OR MY STATUS, I KNOW THAT I AM A CHILD OF GOD WHO LOVES ME, CARES FOR ME AND WILL PROVIDE EVERYTHING I NEED FOR ALL THAT HE DESIRES ME TO DO FOREVER
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV
FOUR TRUTHS TO DEVELOPING AN ATTITUDE OF CONTENTMENT
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11 NIV
“Her masters’ hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace…a mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.” Acts 16:19,22-24 NLT
“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and signing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” Acts 16:25 NLT
“Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!” Acts 16:26 NLT
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” Philippians 4:12 NIV
YOUR ATTITUDE IS YOUR CHOICE
“After they were severely beaten, they were thrown into prison and the jailer was commanded to guard them securely. So the jailer placed them in the innermost cell of the prison and had their feet bound and chained. Paul and Silas, undaunted, prayed in the middle of the night and sang songs of praise to God…” Acts 16:23-25 TPT
UNDAUNTED: undismayed; not discouraged; not forced to abandon purpose or effort
UNDAUNTED: not at all afraid or worried about dealing with something, especially something that would frighten or worry most people.
JESUS
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV
“…My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am made strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT
“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and signing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” Acts 16:25 NLT
“Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:26-30 NIV
GOD CAN BREAK THE CHAINS OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN YOU LEAN ON HIS STRENGTH RATHER THAN YOUR OWN
ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO WITNESS TO OTHERS IS BY HOW YOU RESPOND TO ADVERSITY
“…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 NIV
WHEN I STARTED ACTING LIKE A 1480
“For we are God’s masterpiece…” Ephesians 2:10 NLT
WHEN YOUR REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST, YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES, BOTH PAST AND PRESENT, DON’T HAVE TO DETERMINE YOUR FUTURE
Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. Philippians 4:2 NLT
ANYTHING OR ANYONE DIFFERENT CAN BE DIFFICULT
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18 ESV
THREE HINDRANCES OF CONFLICT
…Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 NLT
In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together… Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7 NLT
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6 NLT
HOW DO WE HAVE HEALTHY CONFRONTATION?
1. WE MUST VALUE THE PERSON
I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. Philippians 4:1 NLT
The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
SEEING VALUE IN PEOPLE IS NOT ABOUT THEIR VALUE TO YOU, BUT THEIR VALUE TO GOD.
YOU ARE FIGHTING FOR THEM NOT AGAINST THEM!
If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. Matthew 10:14
2. YOU CAN’T SWEEP IT UNDER THE RUG
Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. Philippians 4:2-3 NLT
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 NLT
GIVE ENOUGH TIME FOR EMOTIONS TO SUBSIDE, BUT NOT ENOUGH FOR ANIMOSITIES TO BUILD
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26 NLT
A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers. Proverbs 20:19 NLT
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Proverbs 16:28 NLT
A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. Proverbs 11:13 NLT
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 NLT
3. LISTEN FOR THE HURT
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19
HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE.
THE SOLUTION ALWAYS BEGINS WITH UNDERSTANDING
For we must bear the “burden” of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others… Romans 15:2 TLB
“You cannot effectively move toward conflict resolution until each participate experiences for themselves to be fully heard with regard to their perspective-what they want and why” -Jim Melamed
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:4-5
WHEN YOU ACTIVELY LISTEN EMOTIONS DROP AND THE TRUTH COMES OUT.
4. ADMIT YOUR PART OF THE CONFLICT
DON’T TRADE AWAY YOUR INTEGRITY FOR JUSTIFICATION
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:3;5
5. WE MUST FORGIVE PEOPLE
“Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.” -Anne Lamont
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15
UNFORGIVENESS WILL HARBOR RESENTMENT AND THAT WILL TURN INTO BITTERNESS
UNFORGIVENESS, BITTERNESS, RESENTMENT HAS NO AUTHORITY IN MY LIFE AND THE ANTIDOTE IS FORGIVENESS….
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Matthew 18:32-35 NLT
ALTAR
Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. Philippians 4:2 NLT
ANYTHING OR ANYONE DIFFERENT CAN BE DIFFICULT
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18 ESV
THREE HINDRANCES OF CONFLICT
…Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 NLT
In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together… Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7 NLT
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6 NLT
HOW DO WE HAVE HEALTHY CONFRONTATION?
1. WE MUST VALUE THE PERSON
I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. Philippians 4:1 NLT
The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
SEEING VALUE IN PEOPLE IS NOT ABOUT THEIR VALUE TO YOU, BUT THEIR VALUE TO GOD.
YOU ARE FIGHTING FOR THEM NOT AGAINST THEM!
If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. Matthew 10:14
2. YOU CAN’T SWEEP IT UNDER THE RUG
Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. Philippians 4:2-3 NLT
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 NLT
GIVE ENOUGH TIME FOR EMOTIONS TO SUBSIDE, BUT NOT ENOUGH FOR ANIMOSITIES TO BUILD
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26 NLT
A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers. Proverbs 20:19 NLT
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Proverbs 16:28 NLT
A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. Proverbs 11:13 NLT
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 NLT
3. LISTEN FOR THE HURT
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19
HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE.
THE SOLUTION ALWAYS BEGINS WITH UNDERSTANDING
For we must bear the “burden” of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others… Romans 15:2 TLB
“You cannot effectively move toward conflict resolution until each participate experiences for themselves to be fully heard with regard to their perspective-what they want and why” -Jim Melamed
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:4-5
WHEN YOU ACTIVELY LISTEN EMOTIONS DROP AND THE TRUTH COMES OUT.
4. ADMIT YOUR PART OF THE CONFLICT
DON’T TRADE AWAY YOUR INTEGRITY FOR JUSTIFICATION
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:3;5
5. WE MUST FORGIVE PEOPLE
“Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.” -Anne Lamont
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15
UNFORGIVENESS WILL HARBOR RESENTMENT AND THAT WILL TURN INTO BITTERNESS
UNFORGIVENESS, BITTERNESS, RESENTMENT HAS NO AUTHORITY IN MY LIFE AND THE ANTIDOTE IS FORGIVENESS….
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Matthew 18:32-35 NLT
ALTAR
Reset: To set, adjust or fix in a new or different way
“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done for me. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:7-14 NLT
“…all the things I once thought were so important are gone in my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant - dog dung” Philippians 3:8 MSG
“If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more” Philippians 3:4 NIV
“…A legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God’s law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God’s law book.” Philippians 3:5-6 MSG
“The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I’m tearing up and throwing out with the trash – along with everything else I used to take credit for.” Philippians 3:7 MSG
CLEAR EYES, FULL HEARTS, CAN’T LOSE
WHAT IS YOUR FOCUS?
“I said to myself, “Come on, lets try pleasure. Let’s look for the “good things” in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, “laughter is silly. What good does it doo to seek pleasure?” After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world. I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. I build reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire! I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. Anything I wanted, I would take.” Ecclesiastes 2:1-10 NLT
YOUR LEVEL OF HONESTY DETERMINES YOUR LEVEL OF GROWTH
WHAT YOU OWN ISN’T A PROBLEM UNTIL IT OWNS YOU
“But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless – like chasing the wind.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT
“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ” Philippians 3:7-8 NIV
“…That I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ – yes to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the from the dead.” Philippians 3:9-11 NIV
“…Ive dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ – God’s righteousness. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.” Philippians 3:9-11 MSG.
THE FRIENDS YOU KNOW BEST ARE THE ONES YOU SPEND THE MOST TIME WITH
“When I think of all this, (hes talking about God’s plan and His LOVE) I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. ” Ephesians 3:14-17 NLT
WHAT DO I NOT WANT?
WHAT DO I WANT?
HOW DO I GET WHAT I WANT?
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but Ive got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:12-14 MSG
“Im not saying that I have this all together…” Philippians 3:12 MSG
“By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this…” Philippians 3:13 MSG
“But I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward – to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:13-14 MSG
though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Philippians 3:4-7 NLT
YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP TO GO UP!
'Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. Philippians 3:8-9 NLT
for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV
Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:15-16 NLT
MANIPULATION IS WHY MOST PEOPLE CHOOSE NOT TO WALK IN THEIR GOD-GIVEN IDENTITY.
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. 1 John 2:15-16 NIV
POISON #1: THE LUST OF THE FLESH
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Romans 8:6-7 ESV.
For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” Matthew 4:2-3 NLT
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NLT
THE ANTIDOTE TO POISON #1 IS INTEGRITY
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22 NLT
POISON #2: THE LUST OF THE EYES
Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’ ”Matthew 4:8-10 NLT
No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. Matthew 6:24 NLT
THE ANTIDOTE TO POISON #2 IS GENEROSITY
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. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalms 103:1-5 NLT
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NLT
POISON #3: THE PRIDE OF LIFE
Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ ” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’ Matthew 4:5-7 NLT
Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43 NLT
THE ANTIDOTE TO POISON #3 IS HUMILITY
And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:5-7 NLT
Reset – Week 4
T
Reset: To set, adjust or fix in a new or different way
The Depths of Jesus’ Servanthood
“…make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had…
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” Philippians 2:2-8 NLT
No task was beneath Jesus, and no person was unworthy
Jesus’ Six Steps of Servanthood
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.” Philippians 2:6 NLT
“Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave” Philippians 2:7 NLT
“…and was born as a human being.” Philippians 2:7 NLT
“Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2:7 NIV
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death…” Philippians 2:8 NIV
“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:13-14 NLT
“Therefore, (for that reason) God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2:9-11 NLT
“Look at how much encouragement you’ve found in your relationship with the Anointed One (Jesus)! You are filled to overflowing with his comforting love. You have experienced a deepening friendship with the Holy Spirit and have felt his tender affection and mercy. So I’m asking you, my friends, that you be joined together in perfect unity – with one heart, one passion, and united in one love. Walk together with one harmonious purpose and you will fill my heart with unbounded joy. Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests. And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation.” Philippians 2:1-5 TPT
Our Responsibility
“Being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:2 NKJV
Unity
“So I’m asking you, my friends, that you be joined together in perfect unity”
Humility is the pathway to Unity
“And I ask not only for these disciples but also for all those who will one day believe in me through their message. I pray for them all to be joined together as one even as you and I, Father, are joined together as one. I pray for them to become one with us so that the world will recognize that you sent me. For the very glory you have given to me I have given them so that they will be joined together as one and experience the same unity that we enjoy. You live fully in me and now I live fully in them so that they will experience perfect unity, and the world will be convinced that you have sent me, for they will see that you love each one of them with the same passionate love that you have for me.” John 17:20-23 TPT
Our Opinions
“Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity” Philippians 2:3 TPT
Do I think my views or judgements are always right?
Do I listen to others?
Do I desire to hear other’s opinions?
Our Attitudes Towards Others
“…In authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.” Philippians 2:3-4 TPT
Do I put the needs of others above my needs?
Do I view others as less important than me?
Do I want to help others progress in life?
Our Level of Honesty Determines our Level Growth
Next Step Party
Serve your Community
And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me… Philippians 1:12 NLT
I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger? If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 NLT
Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. Matthew 7:24-27 NLT
OUR PERCEPTION OF REALITY IS AFFECTED BY HOW SPIRITUALLY GROUNDED WE ARE
YOUR ATTITUDE DETERMINES YOUR ALTITUDE
WHY DO STORMS HAPPEN?
1. SOMETIMES GOD IS TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT
2. SOMETIMES PEOPLE SIN AGAINST US
'Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come... Luke 17:1 NKJV
'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 NLT
YOUR ATTITUDE IS THE KEY THAT ACTIVATES GOD MOVING IN YOUR LIFE.
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 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. 1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT
EVERY STORM OF LIFE LEAVES YOU WITH A CHOICE. RUN FROM IT OR GROW FROM IT.
And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. Philippians 1:12 NLT
THE MESSAGE OF JESUS IS BEING SPREAD AMONG THE ROMAN SOLDIERS
For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. Philippians 1:13 NLT
PAUL IS INSPIRING OTHER BELIEVERS
And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Philippians 1:14 NLT
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. Philippians 1:21-22 NLT
DEATH WOULD BE TO PAUL’S ADVANTAGE
I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. Philippians 1:23 NLT
TO LIVE IS TO THEIR ADVANTAGE
But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. 'Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. Philippians 1:24-25 NLT
THE IRONY IS THAT OUR WEAKNESS IS POWER WHEN PLACED IN THE HANDS OF GOD!
1. BELIEVE THAT GOD IS HOLY & GOOD
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NLT
“Holy, holy, holy is the lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” Isaiah 6:3 NLT
Taste and see that the lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalms 34:8
For the lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalms 100:5
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Matthew 6:25-27
2. Let Go of Control
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 NLT
“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. Luke 22:42-43 NLT