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Now displaying: 2019
Dec 31, 2019

But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:8-14

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:9 NIV

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

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

Dec 31, 2019

Turn the Page

 

“YOU CAN’T START THE NEXT CHAPTER IF YOU DON’T TURN THE PAGE” 

 

AND I AM CERTAIN THAT GOD, WHO BEGAN THE GOOD WORK WITHIN YOU, WILL CONTINUE HIS WORK UNTIL IT IS FINALLY FINISHED ON THE DAY WHEN CHRIST JESUS RETURNS. PHILIPPIANS 1:6 NLT

 

This confirms that he’s going to continue to use us, so we have to continue to move forward…to turn the page.

 

“FOR I AM ABOUT TO DO SOMETHING NEW. SEE, I HAVE ALREADY BEGUN! DO YOU NOT SEE IT? I WILL MAKE A PATHWAY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS. I WILL CREATE RIVERS IN THE DRY WASTELAND” -  ISAIAH 43:19 

 

AFTER THE DEATH OF MOSES, THE LORD’S SERVANT, THE LORD SPOKE TO JOSHUA SON OF NUN, MOSES’ ASSISTANT. HE SAID, ‘MOSES MY SERVANT IS DEAD. THEREFORE, THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO LEAD THESE PEOPLE, THE ISRAELITES, ACROSS THE JORDAN RIVER INTO THE LAND I AM GIVING THEM.   JOSHUA 1:1-2

 

“I PROMISE YOU WHAT I PROMISED TO MOSES: ‘WHEREVER YOU SET FOOT, YOU WILL BE ON LAND I HAVE GIVEN YOU…NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST YOU AS LONG AS YOU LIVE. FOR I WILL BE WITH YOU AS I WAS WITH MOSES. I WILL NOT FAIL YOU OR ABANDON YOU.”  JOSHUA 1:3

 

MANY TIMES, THE NEXT BIG THING GOD WANTS TO DO IN YOUR LIFE IS RIGHT OUTSIDE OF YOUR CURRENT COMFORT ZONE.

 

I want to outline 5 steps to help you turn the page….to take a confident step towards the next big thing God has for you! Are you all ready to learn how to turn a page in your Life? 

 

  1. LET GO OF THE BAD HISTORY

 

“FORGET THE FORMER THINGS; DO NOT DWELL ON THE PAST. SEE, I AM DOING A NEW THING! NOW IT SPRINGS UP; DO YOU NOT PERCEIVE IT…?”  ISAIAH 43:18-19

 

Psalm 145 says this: 

THE LORD IS GRACIOUS AND COMPASSIONATE, SLOW TO ANGER AND RICH IN LOVE. PSALM 145:8

 

 

FOR I WILL FORGIVE THEIR WRONGDOING, AND I WILL NEVER AGAIN REMEMBER THEIR SINS. HEBREWS 8:12

 

God is saying I FORGIVE YOU for what you’ve done wrong! And he will NEVER AGAIN remember your sins AND God is not a man that he shall lie so you can take that promise to the Grave! 

 

  1. LET GO OF BAD HABITS

 

“IS NOT THIS THE KIND OF FASTING I HAVE CHOSEN: TO LOOSE THE CHAINS OF INJUSTICE AND UNTIE THE CORDS OF THE YOKE, TO SET THE OPPRESSED FREE AND BREAK EVERY YOKE?” – ISAIAH 58:6 NIV

 

 

  1. LET GO OF PAST HURTS

Some of you in here are wounded and it hurts and again it’s defining your life. What they did or what they said– maybe its time for you to move on from it. Listen, That quote from earlier – let me alter it – 

 

“YOU CAN’T START THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE IF YOU KEEP RE-READING THE LAST ONE.”  

 

You cant step into the next big thing God has for you if you are still making decisions taking into account an old past hurt. 

 

DON’T LET ANYTHING FROM YOUR PAST ROB YOU FROM YOUR FUTURE.

 

…WATCH OUT THAT NO POISONOUS ROOT OF BITTERNESS GROWS UP TO TROUBLE YOU, CORRUPTING MANY. HEBREWS 12:15 NLT

 

 Let go of past hurts and let God move!

 

  1. LET GO OF DOUBT 

Judges 6 gives such a powerful example of what happens when you let go of doubt and choose to believe the promises of God. 

 

The Israelites were handed over to the Midianites because they did some bad things. The Midianites were so cruel to the Israelites that they literally made hiding places in the mountains and caves. One day – an Israelite named Gideon was threshing wheat in the bottom of a winepress, so that he could stay hidden when an angle of the Lord appeared. Let’s take a look: 

 

THE ANGEL OF THE LORD APPEARED TO HIM (GIDEON) AND SAID, ‘MIGHTY HERO, THE LORD IS WITH YOU!’ ‘SIR,’ GIDEON REPLIED, ‘IF THE LORD IS WITH US, WHY HAS ALL OF THIS HAPPENED TO US? AND WHERE ARE ALL OF THE MIRACLES OUR ANCESTORS TOLD US ABOUT?” JUDGES 6:12-13

 

Have you ever asked that question? If God is with me – then why is this happening!? That’s the doubt I’m talking about – but listen to what happens: 

 

THEN THE LORD TURNED TO HIM AND SAID, “GO WITH THE STRENGTH YOU HAVE, AND RESCUE ISRAEL FROM THE MIDIANITES, I AM SENDING YOU!” “BUT LORD, ‘GIDEON REPLIED, “ HOW CAN I RECUE ISRAEL? MY CLAN IS THE WEAKEST IN THE WHOLE TRIBE OF MANASSEH, AND I AM THE LEAST IN MY ENTIRE FAMILY!” “THE LORD SAID TO HIM, “I WILL BE WITH YOU AND YOU WILL DESTROY MIDIANITES AS IF YOU WERE FIGHTING AGAINST ONE MAN”  JUDGES 6:14-16

 

Gideon ended up overcoming his doubts and he ended up defeating the Midianites and bringing peace to Israel for the next 40 years – someone that had no confidence in what God wanted to use him for does something so big!!! Heres what I know – Gideon went from Hiding to hero because he was able to throw his doubts upon the Lord and let God do a huge work through him! 

 

 

  1. TURN THE PAGE 

 

YOU DON’T HAVE TO UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY TO OBEY IMMEDIATELY 

 

Whatever God is calling you to next, I want to challenge you…listen to the call and act. Take the step and see what God is going to do through your obedience! Heres what I know IT’S A TRUST THING! 

 

WITHOUT FULL TRUST THERE’S NO SURRENDER, AND WITH NO SURRENDER THERE’S NO FREEDOM.

 

BUT WHEN YOU PRAY, YOU MUST BELIEVE AND NOT DOUBT AT ALL. WHOEVER DOUBTS IS LIKE A WAVE IN THE SEA THAT IS DRIVEN AND BLOWN ABOUT BY THE WIND. JAMES 1:6 GNT

Dec 10, 2019

Late in the afternoon the twelve disciples came to him and said, “Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place.” But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Or are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd?” For there were about 5,000 men there. Luke 9:12-14

 

About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children! Matthew 14:21

 

Jesus replied, “Tell them to sit down in groups of about fifty each.” So the people all sat down. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers! Luke 9:14-17

 

When the day began to wear away. Luke 9:12 NKJV

 

But Jesus said, “You feed them.” Luke 9:13

 

Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces. Luke 9:16

 

he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. Luke 9:16

 

  1. IT HAS TO BE BLESSED BEFORE IT CAN MULTIPLY.

2. IT HAS TO BE GIVEN AWAY TO MULTIPLY.

 

Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. Psalms 106:3 NIV

 

I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you… 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 12:1-2

Dec 3, 2019

Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. John 12:1-6 NKJV

1. THE ENEMY OF GENEROSITY

This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. John 12:6 NKJV

Then Jesus said, “I chose the twelve of you, but one is a devil.” He was speaking of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, one of the Twelve, who would later betray him. John 6:70-71

SUCCESS IS CONFRONTING OUR WEAKNESSES AND OVERCOMING THEM!

Each time he said, “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. 2 Corinthians 12:9

2. THE EXTRAVAGANCE OF GENEROSITY

And now, because of my devotion to the Temple of my God, I am giving all of my own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction 1 Chronicles 29:3

Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the decrees of his father, David, so the king went there and sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings. 1 Kings 3:3-4

While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Luke 21:1-4

EXTRAVAGANCE IS NOT THE AMOUNT, BUT THE ATTITUDE BEHIND IT!

She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. Mark 14:8

They exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord. 2 Corinthians 8:5 NIV

THE MOST EXTRAVAGANT THING YOU CAN GIVE GOD IS YOUR HEART.

3. THE REWARD OF GENEROSITY

 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed. Mark 14:9

When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”; “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?”;  Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”  And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” John 11:32;39-40;43-44

GENEROSITY IS A REFLECTION OF GRATITUDE

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)  For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-6

 

Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6

 

I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. Genesis 12:2 NIV

 

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him. Genesis 12:7

Nov 26, 2019

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Psalms 119:1-5

And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. Luke 16:9 NKJV

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? Luke 16:10-12 NKJV

No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 16:13 NKJV

1. WHAT IS MAMMON?

Then they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves… Genesis 11:3-4 NKJV

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24 NKJV

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:25-26 NKJV

MAMMON PROMISES US THINGS ONLY GOD CAN PROVIDE.

2. IS MONEY EVIL?

MONEY IS NOT EVIL, IT IS NEUTRAL.

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

And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. Luke 16:9 NKJV

ONLY GOD CAN TURN UNRIGHTEOUS MAMMON INTO SOULS.

3. WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY MONEY?

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

And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? Luke 16:11

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV

Nov 19, 2019

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Consecrate

 to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast;

 it is Mine.” Exodus 13:1-2 NKJV

 

every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord’s. But  every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. 

Exodus 13:12-13 NKJV

 

1. THE FIRSTBORN MUST BE SACRIFICED

 OR REDEEMED

 

For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment

 my mother conceived me. Psalms 51:5

 

JESUS IS GOD’S TITHE

 

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans5:8

 

 

Jericho and everything in it must be completely destroyed as an offering to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and the others in her house will be spared, for she protected our spies. “Do not take any of the things set apart for destruction, or you yourselves will

 be completely destroyed, and you will bring trouble on the camp of Israel. Everything made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron is

sacred to the Lord and must be brought into his treasury.

 Joshua 6:17-19

 

2. FIRSTFRUITS MUST BE OFFERED

Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits

 of all your increase Proverbs 3:9 NKJV

 

The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. Exodus 23:19 NKJV

.

But Israel violated the instructions about the things set

 apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen

 some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites. Joshua 7:1-2

 

IT TAKES FAITH TO TITHE AND IT TAKES FAITH TO BELIEVE THAT 90% BLESSED IS FAR BETTER THAN 100% CURSED.

 

Andin the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an

 offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Genesis 4:3 NKJV

 

Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. Genesis 4:4-5 NKJV

 

3. THE TITHE MUST BE FIRST

 

One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy.

 Leviticus 27:30

 

For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if

 the root is holy, so are the branches. Romans 11:16 NKJV.

 

And in the future, your children will ask you, ‘What does all this mean?’ Then you will tell them, ‘With the power of his mighty hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, the place of our slavery. Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, so the Lord killed all the

 firstborn males throughout the land of Egypt, both people and animals. That is why I now sacrifice all the firstborn males to the Lord… Exodus 13:14-15

Nov 12, 2019

 

Life is good for the one who is generous and charitable, conducting affairs with honesty and truth. Psalms 112:5 TPT

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

 

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ Malachi 3:6-7 NIV

 

“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’  Malachi 3:8 NIV

“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Malachi 3:8-9 NIV

 

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:10-12 NIV

 

3 UNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT TITHING

  1. TITHING IS A TEST

 

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Malachi 3:10 NIV

 

2. TITHING IS BIBLICAL

 

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Genesis 14:18-20 NIV

 

this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me. Genesis 28:22

 

One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy. Leviticus 27:30

 

And it shall be, when you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you possess it and dwell in it, you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground, which you shall bring from your land that the Lord your God is giving you, and put it in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide. Deuteronomy 26:1-2 NKJV

 

then you shall say before the Lord your God: ‘I have removed the holy tithe from my house, and also have given them to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all Your commandments which You have commanded me; I have not transgressed Your commandments, nor have I forgotten them. I have not eaten any of it when in mourning, nor have I removed any of it for an unclean use, nor given any of it for the dead. I have obeyed the voice of the Lord my God, and have done according to all that You have commanded me. Deuteronomy 26:13-14 NKJV

 

Look down from Your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the land which You have given us… Deuteronomy 26:15 NKJV

 

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. Mathew 23:23

3. TITHING IS A BLESSING

Moreover he commanded the people who dwelt in Jerusalem to contribute support for the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the Law of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 31:4 NKJV

2 Chronicles 31:5-7 NKJV

And Azariah the chief priest, from the house of Zadok, answered him and said, “Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and have plenty left, for the Lord has blessed His people; and what is left is this great abundance. 2 Chronicles 31:8-10 NKJV

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. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:25-26

 

Nov 6, 2019

Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. Psalms 106:3 NIV

 

Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise. Psalms 106:4-5 NIV

 

You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35

 

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 NIV

 

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38 NIV

 

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:21

 

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38 NIV

 

HOW TO DEVELOP A HEART OF GENEROSITY:

 

But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. Deuteronomy 15:7-8

 

  1. DEAL WITH A SELFISH HEART

Do not be mean-spirited and refuse someone a loan because the year for canceling debts is close at hand. If you refuse to make the loan and the needy person cries out to the Lord, you will be considered guilty of sin. Deuteronomy 15:9

 

WHY DID GOD INVENT GIVING?

GIVING OVER ANY OTHER ACTIVITY WORKS SELFISHNESS AND GREED OUT OF OUR HEARTS.

 

People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Proverbs 16:2

When you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. James 4:3

 

2. DEAL WITH A GRIEVING HEART.

Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. Deuteronomy 15:10

HOW DO YOU COMBAT GRIEF?

YOU HAVE THE PROPER PERSPECTIVE REGARDING “YOUR” MONEY.

 

3. DEVELOP A GENEROUS HEART.

Give him a generous farewell gift from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. Share with him some of the bounty with which the Lord your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 15:14

HOW DO YOU WALK IN GENEROSITY?

BY RENEWING OUR MINDS.

 

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. Romans 12:2

4. DEVELOP A GRATEFUL HEART

Remember that you were once slaves in the land of Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you! That is why I am giving you this command. Deuteronomy 15:15

live each day with holy awe and reverence throughout your time on earth. For you know that your lives were ransomed once and for all from the empty and futile way of life handed down from generation to generation. It was not a ransom payment of silver and gold, which eventually perishes, but the precious blood of Christ—who like a spotless, unblemished lamb was sacrificed for us. 1 Peter 1:17-19 TPT

Oct 29, 2019

 

 

our theme verses for this series…

 

10A FINAL WORD: BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY POWER. 11PUT ON ALL OF GOD’S ARMOR SO THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO STAND FIRM AGAINST ALL STRATEGIES OF THE DEVIL. 12FOR 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. 13THEREFORE, 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. 14STAND YOUR GROUND, PUTTING ON THE BELT OF TRUTH AND THE BODY ARMOR OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS. 15FOR SHOES, PUT ON THE PEACE THAT COMES FROM THE GOOD NEWS SO THAT YOU WILL BE FULLY PREPARED. 16IN ADDITION TO ALL OF THESE, HOLD UP THE SHIELD OF FAITH TO STOP THE FIERY ARROWS OF THE DEVIL. 17PUT ON SALVATION AS YOUR HELMET, AND TAKE THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD. 18PRAY IN THE SPIRIT AT ALL TIMES AND ON EVERY OCCASION. STAY ALERT AND BE PERSISTENT IN YOUR PRAYERS FOR ALL BELIEVERS EVERYWHERE. 19AND PRAY FOR ME, TOO. ASK GOD TO GIVE ME THE RIGHT WORDS SO I CAN BOLDLY EXPLAIN GOD’S MYSTERIOUS PLAN THAT THE GOOD NEWS IS FOR JEWS AND GENTILES ALIKE. 20I AM IN CHAINS NOW, STILL PREACHING THIS MESSAGE AS

GOD’S AMBASSADOR. SO PRAY THAT I WILL KEEP ON SPEAKING BOLDLY FOR HIM, AS I SHOULD.

 

 

 

Ephesians 6

10A FINAL WORD: BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY POWER. 11PUT ON ALL OF GOD’S ARMOR SO THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO STAND FIRM AGAINST ALL STRATEGIES OF THE DEVIL…. 13THEREFORE, 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. 14STAND YOUR GROUND, PUTTING ON THE BELT OF TRUTH AND THE BODY ARMOR OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS. 15FOR SHOES, PUT ON THE PEACE THAT COMES FROM THE GOOD NEWS SO THAT YOU WILL BE FULLY PREPARED.E

- EPHESIANS 6:10 –11,13-15 NLT

 

 

 

 

PEACE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF PROBLEMS; IT’S THE ADDITION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S POWER WITHIN THE PROBLEMS

 

15FOR SHOES, PUT ON THE PEACE THAT COMES FROM THE GOOD NEWS SO THAT YOU WILL BE FULLY PREPARED

 

The peace comes from the good news…what is the good news? It’s the promises of God.

 

Paul is telling us that we have to have a firm stance in our faith and spirituality if we want to have peace in our battles…let me say it this way… if you’re taking notes write this down:

 

 

 

 

THE SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION YOU HAVE GOING INTO THE BATTLE DETERMINES YOUR PEACE THROUGHOUT THE FIGHT.

 

 

DO NOT FEAR, FOR I AM WITH YOU; DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, FOR I AM YOUR GOD. I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU AND HELP YOU; I WILL UPHOLD YOU WITH MY VICTORIOUS RIGHT HAND

 

1. WHO GOD IS

Colossians 1:15-20 

15 CHRIST IS THE VISIBLE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD. HE EXISTED BEFORE ANYTHING WAS CREATED AND IS SUPREME OVER ALL CREATION,[E]6 FOR THROUGH HIM GOD CREATED EVERYTHING IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS AND ON EARTH. HE MADE THE THINGS WE CAN SEE AND THE THINGS WE CAN’T SEE—SUCH AS THRONES, KINGDOMS, RULERS, AND AUTHORITIES IN THE UNSEEN WORLD. EVERYTHING WAS CREATED THROUGH HIM AND FOR HIM. 17 HE EXISTED BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, AND HE HOLDS ALL CREATION TOGETHER.18 CHRIST IS ALSO THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH, WHICH IS HIS BODY. HE IS THE BEGINNING, SUPREME OVER ALL WHO RISE FROM THE DEAD.[F] SO HE IS FIRST IN EVERYTHING.19 FOR GOD IN ALL HIS FULLNESS WAS PLEASED TO LIVE IN CHRIST,0 AND THROUGH HIM GOD RECONCILED EVERYTHING TO HIMSELF. HE MADE PEACE WITH EVERYTHING IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH BY MEANS OF CHRIST’S BLOOD ON THE CROSS.

 

Deuteronomy 20:4

“FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS THE ONE WHO GOES WITH YOU TO FIGHT FOR YOU AGAINST YOUR ENEMIES TO GIVE YOU VICTORY”

 

This same sovereign God that we just talked about goes WITH us to FIGHT FOR US against our enemies to give us a victory.

 

Can yall get excited about that today?

 

No matter what battle you’re in Deuteronomy says he GOES WITH YOU TO FIGHT FOR YOU! To give you victory….

 

2. WHO GOD THINKS WE ARE

 

Ephesians 2:10

 

“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.”

 

 

“WE HAVE BECOME HIS POETRY, A RE-CREATED PEOPLE THAT WILL FULFILL THE DESTINY HE HAS GIVEN EACH OF US, FOR WE ARE JOINED TO JESUS, THE ANOINTED ONE. EVEN BEFORE WE WERE BORN, GOD PLANNED IN ADVANCE OUR DESTINY AND THE GOOD WORKS WE WOULD DO TO FULFILL IT”

 

 

IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE PURPOSE OF SOMETHING YOU WILL ABUSE IT

 

Let me tell you this:

 

LIFE WITHOUT PURPOSE IS TIME WITHOUT MEANING

 

3. IF YOU’RE STILL BREATHING GOD’S NOT DONE

 

PHILIPPIANS 1:6 “AND I AM CERTAIN THAT GOD, WHO BEGAN THE GOOD WORK WITHIN YOU WILL CONTINUE HIS WORK UNTIL IT IS FINALLY FINISHED ON THE DAY WHEN CRHIST JESUS RETURNS”

 

2 PETER 1:3 “BY HIS DIVINE POWER, GOD HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR LIVING A GODLY LIFE. WE HAVE RECEIVED ALL OF THIS BY COMING TO KNOW HIM, THE ONE WHO CALLED US TO HIMSELF BY MEANS OF HIS MARVELOUS GLORY AND EXCELLENCE.”

 

Oct 22, 2019

 

3 AREAS SATAN MOST INTENSELY ATTACKS:

 

·        YOUR MIND

·        YOUR EMOTIONS

·        YOUR WILL

 

The Lord is my shepherd I have all that I need. Psalms 23:1

 

So then, surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will turn and run away from you. Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting. James 4:7-8 TPT

 

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

 

WHAT GETS YOUR ATTENTION GETS YOUR HEART, AND THAT DETERMINES THE COURSE OF YOUR LIFE.

 

MISPLACED ATTENTION WILL LEAD TO A FALSE SENSE OF HAPPINESS.

 

HOW DO WE ALIGN OUR HEARTS?

 

1.  PASSIONATELY PURSUE JESUS.

 

THE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU & WHAT YOU LOVE DETERMINES WHETHER YOU HAVE THE CAPACITY TO ALLOW SOMETHING TO SEPARATE YOU FROM WHAT YOU LOVE.

 

If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15 NIV 

 

In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome…Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:3;12 NIV

 

TEMPTATION OR COMPROMISE DOESN'T EXPOSE OUR WEAKNESSES IN WILL POWER, BUT THE WEAKNESSES IN OUR RELATIONSHIP.

 

INTIMACY WITH GOD IS WHAT PRODUCES INNOCENCE IN OUR LIVES.

 

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

 

2. OBEDIENCE LEADS TO A THRIVING RELATIONSHIP, NOT COMPLIANCE.

 

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17 NIV 

 

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, 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. Luke 9:23-24

 

..and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:12-13

 

** 1 degree of separation Slide **

 

3. MAKE THE COMMITMENT TO LEAVE THE PAST IN THE PAST.

 

But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

 

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… Philippians 3:12-13

 

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life…  Deuteronomy 30:19-20

 

 

INTIMACY IS A RESULT OF CONSISTENCY.

Oct 16, 2019

3 AREAS SATAN MOST INTENSELY ATTACKS:

 

YOUR MIND

YOUR EMOTIONS

YOUR WILL

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. Mark 12:30

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 6:13-17

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

“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

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 

____ MATERIAL/FINANCIAL STRONGHOLD

____ ADDICTIVE/HABITUAL STRONGHOLD 

____ PERSONAL/PHYSICAL STRONGHOLD 

____ RELATIONAL STRONGHOLD

____ SPIRITUAL STRONGHOLD

2. IDENTIFY WHO YOU WANT TO BE.

“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... When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these...  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:17-22

 

THE MORE YOU PRAY AND READ THE BIBLE, THE MORE GOD’S CHARACTER RUBS OFF ON YOU! 

“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 

 

Oct 8, 2019

WE LIVE IN A PHYSICAL WORLD, AND A SPIRITUAL WORLD.

 

“The problem is most people overestimate or underestimate spiritual warfare. Funny how the devil likes when we over believe or under believe just don't bible believe” C.S. Lewis 

 

4 TRUTHS ABOUT THIS SPIRITUAL BATTLE:

 

  1. THERE IS A REAL ENEMY.

 

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

 

THIS REAL ENEMY WANTS TO DESTROY YOU.

 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV

 

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11 NIV 

 

2. WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BATTLE.

 

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. Ephesians 6:12

 

THE DEVIL’S GOAL IS TO DIVIDE US.

 

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

 

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

 

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:35

 

3. OUR STRENGTH IS IN THE LORD.

 

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. Ephesians 6:10-11

 

So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. 2 Kings 6:14-15

 

“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 2 Kings 6:16

 

Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. 2 Kings 6:17

 

Each time he said, “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. 2 Corinthians 12:9

4. THE ENEMY IS SUBJECT TO OUR GOD.

 

The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4

  THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY IS THE NAME OF JESUS.

 

When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy… Luke 10:17-19

 

 At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Philippians 2:10

 

  • THE AUTHORITY OF THE WORD

 

  • THE AUTHORITY OF THE BLOOD AND THE CROSS

 

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

 

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

 

DAILY FILL YOUR MIND WITH GOD’S PROMISES, AND DAILY PROCLAIM GOD’S PROMISES.

Oct 1, 2019
  • CAN I SLEEP IN HEAVEN?

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.” Revelation 19:9

Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched. Luke 24:41-43

  • WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO SHARE YOUR FAITH AT A JOB THAT DISCOURAGES FAITH AND DOESN’T ALLOW YOU TO DISCUSS GOD?

 ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:39

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5-6

  • WHY DOES GOD LET THERE BE SO MUCH BAD IN THIS WORLD?

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.” Psalms 39:4

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18

… by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NIV

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

God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. Revelation 21:4-5

  • IN EXODUS, WHEN GOD TURNED THE NILE TO BLOOD, WHAT BLOOD TYPE WAS IT?
  • CAN YOU SERVE GOD AND BE IN AN UNMARRIED SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP? 

Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Romans 6:1-2

We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin….Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Romans 6:6-7;12

  • ARE ANIMALS IN HEAVEN?
  • IF YOU ARE A BELIEVER AND YOU ARE DEALING WITH SOMETHING SUCH AS DEPRESSION AND IT PUSHES YOU TO SUICIDE, DO YOU GO TO HEAVEN? BECAUSE NUMEROUS PEOPLE ALWAYS SAY I WILL SEE THEM HEAVEN. WHERE DOES THAT STAND IN GOD’S EYES?

Suicide is a permanent irreversible attempt to solve a temporary problem in which most people don’t want to die they just want their pain to end!

  • HOW DO YOU FULLY “GIVE IT TO GOD” WHEN ANXIOUS, FEARFUL, OR DOUBTFUL?

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7 NKJV

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

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. Philippians 4:11-12

  • IF GOD FORGIVES AND FORGETS MY SINS, WILL I STILL FACE JUDGEMENT ON THOSE SINS?

And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins. Hebrews 8:12

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Sep 25, 2019

Pastor Mike speaks on spiritual ruts

Sep 24, 2019

Pastor Tyler speaks on how to forgive.

Sep 11, 2019

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6

 

57% MORE TEENS ARE MORE SLEEP DEPRIVED TODAY THAN IN 1991

 

SLEEP DEPRIVATION IS LINKED TO COMPROMISED THINKING AND REASONING, SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ILLNESS, WEIGHT GAIN, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.

 

NEARLY 25% OF TEENAGERS (13-18) STRUGGLE WITH DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDE IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG TEENAGERS.

 

TEENAGERS CONSUME 2700 HOURS OF SCREEN TIME A YEAR.

 

THE AVERAGE PERSON HAS ONLY 5,840 AWAKE HOURS A YEAR. 

 

THAT MEANS 46% OF A YOUNG PERSON'S LIFE IS IN FRONT OF A SCREEN.

 

For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” John 16:33 TPT

 

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

 

ONLY ABOUT 10% OF YOUNG CHRISTIANS ACTUALLY BEAR THE QUALITIES OF A RESILIENT DISCIPLE. 

 

  1. EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS

 

2. CULTURAL DISCERNMENT

 

3. MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

 

4. VOCATIONAL DISCIPLESHIP

 

5. COUNTERCULTURAL AMBITION

 

MORE THAN A THIRD OF 11 TO 18-YEAR-OLDS SAID THEY HAD ASKED THEIR PARENTS TO STOP CHECKING THEIR DEVICES.

 

OF PUPILS WHO HAD ASKED THEIR PARENTS TO PUT DOWN THEIR PHONES, 46% SAID THEIR PARENTS TOOK NO NOTICE.

 

82% OF STUDENTS FELT MEALTIMES SHOULD BE DEVICE-FREE.

 

22% SAID THE USE OF DEVICES STOPPED THEIR FAMILIES ENJOYING EACH OTHER’S COMPANY.

 

So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us. We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. Hebrews 12:1-2 TPT

 

Fully embrace God’s correction as part of your training. Hebrews 12:7 TPT

 

Now all discipline seems to be more pain than pleasure at the time, yet later it will produce a transformation of character, bringing a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who yield to it. Hebrews 12:11 TPT

 

So be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship. And strengthen your weak knees, for as you keep walking forward on God’s paths all your stumbling ways will be divinely healed! Hebrews 12:12-13 TPT

 

YOU CANNOT BE A HEALTHY PARENT WITHOUT FIRST BEING A HEALTHY CHILD.

 

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. Luke 3:21-22 NIV

 

  1. IDENTITY
  2. You are my Son

 

2. AFFECTION

whom I love

 

3. AFFIRMATION

with you I am well pleased

Sep 4, 2019

While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 2 Corinthians 5:4

 

He has planted eternity in the human heart. Ecclesiastes 3:11

 

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. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Philippians 1:21-24

 

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

 

THE REALITIES OF HEAVEN

“How you think about Heaven affects everything in life-how your prioritize love, how willing you are willing to sacrifice for the long term, how you view suffering, what you fear or don’t fear.” John Burke

1. A PERFECT IDENTITY

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:12-13

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.  Psalm 139:13-14

2. A PERFECT COMMUNITY

May your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 GNT

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 22:37-40

 

After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home. Luke 16:9

3. A PERFECT CITY

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth… for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb will feed together…They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord. Isaiah 65:17-25

So he took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone—like jasper as clear as crystal. The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. Revelation 21:10-12;22-23

4. A PERFECT CHOICE

Luke 15:11-19

Luke 15:20-24

1 Peter 3:18

 

And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it. Revelations 2:17

 

Aug 28, 2019

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:26

 

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27

 

8. WE ARE SOLEY MOTIVATED TO POPULATE HEAVEN

We live and breathe the Great Commission and will do anything short of sin to see people accept the gift of Jesus in their lives!

 

When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:17

 

"The church is not a museum of saints, but a hospital for sinners." Ann Landers

 

  WE UNDERSTAND THAT EVERY PERSON MATTERS TO GOD.

 

He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9

 

Luke 15:1-7 

 

   WE UNDERSTAND THAT WE MUST BREAK A FEW RULES.

 

Matthew 12:9-14

 

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 

 

  WE UNDERSTAND THAT WE WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES.

 

When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:1-5

9. WE PASSIONATELY PURSUE THE VISION

God has given us a big vision that is much bigger than ourselves and we are passionate about creating a culture that desires to see that vision become reality.

 

God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3:10

 

FIND JESUS

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.  John 10:10-11

 

WE WILL GO FROM ATTENDERS TO INVITERS.

 

FIND FREEDOM

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalms 34:18

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble; A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10;12

 

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

 

WE WILL COMMIT TO AN AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY

 

FIND PURPOSE

It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11-12 MSG

 

WE WILL DISCOVER OUR UNIQUE DESIGN 

 

 MAKE A DIFFERENCE

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24

 

 WE WILL PARTNER WITH EACH OTHER TO POPULATE HEAVEN.

Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

Aug 20, 2019

YOU CAN EITHER BE INFLUENCED OR BE INFLUENTIAL.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:13-16

YOUR TITLE MAKES YOU A MANAGER, BUT YOUR PEOPLE MAKE YOU A LEADER. 

1. WE FIND CONFIDENCE IN AUTHENTICITY

2. WE HUNGER FOR GROWTH

3. WE GRASP THAT EXCELLENCE REFLECTS CHARACTER

4. WE LAVISH OUR GENEROSITY

 

5. WE ARE SERVANT LEADERS.

"Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” -Jesus. It is not about us, but the people we lead and we spend our energy inspiring and empowering them. 

“Only a life lived in the service of others is worth living” Albert Einstein

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him; After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. John 13:1;3-5;12-17

✓     SERVING STARTS WITH ME.

Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

✓     SERVING STARTS WITH BEING FAITHFUL WITH THE SECRET OPPORTUNITIES.

“You can map out a fight plan or a life plan. But when the action starts, you’re down to your reflexes.  Thats where your road work shows.  If you cheated on that in the dark morning, you’re getting found out now under the bright lights.” Joe Frazier

✓     SERVING STARTS WITH THE INSIGNIFICANT AREAS EVERYONE ELSE IGNORES.

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Galatians 6:3

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES OFTEN DISGUISE THEMSELVES IN SMALL TASKS

6. WE ARE SOLUTION-ORIENTED.

Anyone can identify a problem, but leaders identify solutions. A problem is just an opportunity for growth and a step to the next level as we discover the solution.

 

The number one predictor of success is grit, the ability to overcome adversity, challenges, obstacles that ultimately create our success. – Jon Gordon

EASE AND COMFORT ARE THE ENEMIES OF GRIT.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

✓     WE GATHER THE FACTS.

“What a shame—yes, how stupid!—to decide before knowing the facts!” Proverbs 18:13 TLB

✓     WE ARE OPEN TO NEW IDEAS.

“The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.” Proverbs 18:15 TLB 

WE LEAN ON GOD.

"If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don't ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” Proverbs 3:4-6, TLB

7. WE ARE UNAPOLOGETICALLY LOYAL-

We are more than a team we are family and we love, respect, support, and defend each other in that way.

 

 WE DO NOT ALLOW NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND WORDS TO BECOME A PUBLIC SPECTACLE.

✓     I WILL FIRST GO DIRECTLY TO THE PERSON INVOLVED AND NO ONE ELSE. 

“If a brother sins against you, go to him privately and confront him with his fault. If he listens and confesses it, you have won back a brother.  But if not, then take one or two others with you and go back to him again Matthew 18:15-16 TLB

✓      I WILL NOT HANG OUT WITH NEGATIVE PEOPLE.

“Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

✓ 

I WILL SPEAK WORDS OF LIFE.

“The tongue has the power of life and death” Proverbs 18:21

OUR MISSION IS TOO IMPORTANT, AND OUR WORDS TOO POWERFUL, TO SPEAK CARELESSLY AND RISK DAMAGING PEOPLE.

Ephesians 4:29

Aug 15, 2019

1.  WE FIND CONFIDENCE IN AUTHENTICITY.

 

2. WE HUNGER FOR GROWTH.

 

For we naturally love to do evil things that are just the opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has his way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures. Galatians 5:17 TLB

 

 WE ARE NOT CONSUMERS, WE ARE CONTRIBUTORS. THE CHURCH DOES NOT EXIST FOR US; WE EXIST FOR THE WORLD!

 

God’s marvelous grace imparts to each one of us varying gifts and ministries that are uniquely ours. So if God has given you the grace-gift of prophecy, you must activate your gift by using the proportion of faith you have to prophesy. If your grace-gift is serving, then thrive in serving others well. If you have the grace-gift of teaching, then be actively teaching and training others. If you have the grace-gift of encouragement, then use it often to encourage others. If you have the grace-gift of giving to meet the needs of others, then may you prosper in your generosity without any fanfare. If you have the gift of leadership, be passionate about your leadership. And if you have the gift of showing compassion, then flourish in your cheerful display of compassion. Romans 12:6-8 TPT

 

CHURCH WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE A SPECTATOR SPORT. 

 

 3. WE GRASP THAT EXCELLENCE REFLECTS CHARACTER.

We will be stewards of the blessings we have been given and honor God and the people of Bloom by giving our absolute best.

 

 “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted…that all of the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

 

EXCELLENCE IS JUST BEING A GREAT STEWARD.

 

DREAMS ARE RECEIVED ON OUR KNEES, BUT ARE ACHIEVED ON OUR FEET.

 

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

 

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” James 2:17-18

 

 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

 

 4. WE LAVISH OUR GENEROSITY

We believe it is better to give than to receive and we will give generously of our time, talents, treasures, and our testimonies.

 

 GENEROSITY IS GRATITUDE IN ACTION

 

 ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35

 

Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. Haggai 1:5-7

 

 For even during a season of severe difficulty and tremendous suffering, they became even more filled with joy. From the depths of their extreme poverty, super-abundant joy overflowed into an act of extravagant generosity. For I can verify that they spontaneously gave, not only according to their means but far beyond what they could afford. They actually begged us for the privilege of sharing in this ministry of giving to God’s holy people who are living in poverty. 2 Corinthians 8:2-4 TPT

 

BEING GENEROUS IS NOT SOMETHING WE DO. BEING GENEROUS IS WHO WE ARE!

 

But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity. Isaiah 32:8

 

 3 KEY ELEMENTS OF GENEROSITY:

1. WORDS

2. ACTIONS

3. GIVING

 

 TAKE HOME

 

I AM GOING TO LIVE OUT STEWARDSHIP AND GENEROSITY WITH MY:

 ·        TIME

 ·        TALENTS

 ·        TREASURES

 ·        TESTIMONY

Aug 8, 2019

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Matthew 13:3-9

 

GOOD INTENTIONS BY THEMSELVES ARE NOT ENOUGH FOR GROWTH.

 

 

IF YOU AIM AT NOTHING, YOU WILL HIT IT EVERY TIME! -ZIG ZIGLER

 

 

1. WE FIND CONFIDENCE IN AUTHENTICITY.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made!  We are not striving to be something we are not,  but learning to discover our unique gifts to help impact the Kingdom of God.  

 

 

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 3:10

 

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

 

 

ONCE YOU LOSE THE REASON TO EXIST, YOU PHYSICALLY STOP EXISTING.

 

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

 

HUMAN METRICS ARE BASED ON STATISTICS AND COMPARISONS; HEAVEN’S METRICS ARE BASED ON STEWARDSHIP AND INFLUENCE.

 

QUIT DISQUALIFYING YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU COMPARE YOUR WEAKNESSES TO OTHERS’ STRENGTHS.

 

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 1 Corinthians 12:7

 

2. WE HUNGER FOR GROWTH.

We must have a teachable spirit that strives to be the best versions of ourselves. Everything that grows must be stretched, broken down, and built back up.

 

I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose that Jesus Christ has called me to fulfill and wants me to discover. Philippians 3:12 TPT

 

I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this… Philippians 3:13 TPT

 

Ø  YOU HAVE TO INVITE GOD INTO YOUR GROWTH.

 

However I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. Philippians 3:13 TPT

 

  •   YOU HAVE TO HAVE A VISION FOR YOUR FUTURE.

 

I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus. Philippians 3:14 TPT

 

  • YOU HAVE TO BE SOLD OUT

 

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

 

TAKE HOME

Jul 3, 2019

Power of Expectation

 

God has really been tugging at my heart to talk about expectations and the effect that they can have on our spiritual, mental, and even physical wellness. We will be going through a couple different stories in scripture, but I want to start in Matthew ch. 11:2-3

 

Let’s take a look… John the Baptist is in prison and he hears about all of these miracles that Jesus is doing but then he says “SO” which means…what you are getting ready to hear is based on what you just heard – he, John, heard what Jesus was doing….what was he doing, you might ask… healing the sick, blind eyes were being opened, deaf ears were being unstopped. John the Baptist hears this “SO” he questions Jesus’ identity. remember what it says in verse 3 – he says, are you the messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else.” 

 

WHAT or WHO WAS JOHN EXPECTING?

 

We can pretty well assume that his expectations were out of line from what Jesus was doing because John asks that question right?…so who was right?

 

 Let me ask what happens when you go one way, but God goes another? 

 

What happens when your expectations for what you want God to do are not in God’s plan for you? What happens when your expectations are off and you expected God to do something for you that he never said he would do. Let me tell you this: Pastor Jeremy Foster said,

 

GOD MAY NOT ALWAYS LIVE UP TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS, BUT HE WILL ALWAYS LIVE UP TO HIS WORD. – Jeremy Foster

 

If he said he will never leave you he will never leave you. 

If he said he will never forsake you, he will never forsake you.

 

  1. ASSESS & REFLECT

 

PERSPECTIVE INFLUENCES EXPECTATION 

 

 Your perspective of a situation directly influences your expectations of that situation.

 

Lets go back to vs 2

 

Matthew 3:13-14

 

There’s that word SO again! This is a pretty clear example of what John thought of Jesus. He clearly explains that he knows the extent of who Jesus is and that’s why he’s questioning Why in the world am I baptizing you!? You should be baptizing me! 

 

Obviously, if we are here we aren’t in a physical prison, but I believe that the battles we face can feel a whole lot like we are imprisoned to them. But How many times while we are in church or at a conference or lifegroup or something holy….we feel like we can see what we need to. But the second that we get into a “prison” it all changes.

 

Assess. Find out where your perspective is right now because heres what I know: 

AN UNHEALTHY PERSPECTIVE WILL ALWAYS CAUSE YOU TO DOUBT WHERE YOU’RE GOING

 

Set your expectations right. 

 

Assess and reflect on where your perspective sits. 

 

  1. REMEMBER WHAT GOD HAS DONE

What would your perspective look like and how would it effect your expectations if you always remembered what God has done for you? 

 

In Mark ch 4 - Jesus and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilea. Now the Sea of Galilea is surrounded by mountains, and what normally happens is cold air comes down the side of the mountains and it meets the hot air from the sea and MASSIVE storms comes up out of nowhere. This is exactly what is happening in Mark ch 4 and the disciples are FREAKING OUT. THIS IS IT THIS IS HOW WE’RE GOING TO DIE.

 

But Jesus wakes up and the bible says that he rebukes the wind and the waves, right we’ve all heard this story, but he goes on to look at his disciples and he says, “how do you still have no faith” 

 

NOW Here’s the thing though – Jesus isn’t asking them that just because he calmed the winds and the waves, he’s saying How do you still have no faith based off of EVERYTHING YOU’VE SEEN ME DO TO THIS POINT. 

 

What would it have looked like for the disciples if when that storm hit and they’re all WERE GONNA DIE, if one of them said “NO WERE NOT, JESUS IS IN THE BOAT, DO YOU REMEMBER HIM HEALING THAT GIRL, FEEDING ALL THOSE PEOPLE, CALLING OUT THAT DEMON? No we’re good, we’re going to be ok” let me tell you this church:

 

STORMS CAN BE SCARY, BUT JESUS IS WITH US

 

Your prison can be REALLY scary, but JESUS is with you! Sometimes what you have to do is look back on all the things he’s ALREADY DONE! 

 

IF GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO YOU IN THE PAST, HE IS GOING TO BE FAITHFUL IN THE PRESENT AND IN THE FUTURE. 

 

 

So you need to assess where you are at, remember what God has done, and last but not least, trust what God will do…So number 3: 

 

  1. TRUST THAT GOD WILL DO IT

Trust that God will do it. This is super hard…this might be one of the hardest ones. Going back to my last point: 

 

 IF GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO YOU IN THE PAST, HE IS GOING TO BE FAITHFUL IN THE PRESENT AND IN THE FUTURE. 

 

Gods promises are yes and amen and like numbers say’s: God Is not a man so he does not lie and he does not change his mind. He is there for you and promises that he always will be. You just have to trust that. 

 

He doesn’t care what failure you walked in here with…Let me tell you this right now…

GOD CAN OVERCOME YOUR FAILURE IF YOU CONTINUE TO HAVE FAITH 


God can overcome your failure if you continue to have faith! 

Jun 25, 2019

Be the LIGHT

  • There is this question that I literally get asked ALL THE TIME!! “Are you always this happy?”
  • Deathly afraid of public speaking my entire life!! 
  • It’s amazing what God will do with your life if you surrender it fully to him!
  • Back to the question “Amber, are you always this happy”

-God has freed me from brokenness, so for the most part.. the answer is YES! How could I not be?

  • The Bible says:

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!”

Ephesians 5:8 NLT

  • This was me! 

Full of darkness!

-Kid (parents divorcing)

-Teenager (looking for love in all the wrong places)

-Then God saved me and called me to be a light!

  • The bible says:

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

  • So, if God has saved you from darkness, and has called you to be light you must not hide under a basket, but be placed on a stand! (Don’t have time for you to hide)
  • My question for you is, ARE YOU HIDING UNDER A BASKET? 

-If the answer is YES, then WHY? ( I HAVE FELT ALL OF THESE!)

  • Is it FEAR? 

-He says not to fear, He is with us. 

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

  • Feeling UNQUALIFIED? 

-Moses didn’t feel qualified either! Anytime I am called to speak and I feel unqualified to do so I remember this story. 

“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? 12 Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” Exodus 4:10-11

  • Feeling UNWORTHY? 

-He says, YOU are chosen and YOU are his child! 

“…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.” 1 Peter 2:9

-We serve a God who looks beyond your mistakes, He looks beyond your qualifications. His word says you are CHOSEN, you are His CHILD!

-It is time to stop HIDING under the BASKET! 

-But how?

  • You need to be connected to the RIGHT SOURCE!

-What source are you plugged into? (WRONG source, your light will go out)

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” Ephesians 3:16

God will give you unlimited resources and he will empower you and give you strength IF you are connected to HIM!

-Make sure you are connected to the God as your source, because the world will slowly burn you out and your light will fade. 

  • You need to have CHILD-LIKE FAITH!

-When I think of having childlike faith I think of this story about our youngest daughter Bella.

- But that’s one of the things I love so much about children! They believe BIG! They have BIG faith!! Can us adults have faith like a child? Actually God calls us to! Look at what he says!

“About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. 3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:1-4

  • You need to go ALL IN!
  • Summer series! Stories about summer. Carson with swimming lessons. 
  • Some of you have just been sticking a toe in the water. GO ALL IN! Stop hiding under the basket! Go ALL IN and be the light God has called you to be! 
  • You need to BATTLE through the trials!

-They will come. They have come for me. Joy has to come from Jesus NOT circumstances)

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” Romans 5:3

-Endurance has developed in me. And through it all, I felt the closes to Jesus

  • You need to STRIVE to be like JESUS!

-Jesus was the best example of being a light!

-Jesus was making friends every where he went. 

-(Story of Matt not letting me go into gas stations)

-EVERYONE is important. Everyone matters. Everyone deserves a friend, and everyone deserves to see the light of Jesus. 

  • If we are NOT changing what’s going on beyond these walls of this church, then we are missing it!

Ask yourself this question: Are you hiding your light under a basket? Or are you making sure your light is out on a stand?

Challenges:

  1. Invite someone to church!
  2. Invite someone into your home! 
  3. Share your testimony with someone!
  4. Join the Dream Team!
Jun 19, 2019

Fatherhood is of course for those men who actually have children through conception or adoption, but Fatherhood is actually the call of every man that is a part of the body of Christ.  We are called to reflect the Nature of God which Jesus’ references God as in The Lords Prayer.

 

Matthew 6:9

 

Psalms 68:5

 

1950 4.7% of Children were born out of Wedlock

Today that number has risen by 1700%

 

NATIONAL CENTER OF DISEASE CONTROL STATISTICS

·        85% of children that show behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes (20x the National Average)

·        90% of all American inmates are men

·        Over 75% of said inmates grew up without a father

·        63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (5x the National Average)

·        90% of homeless and runaway children come from fatherless homes (32x the National Average)

·        71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes (9x the National Average)

 

When you remove fathers from a home society gets ill.  We need to be fathers to a fatherless generation! I am going to say something that is definitely not PC in today's world, but a genderless world is dangerous! Men and women are different and different doesn't mean bad, but beneficial because we complete each other.

 

Genesis 2:18 NIV

 

The Hebrew word used here for “Helper” is found 17 times in the Bible.  Referenced twice for women and 15 Times for God. “Suitable” in Hebrew really means something opposite of you that really completes you. 

 

Genesis 2:22-24

 

So they are joined as one.  They are married and they complete each other.  God created us specifically with a purpose which means our genders and biological makeups are on purpose and there are powerful qualities we each bring to complete each other!

 

Women are more natural when it comes to nurturing, with empathy, mercy, compassion,  and peace.  When a child typically gets hurt typically runs to mom and when they want protection or a display of strength they typically run to dad! Now dudes we need to strive for more empathy, mercy, compassion, and peace.

 

THE ROLE OF A FATHER

 

Colossians 3:21

 

1. FATHER’S MUST PROTECT CHILDREN FROM DISCOURAGEMENT

 

The word implies losing heart, lack of motivation, spiritless, disinterested, with no purpose in life. Don’t be the kind of father who raises that kind of person. Instead, develop a style of fatherhood that produces the opposite of discouragement.

 

 WE LEAD THEM TOWARDS HOPE

 

Matthew 6:24

 

Psalms 20:7 TPT

 

 WE LEAD THEM TOWARDS JOY OVER HAPPINESS

 

Happiness is fickle and fleeting it comes from the root word is from hap which means chance.  Human happiness dependent on the chances and changes of life, something which life may give and which life may destroy. However, Joy is a heart thing… It is a mindset.

 

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. - Viktor Frankl

 

Psalms 4:7-8

 

Can we be the type of men that show our children our devotion to God even in difficult times that we are not slaves to emotions, but servants to our God and that even in the midst of extreme difficulties we know God will work all things together for those who love him! We know he gives us peace beyond understanding!

 

 WE LEAD THEM TOWARDS THEIR GOD-GIVEN CALLING

 

We need to teach young people that they are not accidents or afterthoughts. They are not less important, but they have been given a God-given calling to make an eternal difference in the Body of Christ.  That they have been given spiritual gifts to make a heavenly difference a part of Gods community! We need to build their confidence not in themselves, but in their God and the identity God has for them! 

 

Hebrews 13:21

 

2. FATHER’S MUST NOT MISUSE THEIR AUTHORITY

 

Colossians 3:20-21

 

You ever heard the statement “Do what I say not what I do”? They are going to do what you do despite what you say and the biggest misuse of our authority is we don’t model the things of God we just mouth them!  Our kids look at us and they see that we make everything a bigger priority over God in our lives. If God is an afterthought to you then most likely He will be of no thought to your children when they grow up!

 

WE CAN EITHER BE A GREAT EXAMPLE OR A HORRIBLE WARNING

 

Men who go to church, read the bible and pray statistically in this nation have the lowest divorce rate, the lowest adultery rate, and the lowest abuse rate. Also, have the happiest life and best intimacy in a relationship.

 

The Highest divorce rate people practice 2 different religions.   Lowest both serve and active in the same religion.

 

Men who are Active believers. Surveys by sociologist

More expressive with their kids

More emotionally engaged in marriage

Desire to have a healthy legacy

Religious attendance associated with more empathetic behavior towards spouse and kids because they Understand there is sin and implement more grace to their spouses and children.

 

  WE HAVE TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE WITH A KINGDOM MENTALITY

Jun 19, 2019

We find Paul, here he's a little bit older and he's been through some “stuff”. By this point, he's like, hey, look, I figured some things out. This brings me to my first point:

I am not a hostage to my environment.

Listen to what Paul says in verse 12,

"I want you to know, dear ones, about what happened to me…"

Phil. 1:12 (a)

Listen to what he says to close out that verse:

"I want you know, dear ones, what has happened to me has not hindered, but helped my ministry of preaching the gospel, causing it to expand and spread to many people."

Phil. 1:12

And the word that he uses for expand is the word that actually means to move forward and to make progress in spite of severe opposition. What if God is more interested in changing YOU than changing your situation? Sometimes God will use the very situations that we would pray away to do the things that can only be done in situations that we would not choose.

I am not a hostage to my circumstances.

Paul says in verse 13:

“For now the elite Roman guards an government officials overseeing my imprisonment have plainly recognized that I am here because of my love for the Anointed One.”

Phil. 1:13

"I'm in chains for Christ. "I know it looks like I'm chained to these guards, "but actually, these guards are chained to me." This chain goes both ways, so I've been preaching in this prison, and don't worry about Paul, and don't circulate a petition to get Paul outta prison, 'cause I'm doing work up in here. can you say the same thing about the situation that you're in today that you feel stuck in? Are you so busy asking God to get you out that you miss the fact that God is trying to get in? Because Paul has reached that point in his life. He's got his priorities straight. He says, "I am put here," verse 16. I'm put here not by Caesar, not by the people who threw in this prison for preaching. I'm put here, I'm not a hostage to how I feel, I'm not a hostage to what I want.

“because they know I’ve been destined for the purpose of defending the revelation of God.”

Phil. 1:16

Even if people mean it for evil, God will use it for good. So I'm not a hostage to what people think about me. You know how you can tell Paul has reached that point that he's no longer a hostage is because of what he says

"…what does it matter…?"

Phil. 1:18

Paul said, "I'm not a hostage to my expectations. "I'm not a hostage to my plans "because I'm committed to God's purpose."And Paul said,

"For what does it matter as long as Christ is being preached?”

Phil. 1:18

Paul said, "as long as Christ is being preached." So even if I'm in this prison, I don't feel sorry for myself because God is using this too. It is in your weakness that his strength is made perfect. So if the situation doesn't change, God, change me, and use me, and "I'm in these chains right now," Paul said. But if God can use these chains of my situation to change somebody else's life, then God, use the chains.

I’m not a hostage to this world.

Paul's saying in the letter, I'm already out. I'm not outta prison yet, but I'm already free. My situation hasn't changed yet, but my spirit is free.Then he makes a shift. And it's weird because he doesn't know what's gonna happen next. I'm not a hostage. God's gonna use me here, God's gonna use me there. If he leaves me, he has something for me to do. If he takes me, he's done with me. I'm good either way.

'…If they preach him with mixed motives or with genuine love, the message of Christ is still being preached. And I will (1) continue to rejoice because I know that the lavish supply of the Spirit of Jesus, the Anointed One, and your intercession for me will (2) bring about my deliverance. No matter what, I will (3) continue to hope and passionately cling to Christ, so that he will (4) be openly revealed through me before everyone’s eyes. So I will (5) not be ashamed! In my life or in my death, Christ will (6) be magnified in me. My true life is the Anointed One, and dying means gaining more of him. So here’s my dilemma : Each day I live means bearing more fruit in my ministry; yet I fervently long to be liberated from this body and joined fully to Christ. That would suit me fine, but the greatest advantage to you would be that I remain alive. So you can see why I’m torn between the two—I don’t know which I prefer. Yet deep in my heart I’m confident that I will (7) be spared so I can add to your joy and further strengthen and mature your faith. When I am freed to come to you, my deliverance will (8) give you a reason to boast even more in Jesus Christ.'

Phil. 1:18-26

8 times. Some of us have a faith that is held hostage to the outcome and if we see our progress and sense our progress, then we press in and press on. Paul said, "I'm not a hostage to that outcome. "I trust God in the process.We have to remember, God is there through the highs and lows of our lives. Which brings me to my take-home:

Trust the process

 

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