All creation waited and celebrated the coming of Christ. All creation waits and celebrates the 2nd coming of Christ!
Matthew 2:1-12; Romans 8:19-21
Jesus is what this world was created for! As Christians we should be waiting and celebrating the 2nd coming of Christ! Are you excited?! Are you more in awe of worldly things than you are of the glory of Jesus?! How quickly we forget sometimes!
2 Peter 3:10-14
Jesus is coming back! On that day, whatever you had planned for that day will be interrupted. How should you live? Knowing this on a daily basis, what would your priorities be? We should be always looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth!
Are you looking forward to Jesus!? It's a daily decision we have to make! When you focus on current problems you feel more stressed and depressed. God wants to liberate us from the struggles of this world and it starts with looking forward to Jesus and the life to come!
Revelations 21:4-5
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Thursday, December 27, 2018
Friday, December 21, 2018
Jacob and Esau
Jacob and Esau
Genesis 25:24-34
Jacob and Esau were fraternal twins. Not identical. They shared the same birthday but we're very different. They were raised in the same home with the same values and each had a different sinful nature.
Jacob finally grows up and stops living and deceiving. Esau grows up and stops being the impatient angry man that was controlled by his emotions!
Genesis 33:1-12
Jacob became the father of Israel and Esau was the father of the Edomites. Genesis 36:1; Deuteronomy 23:7; 2 Samuel 8:13; Psalms 137:7
Jacob had a relationship with God. Jacob grew up knowing about God but need to develop a relationship with God to truly Know God! Genesis 28:10-22
Jacobs life was changed when he met God and had a relationship with God and committed his life to God! If your not being changed then you are not being connected with God. There is no relationship with God that does not produce change and good fruit!!
Jacob dreamed with God, wrestled with God and never gave up on God!! Jacobs life ended with him worshiping God! Genesis 47:28-31
How do you want to end your life? Do you have a relationship with God that sustains you?!
Sometimes we get confused with being good to having a relationship God! They are not the same. God wants a close intimate relationship with all of us. It goes far beyond just being a good person or knowing about God intellectually!
Hebrews 10:19-25
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Genesis 25:24-34
Jacob and Esau were fraternal twins. Not identical. They shared the same birthday but we're very different. They were raised in the same home with the same values and each had a different sinful nature.
Jacob finally grows up and stops living and deceiving. Esau grows up and stops being the impatient angry man that was controlled by his emotions!
Genesis 33:1-12
Jacob became the father of Israel and Esau was the father of the Edomites. Genesis 36:1; Deuteronomy 23:7; 2 Samuel 8:13; Psalms 137:7
Jacob had a relationship with God. Jacob grew up knowing about God but need to develop a relationship with God to truly Know God! Genesis 28:10-22
Jacobs life was changed when he met God and had a relationship with God and committed his life to God! If your not being changed then you are not being connected with God. There is no relationship with God that does not produce change and good fruit!!
Jacob dreamed with God, wrestled with God and never gave up on God!! Jacobs life ended with him worshiping God! Genesis 47:28-31
How do you want to end your life? Do you have a relationship with God that sustains you?!
Sometimes we get confused with being good to having a relationship God! They are not the same. God wants a close intimate relationship with all of us. It goes far beyond just being a good person or knowing about God intellectually!
Hebrews 10:19-25
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Jesus had a controversial ancestry. His family line
Jesus had a controversial ancestry. His family line was full of amazing people and not so amazing people. People with strong character and people with no morals and many with both. Rahab was an ancestor of Jesus that became a women of great character.
Rahab had a choice!
Joshua 2:1-14
Rahab is forced to make an incredible choice. This day was unexpected and not a day that Rahab had time to prepare for. God showed up through the spies and she had to make a choice. She recognized God coming into her life and who he was and what his presence means. She recognized God through fear initially. If Rahab did not take this chance her life would have been over.
Joshua 2:15-16
Rahab's choice was her people or Gods people. Think how hard it would have been to chose God ahead of her own people. What about you, when you are called to chose and it conflicts with your people, your professional desires, your relationships, your finances?
Rahab chooses quickly! She chose and never looked back! How do you view your old life? Are you looking back or are you standing firm!
Rahab knew what her old life was like! She did not chose God and the. Romanticize her old life. She rejected her sinful life and never looked back!
Rahab is saved!! Rahab had a choice, chose God and was saved!
Joshua 2:19-21
How was Rahab saved? It wasn't her choice, it wasn't her deal making ability, it was not her loyalty...etc! Rahab was saved through obedience! It came down to doing what God has asked of her!
Matthew 21:28-31 obedience is key
Hebrews 11:31
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Rahab had a choice!
Joshua 2:1-14
Rahab is forced to make an incredible choice. This day was unexpected and not a day that Rahab had time to prepare for. God showed up through the spies and she had to make a choice. She recognized God coming into her life and who he was and what his presence means. She recognized God through fear initially. If Rahab did not take this chance her life would have been over.
Joshua 2:15-16
Rahab's choice was her people or Gods people. Think how hard it would have been to chose God ahead of her own people. What about you, when you are called to chose and it conflicts with your people, your professional desires, your relationships, your finances?
Rahab chooses quickly! She chose and never looked back! How do you view your old life? Are you looking back or are you standing firm!
Rahab knew what her old life was like! She did not chose God and the. Romanticize her old life. She rejected her sinful life and never looked back!
Rahab is saved!! Rahab had a choice, chose God and was saved!
Joshua 2:19-21
How was Rahab saved? It wasn't her choice, it wasn't her deal making ability, it was not her loyalty...etc! Rahab was saved through obedience! It came down to doing what God has asked of her!
Matthew 21:28-31 obedience is key
Hebrews 11:31
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Jesus's family tree is an interesting one. When you
Jesus's family tree is an interesting one. When you shake that tree you may be surprised what falls out. Jesus's family tree is full of imperfect people that to some may not look like they belong. We've talked about Judah, Jacob, and Rehab! Today we will look at King David and his line to Jesus!
Matthew 12:23; Matthew 21:9
David was a man that people wanted to emulate. It was an honor for David's name to be used as a compliment to Jesus. Jesus the perfect lame of God was honored as a son of David. Before the coming of Jesus, David was a man that had a heart like God.
1 Samuel 13:14-15
What was it about David's heart was like God?
David had a shepherds heart! David was a servant at heart!
1 Samuel 16:5-11
From the worlds perspective David was an ordinary man but to God he was extraordinary! David was willing to serve and was not unwilling to serve in anyway he was needed! How willing to serve are you?
1 Samuel 16:12-13;19
David was anointed but then was willing to go back to shepherding and waiting on God and his timing!
1 Samuel 24:1-8
David had a surrendered heart! David was not self centered in his thinking. He could have said that he was the lords anointed! He respected God and respected Saul regardless of how that would affect him. He was completely surrendered to God and his will!
David did nothing to gain his own position and allowed God to work in the ways he saw fit!
David had a long list of sins that included parenting mistakes, lust, murder, adultery...etc but he had a heart to serve God, a heart for God and a repentant heart!
2 Samuel 12:13-14
It takes brokenness and humility to have a repentant heart!
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Matthew 12:23; Matthew 21:9
David was a man that people wanted to emulate. It was an honor for David's name to be used as a compliment to Jesus. Jesus the perfect lame of God was honored as a son of David. Before the coming of Jesus, David was a man that had a heart like God.
1 Samuel 13:14-15
What was it about David's heart was like God?
David had a shepherds heart! David was a servant at heart!
1 Samuel 16:5-11
From the worlds perspective David was an ordinary man but to God he was extraordinary! David was willing to serve and was not unwilling to serve in anyway he was needed! How willing to serve are you?
1 Samuel 16:12-13;19
David was anointed but then was willing to go back to shepherding and waiting on God and his timing!
1 Samuel 24:1-8
David had a surrendered heart! David was not self centered in his thinking. He could have said that he was the lords anointed! He respected God and respected Saul regardless of how that would affect him. He was completely surrendered to God and his will!
David did nothing to gain his own position and allowed God to work in the ways he saw fit!
David had a long list of sins that included parenting mistakes, lust, murder, adultery...etc but he had a heart to serve God, a heart for God and a repentant heart!
2 Samuel 12:13-14
It takes brokenness and humility to have a repentant heart!
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Sunday, December 2, 2018
Jesus had a controversial ancestry. His family line
Jesus had a controversial ancestry. His family line was full of amazing people and not so amazing people. People with strong character and people with no morals and many with both. Rahab was an ancestor of Jesus that became a women of great character.
Rahab had a choice!
Joshua 2:1-14
Rahab is forced to make an incredible choice. This day was unexpected and not a day that Rahab had time to prepare for. God showed up through the spies and she had to make a choice. She recognized God coming into her life and who he was and what his presence means. She recognized God through fear initially. If Rahab did not take this chance her life would have been over.
Joshua 2:15-16
Rahab's choice was her people or Gods people. Think how hard it would have been to chose God ahead of her own people. What about you, when you are called to chose and it conflicts with your people, your professional desires, your relationships, your finances?
Rahab chooses quickly! She chose and never looked back! How do you view your old life? Are you looking back or are you standing firm!
Rahab knew what her old life was like! She did not chose God and the. Romanticize her old life. She rejected her sinful life and never looked back!
Rahab is saved!! Rahab had a choice, chose God and was saved!
Joshua 2:19-21
How was Rahab saved? It wasn't her choice, it wasn't her deal making ability, it was not her loyalty...etc! Rahab was saved through obedience! It came down to doing what God has asked of her!
Matthew 21:28-31 obedience is key
Hebrews 11:31
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Rahab had a choice!
Joshua 2:1-14
Rahab is forced to make an incredible choice. This day was unexpected and not a day that Rahab had time to prepare for. God showed up through the spies and she had to make a choice. She recognized God coming into her life and who he was and what his presence means. She recognized God through fear initially. If Rahab did not take this chance her life would have been over.
Joshua 2:15-16
Rahab's choice was her people or Gods people. Think how hard it would have been to chose God ahead of her own people. What about you, when you are called to chose and it conflicts with your people, your professional desires, your relationships, your finances?
Rahab chooses quickly! She chose and never looked back! How do you view your old life? Are you looking back or are you standing firm!
Rahab knew what her old life was like! She did not chose God and the. Romanticize her old life. She rejected her sinful life and never looked back!
Rahab is saved!! Rahab had a choice, chose God and was saved!
Joshua 2:19-21
How was Rahab saved? It wasn't her choice, it wasn't her deal making ability, it was not her loyalty...etc! Rahab was saved through obedience! It came down to doing what God has asked of her!
Matthew 21:28-31 obedience is key
Hebrews 11:31
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Thursday, November 29, 2018
Where did Jesus come from?
Where did Jesus come from? We all have a family tree full of amazing people and full of less than amazing people who did some awful things!
Judah and Tamar
Genesis 38:1-10
Everything in this time evolved around an inheritance. There was a financial motive not to produce an heir for his brother.
Genesis 15:1-3
Genesis 38:11-26
Judah and Tamar were both sinners! Both did things that defiled God! Both were equally guilty of sin!
Judah and Tamar where not defined by their sins!
Genesis 44:30-34
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Judah and Tamar
Genesis 38:1-10
Everything in this time evolved around an inheritance. There was a financial motive not to produce an heir for his brother.
Genesis 15:1-3
Genesis 38:11-26
Judah and Tamar were both sinners! Both did things that defiled God! Both were equally guilty of sin!
Judah and Tamar where not defined by their sins!
Genesis 44:30-34
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Saturday, November 17, 2018
The story of the figs! Where is the fruit!
The story of the figs! Where is the fruit!
Luke 13:6-7
The fig tree was a very important fruit tree in Jesus time! The tree was in the vineyard and was protected, nurtured and kept safe! It should have produced fruit! Jesus used this story to explain that judgement is coming for people who do not bear the fruit of repentance.
So what is the context our this story? Look at Luke 13:1-5. Jesus is telling the religious leaders that judgement is coming and repentance is needed! The barren tree and the owner of the tree are the characters in the story. What can we learn from them?
The barren tree is useless! It's worthless to the owner. What use are you putting your life too? Are you being used by God? The barren tree is actually he serving good. The fig tree was in the way. The owner asked why should it take up the good soil if it was not going to bear fruit? The barren tree invites destruction! Who's fault was it? The sun, the soil, the air? The tree condemned itself by not doing what a tree was created to do! Matthew 7:19 when a tree bears fruit you see it. There's noticeable change.
The owner. The owner had amazing patience! Fig trees produced crops multiple times a year. The owner was obviously watching in anticipation. The owner did everything he could to help the barren tree for fill its purpose! The owner wants the tree to be successful!
Luke 13:6-7
The fig tree was a very important fruit tree in Jesus time! The tree was in the vineyard and was protected, nurtured and kept safe! It should have produced fruit! Jesus used this story to explain that judgement is coming for people who do not bear the fruit of repentance.
So what is the context our this story? Look at Luke 13:1-5. Jesus is telling the religious leaders that judgement is coming and repentance is needed! The barren tree and the owner of the tree are the characters in the story. What can we learn from them?
The barren tree is useless! It's worthless to the owner. What use are you putting your life too? Are you being used by God? The barren tree is actually he serving good. The fig tree was in the way. The owner asked why should it take up the good soil if it was not going to bear fruit? The barren tree invites destruction! Who's fault was it? The sun, the soil, the air? The tree condemned itself by not doing what a tree was created to do! Matthew 7:19 when a tree bears fruit you see it. There's noticeable change.
The owner. The owner had amazing patience! Fig trees produced crops multiple times a year. The owner was obviously watching in anticipation. The owner did everything he could to help the barren tree for fill its purpose! The owner wants the tree to be successful!
You cannot replace Gods thinking with man's reasoni
You cannot replace Gods thinking with man's reasoning! That is a recipe for disaster!
Psalms 119:10; John 17:17; Psalms 119:5-6
The bible is a boundary marker for truth. As long as we stay within the boundary markers of the Lord we will be blessed. God uses the bible to set up boundary markers for his house and the way we should live.
Exodus 19:10 -- God expects his boundary to be protected by his people! One of the functions of Gods house is to protect Gods family! It is our responsibility to protect Gods boundary and protect his house!
The first thing that can encroach Gods boundary is us. We have a history for trying to move the boundary markers because things may get a little uncomfortable! We allow society to influence our thinking and influence the boundary that God has set up.
Psalms 119:12-16
Psalms 119:10; John 17:17; Psalms 119:5-6
The bible is a boundary marker for truth. As long as we stay within the boundary markers of the Lord we will be blessed. God uses the bible to set up boundary markers for his house and the way we should live.
Exodus 19:10 -- God expects his boundary to be protected by his people! One of the functions of Gods house is to protect Gods family! It is our responsibility to protect Gods boundary and protect his house!
The first thing that can encroach Gods boundary is us. We have a history for trying to move the boundary markers because things may get a little uncomfortable! We allow society to influence our thinking and influence the boundary that God has set up.
Psalms 119:12-16
The Good Samaritan.
The Good Samaritan.
Jesus told 37 parables about everyday life that taught various truths about God! Parables are real life stories used to teach us real life lessons! Many of Jesus parables were directed towards the religious leaders of the day.
Luke 10:25-37
This Jewish leader had a great question! What must I do to be saved? Do you talk about heaven, do you talk about hell? Are they real realms in your life? These are thoughts worthy of consideration. Where am I?
Jesus responds to the question with a question! "What is written in the book of law", Jesus knows that the answer to life's deep questions are in the bible. Where do you go for answers? The Pharisee quotes the right scripture but has the wrong heart! He is looking for justification and confirmation to not love rather than to love. Do you read Gods word with the intention of trying to be right in your own mind? Many have manipulated scripture because of their own selfish desires and agenda.
We know the injured man had at least one positive quality. He allowed some one to help him. The priest and Levite was probably busy and on their way to do "the lords work" and justified in their heart who their neighbor was! Are you too busy to do good things and neglect God things!
Which side of the road are you on? The entire parable is an answer to the question what must I do to gain eternal life? The Pharisee was doing 9 out of 10 things right and Jesus addressed what he neglected in his life. He neglected loving the way God loves! What do you need to add to your life while you keep doing the other good things you are doing?!
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Jesus told 37 parables about everyday life that taught various truths about God! Parables are real life stories used to teach us real life lessons! Many of Jesus parables were directed towards the religious leaders of the day.
Luke 10:25-37
This Jewish leader had a great question! What must I do to be saved? Do you talk about heaven, do you talk about hell? Are they real realms in your life? These are thoughts worthy of consideration. Where am I?
Jesus responds to the question with a question! "What is written in the book of law", Jesus knows that the answer to life's deep questions are in the bible. Where do you go for answers? The Pharisee quotes the right scripture but has the wrong heart! He is looking for justification and confirmation to not love rather than to love. Do you read Gods word with the intention of trying to be right in your own mind? Many have manipulated scripture because of their own selfish desires and agenda.
We know the injured man had at least one positive quality. He allowed some one to help him. The priest and Levite was probably busy and on their way to do "the lords work" and justified in their heart who their neighbor was! Are you too busy to do good things and neglect God things!
Which side of the road are you on? The entire parable is an answer to the question what must I do to gain eternal life? The Pharisee was doing 9 out of 10 things right and Jesus addressed what he neglected in his life. He neglected loving the way God loves! What do you need to add to your life while you keep doing the other good things you are doing?!
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Jesus is the way...
Jesus is the way...
Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus is not "a way" but Jesus is "the way"!
Jesus is the truth...
Luke 18:18-30
It is better to be hurt by the truth than to be comforted by a lie! Are you more willing to be comforted or hear the truth regardless of how you feel?!
Jesus=truth! 76 times in the bible Jesus says, "I tell you the truth".
John 3:19-21
Jesus is the life...
Philippians 3:7-11
Jesus is the vine...
John 15:4
Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus is not "a way" but Jesus is "the way"!
Jesus is the truth...
Luke 18:18-30
It is better to be hurt by the truth than to be comforted by a lie! Are you more willing to be comforted or hear the truth regardless of how you feel?!
Jesus=truth! 76 times in the bible Jesus says, "I tell you the truth".
John 3:19-21
Jesus is the life...
Philippians 3:7-11
Jesus is the vine...
John 15:4
Friday, November 2, 2018
Parables
Parables are meant to be approached from different angles. Each character in a parable has a different perspective. Jesus used parables to tell truths that we would would understand!
Luke 15:1-32
From these three stories we learn that God will search for things that are lost! He values us enough to chase after us!
We loved to find things just like God does but we do not like to search the way God searches! God does not search with a begrudging attitude. He does not stop until he finds it! Waiting to forgive and shower us in Love!
God rejoices when lost things are found!
Do you spend more time judging sinners or rejoicing in your salvation?
The great reward is finding God again. Being found by him. Seeing God forgive us!
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Luke 15:1-32
From these three stories we learn that God will search for things that are lost! He values us enough to chase after us!
We loved to find things just like God does but we do not like to search the way God searches! God does not search with a begrudging attitude. He does not stop until he finds it! Waiting to forgive and shower us in Love!
God rejoices when lost things are found!
Do you spend more time judging sinners or rejoicing in your salvation?
The great reward is finding God again. Being found by him. Seeing God forgive us!
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Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Breathing Room
Breathing Room
How much time do you have? We all have more than we think! We spend tons of time doing things that waste our time. How do you best use your time?
Palms 90:1-2;10
God is not limited by time! God is eternal and transcends time. Time is going by quickly and it is a limited resources for us. God has allotted time for each of us. Remembering that out time is limited provides us wisdom to use our time effectively.
Moses time management philosophy was to start at the end and work backwards! Some day you will meet God and be accountable for your life. Start there and plan how you will live!
Ecclesiastes 2:11;12:13-14
How does a sense of judgement or accountability to God -- serve to make us better leaders and stewarts of what God has giving us?
Ecclesiastes 12:1,7
You have to take inventory of what you are spending your time on. Subtract the things that are keeping you from having time with God and doing his will!
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How much time do you have? We all have more than we think! We spend tons of time doing things that waste our time. How do you best use your time?
Palms 90:1-2;10
God is not limited by time! God is eternal and transcends time. Time is going by quickly and it is a limited resources for us. God has allotted time for each of us. Remembering that out time is limited provides us wisdom to use our time effectively.
Moses time management philosophy was to start at the end and work backwards! Some day you will meet God and be accountable for your life. Start there and plan how you will live!
Ecclesiastes 2:11;12:13-14
How does a sense of judgement or accountability to God -- serve to make us better leaders and stewarts of what God has giving us?
Ecclesiastes 12:1,7
You have to take inventory of what you are spending your time on. Subtract the things that are keeping you from having time with God and doing his will!
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Jesus was the best storyteller to ever live. Jesus
Jesus was the best storyteller to ever live. Jesus used parables to deliver truths about God. Jesus used these story to teach us moral truths to help us on how we should live.
Matthew 13:10-13 Jesus spoke in parables because it reveals truths to anyone who is seeking and it conceals it for anyone who is not listening and open to the truth!
Matthew 13:44-46
The treasure! There is nothing more valuable than the kingdom of God. Our would would probably acknowledge that the kingdom of God has some value but they do not consider the kingdom to be the most valuable thing on earth!
What makes Gods kingdom so valuable? The pearl is valuable because it is beautiful and rare! The same with Gods kingdom! What is more beautiful than God! Gods mercy, grace, love...ect!
Psalms 84:10
The discovery!
The man in the field was not looking for a treasure but stumbled on it. The merchant was seeking for pearls and found it! Which one are you? One that stumbled upon Gods kingdom or one that is seeking? Either way each of these guys new the value of what they found and took action!
The sacrifice!
Both had to sacrifice something to obtain the treasure! God expects everything.
Matthew 19:16-22
Jesus was an expert on zeroing in on what you are holding back. This is the only man that Jesus gave this command to. Whether its money or a relationship...etc! Are you willing to sacrifice what ever it cost!
The joy!
In joy they sold everything that he had!
If we are selling everything we have and in return we gain more in value; does that make God selling his kingdom for something much less than its is worth a good deal? Because God loves you so much and puts so much value in us that he has to have us no matter the cost!
God paid the ultimate price for us in sacrificing his son Jesus!
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Matthew 13:10-13 Jesus spoke in parables because it reveals truths to anyone who is seeking and it conceals it for anyone who is not listening and open to the truth!
Matthew 13:44-46
The treasure! There is nothing more valuable than the kingdom of God. Our would would probably acknowledge that the kingdom of God has some value but they do not consider the kingdom to be the most valuable thing on earth!
What makes Gods kingdom so valuable? The pearl is valuable because it is beautiful and rare! The same with Gods kingdom! What is more beautiful than God! Gods mercy, grace, love...ect!
Psalms 84:10
The discovery!
The man in the field was not looking for a treasure but stumbled on it. The merchant was seeking for pearls and found it! Which one are you? One that stumbled upon Gods kingdom or one that is seeking? Either way each of these guys new the value of what they found and took action!
The sacrifice!
Both had to sacrifice something to obtain the treasure! God expects everything.
Matthew 19:16-22
Jesus was an expert on zeroing in on what you are holding back. This is the only man that Jesus gave this command to. Whether its money or a relationship...etc! Are you willing to sacrifice what ever it cost!
The joy!
In joy they sold everything that he had!
If we are selling everything we have and in return we gain more in value; does that make God selling his kingdom for something much less than its is worth a good deal? Because God loves you so much and puts so much value in us that he has to have us no matter the cost!
God paid the ultimate price for us in sacrificing his son Jesus!
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Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Friendships in proverbs
Friendships in proverbs
Proverbs 17:17;19:22;28:13;16:28;27:6;27:17;17:9;25:20;20:5;2:3;11:12;17:27;10:23;15:21;14:29
A true friend is built for adversity and a faithful friend will be there for you in tough times.
What people really want in a friend is a steadfast relationship that is loyal.
Good friends are honest about their sins and confess them to each other.
Good friends are trust worthy and never divulge confidential information. They are not gossipers.
Good friends lovingly confront sin and help hold you accountable. They sharpen each other and call each other higher.
A real friend is not someone who polices your life and stands critical of your every move but they walk down the road with you giving a helping hand.
Good friends focus on your heart and helps you discern the motives of your heart. He seeks to know the true you. He is quick to listen and slow to speak.
Where do these types of friendships start? They start with a common goals and causes. Working together in something.
Dependable
Honest
Accountable
Trustworthy
Focus on the heart
What area do you need help with
What area do you do well
What are you looking for in a friend.
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Proverbs 17:17;19:22;28:13;16:28;27:6;27:17;17:9;25:20;20:5;2:3;11:12;17:27;10:23;15:21;14:29
A true friend is built for adversity and a faithful friend will be there for you in tough times.
What people really want in a friend is a steadfast relationship that is loyal.
Good friends are honest about their sins and confess them to each other.
Good friends are trust worthy and never divulge confidential information. They are not gossipers.
Good friends lovingly confront sin and help hold you accountable. They sharpen each other and call each other higher.
A real friend is not someone who polices your life and stands critical of your every move but they walk down the road with you giving a helping hand.
Good friends focus on your heart and helps you discern the motives of your heart. He seeks to know the true you. He is quick to listen and slow to speak.
Where do these types of friendships start? They start with a common goals and causes. Working together in something.
Dependable
Honest
Accountable
Trustworthy
Focus on the heart
What area do you need help with
What area do you do well
What are you looking for in a friend.
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When do you answer a fool?
When do you answer a fool?
Proverbs are not just found in the bible. There are proverbs in every culture around the world. Proverbs are not definitive statements but general truths.
God intentionally put dialectic proverbs in the bible. Truths that exist together in a complicated world. For example Proverbs 26:4-5
So when do you answer a fool? Proverbs 9:8 — answer them when you think they will listen! If a person will not listen to you then don't waste your time.
Matthew 7:6
Answer a fool when someone else might listen!
John 8:1-8
Jesus answered publicly so that the crowd would listen. His comments were meant for them rather than the foolish Pharisees. Jesus was protecting the crowd from sin.
Answer a fool when you can handle answering it.
Proverbs 11:2
Answering with pride in your heart is foolish in itself.
Proverbs 25:28
If you cannot handle an argument with self control you should not be in it!
Answer a fool only when it glorifies God!
Judges 6:30-31
God is fully capable of protecting and defending himself. There are times when we are called to stand up for God but in most cases we react not because we are glorifying God but because of injustice that was done to us. Our motives are selfish.
Proverbs 19:11
What would relationship look like if was considered glory to overlook an offense!
Matthew 26:62-63
Jesus was confronted with foolishness and injustice at the highest order and he stayed silent the entire time! He did not respond because he knew arguing with them would distract from Gods plan.
1 Peter 2:23-24
True justice comes from God and his judgement not from our reading and discerning from scripture! Jesus learned to let go and allow God!
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Proverbs are not just found in the bible. There are proverbs in every culture around the world. Proverbs are not definitive statements but general truths.
God intentionally put dialectic proverbs in the bible. Truths that exist together in a complicated world. For example Proverbs 26:4-5
So when do you answer a fool? Proverbs 9:8 — answer them when you think they will listen! If a person will not listen to you then don't waste your time.
Matthew 7:6
Answer a fool when someone else might listen!
John 8:1-8
Jesus answered publicly so that the crowd would listen. His comments were meant for them rather than the foolish Pharisees. Jesus was protecting the crowd from sin.
Answer a fool when you can handle answering it.
Proverbs 11:2
Answering with pride in your heart is foolish in itself.
Proverbs 25:28
If you cannot handle an argument with self control you should not be in it!
Answer a fool only when it glorifies God!
Judges 6:30-31
God is fully capable of protecting and defending himself. There are times when we are called to stand up for God but in most cases we react not because we are glorifying God but because of injustice that was done to us. Our motives are selfish.
Proverbs 19:11
What would relationship look like if was considered glory to overlook an offense!
Matthew 26:62-63
Jesus was confronted with foolishness and injustice at the highest order and he stayed silent the entire time! He did not respond because he knew arguing with them would distract from Gods plan.
1 Peter 2:23-24
True justice comes from God and his judgement not from our reading and discerning from scripture! Jesus learned to let go and allow God!
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Monday, September 3, 2018
Proverbs — Fool proof your life!
Proverbs — Fool proof your life!
Proverbs 5:1-6; 6:27; 7:24-27;
Solomon was the wisest man to have ever lived and he was unwise when it came to women and sexual sin.
Sexual sin is not limited to adultery.
Matthew 5:28 the jews of jesus day had gotten very strong convictions about adultery and women who committed adultery and Jesus redefined what purity is!
Our world works hard to say adultery and sexual sin is okay! Whether its pornography or premarital sex our world will do all they can to justify those actions! The world tries to convince us that the people who indulge in sexual sins are victimless.
Sexual sin has far reaching consequences. Both physically and spiritually! 1 Corinthians 6:14-20
2 Samuel 12:5-10
There is no other way out of sexual sin than confession! You cannot repent from
Sexual sin alone! You have to take sexual sin seriously. It is a matter of life or death!
Proverbs 6:20; 7:4
Proverbs 31:1-31
Who will you believe about sex? The God who created it or the world that corrupted it!
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Proverbs 5:1-6; 6:27; 7:24-27;
Solomon was the wisest man to have ever lived and he was unwise when it came to women and sexual sin.
Sexual sin is not limited to adultery.
Matthew 5:28 the jews of jesus day had gotten very strong convictions about adultery and women who committed adultery and Jesus redefined what purity is!
Our world works hard to say adultery and sexual sin is okay! Whether its pornography or premarital sex our world will do all they can to justify those actions! The world tries to convince us that the people who indulge in sexual sins are victimless.
Sexual sin has far reaching consequences. Both physically and spiritually! 1 Corinthians 6:14-20
2 Samuel 12:5-10
There is no other way out of sexual sin than confession! You cannot repent from
Sexual sin alone! You have to take sexual sin seriously. It is a matter of life or death!
Proverbs 6:20; 7:4
Proverbs 31:1-31
Who will you believe about sex? The God who created it or the world that corrupted it!
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How to lead a bible study group
How to lead a bible study group
Don't lead boring bible talks. They need to be from the heart and dynamic. You have to enjoy hosting people and being giving by showing hospitality.
Bible talks introduce God to a lost and hurting world. Its where we build family. Its a place where we are able to open our lives and give the example of Jesus in our lives.
How to plan a lesson? Think about the group and think about what they need or something they need help with. Be in tune with what God leads you to do. Be confident in Gods word. Ask your co leader for ideas.
How do you put it to paper? Find a quit space to think. Design questions to get people through thinking and engaged. Make points that form from the questions you have asked.
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Don't lead boring bible talks. They need to be from the heart and dynamic. You have to enjoy hosting people and being giving by showing hospitality.
Bible talks introduce God to a lost and hurting world. Its where we build family. Its a place where we are able to open our lives and give the example of Jesus in our lives.
How to plan a lesson? Think about the group and think about what they need or something they need help with. Be in tune with what God leads you to do. Be confident in Gods word. Ask your co leader for ideas.
How do you put it to paper? Find a quit space to think. Design questions to get people through thinking and engaged. Make points that form from the questions you have asked.
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Worlds wisdom
Worlds wisdom
"Ask for forgiveness and not permission"
"If it feels good do it"
Proverbs 14:15; 21:5
How long is the gap between your desires and obtaining them? Do you make quick decisions without thinking of the consequences.
Proverbs 19:11; proverbs 11:14;24:6
You need to find the advisor before the heat of battle. Too many of us avoid advice until life forces us to seek it.
Recognize wise advice and follow it
Proverbs 19:30;12:15
Often times we get advice hoping that it will agree with what we want and when it doesn't we don't want to listen to the advice.
1 Kings 12:1-19
Wisdom is the ability to make a Godly choice. Just seeking advice is not the definition of wisdom. Staying close to God will help you discern between good and bad advice.
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"Ask for forgiveness and not permission"
"If it feels good do it"
Proverbs 14:15; 21:5
How long is the gap between your desires and obtaining them? Do you make quick decisions without thinking of the consequences.
Proverbs 19:11; proverbs 11:14;24:6
You need to find the advisor before the heat of battle. Too many of us avoid advice until life forces us to seek it.
Recognize wise advice and follow it
Proverbs 19:30;12:15
Often times we get advice hoping that it will agree with what we want and when it doesn't we don't want to listen to the advice.
1 Kings 12:1-19
Wisdom is the ability to make a Godly choice. Just seeking advice is not the definition of wisdom. Staying close to God will help you discern between good and bad advice.
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Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Who will you follow?
Who will you follow?
Following relieves some pressure. We like to follow people that know what there doing. Following can lead you to great places and it can lead you down dark paths as well! Who are you following?
Joshua 24:15
Are you following tradition?
James 1:22-27
James had experienced religion and James had experienced Jesus and he knew the difference between the two! Following rules, traditions and customs can lead you away from God. Do your beliefs come from the bible and personal convictions or are they just traditions that were past down from your parents or other influences?
Satan loves for us to rely on our past. To just follow traditions that do not require a personal relationship with God.
Are you following the world?
1 Peter 4:1-5
The world doesn't like it when a sinner repents and changes. By your repentance you leave them standing in judgement! What sins do you need to give up?
Are you following the Lord?
Joshua 24:15
Are you leading your family to the Lord?
Mark 3:21;31-33
Jesus righteously stopped following his family and followed God when his family was not going in a direction that was inline with Gods will.
Joshua 24:31
Joshua followed God and lead an entire nation to follow God! Is my decision to follow God having an impact on the people around me. If you truly follow God you will have an impact! Joshua offered Israel a choice and an example!
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Following relieves some pressure. We like to follow people that know what there doing. Following can lead you to great places and it can lead you down dark paths as well! Who are you following?
Joshua 24:15
Are you following tradition?
James 1:22-27
James had experienced religion and James had experienced Jesus and he knew the difference between the two! Following rules, traditions and customs can lead you away from God. Do your beliefs come from the bible and personal convictions or are they just traditions that were past down from your parents or other influences?
Satan loves for us to rely on our past. To just follow traditions that do not require a personal relationship with God.
Are you following the world?
1 Peter 4:1-5
The world doesn't like it when a sinner repents and changes. By your repentance you leave them standing in judgement! What sins do you need to give up?
Are you following the Lord?
Joshua 24:15
Are you leading your family to the Lord?
Mark 3:21;31-33
Jesus righteously stopped following his family and followed God when his family was not going in a direction that was inline with Gods will.
Joshua 24:31
Joshua followed God and lead an entire nation to follow God! Is my decision to follow God having an impact on the people around me. If you truly follow God you will have an impact! Joshua offered Israel a choice and an example!
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“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Romans 12:9-10 NIV
http://bible.com/111/rom.12.9-10.niv"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.2.3-4.niv"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
http://bible.com/111/eph.4.32.niv"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1pe.4.8.nivSent from my iPhone
Truth or lies?
Truth or lies?
Sometimes it's harder to discern truth than it is to discern a lie. How do you define truth? 70 different times Jesus used the phrase "I tell you the truth"! John 14:6
The truth about faith
Matthew 8:5-13
Faith in many ways is about lordship! The centurion understood that Jesus was in charge and was lord! He trusted Jesus because he understood the power that Jesus had! No one understood lordship the way the centurion did and as a result he had faith that was not seen in anyone else in Israel!
The truth of humility!
Mark 10:13-16
Important adult issues and hot bottom topics of their day were being discussed and children started coming up to Jesus. Did God use these children to disrupt this meeting on purpose? Jesus accepted these children and loved them because of their natural humility. Little children don't care how they look. They don't care what gifts they receive. Their just happy to spend time with you to be loved by you.
When we think we deserve things, we get bitter when we don't receive them when we want them. Are you special because God chose you or were you chosen because your special? Humility starts with seeing who you really are!
The truth in sacrifice
Mark 10:29-31
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Sometimes it's harder to discern truth than it is to discern a lie. How do you define truth? 70 different times Jesus used the phrase "I tell you the truth"! John 14:6
The truth about faith
Matthew 8:5-13
Faith in many ways is about lordship! The centurion understood that Jesus was in charge and was lord! He trusted Jesus because he understood the power that Jesus had! No one understood lordship the way the centurion did and as a result he had faith that was not seen in anyone else in Israel!
The truth of humility!
Mark 10:13-16
Important adult issues and hot bottom topics of their day were being discussed and children started coming up to Jesus. Did God use these children to disrupt this meeting on purpose? Jesus accepted these children and loved them because of their natural humility. Little children don't care how they look. They don't care what gifts they receive. Their just happy to spend time with you to be loved by you.
When we think we deserve things, we get bitter when we don't receive them when we want them. Are you special because God chose you or were you chosen because your special? Humility starts with seeing who you really are!
The truth in sacrifice
Mark 10:29-31
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Be holy!
Be holy!
What best describes God? What characteristic best describes Him? Some would say love, some would say eternal...etc
Love is an aspect of God. Think of a prism. White Light enters and and is bent into all the colors of the rainbow. In the same way God is made up of several aspects.
What best describes God and all his characteristics is...HOLY
1 Peter 1:13-15
As he is holy we are called to be holy!
Isaiah 6:3-7
How unholy are we compared to God!!
Revelations 5:1-3; Numbers 20:12;
In the bible holiness is only about God. Temple items are not holy, their holy only because they belong to God. Israel was only holy because they belonged to God.
Likewise we can not be holy with out a connection to God!
1 Peter 1:17
To be holy as God is holy we have to be separated. We must live as foreigners and to be set apart from everything else!
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What best describes God? What characteristic best describes Him? Some would say love, some would say eternal...etc
Love is an aspect of God. Think of a prism. White Light enters and and is bent into all the colors of the rainbow. In the same way God is made up of several aspects.
What best describes God and all his characteristics is...HOLY
1 Peter 1:13-15
As he is holy we are called to be holy!
Isaiah 6:3-7
How unholy are we compared to God!!
Revelations 5:1-3; Numbers 20:12;
In the bible holiness is only about God. Temple items are not holy, their holy only because they belong to God. Israel was only holy because they belonged to God.
Likewise we can not be holy with out a connection to God!
1 Peter 1:17
To be holy as God is holy we have to be separated. We must live as foreigners and to be set apart from everything else!
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Understanding our limitations and Gods power!
Understanding our limitations and Gods power!
Mark 4:35-41
The men in the boat were fishermen. They had been out in a boat hundreds of times. They had probably encountered storms on the seas multiple times.
Fishermen's pride?
Surely these guys knew what to look for in predicting the weather? They were trained what to do when bad whether comes. Turn back? Lighten the load? Lower the sail?...etc. they probably tried all kinds of strategies while Jesus was sleeping.
They got to a point where they realized they could do nothing and they were going to die unless they woke up Jesus. Do you seek God when your in crisis?!
A lot of time we take this same mentality. We want to work things out our selves before relying on God.
We run through these cycles of fear, unbelief, and humanism! We wonder why we feel exhausted, overwhelmed and helpless!
Mark 9:19
There is a constant battle between fear/unbelief/humanism and trusting God's control and power in your life!
Life squalls creep in -- Life worries, work, relationships, kids, school, health, and poor choices...etc
At what point does God intervene?
Mark 4:38 -- "don't you care!" -- the disciples blamed Jesus for their struggle! Jesus could have solved the problem at any moment earlier!
Fear factor -- forget the power of God, fatalistic, self preservation, emotional energy wasted, fear vs faith, bad choices (self-inflicted), tunnel vision...etc
Am I fearful person of a faithful person? Prayer becomes a last resort instead of first solution!
-- JESUS WILL SLEEP THROUGH YOUR DAILY DRAMA AND FAITHLESSNESS! --
Luke 7:9 -- we can amaze Jesus. Jesus is stirred when we are faithful.
We should be aware of that the storms are coming and pray continuously for insight and guidance.
Wake Jesus up with your faith and not when your scared and need a last resort.
Mark 4:39-41 what are you more afraid of? The squalls in your life or the power of God! Jesus is sitting in the back of your boat and he is used based on your level of faith! Jesus is there for you at any time!
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Mark 4:35-41
The men in the boat were fishermen. They had been out in a boat hundreds of times. They had probably encountered storms on the seas multiple times.
Fishermen's pride?
Surely these guys knew what to look for in predicting the weather? They were trained what to do when bad whether comes. Turn back? Lighten the load? Lower the sail?...etc. they probably tried all kinds of strategies while Jesus was sleeping.
They got to a point where they realized they could do nothing and they were going to die unless they woke up Jesus. Do you seek God when your in crisis?!
A lot of time we take this same mentality. We want to work things out our selves before relying on God.
We run through these cycles of fear, unbelief, and humanism! We wonder why we feel exhausted, overwhelmed and helpless!
Mark 9:19
There is a constant battle between fear/unbelief/humanism and trusting God's control and power in your life!
Life squalls creep in -- Life worries, work, relationships, kids, school, health, and poor choices...etc
At what point does God intervene?
Mark 4:38 -- "don't you care!" -- the disciples blamed Jesus for their struggle! Jesus could have solved the problem at any moment earlier!
Fear factor -- forget the power of God, fatalistic, self preservation, emotional energy wasted, fear vs faith, bad choices (self-inflicted), tunnel vision...etc
Am I fearful person of a faithful person? Prayer becomes a last resort instead of first solution!
-- JESUS WILL SLEEP THROUGH YOUR DAILY DRAMA AND FAITHLESSNESS! --
Luke 7:9 -- we can amaze Jesus. Jesus is stirred when we are faithful.
We should be aware of that the storms are coming and pray continuously for insight and guidance.
Wake Jesus up with your faith and not when your scared and need a last resort.
Mark 4:39-41 what are you more afraid of? The squalls in your life or the power of God! Jesus is sitting in the back of your boat and he is used based on your level of faith! Jesus is there for you at any time!
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Friday, July 13, 2018
The Apostles -- walking with Jesus!
The Apostles -- walking with Jesus!
The 4th of July is about freedom. Although Independence Day is not a religious holiday, freedom is a concept that originated in the bible and is very spiritual topic. Celebrating our freedoms on this earth is not the same as the freedoms that God has given us! God presents a very different view of freedom through Christ!
The apostle Paul spoke about freedom more than any other apostle! Paul lost his freedom several times throughout his life! Paul describes his life before Christ in Romans 7:7-14,18-20,24
Romans 6:16 we all become slaves to the one we obey. Who is your master? The master of sin will not stop until it has destroyed you! Sin will wants to consume every bit of your life. How far do you lower your guard to convince yourself that you can play with sin? Sin desires to master you. Sin always leaves us in chains and hopeless!
Paul lost his freedom but he was set free!
Romans 7:24-25 Paul was delivered by God through Christ! Grace did not just help him win the game of sin and righteousness, it helped him end the game of sin and righteousness!
There is a big difference between following the law because you want to rather because of fear of consequence! Paul knew that because he was set free that he was enough and no longer need to earn freedom.
Paul used his freedom to serve!
Galatians 5:1, 13-14 with our freedom comes a choice to use our freedom to serve the spirit and deny the flesh!
Romans 6:15-18 true obedience comes from the heart. Paul was set free but he wasn't set free to rule himself. He and we are set free to serve God!
Who will you chose to serve? Jesus didn't break the chains of sin so that you could serve your own best interest! Paul used his freedom to set others free!
Freedom comes with a price
Philippians 2:6-7
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The 4th of July is about freedom. Although Independence Day is not a religious holiday, freedom is a concept that originated in the bible and is very spiritual topic. Celebrating our freedoms on this earth is not the same as the freedoms that God has given us! God presents a very different view of freedom through Christ!
The apostle Paul spoke about freedom more than any other apostle! Paul lost his freedom several times throughout his life! Paul describes his life before Christ in Romans 7:7-14,18-20,24
Romans 6:16 we all become slaves to the one we obey. Who is your master? The master of sin will not stop until it has destroyed you! Sin will wants to consume every bit of your life. How far do you lower your guard to convince yourself that you can play with sin? Sin desires to master you. Sin always leaves us in chains and hopeless!
Paul lost his freedom but he was set free!
Romans 7:24-25 Paul was delivered by God through Christ! Grace did not just help him win the game of sin and righteousness, it helped him end the game of sin and righteousness!
There is a big difference between following the law because you want to rather because of fear of consequence! Paul knew that because he was set free that he was enough and no longer need to earn freedom.
Paul used his freedom to serve!
Galatians 5:1, 13-14 with our freedom comes a choice to use our freedom to serve the spirit and deny the flesh!
Romans 6:15-18 true obedience comes from the heart. Paul was set free but he wasn't set free to rule himself. He and we are set free to serve God!
Who will you chose to serve? Jesus didn't break the chains of sin so that you could serve your own best interest! Paul used his freedom to set others free!
Freedom comes with a price
Philippians 2:6-7
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Sunday, July 1, 2018
Keeping the main thing the main thing!
Keeping the main thing the main thing!
We all want to be more for God and for the church. Focus is essential and there are many things that can distract us. Money is one of them!
Psalms 90:12
We can either spend money or invest it. When you give and invest in the kingdom the return is greater than we can calculate. Same is true with your life. You can spend it or invest it! You can invest your life or you can waste it.
Matthew 6:33
Keep first things first! If your priorities are not right you won't be right.
God is wide open! We each have as much of God as we want. What restrictions am I putting on my retaliation ship with God?
James 4:8; Jeremiah 29:13 -- God wants it all! God does not want to share our devotion with anything! 1 Corinthians 10:31
Giving back to God is an act of faith.
Gods kingdom needs to be the obsession of our lives. Nothing should come between us and seeking Gods kingdom!
Acts 4:13 -- if we follow the king then the people around us should see the kingdom!
Matthew 5:6 -- the banquet table is open. We have as much God as we want!
Philippians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21;
Matthew 6:33 -- what are these "things" that are promised to those who seek the kingdom first? God knows what we need. Our father will take care of us and we will not be lacking anything!
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We all want to be more for God and for the church. Focus is essential and there are many things that can distract us. Money is one of them!
Psalms 90:12
We can either spend money or invest it. When you give and invest in the kingdom the return is greater than we can calculate. Same is true with your life. You can spend it or invest it! You can invest your life or you can waste it.
Matthew 6:33
Keep first things first! If your priorities are not right you won't be right.
God is wide open! We each have as much of God as we want. What restrictions am I putting on my retaliation ship with God?
James 4:8; Jeremiah 29:13 -- God wants it all! God does not want to share our devotion with anything! 1 Corinthians 10:31
Giving back to God is an act of faith.
Gods kingdom needs to be the obsession of our lives. Nothing should come between us and seeking Gods kingdom!
Acts 4:13 -- if we follow the king then the people around us should see the kingdom!
Matthew 5:6 -- the banquet table is open. We have as much God as we want!
Philippians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21;
Matthew 6:33 -- what are these "things" that are promised to those who seek the kingdom first? God knows what we need. Our father will take care of us and we will not be lacking anything!
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Father's Day
Father's Day
The day we honor dad's. For many this day can be filled with many emotions. Some feel hurt and pain for the ways that there fathers we're either absent physically or absent emotionally.
Dads can do damage both near and far. Dads have a profound effect on their kids both good and bad. Some have mixed emotions about Father's Day and many cannot relate to the picture perfect relationship that the world tries to portray.
God knew that there was all the baggage with the word father and yet he still chose to call himself father. Why?
Psalms 68:5 God identifies as a father because that is who he is. God is the example of what he meant to create when he created fathers!
What can we learn from the way Jesus talked about his father?
Jesus's father gives gifts!
Matthew 7:7-12
God gives the gift of life. The gift of eternal life. The gift of grace and mercy. All blessings come from God. All talents come from God. Everything we have comes from God the gift giver!
Jesus's father provides!
Matthew 6:25-26
Not only does give us gifts but he also provides. A God who provides is a God who gives us what we truly need. God loves to provide and protect us. As much as God provides protection, God does not provide over protection!
God sent his son to live in a bad neighborhood (earth). God did not withhold suffering from Jesus. God did not exclude Jesus from discipline and sacrifice.
Jesus's father forgives!
Matthew 6:12-15
God forgives but with conditions. When we forgive someone with conditions it is so we get something in return that benefits us. With God his conditions are for our benefit.
Luke 15:17-24
Jesus's father does not forgive begrudgingly!
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The day we honor dad's. For many this day can be filled with many emotions. Some feel hurt and pain for the ways that there fathers we're either absent physically or absent emotionally.
Dads can do damage both near and far. Dads have a profound effect on their kids both good and bad. Some have mixed emotions about Father's Day and many cannot relate to the picture perfect relationship that the world tries to portray.
God knew that there was all the baggage with the word father and yet he still chose to call himself father. Why?
Psalms 68:5 God identifies as a father because that is who he is. God is the example of what he meant to create when he created fathers!
What can we learn from the way Jesus talked about his father?
Jesus's father gives gifts!
Matthew 7:7-12
God gives the gift of life. The gift of eternal life. The gift of grace and mercy. All blessings come from God. All talents come from God. Everything we have comes from God the gift giver!
Jesus's father provides!
Matthew 6:25-26
Not only does give us gifts but he also provides. A God who provides is a God who gives us what we truly need. God loves to provide and protect us. As much as God provides protection, God does not provide over protection!
God sent his son to live in a bad neighborhood (earth). God did not withhold suffering from Jesus. God did not exclude Jesus from discipline and sacrifice.
Jesus's father forgives!
Matthew 6:12-15
God forgives but with conditions. When we forgive someone with conditions it is so we get something in return that benefits us. With God his conditions are for our benefit.
Luke 15:17-24
Jesus's father does not forgive begrudgingly!
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The Apostles! -- walking with Jesus!
The Apostles! -- walking with Jesus!
The apostles were simple men who did extraordinary things. The word apostle is not a complicated word that simply means "sent". The apostles spread the gospel to every nation in their generation. They performed many miracles and almost all of them died horrendous deaths in Jesus name!
The apostle John was the last to die and his brother James was the first to die. John was known as the apostle of love. John learned the power of love from Jesus.
John had to learn to love!
Like most of us love was not a natural virtue. Luke 9:53-54 John was also named the sons of thunder. He was cold and cruel at times. John 12:21-24 John considered himself as the one Jesus loved the most. How could John describe his relationship with Jesus in that way?
John spoke about love more than any other writer in the bible. John 3:16; John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:1,18; 4:10-11,18
What would happen if we fixated on loving the way Jesus loved?
John also learned the power of obedience. John 8:31-32; 14:23; 15:10; 1 John 2:3; 3:22,24; 5:3
John understood the connection between obedience and love. God's love language is obedience! This is how God wants to be loved! Do you show God love through obedience? You cannot love God without being obedient!
Imaging what true obedience for God would do to our world. True obedience would end hypocrisy! If we focused on obedience in our own lives we would show the world true love!
Jesus was the perfect example of love and obedience! Luke 22:42
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The apostles were simple men who did extraordinary things. The word apostle is not a complicated word that simply means "sent". The apostles spread the gospel to every nation in their generation. They performed many miracles and almost all of them died horrendous deaths in Jesus name!
The apostle John was the last to die and his brother James was the first to die. John was known as the apostle of love. John learned the power of love from Jesus.
John had to learn to love!
Like most of us love was not a natural virtue. Luke 9:53-54 John was also named the sons of thunder. He was cold and cruel at times. John 12:21-24 John considered himself as the one Jesus loved the most. How could John describe his relationship with Jesus in that way?
John spoke about love more than any other writer in the bible. John 3:16; John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:1,18; 4:10-11,18
What would happen if we fixated on loving the way Jesus loved?
John also learned the power of obedience. John 8:31-32; 14:23; 15:10; 1 John 2:3; 3:22,24; 5:3
John understood the connection between obedience and love. God's love language is obedience! This is how God wants to be loved! Do you show God love through obedience? You cannot love God without being obedient!
Imaging what true obedience for God would do to our world. True obedience would end hypocrisy! If we focused on obedience in our own lives we would show the world true love!
Jesus was the perfect example of love and obedience! Luke 22:42
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Sunday, June 3, 2018
War of the mind!
War of the mind!
Psalms 36:1-6
Our spiritual battle is a war and battle over your mind! There is always a battle going on and we cannot forget that we are at war!
Part of the war is over clarity in our lives. Prayer brings clarity! Lack of clarity starts with distractions. Satan uses many things in our lives to distract us and take our focus off of God!
David had a message from God on his because he spent time with God. He was close to God. He knew God intimately!
Psalms 36:7-10
David had vision in his life by focusing on the power of God and the power God has over his life. God is the answer!
Psalm 36:10-12
When you have spiritual clarity and spiritual vision you will live a righteous life!
Philippians 4:4-7
God wants to give us peace in our minds. We will only achieve peace through God!
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Psalms 36:1-6
Our spiritual battle is a war and battle over your mind! There is always a battle going on and we cannot forget that we are at war!
Part of the war is over clarity in our lives. Prayer brings clarity! Lack of clarity starts with distractions. Satan uses many things in our lives to distract us and take our focus off of God!
David had a message from God on his because he spent time with God. He was close to God. He knew God intimately!
Psalms 36:7-10
David had vision in his life by focusing on the power of God and the power God has over his life. God is the answer!
Psalm 36:10-12
When you have spiritual clarity and spiritual vision you will live a righteous life!
Philippians 4:4-7
God wants to give us peace in our minds. We will only achieve peace through God!
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Special Missions Contributions
Special Missions Contributions
2 Corinthians 8:13-14 the goal is equality!
When does money stop being Gods? We would all agree that every good blessing comes from God and that he is the ultimate provider! When does the money that God blesses us with stop becoming his?
2 Kings 6:32-7:1-19
God provided in a situation by all human logic was hopeless!
Gods name is Jehovah Jireh! God provides! Genesis 22:1-24
When your in need you can relate and remember others that are in need. The men with leprosy were in need and when God provided they did forget the other people that were in need.
Do you have enough money? Do you have enough for needs or wants? There is a difference between what we want and what we actually need! There is no end to mans wants! What are eyes desire have no limits!
We have more than enough and others have too little!
By sharing these men saved an entire city. They are never mentioned again in the Bible and their names were never recorded. Giving and sharing did not cure their leprosy or make them rich. Their reward was not in this life time!
Matthew 6:19-21
Of your concern in life is to be rich then giving will not be your priority. Giving money will not make you rich but giving money will not make you poorer either. The Gods goal is equality.
When does money stop being Gods? The men with leprosy new that the money was not theirs and they knew they needed to share. When you believe this, when you know that it is not yours in the first place it is easy to give.
What about us? When we see we have more than enough, when we see that God has provided! What will we give?
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2 Corinthians 8:13-14 the goal is equality!
When does money stop being Gods? We would all agree that every good blessing comes from God and that he is the ultimate provider! When does the money that God blesses us with stop becoming his?
2 Kings 6:32-7:1-19
God provided in a situation by all human logic was hopeless!
Gods name is Jehovah Jireh! God provides! Genesis 22:1-24
When your in need you can relate and remember others that are in need. The men with leprosy were in need and when God provided they did forget the other people that were in need.
Do you have enough money? Do you have enough for needs or wants? There is a difference between what we want and what we actually need! There is no end to mans wants! What are eyes desire have no limits!
We have more than enough and others have too little!
By sharing these men saved an entire city. They are never mentioned again in the Bible and their names were never recorded. Giving and sharing did not cure their leprosy or make them rich. Their reward was not in this life time!
Matthew 6:19-21
Of your concern in life is to be rich then giving will not be your priority. Giving money will not make you rich but giving money will not make you poorer either. The Gods goal is equality.
When does money stop being Gods? The men with leprosy new that the money was not theirs and they knew they needed to share. When you believe this, when you know that it is not yours in the first place it is easy to give.
What about us? When we see we have more than enough, when we see that God has provided! What will we give?
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An open door for our message.
An open door for our message.
Colossians 4:2-4; Revelations 3:7-8
Open our eyes -- we need to go!
Open our hearts -- we need to grow!
Open our mouths -- we reap what we sow!
John 4:34-35
Open our eyes!
Do you really feel like the fields are really ripe? Jesus says to open our eyes! What does an open person look like? Of course not! Even people that are open don't even know they are open at times. God uses circumstances, location, people, experiences -- to help us open our hearts for God!
Matthew 28:181-20; revelation 5:9; 7:9
Open our hearts!
2 Corinthians
We need to always grow. Where ever you are in your life you have never been there before. We need to grow individually and as a church! Raising up elders, unifying each other in the mission, growing in one another love!
Galatians 6:7-9
We reap WHAT we sow and we reap LATER than we sow and we reap MORE than we sow!
Luke 6:38 what measure are you using? Matthew 7:7-8 there are open doors!
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Colossians 4:2-4; Revelations 3:7-8
Open our eyes -- we need to go!
Open our hearts -- we need to grow!
Open our mouths -- we reap what we sow!
John 4:34-35
Open our eyes!
Do you really feel like the fields are really ripe? Jesus says to open our eyes! What does an open person look like? Of course not! Even people that are open don't even know they are open at times. God uses circumstances, location, people, experiences -- to help us open our hearts for God!
Matthew 28:181-20; revelation 5:9; 7:9
Open our hearts!
2 Corinthians
We need to always grow. Where ever you are in your life you have never been there before. We need to grow individually and as a church! Raising up elders, unifying each other in the mission, growing in one another love!
Galatians 6:7-9
We reap WHAT we sow and we reap LATER than we sow and we reap MORE than we sow!
Luke 6:38 what measure are you using? Matthew 7:7-8 there are open doors!
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Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Amazing community
Amazing community
Which generation were you baptized in? Unloving? Dysfunctional? Transitional? Zealous?
The Joshua generation. 40 years of wilderness. They see their parents worshiping idols. They were a nation of complainers. They made a lot of mistakes and had a lot of challenges to overcome. They became a people of great faith, purpose, and accomplishment.
In Joshua's generation they had a lot of reasons to continue to be disobedient and dysfunctional. How did they break that cycle?
How to create the community that God intended? You have to focus on being a Spiritual community, Mission minded community, Transforming community!
Joshua 1:2;3:1-5; 1:6-8; 3:11-13
No one has ever met God in the bible and not either changed or rejected him! If we are meeting God daily then there should be growth!
Joshua 1 -- Gods is in control
2 -- delights in uses the weak
3 -- honors faith
4 -- sets us apart to be holy
5 -- intervenes
6 -- overcomes obstacles
7 -- hates sin
8 -- turns defeat into victory
9 -- nothing is impossible
Exodus 23:30; Deuteronomy 9:3 -- God does things sometime quickly and sometime God works over time. God is more interested in shaping us into who we need to be rather than just solving a problem. God could solve anything with a thought. He chose sometimes to allow us to go through things for our benefit!
Joshua 1:12-16;22:1-4 -- mission minded community!
Philippians 2:19-30
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Which generation were you baptized in? Unloving? Dysfunctional? Transitional? Zealous?
The Joshua generation. 40 years of wilderness. They see their parents worshiping idols. They were a nation of complainers. They made a lot of mistakes and had a lot of challenges to overcome. They became a people of great faith, purpose, and accomplishment.
In Joshua's generation they had a lot of reasons to continue to be disobedient and dysfunctional. How did they break that cycle?
How to create the community that God intended? You have to focus on being a Spiritual community, Mission minded community, Transforming community!
Joshua 1:2;3:1-5; 1:6-8; 3:11-13
No one has ever met God in the bible and not either changed or rejected him! If we are meeting God daily then there should be growth!
Joshua 1 -- Gods is in control
2 -- delights in uses the weak
3 -- honors faith
4 -- sets us apart to be holy
5 -- intervenes
6 -- overcomes obstacles
7 -- hates sin
8 -- turns defeat into victory
9 -- nothing is impossible
Exodus 23:30; Deuteronomy 9:3 -- God does things sometime quickly and sometime God works over time. God is more interested in shaping us into who we need to be rather than just solving a problem. God could solve anything with a thought. He chose sometimes to allow us to go through things for our benefit!
Joshua 1:12-16;22:1-4 -- mission minded community!
Philippians 2:19-30
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Avengers -- Mother's Day!
Avengers -- Mother's Day!
2 Samuel 21:1-9
Vengeance becomes more vengeance. The vengeance becomes a violent cycle that never ends. Saul is dead and these men still want vengeance for payback. Even death could not overcome vengeance. Our world will always think that payback is the appropriate response to any grievance that has been committed against someone.
A mothers love broke the cycle!
2 Samuel 21:10-14
Rizpah guarded the bodies of her children for probably 6 months. Her love and commitment stopped the cycle of violence and vengeance. She could have blamed every thing in her life on Saul and David. She was a concubine and had no rights to remarry. She was a widow until she died. She focused on her children and to her it was more important to show love for her children than to show hate for her enemies!
John 13:34-35
Am I loving in a way that has impact? God promises that when we love like this the whole world
Will not that we follow God!
Gods love is a mothers love!
Isaiah 66:13
The best parts of a mothers love is a reflection of Gods love! Mothers love patiently, through long suffering and unconditionally! How would a mother pursue a lost child? How would a mother forgive her children? How would a mother view her children amount others? A mothers love come from God.
We all need to love each other they way God loves! When we love like a mother who loves like God we can heal wounds and bring forgiveness.
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2 Samuel 21:1-9
Vengeance becomes more vengeance. The vengeance becomes a violent cycle that never ends. Saul is dead and these men still want vengeance for payback. Even death could not overcome vengeance. Our world will always think that payback is the appropriate response to any grievance that has been committed against someone.
A mothers love broke the cycle!
2 Samuel 21:10-14
Rizpah guarded the bodies of her children for probably 6 months. Her love and commitment stopped the cycle of violence and vengeance. She could have blamed every thing in her life on Saul and David. She was a concubine and had no rights to remarry. She was a widow until she died. She focused on her children and to her it was more important to show love for her children than to show hate for her enemies!
John 13:34-35
Am I loving in a way that has impact? God promises that when we love like this the whole world
Will not that we follow God!
Gods love is a mothers love!
Isaiah 66:13
The best parts of a mothers love is a reflection of Gods love! Mothers love patiently, through long suffering and unconditionally! How would a mother pursue a lost child? How would a mother forgive her children? How would a mother view her children amount others? A mothers love come from God.
We all need to love each other they way God loves! When we love like a mother who loves like God we can heal wounds and bring forgiveness.
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Saturday, May 5, 2018
Avengers!
Avengers!
We all know that vengeance is wrong but we all like the idea of revenge when someone who deserves to get vengeance finally gets it. The bible is full of stories of vengeance.
Saul and the dangers of vengeance!
Vengeance makes you do foolish things!
1 Samuel 14:24-30 Saul is so concerned with the pay back of his enemies that he makes a foolish decision. Saul makes this rash vow for no reason. He even makes the vow without telling all of his men. Such foolishness!
Vengeance comes from lack of forgiveness. Refusing to forgive will make you foolish as well and leads to vengeance.
Vengeance hurts everyone. No one is immune.
1 Samuel 14:31-34;43-45
When you want vengeance you will hurt the person you want vengeance against but you will also hurt the people around you. Saul's men were so hungry and so desperate that they sin against God and broke every commandment with regards to how Gods people should eat!
Hebrews 12:14-15 When we are motivated by pay back we hurt everyone around us! If we allow bitterness in our hearts it will ruin us and defile many!
1 Samuel 15:26 Saul's vengeance eventually led him to loosing his crown. Saul started sinful patterns that never left his life. His vengeance led to many sins and a heart full of pride!
Vengeance leads to destruction!
What is the answer to vengeance?
Ephesians 4:31-32 Jesus! Let go!
1 Peter 2:23-24 Jesus was the only one who justifiably could have sought vengeance! Jesus paid back hurt with love! The hurt and pain in our life bends us towards vengeance but Jesus provides healing for our hurt and pain if we will only lean to him!
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We all know that vengeance is wrong but we all like the idea of revenge when someone who deserves to get vengeance finally gets it. The bible is full of stories of vengeance.
Saul and the dangers of vengeance!
Vengeance makes you do foolish things!
1 Samuel 14:24-30 Saul is so concerned with the pay back of his enemies that he makes a foolish decision. Saul makes this rash vow for no reason. He even makes the vow without telling all of his men. Such foolishness!
Vengeance comes from lack of forgiveness. Refusing to forgive will make you foolish as well and leads to vengeance.
Vengeance hurts everyone. No one is immune.
1 Samuel 14:31-34;43-45
When you want vengeance you will hurt the person you want vengeance against but you will also hurt the people around you. Saul's men were so hungry and so desperate that they sin against God and broke every commandment with regards to how Gods people should eat!
Hebrews 12:14-15 When we are motivated by pay back we hurt everyone around us! If we allow bitterness in our hearts it will ruin us and defile many!
1 Samuel 15:26 Saul's vengeance eventually led him to loosing his crown. Saul started sinful patterns that never left his life. His vengeance led to many sins and a heart full of pride!
Vengeance leads to destruction!
What is the answer to vengeance?
Ephesians 4:31-32 Jesus! Let go!
1 Peter 2:23-24 Jesus was the only one who justifiably could have sought vengeance! Jesus paid back hurt with love! The hurt and pain in our life bends us towards vengeance but Jesus provides healing for our hurt and pain if we will only lean to him!
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Monday, April 23, 2018
The Resurrection; What Next?
The Resurrection; What Next?
Jesus died, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven and promised to return soon. Many of the early Christians believed that Jesus was coming back soon. Literally in their life time. When Jesus did not return it left many of them wondering, what next?
The apostles went back to doing what Jesus called them to do!
Acts 3:1-3
Why wasn't this man healed before? Jesus probably passed by this man going into the temple several times and never healed him. Why? This man was saved for the work of Peter and the other apostles so that they could show Gods power through Jesus!
What work has Jesus left you to do?
Acts 4:34-35
The early Christians were meeting so many needs that they ran out of needy people! If Jesus put someone in your path would they be helped? Are you meeting the needs of the people around you?
From meeting needs they responded to the resurrection by saving souls!
Acts 4:4-13
Meeting needs will open doors for the gospel!
The last time peter was before religious authority he cowering before a little girl. Through the resurrection his faith has emboldened him to confront anyone for the name of Jesus! Peter continued to grow after the resurrection. How is my growth spiritually? Is my faith increasing? Am I increasing in zeal and boldness for the Lord?
Acts 2:42;5:42; 9:31,42;11:21,24;14:1 -- this is just a few of the examples of the type of explosive growth that took place in the first church! There is power in the resurrection! Saving souls was a priority to them!
If we truly believed in the power of the resurrection then we would respond with every ounce of our being to sharing the gospel and saving souls!
Acts 4:23-31
The apostles also shepherd the flock and were extremely committed to shepherding! Acts 8:14; 9:38; 11:22-23 -- Are you helping people stay faithful to Christ?
Matthew 28:18-20
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Jesus died, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven and promised to return soon. Many of the early Christians believed that Jesus was coming back soon. Literally in their life time. When Jesus did not return it left many of them wondering, what next?
The apostles went back to doing what Jesus called them to do!
Acts 3:1-3
Why wasn't this man healed before? Jesus probably passed by this man going into the temple several times and never healed him. Why? This man was saved for the work of Peter and the other apostles so that they could show Gods power through Jesus!
What work has Jesus left you to do?
Acts 4:34-35
The early Christians were meeting so many needs that they ran out of needy people! If Jesus put someone in your path would they be helped? Are you meeting the needs of the people around you?
From meeting needs they responded to the resurrection by saving souls!
Acts 4:4-13
Meeting needs will open doors for the gospel!
The last time peter was before religious authority he cowering before a little girl. Through the resurrection his faith has emboldened him to confront anyone for the name of Jesus! Peter continued to grow after the resurrection. How is my growth spiritually? Is my faith increasing? Am I increasing in zeal and boldness for the Lord?
Acts 2:42;5:42; 9:31,42;11:21,24;14:1 -- this is just a few of the examples of the type of explosive growth that took place in the first church! There is power in the resurrection! Saving souls was a priority to them!
If we truly believed in the power of the resurrection then we would respond with every ounce of our being to sharing the gospel and saving souls!
Acts 4:23-31
The apostles also shepherd the flock and were extremely committed to shepherding! Acts 8:14; 9:38; 11:22-23 -- Are you helping people stay faithful to Christ?
Matthew 28:18-20
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Law & Grace
Law & Grace
Luke 18:10-14
We believe in humility, loving others, turning the other cheek, we believe we are sinners; however many of us have a hard time believe that God can love us at our worst moments. The tax collector begged for mercy. We have mercy and more mercy than we can ever imaging.
What is your view of God? What does God expect from us?
Matthew 5:48 be a perfectionist?
1 Peter 1:15 be holy and faultless?
Hebrews 12:29 be in fear
1 John 3:4-6 be sinless?
God has given us Grace and only want loyalty and gratitude in return!
Matthew 23:23 -- practice the later without neglecting the former! Law and Grace go together and are not opposed to each other. They should be in unity with each other!
Ecclesiastes 7:15-17 the extreme of righteousness is legalism. The extreme of wickedness is heathenism! God wants neither!
Read these again...
Matthew 5:46-48 be a perfect lover (God leaves room for mistakes)
1 Peter 1:13-16 don't grade your self on a curve. Set the bar high and shoot for being like God!
Hebrews 12:22-29 we don't have to fear because God has made us perfect!
1 John 3:3-6 if we are attempting to walk in the light and admit we are sinners God putrefies us!
Grace fulfills the law!
Romans 8:3-4
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Luke 18:10-14
We believe in humility, loving others, turning the other cheek, we believe we are sinners; however many of us have a hard time believe that God can love us at our worst moments. The tax collector begged for mercy. We have mercy and more mercy than we can ever imaging.
What is your view of God? What does God expect from us?
Matthew 5:48 be a perfectionist?
1 Peter 1:15 be holy and faultless?
Hebrews 12:29 be in fear
1 John 3:4-6 be sinless?
God has given us Grace and only want loyalty and gratitude in return!
Matthew 23:23 -- practice the later without neglecting the former! Law and Grace go together and are not opposed to each other. They should be in unity with each other!
Ecclesiastes 7:15-17 the extreme of righteousness is legalism. The extreme of wickedness is heathenism! God wants neither!
Read these again...
Matthew 5:46-48 be a perfect lover (God leaves room for mistakes)
1 Peter 1:13-16 don't grade your self on a curve. Set the bar high and shoot for being like God!
Hebrews 12:22-29 we don't have to fear because God has made us perfect!
1 John 3:3-6 if we are attempting to walk in the light and admit we are sinners God putrefies us!
Grace fulfills the law!
Romans 8:3-4
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Gospel of Grace: part 3
Gospel of Grace: part 3
We need to stop being judgement, critical, harsh, unloving, unrealistic expectations, and condescending!
1 Corinthians 4:5; Matthew 7:1-5; James 1:26; James 2:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:13
Everything must be done for the glory of God! James 4:1-3; Galatians 6:3-5
Romans 14:1...19 acceptance
1 Corinthians 12:18-20 mutual respect
1 Corinthians 12:24-25 validation
Ephesians 4:29 gentle words
1 Peter 4:10 loving acts
Galatians 6:1-2 second chances
James 3:17-18 mutual support
Colossians 3:12-14
2 Peter 1:4 faith-based mindset
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We need to stop being judgement, critical, harsh, unloving, unrealistic expectations, and condescending!
1 Corinthians 4:5; Matthew 7:1-5; James 1:26; James 2:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:13
Everything must be done for the glory of God! James 4:1-3; Galatians 6:3-5
Romans 14:1...19 acceptance
1 Corinthians 12:18-20 mutual respect
1 Corinthians 12:24-25 validation
Ephesians 4:29 gentle words
1 Peter 4:10 loving acts
Galatians 6:1-2 second chances
James 3:17-18 mutual support
Colossians 3:12-14
2 Peter 1:4 faith-based mindset
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Gospel of Grace: part 2
Gospel of Grace: part 2
What do you do with Grace and the cross theology?
2 Corinthians 12:8-9 -- Gods grace is sufficient. There is noting else we need in any circumstance!
Personalize scripture
Personalize prayer
Personalize the cross
John 3:16-17 insert your name in this scripture!
John 5:14-15; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Romans 6:4-7
Here is the lies Satan tries to tell us
I am a bad person
I have to be perfect
I cannot make any mistakes
I cannot trust people
I am unworthy of other people's love
I have to be sinless
I have to read the bible daily to be saved
I have to share my faith everyday to be saved
I need approval to be right with God
We need to claim and affirm Gods grace!
Claim Gods grace
Affirm your strengths -- claim the things God has blessed you with!
Accept your mistakes as learning opportunities
Progress is the goal not perfection -- you will never be like Jesus completely
Forgive yourself as God forgave you
Perfection is impossible
Accept your weakness
Become self aware
Relapse in sin is common
God has given worse
Self prophecy is fulfilling
Shame is a lie from Satan
Guilt is a gauge to change
God commands us to love our selves
Accept the gift of Grace
1 John 4:10-12
Loved by God
Loved by others
In love with God
In love with others
Hebrews 4:15-16 if you don't believe in Grace then you won't receive Grace!
I am a new creation
God does not condemn me
Hebrews 10:22 Grace cleanses our conscience
Romans 8:1-2 Grace forgives consequences and forgives our reputation!
Romans 8:38-39 Grace forgives regret, wounds and pain!
Luke 6:37-38 Graces is forgiving the apologetic, forgiving the repentant
Ephesians 4:30-32 graces is forgiving the unapologetic, unrepentant, unconfessed.
2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 6:23; John 1:17
God is faithful, God is graceful and God is truth
Romans 8:1-4; 1 John 1:7; Titus 2:11-13; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8
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What do you do with Grace and the cross theology?
2 Corinthians 12:8-9 -- Gods grace is sufficient. There is noting else we need in any circumstance!
Personalize scripture
Personalize prayer
Personalize the cross
John 3:16-17 insert your name in this scripture!
John 5:14-15; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Romans 6:4-7
Here is the lies Satan tries to tell us
I am a bad person
I have to be perfect
I cannot make any mistakes
I cannot trust people
I am unworthy of other people's love
I have to be sinless
I have to read the bible daily to be saved
I have to share my faith everyday to be saved
I need approval to be right with God
We need to claim and affirm Gods grace!
Claim Gods grace
Affirm your strengths -- claim the things God has blessed you with!
Accept your mistakes as learning opportunities
Progress is the goal not perfection -- you will never be like Jesus completely
Forgive yourself as God forgave you
Perfection is impossible
Accept your weakness
Become self aware
Relapse in sin is common
God has given worse
Self prophecy is fulfilling
Shame is a lie from Satan
Guilt is a gauge to change
God commands us to love our selves
Accept the gift of Grace
1 John 4:10-12
Loved by God
Loved by others
In love with God
In love with others
Hebrews 4:15-16 if you don't believe in Grace then you won't receive Grace!
I am a new creation
God does not condemn me
Hebrews 10:22 Grace cleanses our conscience
Romans 8:1-2 Grace forgives consequences and forgives our reputation!
Romans 8:38-39 Grace forgives regret, wounds and pain!
Luke 6:37-38 Graces is forgiving the apologetic, forgiving the repentant
Ephesians 4:30-32 graces is forgiving the unapologetic, unrepentant, unconfessed.
2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 6:23; John 1:17
God is faithful, God is graceful and God is truth
Romans 8:1-4; 1 John 1:7; Titus 2:11-13; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8
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Gospel of Grace: part 1
Gospel of Grace: part 1
Romans 3:23-24 this scripture is used a lot to show how sinful we are and yet the the focus of this scripture is not about how sinful we are but how gracious God is!
What does grace mean: gift, favor, credit, charity, free, undeserving blessing, inclined benefit.
Israel lived in patronage society. Patronage spiritually means: Patron (God), broker (Jesus), client (us) -- our obligation is to show gratitude, appreciation, and loyalty!
Grace is Gods riches at Christ expense!
Ephesians 2:4-7;8-10; Romans 2:16-17; Titus 2:16-17;
Romans 3:22-26 the ancient world believed that the gods had to be appeased and would sacrifice the selves to appease the gods. God on the other hand offered himself for the sacrifice of atonement.
Paradigm shifts and different Hermeneutic beliefs
Patriarch period -- grace obtained through obedience
Mosaic period -- Grace through the law
Gospel period -- Grace by faith
Church period -- Grace by sacrifice of Christ
Catholic period -- Grace given by the priest
Lutheran period -- Grace by faith alone not by works
Calvinistic period -- Grace by Gods sovereignty and election
Revival period -- Grace by conversion
Restoration -- Grace by restoration "return to the ancient ways"
What lens do we look at scripture through? For us our view has been Grace through Lordship. Receive Grace through discipleship. The formula has been -- believe, confess, repent, baptism, and lordship.
We should interpret the bible through the lens of the cross.
Cross theology includes the death of Jesus, burial of Christ, and the resurrection. Cross theology has three elements:
Death -- righteousness -- Gods justice
Burial -- faithfulness -- Jesus asked why on the cross and then gave his spirit to God in trust!
Resurrection -- mercy/Grace -- I love you anyway!
1 Corinthians 1:18; 15:2-4; Matthew 23:23; Hebrews 9:16; Romans 6:4-7
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Romans 3:23-24 this scripture is used a lot to show how sinful we are and yet the the focus of this scripture is not about how sinful we are but how gracious God is!
What does grace mean: gift, favor, credit, charity, free, undeserving blessing, inclined benefit.
Israel lived in patronage society. Patronage spiritually means: Patron (God), broker (Jesus), client (us) -- our obligation is to show gratitude, appreciation, and loyalty!
Grace is Gods riches at Christ expense!
Ephesians 2:4-7;8-10; Romans 2:16-17; Titus 2:16-17;
Romans 3:22-26 the ancient world believed that the gods had to be appeased and would sacrifice the selves to appease the gods. God on the other hand offered himself for the sacrifice of atonement.
Paradigm shifts and different Hermeneutic beliefs
Patriarch period -- grace obtained through obedience
Mosaic period -- Grace through the law
Gospel period -- Grace by faith
Church period -- Grace by sacrifice of Christ
Catholic period -- Grace given by the priest
Lutheran period -- Grace by faith alone not by works
Calvinistic period -- Grace by Gods sovereignty and election
Revival period -- Grace by conversion
Restoration -- Grace by restoration "return to the ancient ways"
What lens do we look at scripture through? For us our view has been Grace through Lordship. Receive Grace through discipleship. The formula has been -- believe, confess, repent, baptism, and lordship.
We should interpret the bible through the lens of the cross.
Cross theology includes the death of Jesus, burial of Christ, and the resurrection. Cross theology has three elements:
Death -- righteousness -- Gods justice
Burial -- faithfulness -- Jesus asked why on the cross and then gave his spirit to God in trust!
Resurrection -- mercy/Grace -- I love you anyway!
1 Corinthians 1:18; 15:2-4; Matthew 23:23; Hebrews 9:16; Romans 6:4-7
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Sunday, April 15, 2018
Overcoming Strongholds
Overcoming Strongholds
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
What is your stronghold? These are things in your life that you wish you could change. Maybe its in your marriage, maybe its purity, maybe its your another character sin you face daily?
1 Samuel 17:1-11
A lot of times, strong holds in our life are like Goliath's! We have battles them for years and they leave us in doubt and fear. Satan uss strongholds to keep us stag-net and discouraged. This is the spiritual battle that began when we chose to make Jesus lord!
Strongholds can be defined as addictions. They are in many ways areas in our lives where we seek temporary comfort or pleasure! They never satisfy!
What are my strongholds? Fear, lust, insecurity, self value to God, pride, worry, guilt, selfishness, self pity, deceit.
Satan like Goliath will taunt you! We blame our strongholds on many things; circumstances, external factors...etc.
How did David face Goliath?
1 Samuel 17:12-23
Three reasons why strongholds remain:
Growing weary of the battle where fear and doubts sets in (James 1:5-8). Trust in Gods battle plan. Do not give into fear! Have faith and stop doubting!
Misunderstanding what God is trying to accomplish in your life (Job 36:15-22). Hardships are given to us for a reason. Tough times and painful circumstances mold our characters!
Lack of intimacy with Christ (John 17:21). You cannot be intimate without spending time together! Spending time with God without boundaries, without limitations, without time limits! What does your intimacy with Christ look like? Jesus demand a deep and meaningful relationship!
1 Samuel 17:32-37
God probably kept David away from the army of Israel. David did not learn how to battle and fight from them. He spent his life spending time with God. He learned to fight through God. He faced the challenges God gave him! Because of his experiences and Gods deliverance fueled Davids faith and trust for him!
Have you lost sight of what God has done in your life?
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2 Corinthians 10:3-6
What is your stronghold? These are things in your life that you wish you could change. Maybe its in your marriage, maybe its purity, maybe its your another character sin you face daily?
1 Samuel 17:1-11
A lot of times, strong holds in our life are like Goliath's! We have battles them for years and they leave us in doubt and fear. Satan uss strongholds to keep us stag-net and discouraged. This is the spiritual battle that began when we chose to make Jesus lord!
Strongholds can be defined as addictions. They are in many ways areas in our lives where we seek temporary comfort or pleasure! They never satisfy!
What are my strongholds? Fear, lust, insecurity, self value to God, pride, worry, guilt, selfishness, self pity, deceit.
Satan like Goliath will taunt you! We blame our strongholds on many things; circumstances, external factors...etc.
How did David face Goliath?
1 Samuel 17:12-23
Three reasons why strongholds remain:
Growing weary of the battle where fear and doubts sets in (James 1:5-8). Trust in Gods battle plan. Do not give into fear! Have faith and stop doubting!
Misunderstanding what God is trying to accomplish in your life (Job 36:15-22). Hardships are given to us for a reason. Tough times and painful circumstances mold our characters!
Lack of intimacy with Christ (John 17:21). You cannot be intimate without spending time together! Spending time with God without boundaries, without limitations, without time limits! What does your intimacy with Christ look like? Jesus demand a deep and meaningful relationship!
1 Samuel 17:32-37
God probably kept David away from the army of Israel. David did not learn how to battle and fight from them. He spent his life spending time with God. He learned to fight through God. He faced the challenges God gave him! Because of his experiences and Gods deliverance fueled Davids faith and trust for him!
Have you lost sight of what God has done in your life?
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Palm Sunday; the Passover and Jesus
Palm Sunday; the Passover and Jesus
The Passover was and is the story of Jesus. Luke 2:41; John 2:13 Jesus celebrated the Passover. The Passover from the beginning was a foreshadow of Jesus and his power to save!
Exodus 1:11-13; just like the nation of Israel in the Old Testimate was a slave to Egypt, the Jews in Jesus day were slaves to sin. John 8:32-34
Exodus 3:7-10 God saw the measure of his people and chose to deliver them. Matthew 23:37 in the same way God saw the misery we were in and chose to deliver through Jesus.
Gods mighty power shown! Through the 9 plagues he brought on Egypt plagues that God showed his power. Pharaoh was unmoved until the plague of the death of the first born child. The blood of the lamb saved the Israelites and spared. Exodus 12-12-13
The Israelites were called to obey and they would be saved! John 8:51
Exodus 12:23; Ephesians 1:7 -- for us only the blood of Jesus saves!
The Passover and Jesus really are the same story! 1 Corinthians 5:7
Where am I in this story? What has God done in my life? What sins and consequences has God passed over? What was I a slave to that I have been set free from? God sees me, he sees the misery that sin causes in my life!
God saved you!
God is always at work and his power is always on display. What was has God shown his power in your life?
God calls us to obedience as well! Am I willing to obey? The Jews could not ignore the command to put blood on their door steps and say, "well God knows my heart"! God sacrifices all and justifiably calls us to complete obedience through grace!
Have you been saved? Have you come into contact the way God calls you to connect to the blood of Jesus?
Revelations 7:14
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The Passover was and is the story of Jesus. Luke 2:41; John 2:13 Jesus celebrated the Passover. The Passover from the beginning was a foreshadow of Jesus and his power to save!
Exodus 1:11-13; just like the nation of Israel in the Old Testimate was a slave to Egypt, the Jews in Jesus day were slaves to sin. John 8:32-34
Exodus 3:7-10 God saw the measure of his people and chose to deliver them. Matthew 23:37 in the same way God saw the misery we were in and chose to deliver through Jesus.
Gods mighty power shown! Through the 9 plagues he brought on Egypt plagues that God showed his power. Pharaoh was unmoved until the plague of the death of the first born child. The blood of the lamb saved the Israelites and spared. Exodus 12-12-13
The Israelites were called to obey and they would be saved! John 8:51
Exodus 12:23; Ephesians 1:7 -- for us only the blood of Jesus saves!
The Passover and Jesus really are the same story! 1 Corinthians 5:7
Where am I in this story? What has God done in my life? What sins and consequences has God passed over? What was I a slave to that I have been set free from? God sees me, he sees the misery that sin causes in my life!
God saved you!
God is always at work and his power is always on display. What was has God shown his power in your life?
God calls us to obedience as well! Am I willing to obey? The Jews could not ignore the command to put blood on their door steps and say, "well God knows my heart"! God sacrifices all and justifiably calls us to complete obedience through grace!
Have you been saved? Have you come into contact the way God calls you to connect to the blood of Jesus?
Revelations 7:14
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Resurrection power — Easter Sunday
Resurrection power — Easter Sunday
The cross is powerful; however the resurrection was even more powerful. A death on a cross was common in roman times. There was nothing unordinary about a crucifixion! The extraordinary was a resurrection from death that marked Jesus as the messiah and the Lord in the flesh!
Jesus taught that resurrection for us is impossible. Luke 16:19-26
The idea of resurrection is all over the Old Testament. Resurrection power is the power of God at its core!
Hebrews 11:17-19; 2 Kings 13:20-21; John 11:38-40
Resurrection power in Jesus
Acts 2:22-23; Matthew 27:51-53;
Jesus resurrection was not made so that he could breath again. Jesus resurrection made him eternal! Colossians 1:18
1 Corinthians 15:20-26
When we see resurrection power in us all things will come to an end!
Luke 16:27-31 Jesus knows that resurrection will not be enough to convince us without faith! Jesus knew that if you did not believe in Gods word you would not believe even if there was a resurrection.
If you haven't believed in Gods word and followed Gods word it will not matter how many easter Sundays you've celebrated. The resurrection will be not be enough unless you accept it now by obeying Hods word and surrendering your life to him!
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The cross is powerful; however the resurrection was even more powerful. A death on a cross was common in roman times. There was nothing unordinary about a crucifixion! The extraordinary was a resurrection from death that marked Jesus as the messiah and the Lord in the flesh!
Jesus taught that resurrection for us is impossible. Luke 16:19-26
The idea of resurrection is all over the Old Testament. Resurrection power is the power of God at its core!
Hebrews 11:17-19; 2 Kings 13:20-21; John 11:38-40
Resurrection power in Jesus
Acts 2:22-23; Matthew 27:51-53;
Jesus resurrection was not made so that he could breath again. Jesus resurrection made him eternal! Colossians 1:18
1 Corinthians 15:20-26
When we see resurrection power in us all things will come to an end!
Luke 16:27-31 Jesus knows that resurrection will not be enough to convince us without faith! Jesus knew that if you did not believe in Gods word you would not believe even if there was a resurrection.
If you haven't believed in Gods word and followed Gods word it will not matter how many easter Sundays you've celebrated. The resurrection will be not be enough unless you accept it now by obeying Hods word and surrendering your life to him!
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Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Stranger Things -- Balaam's Donkey
Stranger Things -- Balaam's Donkey
Numbers 22:4-35
One of the strangest stories in the bible. Lessons we learn in this story.
The mysterious prophet.
Balaam was not a part of Gods people. He was not from Egypt and was not with the Israel in the desert. He was a foreigner who was a prophet of the Lord! He was an outsider that had a deep relationship with God! Whoever Balaam blessed was blessed and he was know for his divination and counsel from the Lord.
Psalms 139:7-10
What arouses Gods anger?
Proverbs 6:16-19 what God hates most and angers Him is sometimes different from what we think would be the worst sins we could commit. Haughty eyes, lying, an evil heart, false witness...ect. Most of these are heart sins that start with the heart!
Balaam said all the right things but in his heart he wanted the reward and wanted to answer the Kings calling. God judges the heart. We think there is a difference in sins of the heart verses the actions we commit. If you want something sinful long enough you will give into it.
The talking Donkey?
Donkeys are not the most majestic animals. God chooses a donkey to speak to Balaam. This man of God who blesses and curses people had to listen to a donkey. We should careless who the messenger is and focus more on the message! God can use any,ore to speak to us. Are we listening? Balaam is so concerned with being right that he argues with the donkey! When we are prideful we will argue with someone who is clearly speaking from God!
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Numbers 22:4-35
One of the strangest stories in the bible. Lessons we learn in this story.
The mysterious prophet.
Balaam was not a part of Gods people. He was not from Egypt and was not with the Israel in the desert. He was a foreigner who was a prophet of the Lord! He was an outsider that had a deep relationship with God! Whoever Balaam blessed was blessed and he was know for his divination and counsel from the Lord.
Psalms 139:7-10
What arouses Gods anger?
Proverbs 6:16-19 what God hates most and angers Him is sometimes different from what we think would be the worst sins we could commit. Haughty eyes, lying, an evil heart, false witness...ect. Most of these are heart sins that start with the heart!
Balaam said all the right things but in his heart he wanted the reward and wanted to answer the Kings calling. God judges the heart. We think there is a difference in sins of the heart verses the actions we commit. If you want something sinful long enough you will give into it.
The talking Donkey?
Donkeys are not the most majestic animals. God chooses a donkey to speak to Balaam. This man of God who blesses and curses people had to listen to a donkey. We should careless who the messenger is and focus more on the message! God can use any,ore to speak to us. Are we listening? Balaam is so concerned with being right that he argues with the donkey! When we are prideful we will argue with someone who is clearly speaking from God!
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Stranger Things
Stranger Things
Matthew 17:24-27
Another strange and wonderful story. Two things you cannot cheat...Death and taxes! Jesus conquered both!
What did they want? The temple tribute tax. This was the only tax in Jesus day that was voluntary. The Romans taxed Israel and Israel also taxed its people. The tax burden was so great that the Jewish people were oppressed financially.
The drachma coin that was given to the temple tax was the same coin that judas received to betray Jesus.
What were Jesus options? Rabbi's and teachers were exempt to pay. As the son of a king (God), Jesus was also exempt. For Jesus to be asked pay this tax was insulting! Jesus could have chosen not to pay it but he chose to pay it and not stir up trouble. Probably because it was not yet time. Jesus was waiting for Gods timing to question and challenge the religious rulers and claim his sovereignty!
The world tried to force Jesus into two choices. Pay or not pay! Jesus never let others dictate to him what his choices were! Jesus created a third choice. A miracle! Option three for Jesus was the fish and the coin.
This was not a miracle of creation by creating a coin. This was a miracle of mastery. God created the earth, minerals, man minted the mineral silver into a coin, man dropped the coin in a lake, Gods created fish catches the coin and delivers it to Peter! This miracle displayed Jesus true authority above all and over all! Colossians 1:16
Why did Jesus pay? We cannot avoid doing what is right because it upsets people but we cannot intentionally alienate people because we don't want to do something. Jesus paid so that he was not a stumbling block. There was no consequence in paying the tax but there was a consequence in not paying the tax at that time. 1 Peter 2:13-15
Who did the temple belong too? Jesus had every right to be angry about the religious leaders even requesting that he pay the tax. Jesus chose to submit to their authority.
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Matthew 17:24-27
Another strange and wonderful story. Two things you cannot cheat...Death and taxes! Jesus conquered both!
What did they want? The temple tribute tax. This was the only tax in Jesus day that was voluntary. The Romans taxed Israel and Israel also taxed its people. The tax burden was so great that the Jewish people were oppressed financially.
The drachma coin that was given to the temple tax was the same coin that judas received to betray Jesus.
What were Jesus options? Rabbi's and teachers were exempt to pay. As the son of a king (God), Jesus was also exempt. For Jesus to be asked pay this tax was insulting! Jesus could have chosen not to pay it but he chose to pay it and not stir up trouble. Probably because it was not yet time. Jesus was waiting for Gods timing to question and challenge the religious rulers and claim his sovereignty!
The world tried to force Jesus into two choices. Pay or not pay! Jesus never let others dictate to him what his choices were! Jesus created a third choice. A miracle! Option three for Jesus was the fish and the coin.
This was not a miracle of creation by creating a coin. This was a miracle of mastery. God created the earth, minerals, man minted the mineral silver into a coin, man dropped the coin in a lake, Gods created fish catches the coin and delivers it to Peter! This miracle displayed Jesus true authority above all and over all! Colossians 1:16
Why did Jesus pay? We cannot avoid doing what is right because it upsets people but we cannot intentionally alienate people because we don't want to do something. Jesus paid so that he was not a stumbling block. There was no consequence in paying the tax but there was a consequence in not paying the tax at that time. 1 Peter 2:13-15
Who did the temple belong too? Jesus had every right to be angry about the religious leaders even requesting that he pay the tax. Jesus chose to submit to their authority.
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Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Hero Makers
Hero Makers
Making disciples! We are to be used by God to encourage people around them and call them to become hero's for God.
Jesus came, lived and died so that we could become what God always intended for us to be!
Mark 12:29-31
Discipleship is complete surrender to God. Complete love for God. Complete obedience to God! With all your heart, mind, soul, and strength! Nothing is left out!
1 Timothy 4:12-16
How was Timothy feeling that made Paul write these versus? Maybe he felt that he was too young to lead. Maybe he feeling inadequate or unequipped. Maybe he was feeling discouraged. Timothy had a desire to be righteous and to be pure and Paul
Admonishes him to do those things.
2 Timothy 2:15-16
Timothy was facing challenges and paul continues to encourage him in these areas in his life. Paul tells him not to be ashamed. Not to get sucked into godless chatter like rumors and myths.
As we try to help others and teach each other to be better followers of God, to become Godly hero's, we need to encourage and admonish they way Paul spoke to Timothy.
2 Timothy 2:22-24
Hero making and discipleship is about helping the heart change! Like mark 12:29-31 to change the heart we have to change all four — heat, mind, soul and strength.
Heart - how we feel
Mind - what we think
Soul - what we desire
Strength - how we act
Questions that address the heart and get to the root of what the problem is and how to overcome it.
What do you think?
What are you feeling?
What do you want?
What do you need to do?
Our motivation to change comes from the cross — 2 Timothy 2:11-13
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Making disciples! We are to be used by God to encourage people around them and call them to become hero's for God.
Jesus came, lived and died so that we could become what God always intended for us to be!
Mark 12:29-31
Discipleship is complete surrender to God. Complete love for God. Complete obedience to God! With all your heart, mind, soul, and strength! Nothing is left out!
1 Timothy 4:12-16
How was Timothy feeling that made Paul write these versus? Maybe he felt that he was too young to lead. Maybe he feeling inadequate or unequipped. Maybe he was feeling discouraged. Timothy had a desire to be righteous and to be pure and Paul
Admonishes him to do those things.
2 Timothy 2:15-16
Timothy was facing challenges and paul continues to encourage him in these areas in his life. Paul tells him not to be ashamed. Not to get sucked into godless chatter like rumors and myths.
As we try to help others and teach each other to be better followers of God, to become Godly hero's, we need to encourage and admonish they way Paul spoke to Timothy.
2 Timothy 2:22-24
Hero making and discipleship is about helping the heart change! Like mark 12:29-31 to change the heart we have to change all four — heat, mind, soul and strength.
Heart - how we feel
Mind - what we think
Soul - what we desire
Strength - how we act
Questions that address the heart and get to the root of what the problem is and how to overcome it.
What do you think?
What are you feeling?
What do you want?
What do you need to do?
Our motivation to change comes from the cross — 2 Timothy 2:11-13
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Everything Changed!
Everything Changed!
The bible loves the idea of change. God is unchanging but loves when we change!
Isaiah 61:1-7
Isaiah inspired by God and full of the holy spirit prophesied hundred of years before Jesus that He would come and change the world forever!
Jesus changed everything!
John 9:1-12
"The man called Jesus"; When we first encounter Jesus this how we know Him. The man called Jesus. We know him from a distance.
The blind man does not even ask to be healed. The people around him were discussing his blindness and judging his life. Jesus just breaks into this mans life and tells him everything is about to change!
What part did this man play in his healing? He had no faith. He never asked for help. He had no knowledge of Jesus. The only part he played was being obedient! Jesus stuck mud in his eyes and told him to go wash it off and he did!
Do we acknowledge our blindness and need for help?
John 9:13-34
Jesus is a prophet! The Pharisees tried to argue and disprove Jesus and His authority. You can argue doctrine and theology but you cannot argue change in someones life! The fact that the man was blind and now he can see is not subjective and open to an argument.
The blind mans parents are more concerned about what the religious world thinks and what they might do to them. The blind man is the complete opposite. He is fearless and resolute on what happened in his life!
John 9:35-41
Lord I believe! The blind man goes from addressing Jesus as "a man", "the prophet", to "Lord and savior"!
Lordship is total surrender! Lordship means everything has changed! You no longer make decisions based on self. You no longer serve your needs. Your life has meaning that does not evolve around you!
The blind man's life is changed forever! He leaves healed because of his obedience, humility and surrender! For the Pharisees they leave un changed. Steeped in sin and unwilling to accept Jesus as their savior!
How do you view Jesus in your life? Like the blindman or like one of the Pharisees?
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The bible loves the idea of change. God is unchanging but loves when we change!
Isaiah 61:1-7
Isaiah inspired by God and full of the holy spirit prophesied hundred of years before Jesus that He would come and change the world forever!
Jesus changed everything!
John 9:1-12
"The man called Jesus"; When we first encounter Jesus this how we know Him. The man called Jesus. We know him from a distance.
The blind man does not even ask to be healed. The people around him were discussing his blindness and judging his life. Jesus just breaks into this mans life and tells him everything is about to change!
What part did this man play in his healing? He had no faith. He never asked for help. He had no knowledge of Jesus. The only part he played was being obedient! Jesus stuck mud in his eyes and told him to go wash it off and he did!
Do we acknowledge our blindness and need for help?
John 9:13-34
Jesus is a prophet! The Pharisees tried to argue and disprove Jesus and His authority. You can argue doctrine and theology but you cannot argue change in someones life! The fact that the man was blind and now he can see is not subjective and open to an argument.
The blind mans parents are more concerned about what the religious world thinks and what they might do to them. The blind man is the complete opposite. He is fearless and resolute on what happened in his life!
John 9:35-41
Lord I believe! The blind man goes from addressing Jesus as "a man", "the prophet", to "Lord and savior"!
Lordship is total surrender! Lordship means everything has changed! You no longer make decisions based on self. You no longer serve your needs. Your life has meaning that does not evolve around you!
The blind man's life is changed forever! He leaves healed because of his obedience, humility and surrender! For the Pharisees they leave un changed. Steeped in sin and unwilling to accept Jesus as their savior!
How do you view Jesus in your life? Like the blindman or like one of the Pharisees?
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The Art of Intimacy
The Art of Intimacy
Validation -- Proverbs 4:7 though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 20: 5 the purposes of a wo/ mans heart are deep waters and man of understanding draws them out
• Validation is NOT...
"you're right" about "someone's self esteem" "being fearful of speaking the truth"
• Validation IS...
saying "you are important"
"You are more important than proving I'm right"
Learning how NOT to be a defensive listener
Saying I GET YOU
you're not alone "I respect you"
Why is validation important: we all want to be heard.
• Roadblocks
"They will take advantage of this
"This is SO not how I talk (flowery, touchy geeky)
"This takes too much time"
Fear - it is not
Definition of empathy: understanding the meaning someone makes, putting oneself in your partner's shoes, feeling what they feel (Philippians 2:3-4).
Perspective taking
A visceral response to another
• The Importance of Timeouts
Diaphragmatic breathing - with arguments, we need to breath to calm down. Our fight or flight response causes adrenaline to rush into our body and our brain. Our heart rate speeds up, and we start to perspire.
Our body warns us that we should not be in that situation - it may be a good time for a timeout. *** put a time on the timeout (it takes 20 minutes for the adrenaline to leave the body).
"I can feel myself getting worked up, can we take a timeout."
Give the space the other person need.
If we ask for a timeout, we need to use our timeout!
If you take the timeout, you need to be the one that initiates when you come back for resolution.
Follow up with another couple, let them help. We all need support.
Do these things safely!
How to validate -- reflect, ask questions, confirm, and empathize! Proverbs 2:2
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Validation -- Proverbs 4:7 though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 20: 5 the purposes of a wo/ mans heart are deep waters and man of understanding draws them out
• Validation is NOT...
"you're right" about "someone's self esteem" "being fearful of speaking the truth"
• Validation IS...
saying "you are important"
"You are more important than proving I'm right"
Learning how NOT to be a defensive listener
Saying I GET YOU
you're not alone "I respect you"
Why is validation important: we all want to be heard.
• Roadblocks
"They will take advantage of this
"This is SO not how I talk (flowery, touchy geeky)
"This takes too much time"
Fear - it is not
Definition of empathy: understanding the meaning someone makes, putting oneself in your partner's shoes, feeling what they feel (Philippians 2:3-4).
Perspective taking
A visceral response to another
• The Importance of Timeouts
Diaphragmatic breathing - with arguments, we need to breath to calm down. Our fight or flight response causes adrenaline to rush into our body and our brain. Our heart rate speeds up, and we start to perspire.
Our body warns us that we should not be in that situation - it may be a good time for a timeout. *** put a time on the timeout (it takes 20 minutes for the adrenaline to leave the body).
"I can feel myself getting worked up, can we take a timeout."
Give the space the other person need.
If we ask for a timeout, we need to use our timeout!
If you take the timeout, you need to be the one that initiates when you come back for resolution.
Follow up with another couple, let them help. We all need support.
Do these things safely!
How to validate -- reflect, ask questions, confirm, and empathize! Proverbs 2:2
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The Art of Sexual Intimacy
The Art of Sexual Intimacy
How does God view sex and how does he want us to talk about it? Sexuality is designed by God to help us know him more fully!
Ezekiel 16:4-37; Ezekiel 23:3b; 23:7-8; 20-21 God describes his relationship with Israel in sexual terms we can identify with.
God knows that we can relate to sexual intimacy and uses it to describe how he wants us to love him. The passion level of our love for God should just as passionate if not more.
Knowing God protects our hearts! Knowing God guards and guides our sexuality! Knowing God brings a powerful passion of the body and control over the flesh. We have to stay in Gods word daily to help keep Satan from corrupting our sexuality. Romans 1:22-24;28; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Ephesians 4:22
Stewardship
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 this scriptures talks about delegated power. The word "Duty" creates an incorrect definition. The overall meaning of the passage is not about making demands sexually but looking to serve one another sexually and meet needs. 1 Corinthians 7:33-34; Genesis 24:67. We are made stewards of our spouses bodies and are called to return them to God in a better condition than we received them.
For people who have been hurt sexually... Psalms 10; 147; Jeremiah 33; Amos 9 -- Sexual sin in marriage -- masturbation, pornography, Relational impact, personal impact, spiritual impact.
It takes work to build emotional intimacy that can lead to great sexual intimacy. The same with intimacy with God. Psalms 139; Deuteronomy 33:1-2; Isaiah 41:13; 49:16; 40:11 God knows us intimately and sets and example for us to reach that level of intimacy we need to have as couples!
Intimacy in marriage -- verbal, relational, physical, sensual, sexual.
Levels of intimacy -- clinches, facts, opinions, hopes and dreams, feelings, fears, failures, weaknesses, needs.
Risks of intimacy -- exposure, fear of their response, fear of loss,
Www.theartofintimatemarriage.com
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How does God view sex and how does he want us to talk about it? Sexuality is designed by God to help us know him more fully!
Ezekiel 16:4-37; Ezekiel 23:3b; 23:7-8; 20-21 God describes his relationship with Israel in sexual terms we can identify with.
God knows that we can relate to sexual intimacy and uses it to describe how he wants us to love him. The passion level of our love for God should just as passionate if not more.
Knowing God protects our hearts! Knowing God guards and guides our sexuality! Knowing God brings a powerful passion of the body and control over the flesh. We have to stay in Gods word daily to help keep Satan from corrupting our sexuality. Romans 1:22-24;28; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Ephesians 4:22
Stewardship
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 this scriptures talks about delegated power. The word "Duty" creates an incorrect definition. The overall meaning of the passage is not about making demands sexually but looking to serve one another sexually and meet needs. 1 Corinthians 7:33-34; Genesis 24:67. We are made stewards of our spouses bodies and are called to return them to God in a better condition than we received them.
For people who have been hurt sexually... Psalms 10; 147; Jeremiah 33; Amos 9 -- Sexual sin in marriage -- masturbation, pornography, Relational impact, personal impact, spiritual impact.
It takes work to build emotional intimacy that can lead to great sexual intimacy. The same with intimacy with God. Psalms 139; Deuteronomy 33:1-2; Isaiah 41:13; 49:16; 40:11 God knows us intimately and sets and example for us to reach that level of intimacy we need to have as couples!
Intimacy in marriage -- verbal, relational, physical, sensual, sexual.
Levels of intimacy -- clinches, facts, opinions, hopes and dreams, feelings, fears, failures, weaknesses, needs.
Risks of intimacy -- exposure, fear of their response, fear of loss,
Www.theartofintimatemarriage.com
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Stranger Things
Stranger Things
If something is strange it does not automatically make it interesting. When something is strange and is also filled with wonder it catches our attention and makes us ponder things! The bible is full of stranger things in the bible that are filled with wonder!
One of the stranger stories in the bible is the story of Jacob wrestling with God.
Genesis 32:22-32
Never give up! This is what the story is all about. The story does not say that Jacob did a good job of wrestling but simple says he never gave up and never quit! Sometimes not giving up is all you can do and it is enough in Gods eyes!
Heaven is all about not loosing and giving up until the end. It does not matter how you get their or how successful in your spiritual life you are. Its about finishing the race and not giving up!
All Gods expects from is is to not give up! We are not promised easy, we are promised honor through perseverance. You win the race by finishing the race.
God rewards those who never give up. The world does not always reward perseverance. Giving up is acceptable and justified. But God always rewards those who never give up! God rewarded Jacob as well. Jacob was named the deceiver for most of his life was given a new name and identity!
Luke 18:1-8
Perseverance is connected to faith!
Because Jacob never gave up his name was changed and he became the father of a nation of Gods people.
Have you giving up on God? Have you stopped wrestling? Do you need to get back up again? Persevere and God will bless you!
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Sunday, February 4, 2018
Hero Makers
Hero Makers
Making disciples! We are to be used by God to encourage people around them and call them to become hero's for God.
Jesus came, lived and died so that we could become what God always intended for us to be!
Mark 12:29-31
Discipleship is complete surrender to God. Complete love for God. Complete obedience to God! With all your heart, mind, soul, and strength! Nothing is left out!
1 Timothy 4:12-16
How was Timothy feeling that made Paul write these versus? Maybe he felt that he was too young to lead. Maybe he feeling inadequate or unequipped. Maybe he was feeling discouraged. Timothy had a desire to be righteous and to be pure and Paul
Admonishes him to do those things.
2 Timothy 2:15-16
Timothy was facing challenges and paul continues to encourage him in these areas in his life. Paul tells him not to be ashamed. Not to get sucked into godless chatter like rumors and myths.
As we try to help others and teach each other to be better followers of God, to become Godly hero's, we need to encourage and admonish they way Paul spoke to Timothy.
2 Timothy 2:22-24
Hero making and discipleship is about helping the heart change! Like mark 12:29-31 to change the heart we have to change all four — heat, mind, soul and strength.
Heart - how we feel
Mind - what we think
Soul - what we desire
Strength - how we act
Questions that address the heart and get to the root of what the problem is and how to overcome it.
What do you think?
What are you feeling?
What do you want?
What do you need to do?
Our motivation to change comes from the cross — 2 Timothy 2:11-13
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Making disciples! We are to be used by God to encourage people around them and call them to become hero's for God.
Jesus came, lived and died so that we could become what God always intended for us to be!
Mark 12:29-31
Discipleship is complete surrender to God. Complete love for God. Complete obedience to God! With all your heart, mind, soul, and strength! Nothing is left out!
1 Timothy 4:12-16
How was Timothy feeling that made Paul write these versus? Maybe he felt that he was too young to lead. Maybe he feeling inadequate or unequipped. Maybe he was feeling discouraged. Timothy had a desire to be righteous and to be pure and Paul
Admonishes him to do those things.
2 Timothy 2:15-16
Timothy was facing challenges and paul continues to encourage him in these areas in his life. Paul tells him not to be ashamed. Not to get sucked into godless chatter like rumors and myths.
As we try to help others and teach each other to be better followers of God, to become Godly hero's, we need to encourage and admonish they way Paul spoke to Timothy.
2 Timothy 2:22-24
Hero making and discipleship is about helping the heart change! Like mark 12:29-31 to change the heart we have to change all four — heat, mind, soul and strength.
Heart - how we feel
Mind - what we think
Soul - what we desire
Strength - how we act
Questions that address the heart and get to the root of what the problem is and how to overcome it.
What do you think?
What are you feeling?
What do you want?
What do you need to do?
Our motivation to change comes from the cross — 2 Timothy 2:11-13
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Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Hosea
Hosea
Hosea 1:1-9
Most books in the bible the lord spoke through a prophet to deliver his message. With Hosea God used him to deliver his message through the way Hosea lived of his life! God told Hosea to marry a prostitute, name your children "not loved" and "not my people".
All throughout the bible God had an amazing heart for marriage and weddings. He described heaven as a wedding feast. God took the sacred union that he created and used it to make a profound statement through Hosea's life!
God describes Israel by the way Gommer lived! Hosea 2:4-8
Gommer was unfaithful and Israel was unfaithful! Hosea 2:13
Just like Hosea knew what Gommer was going to do to him when he married her; God knew what Israel was going to do as well and he still chose Israel!
Gommer was unfaithful, Israel was unfaithful and we are unfaithful!
Romans 1:21-27; Romans 3:23
Gommer was a broken bride and we are a broken bride as well.
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Hosea 1:1-9
Most books in the bible the lord spoke through a prophet to deliver his message. With Hosea God used him to deliver his message through the way Hosea lived of his life! God told Hosea to marry a prostitute, name your children "not loved" and "not my people".
All throughout the bible God had an amazing heart for marriage and weddings. He described heaven as a wedding feast. God took the sacred union that he created and used it to make a profound statement through Hosea's life!
God describes Israel by the way Gommer lived! Hosea 2:4-8
Gommer was unfaithful and Israel was unfaithful! Hosea 2:13
Just like Hosea knew what Gommer was going to do to him when he married her; God knew what Israel was going to do as well and he still chose Israel!
Gommer was unfaithful, Israel was unfaithful and we are unfaithful!
Romans 1:21-27; Romans 3:23
Gommer was a broken bride and we are a broken bride as well.
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Monday, January 22, 2018
The Hope Of The Gospel
The Hope Of The Gospel
Colossians 1:3-7
Paul's says your faith and love spring from your hope! The hope of heaven is motivating. God intends for the gospel to provide us unfailing hope!
Acts 8:26-40
The Eunuch was a noble, a man of stature. He was seeking earnestly to know and come closer to God!
The Eunuch was not able to go into the temple that he had traveled to in Jerusalem
Deuteroronmy 23:1; Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 8:32-40 why did the Eunuch struggle over this passage? "Who can speak of his descendants". The Eunuch could relate to who Isaiah was speaking about.
1 Peter 1:18-21 Jesus being the sacrifice was always Gods plan.
Forgiveness is a denial of justice! The cross is not about justice or fairness. The cross was unfair!
We have to connect to the cross! We connect and then disconnect. We have to stay connected!
Acts 8:36-40
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Colossians 1:3-7
Paul's says your faith and love spring from your hope! The hope of heaven is motivating. God intends for the gospel to provide us unfailing hope!
Acts 8:26-40
The Eunuch was a noble, a man of stature. He was seeking earnestly to know and come closer to God!
The Eunuch was not able to go into the temple that he had traveled to in Jerusalem
Deuteroronmy 23:1; Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 8:32-40 why did the Eunuch struggle over this passage? "Who can speak of his descendants". The Eunuch could relate to who Isaiah was speaking about.
1 Peter 1:18-21 Jesus being the sacrifice was always Gods plan.
Forgiveness is a denial of justice! The cross is not about justice or fairness. The cross was unfair!
We have to connect to the cross! We connect and then disconnect. We have to stay connected!
Acts 8:36-40
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Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Joy To The World!
Joy To The World!
How many of us feel joyful everyday? It very easy to feel joyful on certain days and very difficult on other days. We associate joy with our circumstances and the feeling of happiness! Joy is n the bible is so much more. It is quite different from the worlds definition!
Where does true christmas joy come from? The Joy found in christianity!
Luke 2:8-11
"Good news" and "Great joy"! If your looking for true joy you just found it. A savior has been born. Our destiny has been changed! Grace has been given!
The Jews knew where this savior was going to come from. Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6
Its not about what you know as much as what you do with what you know! The Pharisees never went to Bethlehem to check out the prophecy of Jesus birth. Common Shepherds knew and acted on it!
Luke describes Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord! We all desperately need a savior. True joy comes through surrendering to that fact! When you surrender and make Jesus lord your circumstances matter less. Joy is no longer only associated with happiness.
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How many of us feel joyful everyday? It very easy to feel joyful on certain days and very difficult on other days. We associate joy with our circumstances and the feeling of happiness! Joy is n the bible is so much more. It is quite different from the worlds definition!
Where does true christmas joy come from? The Joy found in christianity!
Luke 2:8-11
"Good news" and "Great joy"! If your looking for true joy you just found it. A savior has been born. Our destiny has been changed! Grace has been given!
The Jews knew where this savior was going to come from. Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6
Its not about what you know as much as what you do with what you know! The Pharisees never went to Bethlehem to check out the prophecy of Jesus birth. Common Shepherds knew and acted on it!
Luke describes Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord! We all desperately need a savior. True joy comes through surrendering to that fact! When you surrender and make Jesus lord your circumstances matter less. Joy is no longer only associated with happiness.
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Who will you be in 2018?
Who will you be in 2018?
We serve a God that loves Holidays! He created multiple days in the jewish calendar to help his people remember him. He is a God of new beginnings! Fresh starts and second chances!
David is a great example of who we change from one year to the next.
1 Samuel 17:48-49; 2 Samuel 11:1. As a young man David was ready and eager to fight, as an older man he stayed home and let others fight the battle. Why?
Who ever you are today is not who you have to be tomorrow. God has given all of us a second chance. If like David you have lost your way and have not been as eager to serve God you can change and God allows you to start over!
Later in Davids life he became comfortable. His priorities changed. It was easier to leave a bed among sheep and go to war than it was to leave a bed in the palace and go to war! David probably felt that someone else could do it. David gave into the sin in his heart and the lust of his eyes and chose not to be the man that God called him to be!
What changed for David? In the chapter before David was still fighting and leading Gods people. So how did it happen? His heart slowly drifted away. Actions may stay the same for awhile and yet the heart may not be drifting away. Eventually your actions will follow your heart! You have to guard your heart! Proverbs 4:23
David drifted in his heart because he forgot who God ways. He became comfortable just living a good life. He lost his zeal and passion for serving God.
As a shepherd it is easy to live humbly. As a king, worshiped by everyone, its hard to remain humble. When David was a shepherd he lived in humility. When David became King he lived in honor and pleasure! David forgot where he came from and who blessed him with all of the success that he was blessed with!
We become spiritually inactive when our hearts stray from God. Davids sin began with inactivity and then became much, much worse!
Choosing to sit out of the battle is a false choice. You are in a battle whether you want to be or not! Ephesians 5:10-12
Who will you choose to be this year? Like David we all have the chance to repent! David chose to repent!
Decide today who you will be tomorrow! Make the changes that you need to make. Repent in the areas that you need to repent! Accept the gift of grace that God has given you. Accept the power of the cross and allow it to change your life!
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We serve a God that loves Holidays! He created multiple days in the jewish calendar to help his people remember him. He is a God of new beginnings! Fresh starts and second chances!
David is a great example of who we change from one year to the next.
1 Samuel 17:48-49; 2 Samuel 11:1. As a young man David was ready and eager to fight, as an older man he stayed home and let others fight the battle. Why?
Who ever you are today is not who you have to be tomorrow. God has given all of us a second chance. If like David you have lost your way and have not been as eager to serve God you can change and God allows you to start over!
Later in Davids life he became comfortable. His priorities changed. It was easier to leave a bed among sheep and go to war than it was to leave a bed in the palace and go to war! David probably felt that someone else could do it. David gave into the sin in his heart and the lust of his eyes and chose not to be the man that God called him to be!
What changed for David? In the chapter before David was still fighting and leading Gods people. So how did it happen? His heart slowly drifted away. Actions may stay the same for awhile and yet the heart may not be drifting away. Eventually your actions will follow your heart! You have to guard your heart! Proverbs 4:23
David drifted in his heart because he forgot who God ways. He became comfortable just living a good life. He lost his zeal and passion for serving God.
As a shepherd it is easy to live humbly. As a king, worshiped by everyone, its hard to remain humble. When David was a shepherd he lived in humility. When David became King he lived in honor and pleasure! David forgot where he came from and who blessed him with all of the success that he was blessed with!
We become spiritually inactive when our hearts stray from God. Davids sin began with inactivity and then became much, much worse!
Choosing to sit out of the battle is a false choice. You are in a battle whether you want to be or not! Ephesians 5:10-12
Who will you choose to be this year? Like David we all have the chance to repent! David chose to repent!
Decide today who you will be tomorrow! Make the changes that you need to make. Repent in the areas that you need to repent! Accept the gift of grace that God has given you. Accept the power of the cross and allow it to change your life!
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Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Through out the Old Testament God had a plan and re
Through out the Old Testament God had a plan and revealed that plan through scripture. Generation after generation passed leading up to the coming of Jesus and for good reason. God wanted time to pass, to build history, to demonstrate his unfailing love and everlasting power!
Jesus birth into this world was filled with majesty! Jesus was every single thing that the Old Testament said he would be and so much more than ever could have been conceived. What an honor to live today and be able to look back and understand the complete story of God gracious promise!
We get the benefit of seeing the scriptures as a whole. We know when he came, why he came, and how he came. God has revealed to us things angels longed to have know and yet were kept from fully understanding. Salvation has come to earth and we have Gods full grace and mercy poured out onto us without measure!
Listen to the words of Isaiah the prophet as he describes ourLord Jesus!
Isaiah 53:1-12
We have been set free! We have been given a second chance without merit. We have been forgiven without deserving grace. What sins have you committed. What horrible acts do you regret? Who have you hurt with your selfish nature. What relationship have you ruined because of your pride? Jesus came to set us free from sin and guilt! Repentance starts with accepting God's gift of grace and falling on your knees in complete obedience to Gods plan for your life! Jesus came to mend the broken hearted, to repair the damage of sin, and to reconcile us to God!
Praise God for Jesus and his mercy. Praise God for his unfailing love unfailing his power to save. Through God we have the power to change. To live Godly lives and to honor God through all that we do!
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Jesus birth into this world was filled with majesty! Jesus was every single thing that the Old Testament said he would be and so much more than ever could have been conceived. What an honor to live today and be able to look back and understand the complete story of God gracious promise!
We get the benefit of seeing the scriptures as a whole. We know when he came, why he came, and how he came. God has revealed to us things angels longed to have know and yet were kept from fully understanding. Salvation has come to earth and we have Gods full grace and mercy poured out onto us without measure!
Listen to the words of Isaiah the prophet as he describes ourLord Jesus!
Isaiah 53:1-12
We have been set free! We have been given a second chance without merit. We have been forgiven without deserving grace. What sins have you committed. What horrible acts do you regret? Who have you hurt with your selfish nature. What relationship have you ruined because of your pride? Jesus came to set us free from sin and guilt! Repentance starts with accepting God's gift of grace and falling on your knees in complete obedience to Gods plan for your life! Jesus came to mend the broken hearted, to repair the damage of sin, and to reconcile us to God!
Praise God for Jesus and his mercy. Praise God for his unfailing love unfailing his power to save. Through God we have the power to change. To live Godly lives and to honor God through all that we do!
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Monday, December 4, 2017
Isaiah 41
""Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. "All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you," declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs.
so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.
"Tell us, you idols, what is going to happen. Tell us what the former things were, so that we may consider them and know their final outcome. Or declare to us the things to come, tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods. Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear. But you are less than nothing and your works are utterly worthless; whoever chooses you is detestable."
Isaiah 41:2, 10-11, 13-14, 18, 20, 22-24 NIV
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Sunday, December 3, 2017
Christmas and knowing God
Christmas and knowing God
What people believe when they think of Christmas? The holiday is celebrated by other religious people other than Christians. But christmas like christianity has become "all about me" and what I can benefit from it and less about God and the reason for why we worship.
We need to put more effort into knowing God and to know what God wants from us and less about what God can do for us! People pick a church based on how they feel and less about what God says.
Who is God? What matters to God? Where did God come from? You don't truly know someone unless you can answer those questions.
John 1:1-14
If you do not recognize God you will not receive him. You cant have a relationship with him without knowing him.
Scriptures that create questions about God that take thought to answer and require pondering! Who is God, how does he work. Genesis 3:22; Exodus 8:9-10; Romans 8:28;
Just like in a love relationship you want to know that person, you want to discover knew mysteries about them and you study their personalities and characters.
John 1:15-18
Jesus knew God better than anyone! What did he do with all that knowledge about God? "He made him know!" When you know God that is what you do. You want to share God!
We represent God the same way Jesus did. Jesus lived a life that shined in the darkness. We are called to represent God and shine as well!
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What people believe when they think of Christmas? The holiday is celebrated by other religious people other than Christians. But christmas like christianity has become "all about me" and what I can benefit from it and less about God and the reason for why we worship.
We need to put more effort into knowing God and to know what God wants from us and less about what God can do for us! People pick a church based on how they feel and less about what God says.
Who is God? What matters to God? Where did God come from? You don't truly know someone unless you can answer those questions.
John 1:1-14
If you do not recognize God you will not receive him. You cant have a relationship with him without knowing him.
Scriptures that create questions about God that take thought to answer and require pondering! Who is God, how does he work. Genesis 3:22; Exodus 8:9-10; Romans 8:28;
Just like in a love relationship you want to know that person, you want to discover knew mysteries about them and you study their personalities and characters.
John 1:15-18
Jesus knew God better than anyone! What did he do with all that knowledge about God? "He made him know!" When you know God that is what you do. You want to share God!
We represent God the same way Jesus did. Jesus lived a life that shined in the darkness. We are called to represent God and shine as well!
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Saturday, December 2, 2017
Ephesians 2:1-10
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:1-10
— What dead in road were you on when God saved you? Following the path of the world leads straight to destruction! Dead men walking blinded by our own sins!
— when you follow your selfish desires and make decisions on passions of the flesh you r taking a path away from God!
— We were born opposed to God and in our sinful natures were subject to his wrath. Our sin justifies the judgement against us and we have no hope but to find salvation in Jesus!
— Praise God for his great mercy and the grace that he freely gives! His love is so great that he would not stand to watch us be condemned with out hope! Praise Jesus for his sacrifice and his willingness to accept our punishment and blame!
— What an amazing God we serve! Not only have we been saved and forgiven without merit, God has seated us in a place of honor!
— What did we do to deserve such treatment? Nothing! Gods only request is that we have faith and believe! We are not expected to be perfect or earn our salvation in some way. We do not have a debt that has to be repaid at a certain time. God just simply asks that we make an effort to be obedient and when we fall He is does not count it against us!
— We were created in Gods image and for this very purpose! All we can do in response to this is love and worship God with all our hearts!
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Ephesians 2:1-10
— What dead in road were you on when God saved you? Following the path of the world leads straight to destruction! Dead men walking blinded by our own sins!
— when you follow your selfish desires and make decisions on passions of the flesh you r taking a path away from God!
— We were born opposed to God and in our sinful natures were subject to his wrath. Our sin justifies the judgement against us and we have no hope but to find salvation in Jesus!
— Praise God for his great mercy and the grace that he freely gives! His love is so great that he would not stand to watch us be condemned with out hope! Praise Jesus for his sacrifice and his willingness to accept our punishment and blame!
— What an amazing God we serve! Not only have we been saved and forgiven without merit, God has seated us in a place of honor!
— What did we do to deserve such treatment? Nothing! Gods only request is that we have faith and believe! We are not expected to be perfect or earn our salvation in some way. We do not have a debt that has to be repaid at a certain time. God just simply asks that we make an effort to be obedient and when we fall He is does not count it against us!
— We were created in Gods image and for this very purpose! All we can do in response to this is love and worship God with all our hearts!
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Sunday, November 26, 2017
Gratitude is a necessity in our relationship God. U
Gratitude is a necessity in our relationship God. Unfortunately Being grateful is unnatural. Gratitude creates a happy life style and a health outlook. Ungratefulness is really a by product of dissatisfaction and lacking contentment. So how do we put on gratitude in our lives? You have to start simple! Breath, life, nature, all the beautiful things that God has created for you!
Psalms 19
David had the right perspective of who he was and who God is and how he fit in Gods creation. David was grateful and praise God. David was grateful for Gods word which allowed him to be grateful for the other things in his life! Look at the ways that David described Gods word! If your grateful for the word you read it, study it, and live it! David was also grateful for forgiveness. When you realize your forgiven it is easy to forgive others and gratefulness comes easy. When you know your forgiven your life changes. Nothing can rob you of joy!
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Psalms 19
David had the right perspective of who he was and who God is and how he fit in Gods creation. David was grateful and praise God. David was grateful for Gods word which allowed him to be grateful for the other things in his life! Look at the ways that David described Gods word! If your grateful for the word you read it, study it, and live it! David was also grateful for forgiveness. When you realize your forgiven it is easy to forgive others and gratefulness comes easy. When you know your forgiven your life changes. Nothing can rob you of joy!
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The man with gratitude!
The man with gratitude!
Luke 17:11-19
Nine men obeyed Jesus and went away. They were not bad men. They were obedient and went an showed them selves to the priest. The samaritan was exceptional and the only one who came back and said thank you! To Jesus, gratitude was note worthy and worth talking about. The story's main theme is not about Jesus healing power but about the one man that came back and was grateful!
Romans 1:24-31
The man that has gone head long into the world and given themselves over to every sin the world has to offer. How does someone become like that? How do they get there? Romans 1:21-23
It begins with an unwillingness to be thankful for God! Lack of gratitude for God leads to a road of destruction that you may not be able to return from!
Gratitude is not just an act of courtesy but a necessary action that we must have in our hearts to have a relationship with God.
Why is it so hard to be grateful?
We allow ourselves to be the center of our universe. We think we deserve instead of thinking we do not deserve. When we come to expect something we no longer give thanks for it. How grateful can you be when you think you deserve everything?
How can we be more grateful? You open your eyes and see what God has done in your life. You focus on the blessings you have and not on the stuff you do not have!
Make a list of all the things that God has given you and see how it changes your perspective! Make a list of all the things you are thankful for on something and you will be grateful! Look at that list often and you'll stop focusing on all the things you do not have. We have so much to be grateful for!
Luke 17:19 why would Jesus say this to the one guy that came back? Did the other nine not get healed? Jesus says you don't just get a physical healing you get a spiritual one as well! The samaritans gratitude healed and made him well spiritually!
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Luke 17:11-19
Nine men obeyed Jesus and went away. They were not bad men. They were obedient and went an showed them selves to the priest. The samaritan was exceptional and the only one who came back and said thank you! To Jesus, gratitude was note worthy and worth talking about. The story's main theme is not about Jesus healing power but about the one man that came back and was grateful!
Romans 1:24-31
The man that has gone head long into the world and given themselves over to every sin the world has to offer. How does someone become like that? How do they get there? Romans 1:21-23
It begins with an unwillingness to be thankful for God! Lack of gratitude for God leads to a road of destruction that you may not be able to return from!
Gratitude is not just an act of courtesy but a necessary action that we must have in our hearts to have a relationship with God.
Why is it so hard to be grateful?
We allow ourselves to be the center of our universe. We think we deserve instead of thinking we do not deserve. When we come to expect something we no longer give thanks for it. How grateful can you be when you think you deserve everything?
How can we be more grateful? You open your eyes and see what God has done in your life. You focus on the blessings you have and not on the stuff you do not have!
Make a list of all the things that God has given you and see how it changes your perspective! Make a list of all the things you are thankful for on something and you will be grateful! Look at that list often and you'll stop focusing on all the things you do not have. We have so much to be grateful for!
Luke 17:19 why would Jesus say this to the one guy that came back? Did the other nine not get healed? Jesus says you don't just get a physical healing you get a spiritual one as well! The samaritans gratitude healed and made him well spiritually!
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Sunday, November 5, 2017
Making every effort!
Making every effort!
What is it to make every effort? What goes into "making every effort"?
Ephesians 4:1-3
Why did Paul say keep the unity? Is unity natural? It takes a constant effort to be unified! In order to have unity we must be prisoners of the Lord. Think about that? In prison you don't call the shots. You eat when they says it's time to eat, you sleep when they say you can sleep...etc.
What is your biggest struggle? Patience, humility, gentleness? What efforts are you making to overcome that struggle? What is God calling you to make more effort in?
Jesus is the reason we are unified! Jesus is the complete example of patience, humility, and gentleness. Unity provides a strength that you can provide on your own.
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What is it to make every effort? What goes into "making every effort"?
Ephesians 4:1-3
Why did Paul say keep the unity? Is unity natural? It takes a constant effort to be unified! In order to have unity we must be prisoners of the Lord. Think about that? In prison you don't call the shots. You eat when they says it's time to eat, you sleep when they say you can sleep...etc.
What is your biggest struggle? Patience, humility, gentleness? What efforts are you making to overcome that struggle? What is God calling you to make more effort in?
Jesus is the reason we are unified! Jesus is the complete example of patience, humility, and gentleness. Unity provides a strength that you can provide on your own.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, November 4, 2017
The Church Building
The Church Building
Throughout the bible God has had special places of worship and special places of significance that gave a physical presence for God! For example, Genesis 26:16-18, Exodus 3:4-5. God is everywhere and yet some places are considered holy ground. There a places where you can go and feel the presences of God more freely, or a place where thousands of people chose to repent before you! Leviticus 16:3, 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Luke 17:20-21 Jesus recognized that God was not a physical being that is trapped in one location or another but that is all omnipotent! Even though God built holy places several times. Unlike God we do live in a physical word and God knows the importance of the visual and physical world and what how it matters to us.
Psalms 16:1-8 "a miktam" which basically means a treasure or a jewel. Several psalms are denoted as a miktam and this is one of the. Why? It's a beautiful song and poem that expresses David's heart! God is David's refuge! Two things that stand out. "Part from you I have nothing" and "in who is all my delight". David wrote these verses in very tough times when he was persecuted and facing death everyday!
Apart from God nothing is good! How is this be true for you? Many things are good but without God we view them as not as good! We value God above everything and having God makes any circumstances good. Apart from God we should not want any good thing!
What do you most delight in about God? Do you delight in the things that God delights in? Do you delight in Gods people? Do you look at the church, the bride of Christ, and delight in it or do you view the church with skepticism or criticism in your heart?
Learn to love what God loves!
Psalms 16:9-11, Acts 2:29-33 David traditional,y was not a prophet and yet because of the out poring of emotion to God and the great-full heart that David had for God and what he had done for him; David prophesied about the coming of Jesus.
Sent from my iPhone
Throughout the bible God has had special places of worship and special places of significance that gave a physical presence for God! For example, Genesis 26:16-18, Exodus 3:4-5. God is everywhere and yet some places are considered holy ground. There a places where you can go and feel the presences of God more freely, or a place where thousands of people chose to repent before you! Leviticus 16:3, 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Luke 17:20-21 Jesus recognized that God was not a physical being that is trapped in one location or another but that is all omnipotent! Even though God built holy places several times. Unlike God we do live in a physical word and God knows the importance of the visual and physical world and what how it matters to us.
Psalms 16:1-8 "a miktam" which basically means a treasure or a jewel. Several psalms are denoted as a miktam and this is one of the. Why? It's a beautiful song and poem that expresses David's heart! God is David's refuge! Two things that stand out. "Part from you I have nothing" and "in who is all my delight". David wrote these verses in very tough times when he was persecuted and facing death everyday!
Apart from God nothing is good! How is this be true for you? Many things are good but without God we view them as not as good! We value God above everything and having God makes any circumstances good. Apart from God we should not want any good thing!
What do you most delight in about God? Do you delight in the things that God delights in? Do you delight in Gods people? Do you look at the church, the bride of Christ, and delight in it or do you view the church with skepticism or criticism in your heart?
Learn to love what God loves!
Psalms 16:9-11, Acts 2:29-33 David traditional,y was not a prophet and yet because of the out poring of emotion to God and the great-full heart that David had for God and what he had done for him; David prophesied about the coming of Jesus.
Sent from my iPhone
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