JONAH- When You Don't Like God's Plan pt 2 // Wednesday, November 4, 2020

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Wednesday, November 4, 2020 

Jonah - When You Don’t Like God’s Plan (Part 2)

What to remember when things don’t go my way: 

1. God has better understanding than me.

Jonah 4: 4 (NLT)      The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”

Job 38: 2 - 4 (NLT) “Who is this that questions my wisdom  with such ignorant words? 3 Brace yourself like a man,  because I have some questions for you,  and you must answer them. 4“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much.

Jonah 4: 5 (NLT)   Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city.

2. God is good to me even when I have a bad attitude.

Jonah 4: 6 (NLT)  And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.

3. God is in control.

Jonah 4: 7 & 8 (NLT)  But God also arranged for a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. 8 And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed.

a.  God is in the details.

Jonah 4: 9 (NLT) Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?” “Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”

4. Focus on the eternal.

Jonah 4: 10 & 11 (NLT)  Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. 11 But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”

2 Corinthians 4: 18 (NLT)  So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

JONAH- When You Don't Like God's Plan pt 1 // Wednesday, October 28, 2020

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Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Jonah - When You Don’t Like God’s Plan (Part 1)

Chapter 1  Jonah Rebelling & Running From God  

Chapter 2  Jonah Repenting & Running Back To God 

Chapter 3  Jonah Restarting & Running With God      

Chapter 4  Jonah Regretting & Resenting God

5 MISTAKES THAT MADE JONAH MISERABLE

 (These make us miserable too)

     1. Jonah thought he could ignore his Mission. He ran from God.

     2. Jonah was prejudiced against people God created and loved.

     3. Jonah cared more about his politics than people’s salvation.

     4. Jonah was only interested in his nation, not God’s world.

     5. Jonah reluctantly fulfilled his Mission, but with a bad attitude.

2. Additional Mistakes:  They both involve RESENTMENT:

Jonah 3: 10 – 4: 2 (ESV)  10When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.   But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.

1.  Resenting God’s plan when it doesn’t fit MY plan.

a.     Frustration: … it displeased Jonah exceedingly…

b.    Anger:  … he was angry.

c.     Self-pity:  … he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said

when I was yet in my country? 

Jonah 4: 5 (ESV)  Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

d.    Depression: … O Lord, please take my life from me…

e.    Despondency: … it is better for me to die than to live.

Matthew 6: 14 & 15 (ESV)  For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

3 Reasons why I must forgive others:

1. I’ve been forgiven for my past wrongs.

2. Unforgiveness makes me miserable.

3. I’ll need forgiveness is the future.

2. Resenting God’s mercy to others.

Jonah 4: 2 (ESV) And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.

JONAH- When God Grants Me Another Chance pt 2

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Wednesday, October 21, 2020

When God Grants Me Another Chance (Part 2)

When God Grants Me Another Chance…    Last Week:

1. Prioritize my mission.

Circumstances may change me, but my mission doesn't change.

Romans 11: 29 (ESV)  ...the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.  

 2. Don’t Delay...OBEY!

Jonah 3: 3 (ESV)   So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord…

 3. Accept the responsibilities of my mission.

Jonah 3: 3 & 4 (ESV)   Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days' journey in breadth. 4 Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” 

We should RECEIVE warnings HUMBLY

We should GIVE warnings COMPASSIONATELY

When should we give warnings?

When people are not thinking wisely.  When people are not acting wisely.

4.   Expect God to use me.

Jonah 3: 5 - 10 (ESV)  And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. 6 The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste    anything. Let them not feed or drink water, 8 but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. 9 Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” 10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.

Hebrews 3: 13 - 15 (NLT) You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. 14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. 15 Remember what it says:   “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.”

JONAH- When God Grants Me Another Chance

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Wednesday, October 14, 2020

When God Grants Me Another Chance (Part 1)

Jonah 3: 1 (ESV)  Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time...

God takes pleasure in showing us mercy & grace

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

Lamentations 3: 22 & 23 (ESV)  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

When God Grants Me Another Chance

1. Prioritize my mission.

2 Corinthians 6: 1 (NLT)   As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.

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

Jonah 3: 1 & 2 (ESV)  Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.”

Circumstances may change me, but my mission doesn't change.

Romans 11: 29 (ESV)  ...the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.  

When God Grants Me Another Chance…

2. Don’t Delay...OBEY!

Jonah 3: 3 (ESV)  So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord…

JONAH- When You Hit Bottom pt 2 // Wednesday, October 7, 2020

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Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Jonah - When You Hit Bottom (Part 2)

When you hit bottom… 

3.   Identify what caused you to feel hopeless.

Jonah 2: 3 - 6 (ESV)

   For you cast me into the deep,  into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me;  all your waves and your billows passed over me.  4 Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight;  yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.’ 5 The waters closed in over me to take my life;  the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head 6 at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.

What causes us to FEEL hopeless?

· Feeling in over my head.

Jonah 2: 3 ...you cast me into the deep…

· Feeling like I’ve hit bottom.

Jonah 2: 3  ...into the heart of the seas… 

· Feeling out of control / powerless.

Jonah 2: 3  ...the flood surrounded me…   

· Feeling overwhelmed.

Jonah 2: 3 ...all your waves and your billows passed over me. 

· Feeling rejected / lonely.

Jonah 2: 4   Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight…                      

· Feeling remorse / regret.

Jonah 2: 4 ...yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.             

· Feeling fearful.

Jonah 2: 5  The waters closed in over me to take my life;  the deep surrounded me; 

weeds were wrapped about my head.                                      

· Feeling trapped / stuck.

Jonah 2: 6  I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever

When you hit bottom…

4. Make your request specific.

Jonah 2: 2 (ESV) ...I called out to the Lord... I cried, and you heard my voice.

5.  God’s goodness.

Jonah 2: 7 (ESV)  When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.                                                 

6. Reject false doctrine.    

Jonah 2: 8 (ESV)  Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. 

How do I show god my gratitude?

· Through singing. 

· Through giving.

· Through complying.

Romans 11: 29 (ESV) the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

Jonah 2: 10 (ESV)  And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out  upon the dry land.

Jonah 2: 6 (ESV) I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.

7. Express gratitude to God BEFORE His blessings are manifested.

Jonah 2: 9 (ESV) But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!”

JONAH - When You Hit Bottom // Wednesday, Sept 30, 2020

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Wednesday, September 23, 2020

When You Hit Bottom (Part 1)

When you hit bottom… 

1.   Look UP to God.

Jonah 2: 1 (ESV)

   Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish.

Mark 9: 28 & 29 (ESV)

   ...when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them,  “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

2.  Pray passionately!

Jonah 2: 2 (ESV)                                           

   “I called out to the Lord,  out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried,  and you heard my voice.

HEAVEN pt 2 - Is God Good? // Midweek Wednesday, July 15, 2020

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Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Is God Good?      

Heaven – Part 2

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (I don’t lack anything) 2  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, My cup overflows. 6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.     Psalm 23: 1 – 6 (ESV)

What is heaven?

1.     It’s an actual place.

2.   Heaven is an eternal place.

3.   Heaven is an exclusive place.

How is heaven different?

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

What will NOT be in heaven?

What will we do in Heaven?

1.   Experience Reunion.

1 Thessalonians 4: 17 (ESV) Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

2.   Receive Rewards.

Colossians 3: 24 (NLT) Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Hebrews 10: 35 (NLT) So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!

1 Peter 1: 4 (NLT) ...we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

3.   Righteous Work.

Matthew 25: 21 (NLT) ”The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!

Revelation 22: 3 - 5 (NLT) No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. 4 And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. 5 And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.

HEAVEN - Is God Good? // Midweek Wednesday, July 8, 2020

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Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Is God Good? 

Heaven

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (I don’t lack anything). 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalm 23: 1 – 6 (ESV)

  Ephesians 2: 5 - 7 (NLT)  ...even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

What is heaven?

1.   It’s an actual place.

  John 14: 2-3 (ESV) In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

2.   Heaven is an eternal place.

2 Corinthians 5: 1 (ESV) For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

3.   Heaven is an exclusive place.

Revelation 21: 27 (ESV)  ...nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Matthew 7: 13 & 14 (NLT)  “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

How is heaven different?

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

What will NOT be in heaven?

 

NO FEAR pt 2 - Is God Good? // Midweek Wednesday, July 1, 2020

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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Is God Good?      

No Fear – Part 2

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (I don’t lack anything) 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, My cup overflows. 6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.                       Psalm 23: 1 – 6 (ESV)

Why I don’t need to fear the future:

1.    Because God’s goodness follows me.

2.    Because God’s grace is at work in me.

3.   Because God’s glory is waiting for me.

How to live Fully  &  Fearlessly…

1.    Be Grateful & Generous, because God is good to me.

Psalm 118: 29 (ESV) Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Hebrews 12: 28 (ESV) Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.

Matthew 10: 8 (NLT) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

Psalm 112: 5 - 9 (ESV) It is well with the man who deals  generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. 6 For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. 7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. 9 He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.

2.    Be gracious to everyone, because God has been gracious to me. 

Ephesians 4: 32 (ESV) Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.  

1 John 4: 18 (NLT) Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

3.    Live for God’s glory because He will share His glory with me.  

Matthew 5: 16 (ESV) ...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

2 Peter 1: 3 (ESV) His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.

NO FEAR - Is God Good? // Midweek Wednesday, June 24, 2020

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Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Is God Good?      

No Fear

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (I don’t lack anything) 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, My cup overflows. 6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.                       Psalm 23: 1 – 6 (ESV)

Why I don’t need to fear the future:

1.    Because God’s goodness follows me.

Psalm 23: 6 (ESV) Surely goodness...shall follow me all the days of my life 

Psalm 91: 11 (ESV) For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Romans 8: 28 (ESV) ... we know that for those who love God all things work together for good...

2.    Because God’s grace is at work in me.

Psalm 23: 6 (ESV) Surely... mercy...shall follow me all the days of my life

Isaiah 60: 10 (NLT) I will now have mercy on you through my grace.

Psalm 103: 2 - 13 (NLT) Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3  He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. 5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! 6 The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. 7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. 13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

Hebrews 4: 16 (NLT) ..let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

3.   Because God’s glory is waiting for me.

Psalm 23: 6 (ESV) ...I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

Romans 9: 23 (NLT) He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory.

OVERFLOW - Is God Good? // Midweek Wednesday, June 17, 2020

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Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Is God Good?      

Overflow

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (I don’t lack anything)
2  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, My cup overflows.      Psalm 23: 1 – 5 (ESV)

Two Mindsets on Life:

1.     A shortage mindset:

2.     A surplus mindset:

My cup?  My Life!

John 7: 37 & 38 (NLT) On the last day, the climax of the festival,  Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!  38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”

What is an overflowing life?

John 10: 10 (ESV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

How do I  live an overflowing life?

1.   Daily connection to Jesus.

John 15: 5 (ESV) I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit,   for apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15: 10 & 11 (ESV) If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love,  just as I have kept my Father's commandments   and abide in his love.  11 These things I have spoken to you,  that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

How do I  live an overflowing life?

2.  Quit complaining & grateful.

Philippians 2: 14 (NLT) Do everything without complaining and arguing.

Colossians 2: 7 (NLT)  Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught,  and you will overflow with thankfulness.

3.     End comparing & begin contentment

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

Ecclesiastes 4: 10 (NLT) Better to have one handful with Quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind.

4.      End stinginess, sow generously

2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 8 (NLT) Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”  8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

ANNOINTED - Is God Good? // Midweek Wednesday, June 10, 2020

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Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Is God Good?      

Anointed

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (I don’t lack anything) 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil…       Psalm 23: 1 – 5 (ESV)

Anointed by God:  INTERNAL

Anointed by man:  EXTERNAL

1.  When God appoints, He anoints.

1 Thessalonians 5: 24 (ESV) He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

2.    God’s anointing makes me a better person.

1 Samuel 10: 1, 6 & 7 (NLT) Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it over Saul’s head. He kissed Saul and said,  “I am doing this because the Lord has appointed you to be the ruler over Israel,  his special possession.  6 At that time the Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you,  and you will prophesy with them. You will be changed into a  different person.  7 After these signs take place,   do what must be done, for God is with you. 

3.    God’s anointing makes difficult  tasks easier.

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

Philippians 4: 13 (ESV) I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

4.    God’s anointing makes the impossible possible.

Luke 18: 27 (NLT) ...What is impossible for people is possible with God.

Ephesians 3: 20 (ESV) Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.

6.    God anoints my life to bless others.

Isaiah 61: 1 - 3 (ESV) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;   2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion — to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

IS GOD GOOD? He Lifts Me Up // Midweek- Wednesday, June 3, 2020

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Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Is God Good?      

He Lifts Me Up

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (I don’t lack anything) 2  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…                                                                                                                                      Psalm 23: 1 – 5 (ESV)

Opposing Forces:

1.  The World System

John 6: 33 (NLT) ...Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

 1 John 2: 15 - 17 (NLT) Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.  

2.   Satan. 

1 Peter 5: 8 (ESV) Be sober-minded;  be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  

3.   My old nature.

Romans 7: 23 (NLT) ...there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me  slave to the sin that is still within me.

What does the banquet represent?

1.   God celebrates our fellowship. 

Job 36: 16 (NLT) God is leading you away from danger, Job, to a place free from distress. He is setting your table with the best food.

2.    God wants to bless you for His glory.

Psalm 31: 19 (NLT) How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.

What’s on the menu?

1.   God’s promises.

Psalm 119: 103 (NLT) How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

Psalm 36: 7 - 9 (NLT) How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. 8 You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. 9 For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.

One day… 

   Isaiah 25: 7 - 9 (NLT) There he will remove the cloud of gloom,  the shadow of death that hangs over the earth.8 He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears.  He will remove forever all insults and mockery  against his land and people. The Lord has spoken! 9 In that day the people will proclaim “This is our God!  We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted.  Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!”

IS GOD GOOD? The Shepherd's Care // Midweek Wednesday, May 27, 2020

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Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Is God Good?   The Shepherds; Care

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (I don’t lack anything)
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4     Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.                                                                                                                                      Psalm 23: 1 – 4 (ESV)  

John 10: 10 & 11 (ESV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

The Shepherds Care…

1.   Is compassionate.

Matthew 9: 36 (NLT) When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 20: 26 (NLT) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many

2.    He leads me in the right direction…  

Psalm 23: 3 (ESV) He leads me in paths of Righteousness…

John 10: 4 (NLT) After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.  

3.    When I wander, He brings me back. 

Matthew 18: 12 (NLT) If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?

Luke 19: 10 (NLT) For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.

Psalm 119: 67 & 68 (NLT) I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. 68 You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.

4.  He Rescues & Recovers. 

Matthew 12: 11 & 12 (NLT) ...If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. 12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! 

Psalm 71: 20 (NLT) You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.

5. He sustains me.

John 10: 27 - 30 (NLT) My sheep listen to my voice; know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me,  and he is more powerful than anyone else.   No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”

2 Peter 1: 3 (NLT) By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

IS GOD GOOD? Led by the Spirit // Midweek Wednesday, May 20, 2020

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Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Is God Good?     Led by The Spirit

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (I don’t lack anything)
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.                           Psalm 23: 1 – 3 (ESV)  

Romans 8: 14 (NLT) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

I must stop being led by...

1.   My culture.

Romans 12: 2 (NLT)  Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,  but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you,  which is good and pleasing and perfect.

2.   My friends.

1 John 3: 7 (NLT)  Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right,  it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous.

3.  Pagan practices.

Deuteronomy 18: 9 - 12 (NLT)  When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there.  10 For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, 11 or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.  It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the Lord your God will drive them out ahead of you.

4.   My circumstances.

Acts 27: 10; 13 - 15 (NLT)  “Men,”  he said,  “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on—shipwreck,  loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” 13 When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete.14 But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a “northeaster”) burst across the island and blew us out to sea. 15 The sailors couldn’t turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale.

5.  My feelings.

Proverbs 14: 12 (ESV)  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.  

 Isaiah 53: 6 (NLT)  All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.                         

 To be led by the Spirit I must…

1.     Desire His leading.

 Psalm 40: 8 (NLT) I take joy in doing your will,  my God,  for your instructions are written on my heart. 

2.  Be willing to comply.

John 7: 17 (NLT)  Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.

3.  Focus on God’s Word.

   Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.   Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

  Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. Psalm 119: 133 (NLT)

4.  Ask for His guidance.

   ...You do not have, because you do not ask.    James 4: 2 (ESV)

Psalm 27: 11 (ESV) Teach me your way,  O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

· Ask in humility

Psalm 25: 9 (ESV) He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

· Ask in faith

James 1: 5 & 6 (ESV)  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach,  and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 

5.  Wait to hear from God.

Job 33: 14 (NLT)  For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it.

 

 

IS GOD GOOD? He Revives & Refreshes // Midweek Wednesday, May 13, 2020

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Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Is God Good?  //  He Revives & Refreshes 

Psalm 23: 1 - 3 (ESV)  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.3 He restores my soul...

What damages your soul?

1.  Grudges…          

Job 5: 2 (NLT)  Surely resentment destroys the fool…

How does God Refresh & Revive?

He transforms my Hurts into Holiness... 

Romans 8: 28 (ESV) ...we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 

Romans 8: 29 (ESV)  For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 

How should I respond?

Release the people who hurt you…

2.  Guilt…              

Psalm 38: 4 (NLT)  My guilt overwhelms me—it is a burden too heavy to bear.

Proverbs 20: 27 (NLT)  The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.

How does God Refresh & Revive?

He takes my sins upon Himself...

Isaiah 53: 5 & 6 (ESV)  But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.

How should I respond?

Trust God to forgive my sins!

Romans 3: 23 & 24 (ESV)  ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

1 John 1: 9 (ESV)  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Micah 7: 19 (NLT)  Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!

What damages your soul?

3. Grief…            

Psalm 31: 9 (NLT) Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away.

How does God Refresh & Revive?

He feels and Heals…

Isaiah 53: 3 & 4 (NLT)  He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. 4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins!

Psalm 147: 3 (ESV) He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Isaiah 61: 3 (NLT)  To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

How should I respond?

Cooperate with God…

Isaiah 43: 2  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;  and through the  rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,  and the flame shall not consume you.

Psalm 19: 7 (ESV)  The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple

IS GOD GOOD // Midweek Wednesday, May 6, 2020

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020  //  Is God Good?

He Revives & Refreshes 

Psalm 23: 1 - 3 (ESV) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul...

What damages your soul?

1.  Grudges

Job 5: 2 (NLT) Surely resentment destroys the fool…

How does God Refresh & Revive?

He transforms my Hurts into Holiness... 

God wants to take our bad and turn it around for good

Romans 8: 28 (ESV) ...we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 

Romans 8: 29 (ESV) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

How should I respond?

Release the people who hurt you…

Ephesians 4: 31 & 32 (ESV) Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Romans 4: 19 (NASB) Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

 

 

He Calms My Anxieties // Midweek Wednesday, April 29, 2020

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Growth Assignment

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

He Calms My Anxieties

"He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters." - Psalm 23: 2

"He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession." James 1: 18 (NLT)

1. We were so important to God that he sent his only son to die for us so that we could be with him in Heaven. What actions are you taking to thank him for this gift of unconditional love? What steps can we take to stay focused on our identity in Christ rather than idolizing what we do for a living?

"Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind." - Ecclesiastes 4: 6 (ESV)

2. Advertising drives us to believe our contentment is in having more things. The paradox is we can easily ignore the abundance of God’s blessings and strive for more material goods. How can you change to enjoy your material blessings and reduce your desire to overwork?

3. Take a few minutes and think about the values that are most important in your life. Which can you abandon in order to re-establish peace amid the chaos in your life? How can you reinstate healthier values and a slower pace and see them as God’s gracious provisions for peace?