Pastor Shane: Recent Episodes
Pastor Shane Moffitt
The WAY is “how” Jesus Works Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but by me” John 14:6 LESSON: the Biblical word for
WORSHIP is
SACRIFICE ~ letting go and letting
God do what HE desires
LESSON: the AMERICAN WAY is to
build
God’s church on CONSUMERISM
LESSON: CONSUMERISM identifies
what they
want ~ offers what they want ~
satisfies what they want
LESSON: the AMERICAN WAY offers
entertainment, satisfaction,
excitement,
and preferences catered to
LESSON: America is the world’s
largest
CONSUMER ~ selfishness has
infected the Church of Jesus
LESSON: we cannot BUILD a God
fearing ~
God worshipping church ~ by using
CONSUMER selfish methods
LESSON: we cannot ignore the
JESUS WAY
in order to sell the JESUS TRUTH
LESSON: Jesus was kind &
gentle with sinners
seeking a forgiving Savior
LESSON: Jesus was
confrontational and abrupt
with proud religious leaders
LESSON: the WAY Jesus worked
was to meet
people where they were ~ met their
needs ~ and established a
relationship
Mark
1:15 NLT
“The
time has come,” he said. “The
kingdom
of
God has come near. Repent and believe
the good news!”
STEP #1: “repent” * A
decision to leave one way of life and set out on another ~ a change of mind
& heart that results in a change of direction
STEP #2: “believe” (this kingdom)
- A
personal trusting relationship that impacts every area of your life
STEP #3:
“follow me” Mark 1:17
- Gets us moving
obediently in day by day life that is consistent with the JESUS WAY
LESSON: to follow Jesus means
that we live a
life that reveals the character and
influence of JESUS
LESSON: to follow Jesus means
that we can’t
separate what Jesus is SAYING
from
the WAY He is doing it
WAY: a noun naming a road
or path or highway
WAY: metaphor for the way
we talk, treat one
another, raise our children,
worship, work
~ it characterizes our way of life
John 3:16 “For God” * The Bible reveals the
nature, character,
and
work of God
- We cannot understand
God apart from
His
work ~ because what God does ~
flows from who He is
- God is sovereign ~ that
means he has the
absolute
freedom to do anything He wants
~ He
is only limited by his own nature
“so Loved”
- “But anyone who does not love does not
know God, for God is love.” 1 John
4:8 - God is love ~ 1 John 4:8
& 16 & 19 - God’s love seeks to
meet the needs of the one who is loved ~ rather than have the needs met by the
one who is loved - God’s love is durable ~
not temporary - God’s love is
sacrificial ~ not selfish
“the World”
- “ But
God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were
still sinners.” Romans
5:8 NLT - The Jews believed God
only loved Jews - They saw the world as
divided into HOLY (Jews) & UNHOLY (everyone else)
“that
He gave”
- “ Whatever
is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father….” James
1:17a NLT - God showed how much He
loves you by giving ~ sacrificial
“His only begotten Son”
- Ancient Hebrew custom ~
eldest son inherited the greatest share or even all - “There
is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in
Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 NLT
“that whosoever believeth”
- “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 NLT
- “believe”
is to both trust in & comply with ~ the opposite of “believe”
is to disobey
“should not perish but
have everlasting life”
- “perish”
is to be eternally lost - “For the wages of
sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”
Romans 6:23 - “Therefore, since we
have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of
what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us” Romans 5:1 NLT &
John 5:24
1: The Harmony Test
Is this decision in harmony with God's Word?
Psalm 119:105
what is the authority for my life? God or Me?
#2: The Integrity Test
Would I want everyone to know about it?
James 4:17 & Proverbs 10:9
does my personal life MATCH my private life?
#3: The Improvement Test
Will it make me a better person?
1 Corinthians 10:23
am I filling my mind with the best material?
#4: The Independence Test
Could it become addicting to me?
1 Corinthians 6:12
what dominates the majority of my time?
#5: The Influence Test
Will it hard other people?
Romans 14:12-13 & Romans 15:1-2
do I consider how my actions impact others?
#6: The Investment Test
Is it the best use of my time?
Ephesians 5:15-17 & Matthew 6:21
am I investing my life in things that matter for eternity?
Marks of Authentic Spiritual Service series Part 4: A Submissive Spirit
“10 One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. 11 For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.”
Romans 1:10-11 NLT
3 Conditions We Must Meet if we are to KNOW God’s Will #1: a teachable attitude
“I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own.
We are not able to plan our own course.”Jeremiah 10:23 NLT
#2: an intense desire to know God
“Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.”Psalm 37:5 NLT
#3: a willingness to do God’s will ~
whatever it is
“Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.”
John 7:17 NLT
What is God’s Will in these verses? 1 Timothy 2:3-4
John 13:34
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Colossians 3:17
Matthew 28:19-20
How Does God Teach Us His Will ? ~
the order they are listed is critical ~
#1: Daily pursue knowing God * Psalm 27:8
* Do not focus on knowing
God’s Will over knowing
God
#2: through prayer * James 1:5
* Philippians 4:6
* God uses prayer to
conform our heart and mind to match His heart and mind
#3: through God’s Word * Psalm 119:105 * Psalm 119:9
KEY:
obey what you already know
#4: through God’s Spirit’s prompting * John 10:27 * John 14:26
#5: through Biblical Godly counsel * Proverbs 11:14 * Proverbs 1:5
Remember * your relationship with God * is based on His performance ~ not yours * no choice you could make * no decision you could arrive at * no action you could take * will cause Him to love you more ~ or less * than He already does…
Philippians 1:9-11 NLT 9I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
10For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.
11May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Romans 1:8-10 NLT
8Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world.
9God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.
10One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you.
Jonah 3:1-4 NLT
Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: 2“Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.”
3This time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all.
4On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!”
Matthew 2:1-12 New Living Translation Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking,
2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.
4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared.
8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.
10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
John 1:1 New Living Translation
In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
John 1:14 New Living Translation
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
THOUGHT: Jesus was the VISIBLE expression of the INVISIBLE God ~ John 4:24
John 1:1 New Living Translation
In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
John 1:14 New Living Translation
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
THOUGHT: Jesus was the VISIBLE expression of the INVISIBLE God ~ John 4:24
Isaiah 9:6 NLT
For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 New Living Translation 16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Psalm 103 A psalm of David. 1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 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!
Luke 10:38-42
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.
39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.
40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Genesis 4:1-8 NLT
- When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground.
3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord.
4 Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift,
5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.
Genesis 3 & 4 we find VITAL clues to what is at the root of the destruction of all relationships.
SIN ALWAYS DIVIDES & DESTROYS ~ ALWAYS !!!!
Habakkuk 3 New Living Translation
Habakkuk’s Prayer
3 This prayer was sung by the prophet Habakkuk:
2I have heard all about you, Lord.
I am filled with awe by your amazing works.
In this time of our deep need,
help us again as you did in years gone by.
And in your anger,
remember your mercy.
The HARDEST lesson to learn is: "In our time of suffering ~ God does NOT give answers ~ instead ~ God gives HIMSELF ~ and HE is enough"
QUESTION: "So why does God allow sin & suffering?"
ANSWER: "To accomplish what is BEST for His people ~ and to give HIMSELF in a deeper way to HIS people"
Habakkuk Chapter 1: Habakkuk asks God WHY He allowed His people to live unchecked in their sin
Habakkuk Chapter 2: Habakkuk states that he is going to STAND GUARD and WAIT for God to explain why He is not stepping in and answering his prayer
Habakkuk Chapter 3: God speaks ~ and reveals His POWER and PRESENCE ~ Habakkuk stands SILENT in AWE
1: LISTEN ~ 2:1
"I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. These I will wait to see what the LORD says and how He will answer my Complaint"
-
WATCHTOWER ~ a metaphor for a place in your heart and mind ~ Proverbs 4:23
-
How do we do this? Be patient following the WORD of GOD into HIS Light & Hope
-
GUARD POST ~ a metaphor for your world view (belief system)
-
PURPOSE of "wait to see" ~ Psalm 85:8
#2: WRITE ~ 2:2
"Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others"
- WHY? "Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled" Romans 15:4 NLT
#3: WAIT ~ 2:3
"This vision is for the future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place"
-
God's answer is never early ~ never late ~ always right on time
-
"the end" ~ Babylon was going to conquer
-
"wait patiently" ~ todays world waits for nothing
-
Comfort and pleasure are #1 priority
-
as the speed of your life increases ~ the quality of your relationships DECREASE
WAITING: (a) presence & (b) service
- think of a restaurant "waiter"
Habakkuk 1:1-5 New Living Translation
1 This is the message that the prophet Habakkuk received in a vision.
Habakkuk’s Complaint
2 How long, O Lord, must I call for help?
But you do not listen!
“Violence is everywhere!” I cry,
but you do not come to save.
3 Must I forever see these evil deeds?
Why must I watch all this misery?
Wherever I look,
I see destruction and violence.
I am surrounded by people
who love to argue and fight.
4 The law has become paralyzed,
and there is no justice in the courts.
The wicked far outnumber the righteous,
so that justice has become perverted.
The Lord’s Reply
5 The Lord replied,
“Look around at the nations;
look and be amazed![a]
For I am doing something in your own day,
something you wouldn’t believe
even if someone told you about it.
Habakkuk 1:1-5 New Living Translation
1 This is the message that the prophet Habakkuk received in a vision.
Habakkuk’s Complaint
2 How long, O Lord, must I call for help?
But you do not listen!
“Violence is everywhere!” I cry,
but you do not come to save.
3 Must I forever see these evil deeds?
Why must I watch all this misery?
Wherever I look,
I see destruction and violence.
I am surrounded by people
who love to argue and fight.
4 The law has become paralyzed,
and there is no justice in the courts.
The wicked far outnumber the righteous,
so that justice has become perverted.
The Lord’s Reply
5 The Lord replied,
“Look around at the nations;
look and be amazed!
For I am doing something in your own day,
something you wouldn’t believe
even if someone told you about it.
Habakkuk 1: New Living Translation
1 This is the message that the prophet Habakkuk received in a vision.
Habakkuk’s Complaint / Prayer 2 How long, O Lord, must I call for help?
But you do not listen!
“Violence is everywhere!” I cry,
but you do not come to save.
3 Must I forever see these evil deeds?
Why must I watch all this misery?
Wherever I look,
I see destruction and violence.
I am surrounded by people
who love to argue and fight.
4 The law has become paralyzed,
and there is no justice in the courts.
The wicked far outnumber the righteous,
so that justice has become perverted.
God's Reply
The LORD replied, "Look around at the nations; and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it."
Romans 8:28-30 NLT
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.
For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
and having chosen then, He called them to come to Him. and having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself."
Romans 8 is all about living in a suffering broken world. So how do we as Christians live in a world like that?
You can experience God's JOY ~ to the degree you grasp ~ understand these 3 things:
#1: 8:28 ~ God causes bad things to turn out for good
- bad things happen to Christians ~ 1 Peter 4:12
God's promise is NOT that if you love God ~ you will have FEWER bad things happen to you ~ God's promise is that He will take all the bad things and work them ALL for good ~ Genesis 50:20
John Newton wrote: "everything that is necessary, God sends. and nothing can be necessary that He withholds"
WHAT KILLS YOUR JOY? (1) selfishness, (2) pride, (3) hard heart, (4) belief that you do not need God, (5) denial of flaws and weaknesses, (6) foolishness
KEY: God promises you a better LIFE ~ NOT better circumstances
#2: 8:29 ~ God has a purpose for us
#3: 8:30 ~ The best God has for us is yet to come
God's Still Small Voice
1 Kings 19:1-18
Background
Elijah had a public showdown with the false prophets of Baal ~ 1 Kings 18
Elijah EXPECTED God to do 1 of 2 things:
(1) change the heart of the king & queen to where they follow God
(2) if they refuse to change their hearts ~ to eliminate them and replace them with someone who follows the LORD
19:1 ~ the King told the Queen of Elijah's victory
19:2 ~ the Queen threatened to kill Elijah
19:3 ~ Elijah fired his servant ~ because he was quitting the ministry
19:4 ~ Elijah is depressed and in total despair
19:5 ~ God sent an angel to COOK
19:6 ~ Elijah had physical needs ~ exhaustion
19:7 ~ God's angel cared for Elijah's physical needs
19:8 ~ Elijah walked 40 days to mount Horeb (AKA mount Sinai)
19:9 "cave" is better translated "cleft of the rock"
READ: Exodus 33:12-23
19:10 ~ Elijah expected God to back his plan
19:11 ~ God gives His people what they NEED
19:12 ~ God shows up in many forms depending on His people need at that time
19:13 ~ God questioned Elijah ~ to reveal to Elijah the answer ~ that God already knew
19:14 ~ Elijah had emotional needs and God met those needs by patiently listening
19:15 ~ God said, "Elijah you did your plan ~ NOW lets work MY plan and see how it works"
19:16 ~ God's plan was to quietly put people where HE wanted them ~ to work and do HIS will
19:17 ~ God promised victory
19:18 ~ God assures Elijah that he was NOT alone
God was teaching Elijah the Gospel:
#1: You are more sinful than you believe
#2: You are more loved & accepted than you could ever hope
"you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, "Abba Father." Romans 8:15 NLT
#1: Prayer is PRIMAL "abba"
- "abba" literally means "dada" in infant speak
- WHY? an infant simply wants FACETIME with dada
- without God's Spirit ~ prayer is a tool for consumerism
- with God's Spirit ~ prayer is intimate
- matthew 6:5-6 pray alone in private ~ WHY? hypocrites pray when they WANT something ~ NOT to simply have FACETIME with God
#2: Prayer is REAL "cry"
- bad things happen to Christians
- "cry" is a deep emotional distress
- Matthew 14:30 "cried out"
- Romans 8:26 "Spirit Groans" and moves us closer toward the Father
- HOW? God's Spirit gives us faith to continue in times of struggle
- LESSON: When we "groan" toward the Father ~ we grow spiritually ~ that is a season of spiritual growth
#3: Prayer is POSITIONAL "Father"
- Luke 11 ~ Jesus prayed "Our Father" WHY? we must 1st understand our position
- the difference between the prayer of a Christian and a Non-Christian is the LANGUAGE OF INTIMACY
#4: Prayer is EXPERIENCE "by the Spirit"
- 8:15 convinces our spirit of the Gospel
- 8:16 comes alongside 8:15 adds assurance
- the thing we need ~ is for God to be REAL ~ and that happens in PRAYER
#5: Prayer is COMMUNAL "we"
- "our Father" ~ NOT ~ "my Father" in the Lord's Prayer
- you deepen your prayer life INDIVIDUALLY when you pray with OTHERS
So What Should I Pray For?
#1: Pray that God will exalt His name ~ Matthew 6:9
#2: Pray that God will build His kingdom ~ Matthew 6:10
#3: Pray that the Gospel will spread widely ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:1
#4: Pray for God's Spirit to fill God's People today ~ Luke 11:13 & Ephesians 3:19
#5: Pray that God will save unbelievers ~ Romans 10:1 & 1 Timothy 2:4 & 2 Peter 3:9
#6: Pray that God will use His WORD in our prayers ~ Ephesians 6:17-18
#7: Pray for boldness in your prayers ~ Acts 4:29 & Ephesians 6:18-19 & Hebrews 4:16
#8: Pray for God's people to experience revival ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14
#9: Pray for healing of the sick ~ James 5:14-15
#10: Pray for daily necessities ~ Matthew 6:11
#11: Pray for wisdom ~ James 1:5
#12: Pray that God would build Christian leaders ~ Acts 4:23
#13: Pray that God would send out workers ~ Matthew 9:38 & Acts 13:2-3
#14: Pray for Missionaries ~ Romans 15:30-31
#15: Pray for unity & harmony in the church ~ John 17:20-21
#16: Pray for spiritual growth in believers ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:10
#17: Pray for discernment ~ Philippians 1:9-10
#18: Pray to know God's Will ~ Colossians 1:9
#19: Pray to know God better ~ Colossians 1:10 & Ephesians 1:17
#20: Pray for power to know God's love ~ Ephesians 1:16-18
#21: Pray for strength & endurance ~ Colossians 1:11 & Ephesians 3:16
#22: Pray for an awareness of God's power ~ Ephesians 1:16-19
#23: Pray for faith to endure ~ Luke 22:23 & Luke 21:36 & 2 Thessalonians 1:11
#24: Pray for greater faith ~ Mark 9:24 & Ephesians 3:17
#25: Pray to avoid temptation ~ Matthew 6:13 & Matthew 26:41
#26: Pray that you do good works ~ Colossians 1:10
#27: Pray for forgiveness of your sins ~ Matthew 6:12
#28: Pray for protection from the evil one ~ Matthew 6:13
"Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we find grace to help us when we need it most" Hebrews 4:16 NLT
Garden Valley Community Church
Pastor Shane Moffitt
September 1st 2019
Prayer series
PART 2: Why Pray ?
-
Builds Our Relationship with Jesus
-
Helps Us Overcome Temptation
ü Matthew 26:41 ~ aware
“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
#1: SECRET of VICTORY over SIN
is to “watch and pray”
ü When we fail to “watch and pray” we
become frustrated, defeated and angry
ü READ: Luke 22:31-32 & Hebrews 7:25
ü When a Believer sins ~ it is because
he has failed to “watch and pray”
ü We fail to “watch and pray” WHEN we
feel CONFIDENT & INDEPENDENT
and think we have NO NEED for God
#2: WATCHING is…
ü “watching” is seeing the reality of our life
through God’s Word ~ Colossians 3:16
ü Genesis 3 ~ Adam & Eve were NOT
“watching” and believed Satan’s lie
ü “watching” means being spiritually alert
ü “watching” means having a mind that is
DAILY RENEWED by the reality of God
#3: Watching is a Eternal Focus
ü READ: Colossians 3:2
ü “watching” rejects the “3rd soil syndrome”
- Mark 4:19 focus on the worries of life ~
deceitfulness of wealth ~ desires for things
#4: Watching is spiritually prepared to deal
with the evil of this world
ü READ: Ephesians 6:10-
ü “watching” understands that Satan is
seeking to destroy his relationship
with God and his public testimony
#5: “watching” is thinking God’s thoughts
ü “watching” studies God’s Truth and is able to detect & reject false teaching
ü READ: Acts 20:20-31
#6: “watching” ~ repenting & turning from sin
ü READ: Colossians 3:1-4
The Believer’s RIGHT to pray and RECEIVE an answer from the living God ~ is the greatest PRIVILEGE possible for a Believer
ü READ: Hebrews 10:19-22
Prayer is ENTERING into the Most Holy Place ~ into the very presence of Almighty God
- Helps Us Determine God's Will
ü Luke 6:12-16 ~ decisions
- Prayer Accomplishes God's Work
ü John 14:12-14 “greater works”
- A Mighty Weapon of Spiritual Warfare
ü 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 ~ spiritual
- Fires a Spiritual Awakening
ü 2 Chronicles 7:14 ~ revival
- Prayer is Valuable to God in Worship
ü Revelation 5:8 & 8:3 ~ Leviticus 3:5
“ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Why Pray? series
#1: Prayer builds our relationship with Jesus
#2: Prayer helps us overcome temptation
Matthew 26:41 "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing but the body is weak!"
(1) SECRET of VICTORY over SIN is to "watch and pray"
-
when we fail to watch and pray we become frustrated, defeated, and angry
-
READ: Luke 22:31-32 & Hebrews 7:25
-
When a believer sins ~ it is because he has failed to watch and pray
-
we fail to watch and pray WHEN we feel confident and independent and think we have no need for God
(2) Watching is...
-
watching is seeing the reality of our life through the lens of God's Word ~ Colossians 3:16
-
Genesis 3 ~ Adam & Eve were NOT watching and chose to believe Satan's lie
-
watching means being spiritually alert
-
watching means having a mind that is DAILY renewed by the reality of God ~ through God's Word
(3) Watching is an Eternal Focus
-
READ: Colossians 3:2
-
BEWARE of the 3 soils: (Mark 4:19) focusing on the worries of life; falling into the deceitfulness of wealth; desiring things and pleasures
(4) Watching is being spiritually prepared to deal with the evil of this world
-
READ: Ephesians 6:10-
-
Watching understands that Satan is seeking to DESTROY our relationship with God our public testimony
(5) watching is thinking God's thoughts
-
watching studies God's Truth and is able to detect and expose false teaching
-
READ: Acts 20:20-31
(6) watching is repenting & turning from sin
- READ: Colossians 3:1-4
The Believer's right to pray and receive an answer from the living God ~ is the greatest privilege possible for a Believer
-
READ: Hebrews 10:19-22
-
Prayer is entering into the most HOLY PLACE ~ into the very presence of Almighty God
NEXT WEEK: Prayer Helps us Determine God's Will
- Luke 6:12-16
Christianity is NOT a list of rules ~ Christianity IS a relationship with a person ~ Jesus Christ. In God's Word there are COMMANDS and PROMISES. God wants HIS people to live like HIS people ~ people who are blessed and victorious. NOT beaten down and defeated by sin.
You must learn to allow Jesus to draw you close ~ to care for you ~ you must learn to trust Him ~ and trust that HE knows BEST how and when to act.
How is this done? (1) think of reading the Bible as eating and (2) think of prayer as breathing
Ephesians 3:14-19 "that you may be able to comprehend .... what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ which surpasses all knowledge..."
"know" in this passage is the same word used for the intimate closeness of a husband and wife. This passage is teaching that you can experience a relationship with Jesus that is intimate, deep, close, undivided, unified, full disclosure.
WHERE do we experience this? PRAYER (Ephesians 3:14)
seldom do we get closer to Jesus than we do in prayer ~ we learn how to let him fill the dry cracks and crevices of our heart.
the longer I love Jesus, the more I think the chief reasons for the gift of prayer is that I learn to RECEIVE, EXPERIENCE, and RETURN His love in a genuine relationship.
As HE teaches me intimacy ~ I am equipped to pass that love on to others in my life.
Prayer is an HONEST conversation with God Almighty.
Prayer is NOT a monologue.
STOP and listen for the Lord's response during prayer.
"I will answer them BEFORE they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and ANSWER their prayers!" Isaiah 65:24 NLT
"But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I the LORD, have spoken!" Jeremiah 9:24 NLT
"The Thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life" John 10:10 New Living Translation
KEY: if you want to know if a decision or action is from God or Satan ~ ask yourself: "Will this divide & destroy OR will it build up and unify?"
TRUTH #1: Satan (the thief) divides & destroys
TRUTH #2: God builds up and unifies
READ: John 7:37-38
READ: Acts 1:8
READ: 1 Peter 1:8
READ: Matthew 11:29-30
TRUTH #3: God's plan for you ~ is for you to become the very best version of you that HE designed
PROBLEM: there are 2 versions of you
(a) the you that God designed you to be
(b) the you that currently exists
TRUTH #4: God's plan is NOT just for you to be SAVED by grace ~ but ALSO to lives every day in God's Grace
TRUTH #5: The Cycle of Failure
GUILT - Try Harder - Fatigue - Quit - GUILT
HOW do I KNOW if I am living in God's Spirit?
(a) am I experiencing GRATITUDE?
(b) am I experiencing CONTENTMENT?
(c) am I experiencing SATISFACTION?
READ: Galatians 5:22-23
"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 NLT
The closer you learn to walk with the PERSON of Jesus Christ ~ the more like Him you will become
"masterpiece" ~ great artists often refer to their paintings as "self portraits"
WE are God's "self portrait" ~ we are created in God's Image (Genesis 1:27)
our lives ~ is where God can reproduce HIMSELF on the canvas of our lives
and with each passing year ~ God can reveal a more clear picture of the person of Jesus Christ in our lives
Luke 15:11-32 Prodigual Son
God uses Circumstances, Events, and People to guide hearts to Himself and to transform their lives to bring glory and worship
#1: Why did the Rebellious Wanderer leave? Luke 15:11-13
Why would he walk away from everything that protects, provides and nourishes?
It is a Decision ~ based on a power to control ~ the Spirit of Rebellion
#2: When does the Rebellious Wanderer return home? ANSWER: in God's Time
Circumstances, Events, People will break the will of the Rebellious Wanderer and leave him open to the nudging of God's Spirit toward HOME
NOTE: Arguments do NOT break their will
ONLY when the crushing weight of reality drives them to their knees ~ will they consider HOME
Luke 15:14 ~ pockets must be empty
Luke 15:14 ~ he was hungry
Luke 15:14-15 ~ he was alone
Luke 15:15 ~ he had to get a job (gasp)
Luke 15:15-16 ~ he had to experience poverty
KEY: Rebellious Wanderers never FEAR until they FALL and are BROKEN
Choosing to sin is choosing to suffer
#3: How does the Rebellious Wanderer Come Home? Luke 15:15-16
First he must wake up to the reality of sin
NOTE: as long as he has the means ~ he will choose to do something stupid ~ Luke 15:16
#4: What is the turning point for the Rebellious Wanderer?
a. Regret for his rebellion did not move him toward home
b. Humiliation of tending pigs did not move him toward home
c. Hindsight of the pain he caused his father did NOT move his heart toward home
d. BUT the realization that the pigs enjoyed a superior lifestyle to his own ~ sparked a moment of clarity
e. the Rebellious Wanderer MUST experience a total change of mind and heart toward SIN ~ and to God
STEP #1: 15:17 "he finally came to his senses"
a. Realization that sin is unhealthy and causes pain
b. Realization that sin does not satisfy
c. Realization that selfishness is destructive and is full of heartbreak
NOTE: he ran out of a MEANS to sin
NOTE: THEN he ran out of a DESIRE to sin
STEP #2: 15:18 "I will go home"
Decision & Commitment to life change
I do not deserve to be accepted at home ~ no longer a child of entitlement
NOTE: this is 100% God's Timing
God's will is never late ~ never early ~ always right on time
STEP #3: 15:18 "Father, I have sinned"
more than good intentions
more than telling everyone what they want to hear
no minimizing ~ no blame shifting ~ no rationalization
simply taking responsibility for his sin ~ his decisions
He fully acknowledged the consequences of his sin
Repentance is REVEALED by an awareness of how my sin impacts God & other ~ Psalm 51
True Repentance requires a plan of action
2 Corinthians 7:1 & 7:8-10
Shallow Repentance is REGRET ~ "Sorry I got caught" is no more than Damage Control
Damage Control is an attempt to manipulate and control the damage
STEP #4: 15:18-19 "take me on as a servant"
before he took everything for granted making demands out of expectations
After repentance ~ he KNOWS he deserves nothing
15:21 "I am no longer worthy"
God does not bend to our RIGHTS
NOTE: during the sons absence ~ the father continued on with his life ~ but kept an eye on the path that lead home
NOTE: he did not meet his son with anger
NOTE: he did not demand his son crawl home
HIGHLIGHT: 15:20 "Compassion" is to feel for the other person
to see his son on the path home was enough for the loving father
CHALLENGE: what reception will YOU give the wanderer that returns to your door?
READ: Luke 15:7
Luke 15:1-10
Jesus is talking to a very diverse group ~ of 1/2 religious leaders and 1/2 sinners....
Jesus told 3 stories ~ each story building on the last...
1st Story was the Shepherd leaving the 99 to go search for the 1 that was lost....
2nd Story was about the Woman searching for the lost coin....
3nd Story is for NEXT WEEK
God bless you
Luke tells the story of Jesus going to the home of Zacchaeus for dinner. Zac would not ~ could not ~ EVER have invited a JEW ~ certainly not a spiritual teacher into his home ~ because he was considered a well known sinner.
Zac was a tax collector ~ an occupation so offensive that even the Gentiles considered him a social outcast.
Jesus DELIGHTED in singling out social outcasts ~ those the religious leaders refused to acknowledge ~ and spending time with them. Consider the woman at the well in John 4.
Notice the reaction of the religious people. They were HORRIFIED.
Jesus specialized in attacking and breaking down spiritual BARRIERS. By going to Zac's house ~ Jesus was attacking social barriers, religious barriers, public opinion barriers. Anything that keeps people from coming to HIM ~ was removed by Jesus.
Luke 19:10, "Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost." This is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Ezekiel 34:11-16. This is a prophecy that shines light on the fact that Jesus was God.
Zac responds how? With JOY ~ Luke 19:6
Jesus is sharing the Gospel (Good news of God's Love and forgiveness) with a wealthy church leader.
Luke 18:18-30
"What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
LESSON #1: Jesus is NOT teaching Salvation by "good works"
Jesus is teaching that every obstacle in our heart that keeps us from a healthy relationship with Him MUST be removed.
Jesus responded to his question with a question of his own. Jesus' question was designed to reveal to the man ~ the condition of his own heart and mind.
Jesus points out that the man called him "good". Jesus teaches that no one is "good" but God. So the question is: "Are you calling me God?"
Jesus was forcing the man to confront WHAT he trusted in and forced him to decide WHO he believed that Jesus was.
Welcome to Evangelism
"What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 10:25
Jesus answered with a question and never directly answered the question. In the book of Matthew, in Evangelistic conversations, Jesus asked 94 questions. In the book of Mark, in Evangelistic conversations, Jesus asked 59 questions. In the book of Luke, in Evangelistic conversations, Jesus asked 82 questions. In the book of John, in Evangelistic conversations, Jesus asked 49 questions.
LESSON: Jesus used questions to direct people's thoughts back to the condition of their hearts. Jesus used questions to prepare the soil of their hearts to receive the life transforming seeds of God's Word.
NOTICE: Jesus did not use sales pitches to draw people to His Gospel of love and forgiveness. Nor did he talk them to death with mini sermons on theological truth. Instead, He used questions to direct their hearts to the issues they needed to address.
Jesus and the Woman at the Well
John 4:7-26
LESSON: Jesus tore down all religious barriers
Barrier of her RACE ~ John 4:7
Barrier of her GENDER ~ John 4:9
Barrier of her RELIGION ~ John 4:22
Barrier of her SIN ~ John 4:18
READ: Galatians 3:26-28
John 8:1-11 NLT
1: Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives,
2: but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them.
3: As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.
4: "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "This woman was caught in the act of adultery.
5: the law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?"
6: They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger.
7: They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"
8: Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.
9: When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.
10: Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?"
11: "No, Lord," she said.
and Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere ~ in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 NLT
"witness" God wants YOU to tell other people what HE did in your life
Romans Road to Salvation
We all start life on the wrong path
"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." Romans 3:23 NLT
The path leads to death
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 NLT
Jesus paid the toll
"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8 NLT
God allows us to change roads
"We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." Romans 3:22 NLT
God has a new road for your life
"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved." Romans 10:9-10 NLT
PRAY
"Dear God, I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die for my sins ~ so I can be forgiven. I am sorry for my sins ~ and I want to live the rest of my life the way you want me to. Please put your Spirit in me to direct my life. Thank you for saving me. Amen"
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2 NLT
#1: my thoughts control my life
Proverbs 4:23
#2: my mind is the battleground for sin
Romans 7:22-23
#3: my mind is the KEY to experience God's peace
Romans 8:6
3 CHOICES I MUST MAKE ON A DAILY BASIS
#1: will I feed my mind with TRUTH?
John 8:32 & Psalm 119:147 & Psalm 119:95
#2: will I free my mind from destructive thoughts?
Romans 7:23 & 8:5
1 John 4:4
1 John 2:16
#3: will I focus on the right things?
(a) Jesus ~ 2 Timothy 2:8 & Hebrews 12:3
(b) Others ~ Philippians 2:4 & Hebrews 10:24
(c) Eternity ~ Colossians 3:2
Signs of a changed life are simply the signs of Christ's presence in us
#1: Surrender ~ Romans 12:1
#2: Renewed Mind ~ Romans 12:2
#3: Serving ~ Romans 12:3-8
#4: Authentic Love ~ Romans 12:9-10
#5: Determination ~ Romans 12:11
#6: Perspective ~ Romans 12:12
#7: Community ~ Romans 12:13-20
#8: Righteousness ~ Romans 12:21
Psalm 63. God uses circumstances ~ events ~ and people ~ to accomplish HIS will in our lives. He will use these things to transform us into the very best version of you that He desires.
2 Kings 4:1-7 God used ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Little is much ~ when God is in it
Naaman was a mighty man of wealth and influence. However he had leprosy. A death sentence in that day. God used his illness to lead him to an encounter with God. And God used this opportunity to teach him some life lessons and incorporate changes in his life. This is a story of humility and forgiveness ~ as much as one about healing. 2 Kings 5:1-19
Luke 24:13-53 ~ After the crucifixion and resurrection ~ 2 disciples were walking the 7 miles from Jerusalem to their village of Emmaus. Jesus suddenly walked with them ~ but they did not recognize him. This story teaches us many lessons: #1: Jesus finds us where we are. Read Psalm 14:2-3. #2: Jesus opens our eyes. many people know ABOUT Jesus but do not know Him personally. WHY? because it is the testimony of God's Word that God's Spirit uses to reveal to us WHO Jesus really is. #3: Jesus Reveals Himself to our hearts. DEEP TRUTH: Fellowship with Jesus was NOT going to depend on their ability to SEE Him. But on their ability to take Jesus at His Word in faith. #4: Jesus moves us to share the Gospel. The encounter with Jesus ~ stirred their hearts ~ and moved their feet.
Luke 23:39-43 NLT
one of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So, you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it be saving yourself ~ and us, too, while you're at it!"
it is ironic that the Jews want Jesus dead so they can get on with the celebration of the Passover ~ that points to Jesus' death.
the Jews want to get on with the slaying of lambs ~ that can never take away sin ~ while rejecting the one True Lamb of God ~ who alone can take away the sin of the world.
"I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me." John 17:23 NLT
U.N.I.T.Y.
U: uplift ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11
N: need ~ Galatians 6:2
I: integrity ~ 1 Peter 3:15-16
T: trust ~ 1 Corinthians 1:10
Y: yield ~ Romans 10:9-10
KEY: Christian UNITY is one of the most powerful evangelism tools that the Church of Jesus Christ can offer a lost and dying world.
Psalm 130:1 KJV "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!"
"depths" to the Hebrews was a symbol of chaos and evil.
God Plan #1: PRAYER 130:1-2
Hebrews 4:16 "Come boldly unto the throne of grace that you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in your time of need"
God's Plan #2: Truth 130:3-4
there is a balance between verse 3 and verse 4. Verse 3 focuses on God's perfect holiness and verse 4 focuses on God's desire to forgive.
Romans 3:26 "so that He might be both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus".
#3: God's Plan #3: Patience 130:5-6
"I wait for the lord..." 130:5
The secret of Christian Patience ~ anchor your hope on the solid rock of God's Word ~ find confidence in His promises ~ and your hope will never be shaken by the storms of life.
#4: God's Plan #4: Share 130:7-8
Having prayed, spoke God's truth to his heart, it is now time to share that truth to others.
it is interesting to me that God has more to say about taking a day off ~ than He does about either murder or adultery. The 4th Commandment is the LONGEST of the 10 Commandments. It's as if God is saying, "I want you to take this serious ~ this is not a suggestion". God is COMMANDING you to take a day off. Exodus 20:8-9.
"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain." Exodus 20:7 KJV
The 10 Commandments are about KNOWING God
to KNOW God is to love God and to worship Him
RECOGNIZE God for WHO He is and WHAT He has done
"But the words you speak come from the heart ~ that's what defiles you." Matthew 15:17-18 NLT
"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable ~ if anything is excellent or praiseworthy ~ think about such things." Philippians 4:8 NLT
"You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods." Exodus 20:4-5 NLT
an idol is worshiping anything that out to be used ~ or using anything that ought to be worshiped.
"Surley goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23:6 KJV
Goodness to supply every need. Mercy to forgive every sin. Goodness to provide and mercy to pardon.
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Psalm 23:5 God overflows our cup so that we can be a blessing to others with the excess. God does not want us to live in "Survival Mode" where we are run to exhaustion everyday.
"Exactly as I planned, it will happen. Following my blueprints, it will take shape. Isaiah 14:24 Message. "Clearly, you are a GOD who works behind the scenes, God of Israel, Savior GOD." Isaiah 45:15 Message
There is an old Arab parable that says: "All sunshine and no rain makes a desert". If you NEVER have any down times, dark times, gloomy times in your life ~ you'll have no depth, no maturity. It takes good times and bad times to make a mature person. Life is a mixture of pain and pleasure ~ of victory and defeat ~ of success and failure ~ of mountain tops and valleys. today we're going to look at the Dark Valley's of Life. Psalm 23:4, "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 SERIES. Part 5: "for His Name's Sake". Psalm 23:3. God's character and nature is revealed in His 2,031 names found in Scripture. In Jewish thought, a name is more than a label to identify a person. A name conveyed the nature, essence, and history of a person. By this concept, what would your name be?
Luke 15:1-2 Message Bible
"By this time a lot of men and women of questionable reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religious scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, "He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends."
The Paths of Righteousness ~ demands I choose to be different than the crowd.
The Paths of Righteousness ~ demands that I give up my personal rights.
The Paths of Righteousness ~ demands that I am the servant.
the Paths of Righteousness ~ demands that I stop asking "WHY"?
The Paths of Righteousness ~ demands that I replace my self-love with a love for Jesus.
Some activities put "gas in" your tank and some activities take "gas out" of your tank. We should have 2 lists of activities. Things on both lists may be important and are unavoidable. But it is worthwhile to recognize what activities we do that leave us encouraged and passionate ~ while other activities leave us empty and depleted. This can help us be wise in our scheduling and decision making.
King Saul's sacrifice cost him the crown ~ God stripped the kingdom from him for worshiping improperly. King Saul waited 7 days for the Priest Samuel to arrive and offer the sacrifice. Samuel did not show up so Saul offered the sacrifice himself. It seems like Saul was doing the best with what he had to work with because he did not want to go to war without God's blessing.
definition of "restore" is to "return bring back". we stray and need restoration because (a) we want what we do not have; (b) we take for granted what we do have; (c) we assume what we have will always be there. Psalm 51:12, "Restore unto me the joy of my salvation..."
Shepherds lead their sheep by walking behind them
Cowboys drive their sheep by riding behind t them and pushing them
If you want Jesus to feed your soul ~ you must let Him lead your life
Many are unwilling to follow Jesus to green pastures, quiet streams, still waters, and paths of righteousness
Many like the idea of Jesus but are not ready to follow Him
Discovering the secret to CONTENTMENT
Psalm 23:1
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want"
"The LORD is my Shepherd" means that HE is in control and HE calls the shots
Shepherd PROTECTS
Shepherd PROVIDES
Shepherd GUIDES
Shepherd CORRECTS
Gabriel told Mary she was going to have a baby.
Mary had 2 questions ~ questions that each of us must face when God calls us into service.
#1: Is Jesus worth it?
#2: Will God really come through?
Mary found that NOTHING is impossible with God
Gabriel told Mary she was going to have a baby.
Mary asked 2 questions ~ questions that each of us ask when God calls us into service.
#1: Is Jesus worth it?
#2: Will God really come through?
God calls us to do something ~ it is always difficult and usually complicated ~ and we ask ourselves if it is worth it and will God show up and bring about the best result.
Mary learned that with God ~ NOTHING ~ is impossible
Gabriel told Mary she was going to have a baby.
Mary asked 2 critical questions ~ that each of us ask ~ when God calls us into His service.
#1: Is Jesus Worth It?
#2: Can God Really Do This?
When she asked "HOW?" ~ it was NOT a biological question ~ it was an acknowledgment that we can't do this on our own~ it is bigger than us
Mary acknowledged that NOTHING is impossible with God
Gabriel told Mary she was going to have a baby.
Mary responded with 2 Critical Questions ~ questions that haunt us today when God calls us into service.
#1: Is Jesus Worth It?
#2: Can God Really Do This?
because if God doesn't come through and do it ~ it won't happen
Mary was reassured that with God ~ NOTHING is impossible
Christmas is all about God meeting with man
Man is incapable of grasping the concept of Almighty God ~ so God came to earth ~ in the form of man ~ so that man could not only know God but also have a relationship with God
Matthew 2:1-15
3 Things the Wise Men teach us
#1: What do you seek?
#2: Where do you look?
#3: What do you give?
The wisemen that went on a journey to experience the presence of God.
When they found Him ~ they worshipped Him.
They experienced the joy of being led by God.
"When you search for Me with all your heart, you will find Me!" Jeremiah 29:13
God spends time preparing you ~ to give you the skills, wisdom and compassion you will need to help the people he will bring into your life.
My dad says, "A lot of what you see ~ depends on what you are looking for"
Jesus said in Luke 6:45 NLT
"A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart."
The path of discovery we are traveling today is one that reveals the condition of our own heart.
I am praying for you.
Pastor Shane