Valley Life Church - Yakima: Recent Episodes
Valley Life Church - Yakima
Sunday Service messages from Pastor Jon Verwey, Pastor Joe Hite, and other guest speakers at Valley Life Church in Yakima, WA.
Austin Hutton
8/2/2026
3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
John 12 v3-8 (NIV)
Offering all that we are to God in worship changes us.
Learning to Praise from the Psalms.
07/19/26
Psalm 86 NIV
A prayer of David.
Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.
When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.
Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.
Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me— they have no regard for you.
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did.
Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Psalm 150 NIV
Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
Psalm 23 NIV
A psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Cross
…and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. — Colossians 1:20 NLT
Dove
…as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. — Matthew 3:16 NLT
Cup
Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. — James 5:14 NLT
Crown
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout… — 1 Thessalonians 4:16 NLT
Communion
Matthew/Luke/1 Corinthians Combined Reading
“Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me.”
“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Have I surrendered my life to Him, and do I believe all that we are “remembering” and “proclaiming” in communion?
When Money Becomes Your Master
Pastor Jon Verwey
What you treasure will shape your heart, so let Jesus be your master and money your servant.
Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. — Matthew 6:19-20 NLT
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. — Matthew 6:21 NLT
Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! — Matthew 6:22-23 NLT
The leech has two daughters. ‘Give! Give!’ they cry… — Proverbs 30:15a NIV
No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. — Matthew 6:24 NLT
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. v. 21
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. — Proverbs 3:5–6 NLT
The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. — Proverbs 21:20
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. — Proverbs 13:11 ESV
Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. — Proverbs 11:24–25 NLT
What you treasure will shape your heart, so let Jesus be your master and money your servant.
The Widow’s Offering and the Heart of the Gospel
Pastor Jon Verwey
Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” — Mark 12:41–44 NLT
Jesus called his disciples to him… v. 43a
“I tell you the truth…” v. 43b
This poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions… v. 43c
…she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on v. 44b
Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. — 2 Corinthians 8:9
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. — Ephesians 5:1–2 NLT
Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? — Romans 8:32 NLT
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.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
The cross of Jesus calls us to trust God completely and live with open hands and generous hearts.
A Warning Against Religious Pretending
Pastor Jon Verwey
Later, as Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, he asked, “Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David?
For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’ Since David himself called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with great delight. — Mark 12:35–37 NLT
No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions. — Matthew 22:46 NLT
Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. — Mark 12:38–39 NLT
Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. — Mark 12:40a NLT
Because of this, they will be more severely punished. — Mark 12:40b NLT
Is there a scribe living in me?
There is a little scribe living inside all of us, and it wants to be in charge.
Because when we truly know Jesus and follow His lead, we stop playing at religion and start becoming like Him from the inside out.
Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name. Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. So the second brother married the widow, but he also died without children. Then the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them, and still there were no children. Last of all, the woman also died. So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her.” — Mark 12:18–23 NLT
Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. v. 24
For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven. v. 25
“But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—haven’t you ever read about this in the writings of Moses, in the story of the burning bush? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said to Moses, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ So he is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error.”vv. 26-27
I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. v. 26b
So he is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error.” vv. 27
The resurrection gives us hope for tomorrow and power for today.
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. — Ephesians 1:18 NLT
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead… — Ephesians 1:19–20a NLT
…when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. — Ephesians 1:13 NLT
“The point of the resurrection … is that the present bodily life is not valueless just because it will die. God will raise it to new life. What you do with your body in the present matters because God has a great future in store for it.”
“What you do in the present—by painting, preaching, singing, sewing, praying, teaching, building hospitals, digging wells, campaigning for justice, writing poems, caring for the needy, loving your neighbor as yourself—will last into God’s future.”
The resurrection gives us hope for tomorrow and power for today.
Be Still and Know
05/31/26
Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28 NLT
As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. — Ephesians 4:15–16 NLT
To be anxious is to live with uneasiness of mind and restlessness of soul, carrying a brooding fear about some part of life—or about life in general.
To form a non-anxious presence in us is to invite the Holy Spirit to deepen our trust in God’s unfailing love and to teach us how to rest in His goodness, faithfulness, and strength.
Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. — Psalm 37:1–7a NLT
Be still in the presence of the Lord… — Psalm 37:7a NLT
…fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. — Philippians 4:8 NLT
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. — Psalm 119:15 ESV
Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. — Psalm 46:10 NLT
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. — Psalm 46:11 NLT
Be still and know that I am GOD
Be still and know that I AM
Be still and KNOW
Be STILL
BE
During the meditation time show all this text on 1 slide, formatted the way it is below:
Be still and know that I am GOD
Be still and know that I AM
Be still and KNOW
Be STILL
BE
For the “connect with each other time” have this on 1 slide:
Tell someone about…
…a time someone planned a surprise for you and how you reacted.
…one situation where you are most likely to procrastinate.
…one way you measure contentment in your life.
…one thing that makes it difficult for you to “be still before the Lord.”
…the word or phrase that stood out to you as we reflected on “Be still and know that I am God.”
Pastor Joe Hite
Mark 6:7-13 New Living Translation
7 And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast outevil spirits.
8 He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money.
9 He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.
10 “Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town.
11 But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”
12 So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God.
13 And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.
Hope comes from God’s Kingdom first
Let go and give it all up.
People may think your different
The Father’s Love Revealed in the Son
10/05/25
21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake.
22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”
24 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”
32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it.
33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth.
34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James.
38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”).
42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.
43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat. — Mark 5:21–43 (NIV)
The most perfect, personal gift in history is that Jesus sees us, calls us out of hiding, and welcomes us into His family.
23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”
24 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. vv. 23-24
…a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. vv. 25-26
Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. v. 29
“…Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” v. 34
While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” vv. 35-36
He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat. vv. 41-43
The most perfect, personal gift in history is that Jesus sees us, calls us out of hiding, and welcomes us into His family.
Pastor Jon Verwey
The crowd values its needs over mercy; disciples embrace God’s mercy and share it with others.
1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. — Mark 5:1 (NIV)
2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. — Mark 5:2 (NIV)
3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. — Mark 5:3–5 (NIV)
6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. — Mark 5:6–13 (NIV)
29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” — Matthew 8:29 (NIV)
14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. — Mark 5:14–17 (NIV)
Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. v. 16
18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. — Mark 5:18–20 (NIV)
The crowd values its needs over mercy; disciples embrace God’s mercy and share it with others.
Am I living like the crowd—or like a disciple?
Trusting Jesus, who is willing and able to sustain us.
09/21/25
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” — Mark 4:35–41 (NIV)
Faith that can sleep through storms comes from trusting Jesus, who is willing and able to sustain us.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. — Psalm 121:4 (NLT)
Again, we read in the Psalms about the power of our God.
You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves. — Psalm 89:9 (NLT)
Jesus is both fully God and fully man at the same time — not half-and-half, not switching back and forth, and not two different persons. He is one person with two natures, always together.
“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” vv. 40b
Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
— Psalm 3:1-6 (NIV)
Despite our human weakness…
…He is willing to sustain us.
…He is able to sustain us.
… don’t you care if we drown?
A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. 41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” — Mark 1:40-41 (NLT)
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” — Mark 9:21-23 (NIV)
…“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” — Mark 9:24b (NLT)
Faith that can sleep through storms comes from trusting Jesus, who is willing and able to sustain us.
Pastor Jon Verwey
God’s Kingdom cannot be hidden, grows only as He makes it grow, and will flourish through those who have ears to hear.
God’s Kingdom cannot be hidden…
He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.” — Mark 4:21–23 (NIV)
God’s Kingdom …grows only as He makes it grow…
He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” — Mark 4:26–29 (NIV)
God’s Kingdom cannot be hidden, grows only as He makes it grow
God’s kingdom…will flourish…
“What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” — Mark 4:30–32 (NIV)
God’s Kingdom cannot be hidden, grows only as He makes it grow, and will flourish…
“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” — Mark 4:24–25 (NIV)
God’s Kingdom cannot be hidden, grows only as He makes it grow, and will flourish through those who ears to hear.
With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. — Mark 4:33–34 (NIV)
When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables — Mark 4:10–11 (NIV)
09/07/25
1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge.
2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said:
3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” 9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, “ ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’”
13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” — Mark 4:1–20 (NIV)
…The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables… v. 11
…the Twelve and the others around him asked him… v. 10
What does a good harvest look like?
It looks like this:
The more we let Him tend our souls, the more we learn to live and love like Jesus.
The more we walk with Him, the less sin will dominate our lives.
The more we trust Him, the less anxiety will exhaust and paralyze us—and instead we experience the peace of God.
The more we welcome Him, the more we sense His presence in our daily lives.
The more we surrender, the more we know deep in our souls that we are His.
The more we abide with Him, the more we know beyond a doubt that we are loved.
And the more His eternal life springs up within us, the more it overflows to everyone around us.
Micah Verwey
Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”
John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
Austyn Hutton
August 3rd, 2025
23 Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 24 News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed — he heard them all.
Matthew 4:23-24 (NLT)
Matthew 8:3
Matthew 8:13
Matthew 8:15
Matthew 8:16
Matthew 8:29
Matthew 9:1
Matthew 9:24
Matthew 9:20
Matthew 9:29
Matthew 9:33
Matthew 8:26
Matthew 14:13
Matthew 15:29
Finding the place of politics within the Kingdom of God.
09/29/24
15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion?… — Matthew 22:15–17a (NIV)
17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” — vs 17
18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius… — vs 18-19
20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” 21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. — vs 20-21a
Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” — vs 21b
27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. — Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away. — Matthew 22:22 (NIV)
9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. — Matthew 6:9–10 (NIV)
Learning Humility from the most vulnerable.
Pastor Jon Verwey
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” — Matthew 18:1 (NIV)
2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. — vs 2
3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. — vs 3-4
If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed. — C. S. Lewis: Mere Christianity
Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. — Rick Warren: Purpose Driven Life**
I surrender my name to You. I give you my reputation and identity as a man, a Christian, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, a pastor, a leader, a _________________
5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. — vs 5
13 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:13–14 (NIV)
Put the verse and the text starting with “Parents” and ending with “Heavenly Father” on the same slide.
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. — John 14:6 (NIV)
Parents, you are committing to raise your child in the way of Jesus, teaching them His truth, so that they may respond to Him, receive the life He came to give, and be led into the presence of our Heavenly Father.
Extended family and the church, you committing to pray for and support these parents as they raise their child, encouraging them and helping to nurture this child in the ways of the Lord.
Serving, Leading, and Influencing Like Jesus
09/15/24
17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” — Matthew 20:17–19 (NIV)
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. — vs. 20
21 “What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” — vs. 21
22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. 23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” — vs. 22-23
24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. — Matthew 20:24 (NIV)
25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you… — vs. 25-26a
…Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave… — vs. 26b-27
“…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” ~Abraham Lincoln
28 …just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. — vs. 28
6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! — Philippians 2:6–8 (NIV)
Pastor Jon Verwey
4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 5 They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” — 1 Samuel 8:4-5 (NIV)
6 But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. — 1 Samuel 8:6 (NIV)
7 And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. — 1 Samuel 8:6–7 (NIV)
They constantly try to escape from the darkness outside and within by dreaming of systems so perfect that no one will need to be good. — TS Eliot, The Rock
25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. — Jude 25 (NIV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
How to engage with politics without losing your mind.
09/01/24
1 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: — 1 Corinthians 15:1–3a (NIV)
3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: — 1 Corinthians 15:3a (NIV)
3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NIV)
26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. — Galatians 3:26–28 (NIV)
3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NIV)
Pastor Jon Verwey
When I am weak, then I am strong. — 2 Corinthians 12:10
We are exalted when we are humble. — Matthew 23:12
To find your life you must lose it. — Matthew 16:2524 One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. — Proverbs 11:24 (NIV)
9 They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever…— Psalm 112:9a (NLT)
One person gives freely [to those in need], yet gains even more… — Proverbs 11:24 (NIV). Text in [ ] my addition.
6 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.” — 2 Corinthians 9:6–9 (NLT)
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.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)
Are you one who freely and cheerfully gives?
- Does your giving affect your lifestyle?
- Would your budget say you are a generous giver?
- When you do give, do you have to coax your hand open to release the gift?
- Do you love to see how God uses your giving to bless the lives of others?
- Are you intentionally looking for ways to freely give?
Being Refreshed and Empowered by the Holy Spirit
08/18/24
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. — John 7:37–39 (NIV)
Whoever believes in me… vs 38
…rivers of living water will flow from within them… vs 38
By this he meant the Spirit… vs 39
Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. — John 7:39b (NIV)
32 “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. — Acts 2:32–33 (NLT)
We are transformed- 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)
We are taught- John 14:26 (NIV)
We are gifted- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NIV)
We are sent out- Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Micah Verwey
August 4th, 2024
John 4:20-24 (ESV)
20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Steven Verwey
07/28/2024
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
1 Peter 3:15
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Austyn Hutton
6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 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.
9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.[b] 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
pColossians 2:6-7,9-10 NLT
Trevor Hutton
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:15-20 NIV
Pastor Jon Verwey
3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. — 1 Timothy 2:3–4 (NLT)
4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. — 1 Timothy 2:4 (NLT)
5 For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. — 1 Timothy 2:5–6 (NLT)
3 This is good and pleases God our Savior… — 1 Timothy 2:3 (NLT)
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. — 1a Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT)
Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. — 1 Timothy 2:1b-2 (NLT)
3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. — 1 Timothy 2:3–4 (NLT)
Pastor Jon Verwey
A community of believers who gather to worship God, love and care for each other, and then go out to extend that love and care to others by sharing the love of Jesus Christ in both our actions and words.
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. — 1 Peter 3:13–17 (NIV84)
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” … 17 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. vs 13-14 & 17
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord… vs 15a
…keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. vs 16
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, vs 15b
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. — Romans 12:3–8 (NIV84)
Pastor Jon Verwey
1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. — Galatians 6:1 (NIV)
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.— Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, — Galatians 6:3-4 (NIV)
5 for each one should carry their own load. — Galatians 6:5 (NIV)
6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. — Galatians 6:6 (NIV)
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. — Galatians 6:7–8 (NIV)
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. — Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. — Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
Jesus, how can I better “sow to please the Spirit”
Jesus, how can I better “One Another” the people in my life.
Everyone is welcome here.
1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? 8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. — James 2:1–13 (NIV)
1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ… vs 1
…must not show favoritism. vs 1
2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? vs. 2-4
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? vs. 5-7
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.vs. 8-9 12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. vs. 12-13
…Love your neighbor as yourself… vs 8
The Beautiful body of Christ
The church is a community of believers, centered on Christ, who gather together for worship and fellowship. From this place of community, they go into the world as a light, bringing the Gospel to those around them.
The church is a community of believers, centered on Christ, who have committed to gather together regularly for worship, communion, teaching, prayer, and fellowship. This community is under the Headship of Jesus, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and has appointed leadership. These believers live life together, bearing one another’s burdens, encouraging one another, sharpening one another, challenging one another, and growing in unity and maturity as followers of Jesus. From this place of community, they go into the world as a light, bringing the Gospel to all those around them in word and deed.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. — Acts 2:42–47 (NIV84)
41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. — Acts 2:41 (NIV)
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit… — Ephesians 4:3
the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. vs 42
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostle. v 43
All the believers were together and had everything in common… vs 44
5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. — Romans 12:5 (NIV)
Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. vs 45
Every day they continued to meet together… vs 46
…in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together… vs 46
glad and sincere hearts… vs 46
47 praising God… vs 47
… enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. vs 47
The Church
The Beautiful Body of Christ
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:— Ephesians 1:1 (NIV)
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.— Ephesians 4:3–16 (NIV)
4 There is one body… vs 4
12 …so that the body of Christ may be built up… vs 12
16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love… vs 16
15 …the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. vs 15
“… the Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time.” — CS Lewis, Mere Christianity
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. vs 7
16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. vs 16
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up… vs 11-12
13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
15 …speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. vs 13,15-16
The church is a community of believers, centered on Christ, who gather together for worship and fellowship. From this place of community, they go into the world as a light, bringing the Gospel to those around them.
The church is a community of believers, centered on Christ, who have committed to gather together regularly for worship, communion, teaching, prayer, and fellowship. This community is under the Headship of Jesus, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and has appointed leadership. These believers live life together, bearing one another’s burdens, encouraging one another, sharpening one another, challenging one another, and growing in unity and maturity as followers of Jesus. From this place of community, they go into the world as a light, bringing the Gospel to all those around them in word and deed.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. — Ephesians 5:25–27 (NIV)
“I don’t think the job of the church is to make people happy. I think it’s to make them holy.” — Chuck Colson
Pause Service, April 28 2024
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)
The Lord is our shepherd, we shall not want
In valley or pasture, we shall not want
Our cup runneth over and over
For now and forever
For now and forever
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
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; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. — Psalm 23:1–6 (NIV)
The Lord is our shepherd, we shall not want
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
In valley or pasture, we shall not want
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Our cup runneth over and over.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
For now and forever.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. — Psalm 130:5–6 (NIV)
Pastor Jon Verwey
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; — 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV)
You are not your own; — 1 Corinthians 6:19b (NIV)
…You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. — 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20 (NIV)
Therefore honor God with your bodies. — 1 Corinthians 6:20b (NIV)
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. — Romans 1:20–25 (NIV)
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. — Psalm 19:1–4a (NLT)
…exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. — Romans 1:23 (NIV)
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. — Romans 1:25 (NIV)
5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. — 1 Peter 2:5 & 9 (NIV)
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. — Romans 12:1–2 (NIV)
In Christ we bear much fruit
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. — John 15:1 (NIV)
2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. — John 15:2-3 (NIV)
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. — John 15:4-7 (NIV)
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love… — John 15:10 (NIV)
…you will bear much fruit… vs 5
…ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.vs 7
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. — John 15:8 (NIV)
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. — 1 John 4:18 (NIV)
…Love your neighbor as yourself. — Luke 10:27 (NIV)
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” — Luke 10:29 (NIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!— Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)
Pastor Jon Verwey, Pam McSherry, and Kevin Canham
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. — Genesis 1:1 (NLT)
…God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! — Genesis 1:31 (NLT)
…One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”— Genesis 3:1 (NLT)
4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” — Genesis 3:4–5 (NLT)
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. — Romans 5:6–8 (NLT)
Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. — Luke 23:46 (NLT)
…God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. — Romans 5:8 (NLT)
9 The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
10 All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you.
11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.
12 They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. — Psalm 145:9–13 (NLT)
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. — Psalm 145:11 (NLT)
Pastor Jon Verwey, March 24 2024
1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? — Romans 6:1–2 (NIV)
6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. — Romans 6:6–7 (NIV)
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. — Romans 6:8–11 (NIV)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 6:23 (NIV)
12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.— Romans 6:12–14 (NLT)
… give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.. — Romans 6:13 (NLT)
3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” — Revelation 21:3–4 (NLT)
14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. — Titus 2:14 (NLT)
In Christ we are truly free.
03-17-24
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. — Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.… 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. — Galatians 5:2&4 (NIV)
3 Again, I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. — Galatians 5:3 (NIV)
5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. — Galatians 5:5-6 (NIV)
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. — Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Galatians 5:13–14 (NIV)
Pastor Jon Verwey, 03/10/2024
In Christ we are Servants of God
03-10-24
- 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! — Philippians 2:5–8 (NIV)
- 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. — John 13:12–16 (NIV)
- 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. — John 13:13–14 (NIV)
- 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. — John 13:15 (NIV)
- 11…If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. — 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)
- …But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. — Matthew 6:1–4 (NIV)
- 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. — Galatians 6:9–10 (NIV)
- 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. — 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
- 11…If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides… — 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. — Psalm 130:5–6 (NIV)
- Things to share:
- Share with someone about something you’ve won and how you won it.
- Share with someone how much of a bargain hunter you are and explain why.
- Share with someone an impossible task you are facing right now.
- Share with someone which of the “Blessed” statements you really connect with.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I Belong to the Family of God.
02-25-2024
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. — Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— John 1:12 (NIV)
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! — 1 John 3:1a (NLT)
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family… — Ephesians 1:5a (NLT)
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. — John 1:12–13 (NLT)
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. — Ephesians 3:12 (NLT)
But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. — Luke 11:8 (NLT)
And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” — Hebrews 12:5–6 (NLT)
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. — Hebrews 12:10 (NLT)
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. — Hebrews 12:11 (NLT)
So 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. — Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
Pastor Jon Verwey
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. — 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. — Romans 8:5 (NLT)
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. — 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. — Psalms 19:12-13 NLT
Dealing with sin as a saint leads to life, not despair.
For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. — Romans 7:18–19 (NIV)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. — Romans 8:1–2 (NIV)
Pastor Joe Hite
Revelation 2:1-7
New Living Translation
The Message to the Church in Ephesus
1“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands:
2“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars.
3You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
4“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!
5Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.
6But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do.
7“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.”
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:6–7 (NIV)
22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. — Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Casting our lives on Jesus
Lord Jesus, I surrender all of my life to you. I give you my feelings, my reactions, my hurts and heartaches. I give you my joy and my sorrow, my anger and my empathy. I set my mind on you. Capture my every thought. I give you my thoughts, my focus, and my attention. I give you my memory and recall, my understanding and imagination. I give to you, Lord, my interpretation of events in my life. I surrender all the news, all worry and speculation. I surrender everything grabbing my attention. I give everyone and everything to you. I dedicate my life to you, Lord God, and to you alone.
Psalm 3:1–8 (NLT)
A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.
1 O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me.
2 So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!”
Interlude (selah)
3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
4 I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain.
Interlude (selah)
5 I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.
6 I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side.
7 Arise, O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked!
8 Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people.
Interlude(selah)
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I […]
Ministry Comes from the Overflow of a Spirit-filled Lifestyle. 08-20-2023 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19to proclaim the year […]
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. — Luke 24:36–37 (NIV) 46 …This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of […]
Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that he will also reap.” Proverbs 11:24-25 “24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” […]
Colossians 2:9-10 NLT For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. [10] So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. John 16:33 New Living Translation 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. […]
Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 NLT Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 NLT 2 Timothy 4:7 NLT
The Lordship of Christ and the Presence of His Kingdom in the World Today Colossians 1:15 – 16 15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the […]
Value 4- Gathering Together in Fellowship, Unity and Community June 25, 2023 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). — Matthew 1:23 (NIV) 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 […]
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you,… — Romans 15:7a (NIV) Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” — John 5:14 (NIV) 1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not […]
Worship and Praise of Our King Jesus
John 4:20 – 26
20 So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim,[a] where our ancestors worshiped?”
21 Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
25 The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!”
Isaiah 6:1-8 NLT
1 It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!”
4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.
5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”
I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
Worshiping God Puts Us In A Place To Know Who We Are
We See God
We are Humble
We are Set Aside
We Are Sent
Amos 5:4-5 NLT
4 Now this is what the Lord says to the family of Israel:
“Come back to me and live!
5 Don’t worship at the pagan altars at Bethel; don’t go to the shrines at Gilgal or Beersheba. For the people of Gilgal will be dragged off into exile, and the people of Bethel will be reduced to nothing.”
Psalm 96:1-2 NLT
1 Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
2 Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
Revelation 4:6-11 NLT
6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
05-28-23
God Loves Us and Wants Us
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” — John 3:1–2 (NIV)
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” — John 3:3
“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” — John 3:4
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” — John 3:14-15
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. — John 3:16 (NIV)
For God so loved…
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. — 1 John 4:10 (NIV)
…the world…
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. — 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
…that he gave…
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8 (NIV)
…his one and only Son…
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. — Philippians 2:6–11 (NIV)
…that whoever believes in him…
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
...shall not perish but have eternal life.
Pastor Joe Hite
Proverbs 18:22 NLT
22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,
and he receives favor from the Lord.
Proverbs 5:18
18 Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
Proverbs 23:22-25 NLT
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
23 Get the truth and never sell it;
also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
24 The father of godly children has cause for joy.
What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
25 So give your father and mother joy!
May she who gave you birth be happy.
Proverbs 17:2 NLT
2 A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son
and will share the inheritance of the master’s children.
Proverbs 3:11-12
11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12 For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
Marriage and Family Relationships are Covenants.
Sacrifice For Your Spouse, Children & Parents
Equip Your Children With Wisdom
Mutual Submission, Respect And Trust
Ephesians 5:21-6:4 NLT
21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. 27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. 29 No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. 30 And we are members of his body.
31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. 33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Children and Parents
6 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Philippians 2:6-11 NLT
6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to Godand died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hiding hatred makes you a liar… — Proverbs 10:18a (NLT)
Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them. — Proverbs 24:17–18 (NLT)
Hiding hatred makes you a liar… — Proverbs 10:18a (NLT)
…slandering others makes you a fool. — Proverbs 10:18b (NLT)
Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause; don’t lie about them. And don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me! I’ll get even with them!” — Proverbs 24:28–29 (NLT)
It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet. — Proverbs 11:12 (NLT)
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! — Philippians 2:5–8 (NIV)
And don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me! I’ll get even with them!” — Proverbs 24:28–29 (NLT)
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. — Proverbs 17:9 (NIV)
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.— Proverbs 27:5–6 (NIV)
…but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. — Proverbs 17:9 (NIV)
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. — Proverbs 25:21–22 (NIV)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not take revenge, my dear friends,… On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. — Romans 12:17–21 (NIV)
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.— Proverbs 27:5–6 (NIV)
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. — Galatians 6:1 (NIV)
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. — James 1:5–6a (NLT)
“You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” — Luke 11:11–13 (NLT)
Put the following 2 verse on the same slide.
We will have the slide on the screen during a time of reflection at the end of the service instead of a closing song.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God,
and he will give it to you. — James 1:5 (NLT)
…how much more will your heavenly Father give
the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. — Luke 11:13 (NLT)
Proverbs 17:17 NLT
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
Proverbs 18:24 NLT
There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 25:17 & 20 NLT
17 Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.
20 Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound.
Proverbs 14:4 NLT
4Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
Proverbs 27:5-6, 9, 14 & 17 NLT
5 An open rebuke is better than hidden love! 6 Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.
9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.
14 A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse!
17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend..
Proverbs 28:23 NLT
In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.
Proverbs 29:5 NLT
To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.
Key Words
Constancy, Carefulness, Candor, Counsel, Time, Serve, Covenant, Security, Humility, Disciple, Adversity, Grace, Struggle…
- The unique necessity of friendship
- Discovery of friendship
- Forging and building of a friendship
- Where we get the power for friendship
Colossians 3:13 NLT
13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. — Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. — Proverbs 16:28 (NIV)
Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk… From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things… — Proverbs 12:13–14 (NIV)
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. — Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.. — Proverbs 12:17 (NIV)
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. — Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. — Proverbs 25:15 (NIV)
From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced. The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. — Proverbs 10:31–32 (NIV)
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. — Proverbs 25:11 (NIV)
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. — Proverbs 24:26 (NIV)
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. — Proverbs 10:18 (NIV)
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. — Proverbs 10:19 (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. — Luke 6:45 (NLT)
A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. — Proverbs 16:23 (NIV84)
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
— Psalm 139 (NIV)
04-23-23
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. — Proverbs 17:3 (NIV)
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. — Proverbs 3:9–10 (NIV)
Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised. — Proverbs 27:21 (NLT)
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. — Proverbs 3:11–12 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. — James 1:2–3 (NIV)
The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death. — Proverbs 10:16 (NIV)
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. — Proverbs 10:25 (NIV)
Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? — Proverbs 24:11–12a (NIV)
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. — Proverbs 3:9–10 (NIV)
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. — Romans 3:23–24 (NIV)
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. — Proverbs 3:11–12 (NIV)
When we go through life’s tests, either success or adversity, we need to lean into the Gospel and humble ourselves and cling to His Love.
Pastor Joe Hite
Proverbs 21:15 NLT
Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.
Romans 3:9-12 NLT
9Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin.
10As the Scriptures say,
“No one is righteous—not even one.
11No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.
12All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.”
3True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful?
4Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him,
“You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win your case in court.”
Deuteronomy 32:4 NLT
He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!
Psalm 89:14 NLT
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.
4 Things to Think About at Easter
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 NLB
1 Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. 2 It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.
A redeemed history and a new future
3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him. 9 For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.
10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. 11 So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach, for we all preach the same message you have already believed.
Good News
1 Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before.
- A new King that changes the world
- He saves us from death
9 For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.
Not Just a Better Human, But a New Creation
4 Things to Think About at Easter
Why did Jesus die?
Why did he Resurrect and ascend? (Past)
What does it mean for our future?
What does it mean for our present?
Communion
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 NLT
23 For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24 and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you.[a] Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.”
The wisdom of bowing down before God, and letting Him lift us up.
Proverbs 29:23 NLT
23 Pride ends in humiliation,
while humility brings honor.
Matthew 23:12 NLT
12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Psalm 113 NLT
1 Praise the Lord!
Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord.
Praise the name of the Lord!
2 Blessed be the name of the Lord
now and forever.
3 Everywhere—from east to west—
praise the name of the Lord.
4 For the Lord is high above the nations;
his glory is higher than the heavens.
5 Who can be compared with the Lord our God,
who is enthroned on high?
6 He stoops to look down
on heaven and on earth.
7 He lifts the poor from the dust
and the needy from the garbage dump.
8 He sets them among princes,
even the princes of his own people!
9 He gives the childless woman a family,
making her a happy mother.
Praise the Lord!
1. The Heart of God
The First Picture.
“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap”
The Second Picture
He gives the childless woman a family
- The Acts of Jesus (Agapeo)
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.— Proverbs 21:5 (NIV)
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.— Proverbs 16:33 (NIV)
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.— Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
Paul and a sinking ship- Act 27:13-44
The Journey of Joseph- Genesis 37-50
The Lord works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster.— Proverbs 16:4 (NIV)
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.— Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.— Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.— Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.— Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
Pastor Jon Verwey
The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit? — Proverbs 18:14 (NLT)
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. — Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. — Proverbs 14:30 (NLT)
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. — Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)
The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions. — Proverbs 28:1 (NLT)
The wicked run away when no one is chasing them — Proverbs 28:1a (NLT)
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief. — Proverbs 14:13 (NIV)
A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. — Proverbs 15:13–14 (NLT)
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. — Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. — Proverbs 14:10 (NIV)
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. — Proverbs 16:2 (NLT)
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. — Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. — Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)
…our lifelong nostalgia, our longing to be reunited with something in the universe from which we now feel cut off, to be on the inside of some door which we have always seen from the outside, is no mere neurotic fancy, but the truest index of our real situation. ~C.S. Lewis, “The Weight of Glory”
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree… — 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV84)
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” — Galatians 3:13 (NIV84)
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? …My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. — Psalm 22:1&14 (NIV84)
Proverbs 18:10-11 NLV
10The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The man who does what is right runs into it and is safe.11The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
Proverbs 23:19-20 NLV
19Listen, my son, and be wise. Lead your heart in the way.
20Do not be with those who drink too much wine or eat too much meat.
Proverbs 25:28 NLV28A man who cannot rule his own spirit is like a city whose walls are broken down.
Psalm 121:2
2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!
Psalm 123:1-2
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
1 I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven.
2 We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.
Psalm 125:1
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
1 Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.
Pastor Joe Hite
Proverbs 15:19 NLT
19A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.
Proverbs 12:10-11 NLT
10The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.
11A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.
Proverbs 22:29 NLT
29Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people
Proverbs 27:18 NLT
18As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit, so workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded.
Gods Wisdom For Navigating Life
Previous Proverbs Sermon
…I have understanding and power. — Proverbs 8:14 (NIV84)
I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence… — Proverbs 8:12 (NIV)
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. — Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. — Proverbs 11:12 (NIV)
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. — Proverbs 13:10 (NIV)
The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place. — Proverbs 15:25 (NIV)
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. — Proverbs 15:33 (NIV84)
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. — Proverbs 16:18–19 (NIV)
Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin. — Proverbs 21:4 (NLT)
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. — Proverbs 28:26 (NIV)
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Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense… — Proverbs 11:12 (NIV)
The Lord tears down the house of the proud… — Proverbs 15:25a (NIV)
Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. — Proverbs 16:19 (NIV)
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…wisdom is found in those who take advice. — Proverbs 13:10 (NIV)
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. — Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. — Proverbs 13:10 (NIV)
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. — Proverbs 28:26 (NIV)
Those who trust in themselves are fools… — Proverbs 28:26 (NIV)
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? — Luke 9:25 (NIV)
Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. — Proverbs 16:18–19 (NIV)
The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place. — Proverbs 15:25 (NIV)
And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. — John 17:5 (NIV)
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…I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. — Isaiah 57:15 (NIV)
The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled), — Isaiah 2:12 (NIV)
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. — Psalm 138:6 (NLT)
…humility comes before honor. — Proverbs 15:33b (NIV)
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom… — Proverbs 15:33a (NIV84)
I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court… — 1 Corinthians 4:3a (NIV)
…I do not even judge myself. — 1 Corinthians 4:3b (NIV)
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My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. — 1 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)
Pastor Jon Verwey
… so that by following them you may fight the good fight, — 1 Timothy 1:18 (NIV84)
Fight the good fight of the faith. — 1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV84)
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. — Acts 17:24 (NIV84)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.— John 3:16 (NIV84)
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. — 1 John 2:15–17 (NIV84)
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. — Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
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What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever. — Isaiah 5:20–21 (NLT)
Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. — 1 Peter 2:11–12 (NLT)
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. — Matthew 5:14–16 (NLT)
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” — John 13:34–35 (NLT)
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil… Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. — Ephesians 6:11, 13 (NLT)
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation**
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.— Ephesians 6:14–18 (NIV)
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. — 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (NIV)
1 Corinthians 13:11-13 New Living Translation
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Ephesians 6:12 New International Version
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Romans 8:8 New Living Translation
8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
Ephesians 2:1-10 New Living Translation
Problem of Flesh and Sin
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
Live Resurrection Life (Not Lies)
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 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.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Reap What You So
Galatians 6:7-10 New Living Translation
7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Romans 12:1-2 New Life Version
12 Christian brothers, I ask you from my heart to give your bodies to God because of His loving-kindness to us. Let your bodies be a living and holy gift given to God. He is pleased with this kind of gift. This is the true worship that you should give Him. 2 Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.
As followers of Jesus, we are at war with the world, the flesh, and the devil, and the three enemies’ stratagem is as follows: Deceptive ideas (the Devil) that play to disordered desires (the Flesh) that are normalized in a sinful society (the World).
~ John Mark Comer
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. — 2 Corinthians 10:3–4 (NIV)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone.’” 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 So if you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” 9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 12 Jesus answered, “It says: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. — Luke 4:1–13 (NIV)
Live No Lies Book- https://www.amazon.com/Live-No-Lies-Recognize-Sabotage-ebook/dp/B08RHJBZML/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1673031800&sr=8-1
Study guide with videos- https://www.amazon.com/Live-Study-Guide-Streaming-Video-ebook/dp/B09831DRBB/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
As followers of Jesus, we are at war with the world, the flesh, and the devil, and the three enemies’ stratagem is as follows: Deceptive ideas (the Devil) that play to disordered desires (the Flesh) that are normalized in a sinful society (the World).
~ John Mark Comer
John 16:33 (NIV) — 33 …In this world you will have trouble.
Maybe there is an active resistance to humans thriving?
Maybe this active resistance is a manifestation of a war that we are in?
…by following them you may fight the good fight… — 1 Timothy 1:18 (NIV)
…Fight the good fight of the faith. — 1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV)
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. —2 Corinthians 10:3–4 (NIV)
…Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. — Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
…When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 (NIV)
We all have desires and when they become disordered it leads us to a place where “feeling good becomes more important than being good”.
The world – a system of ideas, values, morals, practices, and social norms that are integrated into the mainstream and eventually institutionalized in a culture that is corrupted by the twin sins of rebellion against God and the redefinition of good and evil.
Prevailing, acceptable beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of our culture.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, — Ephesians 6:12a (NIV)
…but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. — Ephesians 6:12b (NIV)
Daily prayer guide
Prayer- Thursday, January 12 at 6:30
24 hours of prayer
Fasting-
With fasting, we decide of our own accord to not give our bodies what they want (food); as a result, when somebody else decides to not give us what we want (or life circumstances decide, or even God decides…), we don’t freak out, rage, or go ballistic on Twitter. We’ve trained our souls to be happy and at peace, even when we don’t get our way. This is why fasting—far from a medieval form of self-hate—when done rightly is a pathway to freedom. ~Live No Lies
Add these links to the webpage under the scriptures for this sermon. You don’t need to show them on the screen.
Trevor’s sermon on fasting- https://valleylifeyakima.org/2022/01/23/a-discussion-on-fasting/
Live No Lies Book- https://www.amazon.com/Live-No-Lies-Recognize-Sabotage-ebook/dp/B08RHJBZML/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1673031800&sr=8-1
Study guide with videos- https://www.amazon.com/Live-Study-Guide-Streaming-Video-ebook/dp/B09831DRBB/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
- Are you more thirsty for God than ever before?
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God (Psalm 42:1)
- Are you more loving?
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God (1 John 4:7).
- Are you more sensitive to, and aware of God than ever before?
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11).
- Are you governed more and more by the Word of God?
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Are you more concerned with the physical and spiritual needs of others?
But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing (Luke 9:11).
- Are you more concerned for the church and the Kingdom of God?
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her (Eph. 5:25).
- Are the disciplines of the Christian life more important to you?
For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness (1 Tim. 4:7).
- Are you more aware of your sin?
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief (1 Tim. 1:15).
- Are you more willing to forgive others?
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32).
- Are you thinking more about heaven and being with the Lord Jesus?
For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you (Phil. 1:23-24).
Matthew 2:1-12 NLT
Visitors from the East
2 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men[a] from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose,[b] 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[c] of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’[d]”
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.
Pastor Joe Hite
Proverbs 23:17-18 NLT
17 Don’t envy sinners,
but always continue to fear the Lord.
18 You will be rewarded for this;
your hope will not be disappointed.
Psalm 73:1-3 NLT
1 Truly God is good to Israel,
to those whose hearts are pure.
2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing.
My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
3 For I envied the proud
when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
Psalm 73:20-26 NLT
20 When you arise, O Lord,
you will laugh at their silly ideas
as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.
21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter,
and I was all torn up inside.
22 I was so foolish and ignorant—
I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
23 Yet I still belong to you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
leading me to a glorious destiny.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.
How to understand envy
First of all, envy is wanting somebody else’s life.
Secondly, With envy we don’t just want other peoples’ lives; we resent their lives.
Why should we deal with envy?
First, because it hides itself.
Secondly, because it sucks joy out of your life.
Third, envy poisons your ability to enjoy the life you have.
Fourth,“If you understand what you envy, you’ll understand your own heart.”
Joseph Epstein
Where do we take envy?
First, Look up
Second, Look A Head
Proverbs 8:18 (NIV84) — 18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.
Proverbs 10:4 (NIV84) — 4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
Proverbs 10:22 (NIV84) — 22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
Proverbs 22:4 (NIV84) — 4 Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.
Luke 12:47–48 (MSG) — 48 …Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!
Proverbs 11:1 (NLT) — 1 The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights.
Proverbs 11:26 (NIV84) — 26 People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.
Proverbs 10:16 (NIV84) — 16 The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.
Proverbs 11:4 (NIV84) — 4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 30:8–9 (NLT) — 8 …give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.
Proverbs 13:21 (NIV84) — 21 Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
Proverbs 13:23 (NIV84) — 23 A poor man’s field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away.
Proverbs 10:15 (NIV84) — 15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
Proverbs 18:10-11 (NIV84) — 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. 11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall.
Proverbs 11:1 (NLT) — 1 The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales,
Proverbs 11:24 (NIV84) — 24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
Proverbs 11:24 (NKJV) — 24 There is one who scatters yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV84) — 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 9:6 & 9 (NIV84) — 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
John 12:24 (NIV84) — 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
Proverbs 11:24 (NKJV) — 24 …there is one who withholds more than is right…
Proverbs 5:15–19 (NLT) — 15 Drink water from your own well— share your love only with your wife. 16 Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone? 17 You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers. 18 Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love.
Proverbs 5:15 (NLT) — 15 Drink water from your own well— share your love only with your wife.
Proverbs 5:19b (NIV) — may you ever be captivated by her love.
Captivated could read as intoxicated.
Proverbs 2:16–17 (NLT) — 16 Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.17 She has abandoned her husband and ignores the covenant she made before God.
Proverbs 30:18–19 (NLT) — 18 There are three things that amaze me— no, four things that I don’t understand:19 how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman.
Proverbs 30:20 (NLT) — 20 An adulterous woman consumes a man, then wipes her mouth and says, “What’s wrong with that?”
Proverbs 11:22 (NIV) — 22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
Proverbs 31:30 (NLT) — 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Ephesians 5:25–27 (NLT) — 25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. 27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.
Isaiah 53:2b (NIV) — 2 …He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
Ephesians 5:27 (NLT) —27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish.
Isaiah 53:11 (ESV) — 11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
Proverbs 14:29 NLB 29 People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. Proverbs 15:1 &18 NLB 1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. 18 A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them. Proverbs 16:32 NLT 32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. Proverbs […]
Pastor Joe Hite Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. […]
Proverbs 5:16–23 (NIV84) — 16 Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? 17 Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. 18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you […]
Pastor Jon Verwey Proverbs 4:11–27 (NIV84) — 11 I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. 14 Do not set foot on […]
Pastor Jon Verwey Proverbs 8:10–11 (NLT) — 10 Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. 11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it. Proverbs 8:14 (NIV84) — 14 …I have understanding and power. Proverbs 8:12 (NIV84) — 12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; Proverbs 8:15 (NIV84) — 15 By me kings […]
Psalm 23 NLT A psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.3 He renews my strength.He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley,[a]I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.Your rod and […]
Luke 24:44–45 (NIV84) — 44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Psalm 133 (NIV84) — A song of […]
Psalm 115 1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.2 Why let the nations say, “Where is their God?”3 Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes.4 Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands.5 They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes […]
“…they (the psalms) look back to the great moments of the past in order to frame the pain and puzzlement of the present within the hope that God will one day do again, in the future, what he did long ago…” — N.T. Wright “A Case for the Psalms” Psalm 143 (NLT) — A psalm of […]
Psalm 19:12-13 (NLT) — 12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me.
Psalm 19:1-4 NLT 1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words […]
Building Your Testimony One Bite at a Time by Trevor Hutton Psalm 34:4-8 ESV- I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him […]