Hope Unlimited Church: Recent Episodes
Pastor Robert Spina
We want you to experience the Unlimited Hope that can only be found in a loving, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Christ gives your life meaning, and happiness, providing you with hope for a better tomorrow.
Luke 10:25-28 NIV
“On one occasion, an expert in the Law stood up to test Jesus, “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he (Jesus) replied. “How do you read it?” He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this, and you will live.”
Romans 8:38-39 NLT
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 15:9 NIV
“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you.”
Galatians 2:16 KJV
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We know that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ…
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For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
Luke 10:29 NKJV
But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Luke 10:30 NKJV
Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
Luke 10:31 NKJV
Now, by chance, a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
Luke 10:32 NKJV
Likewise, a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.
Luke 10:33 NKJV
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had COMPASSION.
“Compassion:” The gut-level place where something moves you before you can stop it
Prms Definition: Loving Loud:
Is going to — not waiting for! You move, and you can’t help it, you can’t stop it, you can’t deviate from it, you just love Loud
Luke 10:34 NKJV
So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
Luke 10:35 NKJV
On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’
Luke 10:36 NKJV
So which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”
Luke 10:37 NKJV
And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
“Mercy” “eleos” someone who demonstrates active COMPASSION — Someone displaying divine grace…
LOVE starts HERE
1 Thessalonians 3:12 NLT
“And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.”
Matthew 10:8 NLT
“Freely you have received; freely you should give.”
KEY #1 - God Made the First Move
Ephesians 1:4–5 NLT
“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 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.”
KEY #2 - Receive It then Release It
1 John 4:10 NLT
“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”
Romans 5:5 NLT
“God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
KEY #3 - Love Is Fearless
1 John 4:18 NLT
“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”
Matthew 5:16 NLT
“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Matthew 8:5-13 NKJV
Now, when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.
Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Luke 2:1 (NKJV)
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
Key #1 - Realize Whose Presence We Are In
John 1:1 (NKJV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed
Mark 4:39 (NKJV)
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Key #2 - Faith aligns with the Word-Accelerates the Outcome!
Psalm 107:20 (NKJV)
He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.
Psalm 147:15 (NKJV)
He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly.
Luke 8:11 NLT
The seed is God’s Word.
Luke 8:15 NLT
“The seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.”
KEY #1 - Stop Shadow Boxing
Romans 12:2 NLT
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
KEY #2 - Capture the Thought before it Captures you
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
KEY #3 - You don’t Rebuke Lies, You Replace Them
Romans 10:17 NLT
“Faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”
-LIE #1: “Nothing is ever going to change.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT
“Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.”
-LIE #2: “My past has disqualified me.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
“Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
-LIE #3: “I’m the only one dealing with this.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.”
KEY #4 - A Renewed Mind Produces a Different Response
1 Corinthians 2:16 NLT
“But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.”
-WE RESPOND WITH PEACE INSTEAD OF PANIC
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
-WE RESPOND WITH TRUST INSTEAD OF CONTROL
Proverbs 3:5–6 NLT
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
-WE RESPOND WITH GRACE INSTEAD OF RETALIATION
Romans 12:17–19 NLT
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.
-WE RESPOND WITH PERSEVERANCE INSTEAD OF QUITTING
Galatians 6:9 NLT
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest.”
Romans 10:17
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word (RHEMA) of Christ.”
Ephesians 6:17
“The sword of the Spirit, which is the word (RHEMA) of God.”
Luke 4:4
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (RHEMA) that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Luke 24:13-17 ESV
That very day, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad.
Luke 24:18-20 ESV
Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.
Luke 24:21 ESV
But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.
Luke 24:27 NIV
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Luke 24:28-32 ESV
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Matthew 7:24–27 ESV
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Hebrews 4:2 NKJV
For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
It is Written
Key #1 - Know what is written, so you can recognize what isn’t
Matthew 4:1-4 NIV
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Key #2 - LIVE FROM WHAT IS WRITTEN, NOT WHAT YOU FEEL
Acts 20:32 NIV
Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Key #3 - GRACE WAS WRITTEN BEFORE THE BATTLE BEGAN
Romans 8:1 NLT
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Key #4 - GOD’S DECLARATION CANCELS EVERY ACCUSATION
Colossians 2:14 NLT
He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.
Romans 15:13 NLT
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Key #1 - Hope Arrived
Luke 2:11 NLT
“The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today.”
Key #2 - Hope Remains
1 Peter 1:3 NLT
“Now we live with great expectation, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Key #3 - Hope is Released
Luke 2:8-11 NLT
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
Key #1 - Joy is announced before it's experienced
Key #2 - Joy arrives in the Ordinary
Key #3 - Joy multiplies when shared
Luke 2:16-17 NLT
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.
Luke 15:11-19 NASB1995
And He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’
Key #1 - A Response that’s Looking & Longing
Luke 15:20 NASB1995
So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him...
Key #2 - A Response That’s “Compassionate”
Luke 15:20 NASB1995
So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him...
Key #3 - A Response that “Ran”
Luke 15:20 NASB1995
So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran...
Key #4 - A Response that “Embraced with Grace”
Luke 15:20 NASB1995
So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Luke 15:21 NASB1995
And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
Key #5 - A Response that “Restored & Ignored”
Luke 15:22-24 NASB1995
But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and put sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.
Hebrews 10:24 ESV
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works
God...
Ran to me
Accepted me
Cleansed me
Embraced me
The Righteous: Bringers of heaven to earth
Proverbs 29:2 (AMP)
"When the righteous are in authority and become great, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh."
The righteous - TSADDIQIM
"The TSADDIQIM are God's agents of justice, mercy, and blessing in everyday life."
Rejoice - SAMACH
"When the TSADDIQIM Increase in number and influence: people brighton, flourish, and experience tangible relief"
The Kingdom
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
"But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Jesus is the ultimate TSADIQ.
Luke 4:18-19 (NKJV)
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
Job Description - Anointed and empowered by the Spirit
Awakening to the Ministry of the TSADDIQIM
God is placing TSADDIQIM in: Business, church, government, education, art & media, health, community, and family.
Point 1. The Main Problem
In Luke 5:8, when Simon Peter saw the miraculous catch of fish, he cried out: “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”
He was aware of his sin, but not of the savior
Point 2. On the Opposite Side is an Overflow
John 21:3-6 NIV
“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
To live on the opposite side is…
To love the unlovely
To give when it looks like we have nothing to give.
To walk by faith, when confronted by fear
To forgive when we were the ones wronged
Point 3. Jesus, the Lord, Holds it all together
John 21:7 NIV
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you’ve caught.”
Then Jesus asked Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”
John 21:18 NIV
Jesus said: “When you were younger, you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old, (as you grow, mature) someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”
Point 4. Every Knee Will Bow
Philippians 2:9–11 NIV
“God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Point 5. The Posture of the Redeemed
“Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Mark 12:30 NLT
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’
1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV
“Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Key #1 - Choose the Better Thing
Luke 10:40 NIV
She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
Luke 10:41-42 NIV
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Key #2 - Make Room in the Margins
Key #3 - Jesus. PERIOD.
2 Corinthians 11:3
I fear that somehow your pure and simple devotion to Christ will be corrupted.
2 Corinthians 9:8 EHV
“God is able to make all grace OVERFLOW to you, so that in ALL THINGS at all times, having ALL that you need, you will OVERFLOW in every good work.”
Psalm 23:5–6 NLT
“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 133:1-3
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever.
Key #1
The Anointing Heals what’s been Hurting
Isaiah 10:27
“The yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing.”
Key #2
The Anointing Marks you for Overflow
Key #3
The Anointing Secures Your Future
Psalm 23:6 NLT
“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 EHV
“God is able to make all grace OVERFLOW to you, so that in ALL THINGS at all times, having ALL that you need, you will OVERFLOW in every good work.”
Key #1
What Moves Jesus, Multiplies through Jesus
John 6:5 NLT
“When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’”
Key #2
Faith doesn’t Count, it Trusts
John 6:7–9 NLT
“Philip answered him, ‘It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!’ Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, ‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’”
Key #3
From Leftovers to Legacy
John 6:12-13 NIV
“When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’ So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.”
KEY SCRIPTURE
“God is able to make all grace OVERFLOW to you, so that in ALL THINGS at all times, having ALL that you need, you will OVERFLOW in every good work.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:8 (EHV)
Key #1 - Overflow Brings Life to Dry Places
Isaiah 43:19 NLT
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18 NKJV
“Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Key #2 - What You Put In You Is What Overflows Out of You
John 7:38 NIV
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
Key #3 - Overflow Turns Obstacles Into Outlets
Ezekiel 47:9 NLT
“Life will flourish wherever this water flows.”
KEY SCRIPTURE
2 Corinthians 9:8 EHV
“God is able to make all grace OVERFLOW to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will OVERFLOW in every good work.”
Key #1 - Overflow Begins with What You Already Have
2 Kings 4:1-2 NIV
“The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, ‘Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.’
Elisha replied to her, ‘How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?’
‘Your servant has nothing there at all,’ she said, ‘except a small jar of olive oil.’
Key # 2 - Overflow Requires Obedience and Faith
2 Kings 4:3-5 NIV
Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. 4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”
5 She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring.
Key #3 - Overflow Expands as You Make Room
2 Kings 4:6-7 NIV
“When all the jars were full, she said to her son, ‘Bring me another one.’ But he replied, ‘There is not a jar left.’ Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God, and he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.’”
1 Peter 5:8
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Matthew 4:1-3
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”
LIE 1: LIE OF PROVISION
Matthew 4:4
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’
Matthew 4:5-6
Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
LIE 2: LIE OF PROTECTION
Matthew 4:7
Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”
Matthew 4:8-9
Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”
LIE 3: LIE OF POWER
Matthew 4:10
“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
Matthew 4:11
“Then the devil left Him, and angels came and attended Him.”
The enemy's favorite weapons:
Deception
Division
Doubt
Distraction
Key #1 - Prayer Gives Courage in Crisis
Daniel 2:17-18 NLT
Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. 18 He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon.
Daniel 2:19 NLT
That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven.
Key #2 - Prayer Brings Wisdom and Direction
Daniel 2:27-30 NLT
“No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries… As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation.”
James 1:5 NLT
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”
Key #3 - Prayer Shapes Our Character
Daniel 6:10 NLT
“When Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”
Key #4 - Prayer Pushes Through Unseen Battles
Daniel 10:12-13 NIV
“Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…”
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Psalm 29:2 NLT
“Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.”
KABOD
WEIGHT, Heaviness, significance
Key #1 - Worship recognizes His Worth
Proverbs 3:9 NLT
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.”
Key #2 - Worship Reorders Our Priorities
Romans 12:1 NLT
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.”
Matthew 6:33 NLT
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Key #3 - Worship Aligns Our Hearts
1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you?”
Psalm 133:1 NLT
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”
Acts 16:25-26 NLT
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!
Genesis 3:8 ESV
And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
Luke 5:17 KJV
And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
Luke 5:18 NASB1995
And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him.
Luke 5:19 NASB1995
But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus.
Luke 5:20 NASB1995
Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.”
Luke 5:21 NASB1995
The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?”
Luke 5:22-24 NASB1995
But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”—He said to the paralytic—“I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.”
Luke 5:25-26 NASB1995
Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.”
Isaiah 40:31 KJV
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Luke 24:28-33 ESV
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. hey said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem.
Romans 1:11–12 NLT
“I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.”
Key #1 - It gives us Life
Proverbs 17:22
“A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.”
Key #2 - It Sets the Rhythm
Romans 1:12
“When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.”
Galatians 5:25
“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Key #3 - It Fuels the Body
James 1:22 NLT
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
Key #1 - The Word Grows our Faith
Romans 10:17 NKJV
“Faith comes by hearing… and hearing by the Word of God.”
Key #2 - The Word Guides our Decisions
Psalm 119:105 NASB1995
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Key #3 - The Word Grounds us in Truth
Isaiah 40:8 NLT
“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Matthew 7:24 NIV
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Key #1 - He will guide you through your Submission
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Key #2 - He will empower you through your Service
Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB)
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
Key #3 - He will change you through your Surrender
Philippians 2:5-8 (BSB)
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.”
POINT #1: “ARE THERE LIMITS TO GOD’S POWER, ABILITY, AND BLESSING?”
Ephesians 3:20 (NASB1995)
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.
Ephesians 3:20 (PASSION TRANSLATION)
Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.
POINT #2: YOUR CAPACITY TO RECEIVE WILL LIMIT WHAT GOD CAN DO IN YOUR LIFE.
2 KINGS 4:1-7 (NASB1995)
1 Now a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord; and the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” 2 Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” 3 Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels at large for yourself from all your neighbors, even empty vessels; do not get a few. 4 And you shall go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour out into all these vessels, and you shall set aside what is full.” 5 So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons; they were bringing the vessels to her and she poured. 6 When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not one vessel more.” And the oil stopped. 7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”
POINT #3: WE CAN LIMIT GOD BY OUR SMALL THINKING!!!
JOHN 10:10
JESUS SAID THAT HE CAME THAT WE MIGHT HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT MORE ABUNDANTLY!!
ABUNDANTLY: GREEK = OVER AND ABOVE, MORE THAN IS NECESSARY, SUPERADDED. SUPERIOR, SURPASSING, EXTRAORDINARY!!!
2 Peter 1:3 (NAS)
seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
2 Peter 1:3 (PASSION TRANSLATION)
Everything we could ever need for life and complete devotion to God has already been deposited in us by his divine power.
John 17:18 NLT
“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”
Key #1 - KNOW THE ENEMY’S LIMITS
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
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.
James 4:7 NLT
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Key #2 - WE ARE EQUIPPED FOR OPPOSITION
Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
Luke 10:19 NLT
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy.”
Romans 8:31 NLT
“If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”
Key #3 - WE FIGHT DIFFERENTLY
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT
We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do.4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God.
Key #4 - “HERE I AM, SEND ME”
Isaiah 6:8 NLT
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
Key #1: Outcome Focused
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
“…Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross”
Key #2: Train Up The Next Generation
Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Key #3: A Deeper Revelation of The Grace of God
Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
Key #4: We Are On the Brink of Revival
Joel 2:28-29 (ESV)
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.
Matthew 5:13–16 NLT
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
🔑Key #1 - CHANGE THE FLAVOR — BE THE SALT
Salt PRESERVES what is good
Salt ENHANCES flavor
Colossians 4:6 NLT
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Salt that loses flavor becomes useless
🔑Key #2 - CHANGE THE ATMOSPHERE — BE THE LIGHT
Light requires fresh oil.
Light breaks the darkness.
Don’t hide your light.
🔑Key #3 - CHANGE THE NARRATIVE — LIVE ON MISSION
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
1 Peter 1:18
says you were handed down an empty way of life from your fathers…
"lead with a H.U.G.” “Humility Understanding & Grace”
🔑 The Distortion of the Modern Man
I am what I have… I am what I've done… I am what I control
🔑 God’s Man lives out a rested life, a Surrendered Life
Romans 12:2 GWT
“Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think.”
Proverbs 27:17
“You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.”
🔑“the Prodigal & the Kezazah"
Luke 15:17
“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!
Luke 15:18
I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you,
Luke 15:19
and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’
Luke 15:20
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
🔑When the Father intervenes
🔑KEY #1 God Draws Purpose Out of Dry Places
Acts 8:26
As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
🔑 KEY #2 Your Pace Reveals Your Posture
Acts 8:30
Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
🔑 KEY #3 God’s Not Afraid of Your Questions
Acts 8:31
The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.
🔑 KEY #4: God Met You Here… And He’s Sending You There
Acts 8:36
As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?”[d] 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.
Isaiah 56: 3-5
3 “Don’t let foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord say, ‘The Lord will never let me be part of his people.’And don’t let the eunuchs say, ‘I’m a dried-up tree with no children and no future.’ 4 For this is what the Lord says: I will bless those eunuchs who keep my Sabbath days holy and who choose to do what pleases me and commit their lives to me. 5 I will give them—within the walls of my house—a memorial and a name far greater than sons and daughters could give. For the name I give them is an everlasting one. It will never disappear!
Acts 9:1–6 NLT
1 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest.
2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.
3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him.
4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!
6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
KEY #1 - NEW LIGHT. NEW LORD.
Acts 9:3-4 NLT
“As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground…”
Acts 9:4b-5 NLT
“He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?’ ‘Who are you, lord?’ Saul asked. And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!’”
Key #2 - New Faith. New Fire.
Acts 9:18-20 NLT
“Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is indeed the Son of God!’”
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden... let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Key #3 - New Name. New Nature.
Acts 9:21 NLT
“All who heard him were amazed. ‘Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?’ they asked. ‘And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?’”
Ephesians 4:22–24 NLT
“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life… Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
Isaiah 62:2 NLT
“You will also be given a new name by the Lord’s own mouth.”
KEY #4 - NEW MIND. NEW MISSION.
Romans 12:2 NLT
“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
Acts 9:15 NLT
“But the Lord said, ‘Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.’”
Key #1 - HIS WAYS ARE NOT MY WAYS
Isaiah 55:8–9 (NLT)
"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."
1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.”
Key #2 - CLARITY COMES THROUGH TRUST
Isaiah 55:10 NLT
"The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry."
Key #3 - THE DETOUR MAY BE THE DIRECTION
Isaiah 55:11 NLT
"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it."
Key #4 - REMEMBER HE’S NOT DONE YET
Isaiah 55:12 NLT
"You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!"
Proverbs 27:17 NIV
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Key #1 - Will Shape your Standards
1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Key #2 - Will influence your Direction
Amos 3:3
How can two walk together unless they be in agreement?
Proverbs 13:20 NIV
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
2 Corinthians 6:14 NLT
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?
Key #3 - Should Reflect the kind of person you want to become
Philippians 3:17 NIV
Join together in following my example… and keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Key #4 - Should CALL YOU TO GOD'S STANDARD
1 Samuel 23:16 NLT
Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.
Proverbs 31:28-29
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
Key #1 - Speak Life, Even in the Mess
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death.”
Key #2 - Model the Message
2 Timothy 1:5
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
Key #3 - Pray Bold Prayers
James 5:16
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
Key #4 - Love Unconditionally, Lead Intentionally
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Key #1 - It's Weather Tested
Matthew 7:25 NIV
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
Key #2 - Chooses Covenant Over Convenience
Hebrews 7:22 NIV
Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.
Ephesians 5:25 NLT
For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.
Key #3 - Practices Patience
1 Corinthians 13:4 NLT
Love is Patient…
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Key #4 - Allows God to fill the Gaps
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
Mathew 7:24-27 NIV
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Key #1 - The Cornerstone: The Main Brick
Ephesians 2:20
“Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.”
Isaiah 28:16 NASB
Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a tested stone, A precious cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. The one who believes in it will not be disturbed.
Key #2 - The Brick of Vulnerability: Be Real
2 Corinthians 6:11
“We have spoken freely to you… and opened wide our hearts to you.”
Key #3 - The Mortar of Forgiveness: Hold it Together
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Key #4 - The Brick of Encouragement: Build Up
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death.”
Key #5 - The Insulation of Grace: Give Room to Grow
Romans 15:7
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Philippians 1:6
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
Acts 1:3 NIV
After His suffering, He presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
KEY #1: - God’s just getting started
Luke 24:6-7
"He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”
Romans 8:28 NIV
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
KEY #2: - The Empty Tomb Is Our Receipt
1 Corinthians 15:17
"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins."
KEY #3: - The Resurrection Rewrites Our Story
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Romans 8:37
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
Hosea 6:2
“After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will restore us, that we may live in His presence.”
Exodus 3:7-8
“I have seen the oppression of my people. I have heard their cries. I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them.”
Exodus 10:21
"Raise your hand, and darkness will fall across the land — a darkness so thick, it can be felt."
Exodus 10:23
"No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived."
Matthew 27:45-46
“At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock…”
Isaiah 50:6
“I gave my back to those who beat me… I did not hide from shame.”
Key Verse: “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” – John 14:9 (NIV)
Do you look like your Heavenly Father?
Jesus said, “I only do what I see the Father doing” (John 5:19) NIV
THE PROBLEM: Why We Don’t Look Like the Father
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires.” – John 8:44 (NIV)
We Forget That Looking Like Jesus is the Goal
“Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” – 1 John 2:6 (NIV)
THE SOLUTION: How to Look Like the Father
Key #1 - Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)
Key #2 - Do What Pleases the Father
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord.” - Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV
How do we know what He loves?
⁃ Through His Word.
⁃ Through time in prayer.
⁃ Through communion with the Spirit
Key #3 - Take Care of What’s Important to Him
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Are you aligned with what God calls important—or just what feels convenient?
“Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as his beloved sons and daughters.” - Ephesians 5:1 TPT
Romans 10:14-15 NLT
“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? …That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’”
Key #1 - What You Carry Defines You
Luke 6:45 NIV
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
Key #2 - Carriers Are Contagious
Matthew 5:14-16 MSG
“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world… By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God.”
Acts 4:13 NIV
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”
Key #3 - The Message Is Worth the Weight
Luke 14:27 NIV
“Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Key #4 - You Don’t Carry It Alone
Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me… Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”
Galatians 6:7-8 NIV
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 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."
Judges 16:4-5 NIV
"Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, 'See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.'”
Key #1 - Be Careful Who You Let In
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Key #2 - If You Play With Fire, You Will Get Burned
Judges 16:6 NIV
"So Delilah said to Samson, 'Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.’"
Judges 16:7 NIV
Samson answered her, “If anyone ties me with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I’ll become as weak as any other man.”
1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV
"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!"
Key #3 - Deception Always Leads to Destruction
Judges 16:19-21 NIV
"After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. Then she called, 'Samson, the Philistines are upon you!' He awoke from his sleep and thought, 'I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.' But he did not know that the Lord had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison."
Key #4 - God’s Grace is Greater
Judges 16:28 NIV
"Then Samson prayed to the Lord, ‘Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more...’"
Job 14:7-9
Metaphor - Word or phrase to suggest a likeness, compare
Psalm 1:1-3
Hope - Cord, expectancy
Romans 11:18
Yet - Nevertheless
James 2:17 NIV
"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Key #1 - Faith Starts with a Step
1 Samuel 14:6 (NIV)
"Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, 'Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.’”
Key #2 - Risk-Takers Are History-Makers
1 Samuel 14:7 (NIV)
"‘Do all that you have in mind,’ his armor-bearer said. ‘Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.’”
1 Samuel 14:13-15 (NIV)
"Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. In that first attack, Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre. Then panic struck the whole army—those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God."
Key #3 - The Right People Strengthen Your Faith
Hebrews 10:24-25
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."
Key #4 - Faith in Motion Inspires Others
1 Samuel 14:22-23 (NIV)
"When all the Israelites who had hidden in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were on the run, they joined the battle in hot pursuit. So on that day the Lord saved Israel, and the battle moved on beyond Beth Aven."
Key Scripture:
Revelation 12:11 NLT
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
Key #1 - The Blood of the Lamb Secures Our Victory
Colossians 1:13 NLT
“For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son”
Key #2 - Your Testimony is your Weapon
1 Samuel 17:37 NLT
“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
Key #3 - Fear paralyzes but Faith propels
Matthew 14:29-31 ESV
So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Key #4 - The Promise comes through Perseverance
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
James 1:2-4 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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Heart & Soul Week 3
1 Kings 19:19-21
19 So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. 20 Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!”
Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.”
21 So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.
Key # 1 - Claim Your Calling
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Key #2 - Burn Your Backup Plan
Isaiah 43:19
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Key #3 - Faith Moves You Forward
Matthew 20:26
But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Key #1 - Trusting the Plan requires Faith, Not full Understanding
Genesis 12:1 NIV
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’”
Genesis 17:4
As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations.
Key #2 - Control leads to Chaos
Genesis 16:1-4 NIV
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.”
Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.
When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.
Key #3 - Don’t doubt in the Delay
Genesis 18:10 NIV
Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”
Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.
Key #4 - God's game plan Is Perfect & Complete
Genesis 21:1-2 NIV
“Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.”
Psalm 145:8-9 NIV
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
Matthew 22:37-38 NIV
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
Key #1 - Fans Cheer, Followers Commit
Luke 9:23 NLT
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.
Key #2 - Fans Observe, Followers Obey
Luke 5:17 NKJV
Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
Luke 5:26 NKJV
Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”
John 14:15 NIV
“If you love me, keep my commands.”
Key #3 - Fans Watch, Followers Work
Matthew 9:35-38 NLT
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
James 2:17 NIV
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Key #4 - Fans Walk Away, Followers Finish Strong
John 5:2-5 NLT
Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years.
“Blessed” is “Makarios” To be Supremely Blessed - fortunate - well off & happy
Matthew 5:1-2
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a hill and sat down. His followers came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:
“Saying” is “Lego” to properly relate words in a systematic way thru a preplanned discourse…
Blessed are those who hunger & thirst for…
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see…
Blessed are the peacemakers they’ll be called the…”
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit…
Job 8:7 CEB
Although your former state was ordinary, your future will be extraordinary.
Judges 6:11-12 NIV
The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
Judges 6:13 NIV
“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”
Judges 6:14 NIV
The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
Matthew 7:24-25 NIV
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
Matthew 7:26-27 NIV
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Philippians 1:6 NIV
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Daniel 2:47-49 NLT
The king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.”
48 Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men. 49 At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.
Key #1 - Stand Firm in Your Faith
1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
Ephesians 6:13 NLT
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to STAND your ground, and after you have done everything, to STAND. 14 STAND firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.
Daniel 3:15 NLT
I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
Key #2 - Obedience over Outcomes
Daniel 3:17-18 NLT
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Key #3 - God’s Present in the Fire
Daniel 3:25 NLT
“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!”
Key #4 - It’s My story, for His Glory
Daniel 3:29 NLT
There is no other god who can rescue like this!”
Daniel 3:30 NLT
Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.
Leviticus 16:3-10
6 "Aaron is to offer the bull for his own sin offering to make atonement for himself and his household. 7 Then he is to take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 8 He is to cast lots for the two goats--one lot for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat.
CONTEXT
Two Goats—
*The goat for the Lord
*The goat for the scapegoat
*Azazel—Take him away; A weapon in the hand of the enemy
9 Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the Lord and sacrifice it for a sin offering. 10 But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat.
The Goat for the Lord
*Malah—Laying on of hands
*The Press—Gethsemene
*It is finished
*Don’t touch me
*Washing the hands
Leviticus 16:20-22
20 "When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. 21 He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites--all their sins--and put them on the goat's head. He shall send the goat away into the desert in the care of a man appointed for the task. 22 The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a solitary place; and the man shall release it in the desert.
Leviticus 16:26
The man who releases the goat as a scapegoat must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water; afterward he may come into the camp.
The Goat for Azazel
*Malah—Laying on of hands
*Attaching sins to the head
*The walk through the crowd
*Releasing into the desert
*The cord turns white
He then fastened a scarlet woolen thread to the head of the goat "for Azazel"; and laying his hands upon it again, recited the following confession of sin and prayer for forgiveness: "O Lord, I have acted iniquitously, trespassed, sinned before You: I, my household, and the sons of Aaron Your holy ones. O Lord, forgive the iniquities, transgressions, and sins that I, my household, and Aaron's children, Your holy people, committed before You…
….as is written in the law of Moses, Your servant, 'for on this day He will forgive you, to cleanse you from all your sins before the Lord; you will be clean.'"
John 19:14-15
14 It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour. "Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews. 15 But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!"
Matthew 27:24
24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"
Hebrews 10:11-12
11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.
1 John 2:1-2 (NIV)
1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
APPLICATION POINTS
1)The hands have been washed
2)The cord has turned white
3)The priest has sat down
4)The goat has left the building
Galatians 6:10 NLT
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Psalm 68:6 NLT
God places the lonely in families;
Romans 12:15 NKJV
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Key #1 - Protects what matters most
Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.
Genesis 4:6-7 NLT
“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”
Key #2 - Brings Clarity for the future
1 Samuel 10:20-24 NLT
So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel before the Lord, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen by lot. 21 Then he brought each family of the tribe of Benjamin before the Lord, and the family of the Matrites was chosen. And finally Saul son of Kish was chosen from among them. But when they looked for him, he had disappeared! 22 So they asked the Lord, “Where is he?”
And the Lord replied, “He is hiding among the baggage.”
Key #3 - Requires Faith & Finality
Genesis 7:16 NLT
A male and female of each kind entered, just as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord closed the door behind them.
Key #4 - Opens the way for God’s Best
Revelation 3:8 NLT
I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close.
Key #1: - Recognize what you Allowed in
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.
Key #2: - Reflect on the Release
Philippians 3:13 NLT
…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
Key #3: - Embrace the New God has for you
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Key #1 - Hope is a Promise
Isaiah 9:6 NLT
For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Key #2 - Hope is Humble
Luke 2:7 NLT
She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
Key #3 - Hope Doesn’t Disappoint
Romans 5:5 NLT
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Key #4 - Hope Shines in the Darkness
Luke 2:9 NLT
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.
John 8:12 NLT
“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to w
Key #1 - Home is where you are Loved
John 3:16 NLT
For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Luke 15:17-24 NLT
17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
18-19 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’
20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23-24 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Key #2 - Home is a place of Belonging
Ephesians 2:19 NLT
So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.
John 12:1-2 NLT
Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. 2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him.
Key #3 - Home is where Peace resides
John 14:27 NLT
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Romans 12:18 NLT
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Key #4 - Home is found in God’s Presence
Matthew 1:23 NLT
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
Proverbs 11:24
The world of the generous gets larger and larger;
Key #1 - God is our Ultimate Provider
Psalm 24:1
"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."
Romans 12:9-10 MSG
Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
Philippians 4:19 NKJV
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Key #2 - Keep an Eternal Focus
Matthew 6:19-20 NLT
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:32 NLT
These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
Key #3 - Refreshing leads to Blessing
Proverbs 11:25
"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
Key #4 - What do you have in your hand?
Friend: Someone that we hold dear that we are Actively fond of…
Real friendship is giving and taking.
Friendship is not a one-way railway.
Job 19:14 ESV
My relatives have failed me, my close friends have forgotten me.
Proverbs 12:26 NIV
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
2 Corinthians 6:14 NLT
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?
Proverbs 27:6 TLB
Wounds from a friend are better than kisses from an enemy!
Luke 15:35 NLT
Jesus told them this story: “If a man Has 100 sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the 99 others in the wilderness And go search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.”
Luke 15:6 NLT
When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’
Matthew 5:14-15 NIV
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
Matthew 5:16 NIV
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
John 15:12–14 NLT
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.
Proverbs 17:17 EXB
A friend loves you all the time, and a brother helps—in and is born for a time of trouble.
Key #1 - Thankfulness shifts your Perspective
Psalm 103:2-5 NIV
"Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."
Psalm 100:4
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise.”
Key #2 - Thankfulness leads to Contentment.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Key #3 - Thankfulness is Anxiety’s Antidote
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Key #4 - Thankfulness brings you to Fellowship
Luke 17:17-19 NIV
"Jesus asked, 'Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?' Then he said to him, 'Rise and go; your faith has made you well.'"
Colossians 2:7
"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."
Mark 4:1 NLT
Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out (stepped out) to plant some seed.
Soil #1 the hard heart "what got on it?”
Mark 4:4 NLT
As he scattered it across his field, (today UR MY Field) some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it.
Soil #2 the shallow heart “what got UNDER it?”
Mark 4:5-6 NLT
Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died.
Soil #3 the crowded heart “what got IN it?”
Mark 4:7 NLT
Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain.
Soil #4 the fruitful heart “What’s not in it”
Mark 4:8 NLT
Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Mark 4:9 NLT
Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
Mark 4:10 NLT
Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.
Mark 4:13 NLT
Then Jesus said to them, "If you can't understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables?
Mark 4:14 NLT
The farmer plants seed by taking God's word to others.
Mark 4:15 NLT
The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away.
Mark 4:16-17 NLT
The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word.
Mark 4:18-19 MSG
"The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it.
Mark 4:20 NLT
And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Mark 4:27 NLT
Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.
1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Key #1 - THE PROMISE STILL STANDS
Joshua 6:2-5 MSG
God spoke to Joshua, “Look sharp now. I’ve already given Jericho to you, along with its king and its elite forces. Here’s what you are to do: March around the city, all your soldiers. Circle the city once. Repeat this for six days. Have seven priests carry seven ram’s horn trumpets in front of the Chest. On the seventh day march around the city seven times, the priests blowing away on the trumpets. And then, a long blast on the ram’s horn—when you hear that, all the people are to shout at the top of their lungs. The city wall will collapse at once. All the people are to enter, every man straight on in.”
Key #2 - It's OKAY to be VULNERABLE
2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
Key #3 - Don’t Let Past PROBLEMS get in the way of your future PROMISE
Joshua 6:10 MSG
10 Joshua had given orders to the people, “Don’t shout. In fact, don’t even speak—not so much as a whisper until you hear me say, ‘Shout!’—then shout away!”
Exodus 16:2 NLT
There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron.
Key #4 - Slow and Suddenly
Isaiah 48:3 NLT
Long ago I told you what was going to happen. Then suddenly I took action, and all my predictions came true.
Key scripture:
HEBREWS 4:1-2 (NLT)
God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. 2 For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God.
Matthew 11: 28-30 (MSG)
28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
PSALM 127: 1-2
1 Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones.
Matthew 6:19 (NLT)
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4: 11-13 (NLT)
11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
LUKE 15:20 (NLT)
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
2 Corinthians 1:20-22 MSG
Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.
Key #1 - God has a PROMISE even in your PRISON
Jeremiah 32:6-9 NLT
At that time the Lord sent me a message. He said, 7 “Your cousin Hanamel son of Shallum will come and say to you, ‘Buy my field at Anathoth. By law you have the right to buy it before it is offered to anyone else.’”
8 Then, just as the Lord had said he would, my cousin Hanamel came and visited me in the prison. He said, “Please buy my field at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. By law you have the right to buy it before it is offered to anyone else, so buy it for yourself.” Then I knew that the message I had heard was from the Lord.
9 So I bought the field at Anathoth, paying Hanamel seventeen pieces of silver for it.
Jeremiah 32:15 NLT
“For this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Someday people will again own property here in this land and will buy and sell houses and vineyards and fields.’”
Key #2 - There is still More ground to be taken
Joshua 13:1 NLT
When Joshua was an old man, the Lord said to him, “You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered.
Matthew 9:29 NIV
“According to your faith let it be done to you”
Key #3 - It’s time to say YES Again!
Galatians 6:9 NLT
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.
Key #1 - They are Eternal
John 10:28 NLT
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.
Colossians 3:1-2 NLT
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
Key #2 - They are Material
Philippians 4:19 NLT
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:15 NLT
As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this.
Key #3 - They are Peaceful
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Key #4 - They can be Trusted
Psalm 145:3 NLT
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.
Key #5 - They are for You
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Romans 4:13-14 NIV
It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless
Key #1 - KNOW THEM
Genesis 17:1-4 NLT
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. 2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him, 4 “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations!
Genesis 17:5 NLT
What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you are the father of many nations.
Genesis 18:10-12 NIV
Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was far past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and old, and my master is old, will I now have the pleasure of having a child?”
Genesis 18:13-14 NIV
Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I WILL return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah WILL have a son.”
Genesis 18:15 NIV
Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.”
Hebrews 11:11
“By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised..”
Key #2 - TEST THEM
Genesis 22:5 NIV
He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”
Key #3 - TRUST THEM
1 Thessalonians 5:24 NLV
The One Who called you is faithful and will do what He promised.
Hebrews 11:8 TLB
Abraham trusted God, and when God told him to leave home and go far away to another land that he promised to give him, Abraham obeyed. Away he went, not even knowing where he was going.
Deuteronomy 6:23 NIV
But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors.
Key #1 - See Yourself as a Giant
Numbers 13:33
We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”
Joshua 2:9 NLT
“I know the Lord has given you this land,” she told them. “We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror.
Key #2 - Be Fearless
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Key #3 - Conquer UNBELIEF
Numbers 13:30 NLT
But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”
Hebrews 3:19 NIV
So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
Mark 5:35-36 NLT
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.”
Key #4 - Be willing to get your Feet Wet
Joshua 3:14-16
So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. 15 It was the harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, 16 the water above that point began backing up a great distance away…
2 Tim 3:16-17 ESV
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Gal 5:13-14 NIV
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. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Gal 5:16 NKJV
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:22 ESV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control; against such things there is no law.
1 Corinthians 13:1 NASB
If I speak with the tongues of mankind and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:2 NASB
If I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:3 NLT
If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:4 Prms
Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, Love isn’t rude.
1 Corinthians 13:5 NLT
Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable and it keeps no record of being wronged.
1 Corinthians 13:6 NLT
Love does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 John 4:7-8 NLT
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 Corinthians 13:8 NASB
Love never fails;
Key #1 - You can See it!
Isaiah 43:19 NLT
For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Key #2 - You can Touch it!
Luke 24:39 NIRV
Look at my hands and my feet. It’s really me! Touch me and see.
Key #3 - You can Hear it!
John 10:27 NKJV
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
1 Kings 19:11-12
Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.
Key #4 - You can Smell it!
2 Corinthians 2:15-16 NLT
Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume.
Key #5 - You can Taste it!
Psalm 34:8 NKJV
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 119:103 NLT
How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.
Key #6 - You can KNOW it!
1 Corinthians 2:11-12 NLT
No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
Psalm 150:6 NIV
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
P - Prioritize God First
R - Read the word
A - Assemble with other believers
I - Intercede
S - Serve
E - Encourage
Why do we praise Him…
Just Because
Psalm 145:3 NLT
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.
How should we praise Him…
Be cool
Psalm 149:3 NLT
Praise his name with dancing.
What happens when we praise Him
It Changes our Perspective
Psalm 100:4 KJV
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
John 14:27 NLT
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Key #1 - Don’t sweat the storm
Mark 4:35-40 NLT
As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Key #2 - Don’t base your Posture off your present perspective
John 16:33 NLT
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Luke 4:35
But Jesus rebuked the demon. “Be silent!” He said. “Come out of him!”
Key #3 - Don’t stay on the shore
Mark 4:35 NIV
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”
Mark 5:21 NLT
Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake.
Point #1 - The Holy Spirit The Revealer
Isaiah 55:9
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, & My thoughts than your thoughts".
1 Cor 2:9 KJV
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Cor 2:10 KJV
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Acts 2:38-39 ESV
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
Point #2 - The Holy Spirit The Reminder
John 14:26 ESV
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance of all that I have said to you.
John 16:8 NLT
And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.”
John 16:9 NLT
“The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.”
Point #3 - The Holy Spirit The Refresher
Ephesians 5:15-19 NIV
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, continually speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,
John 20:21-22 ESV
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit."
Acts 2:1-4 ESV
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Luke 11:13 ESV
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Psalm 150:6 NIV
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
Key #1 - The Root
Genesis 2:7 NIV
“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
Job 33:4 NIV
“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”
Genesis 3:10-12 NIV
He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
Key #2 - The Rescue
Exodus 15:8 NIV
At the blast of your breath, the waters piled up! The surging waters stood straight like a wall; in the heart of the sea the deep waters became hard.
Key #3 - The Restoration
Mark 15:37 NLT
Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last.
Matthew 4:18-22 NLT
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.
21 A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. 22 They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.
Key #1 - You’re NOT ready, GO anyway
Key #2 - Behind every Choice is a VOICE
Matthew 10:27 NLT
What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!
Key #3 - God sees your POTENTIAL Through your PROBLEMS
Colossians 1:9-12 NIV
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father,who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Key #4 - Faithfulness leads to Fruitfulness
John 15:16 NIV
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
John 21:5-6 NIV
He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
KEY SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 23 (NIV)
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.
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD:
I will never LACK
I am never LATE
I am never LOST
I am never LONELY
I will never LOSE
“WE NEED TO BELIEVE WHAT WE SAY WE BELIEVE IN.”
HEBREWS 11:6 (NAS1995)
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
Point #1 - Believe what the word says
ROMANS 4:19-21 (NAS1995)
Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.
John 4:47-53 (NAS)
When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and was imploring Him to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. So Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.” The royal official said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off. As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives”; and he himself believed and his whole household.
Point #2 - Receive what the word says is yours!
"Have you embraced what the word says is yours?"
Point #3 - We need to Act on the word!!!
"What do we do with His word?"
John 4:50 (NAS)
The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off.
John 4:51 (NAS)
As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living.
John 4:51 (TPT)
"...Your Son is healed, he is alive!"
John 5:19 NLT
“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.
Key #1 - Lock Your FOCUS
Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
Key #2 - Fix the Frame
Hebrews 12:1 NLV
All these many people who have had faith in God are around us like a cloud. Let us put everything out of our lives that keeps us from doing what we should. Let us keep running in the race that God has planned for us.
Key #3 - Let it Develop
Psalm 27:14 NLT
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Key #4 - Whose in the Picture?
Matthew 22:19-21 NLT
Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, 20 he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” 21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
Luke 10:25-28 NIV
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?” he answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
Luke 10:29 NIV
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
The Greek word “Justify” means; to Become righteous through Your own actions…
Luke 10:30 NIV
In reply Jesus said: “A man a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.
1 The “I can’t be bothered attitude”
Luke 10:31 NIV
A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
2 The “Only if I have too attitude”
Luke 10:32 NIV
So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
3 The “When your heart takes the lead attitude”
Luke 10:33 NIV
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.
4 The “I don’t mind the cost” attitude
Luke 10:34 NIV
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.
1 Peter 4:9 AMP
Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others.
Luke 10:35 NIV
The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
Luke 10:36-37 PRMS
Jesus then asked the lawyer, “Who was the real neighbor to the man who was stripped, beaten, and left half dead? The expert in the law replied, “The one who gave him grace.” Jesus said, “Do that, and then you will find real life.”
Hebrews 6:19 NIV
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Don't just “GO” through difficult times, “GROW” through difficult times.
Joseph went from the Pit, to Potiphers House, to Prison to the Palace.
Genesis 45:7-8 NIV
"God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God."
It's not WHY am I going through this, but WHAT are You wanting me to learn from this?
Practical Steps to Perseverance
1 - Plant yourself in this house and in the Word of God.
2 - Have consistent Prayer life.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
3 - Embrace trials as opportunities for growth.
James 1:2-4 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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Genesis 22:1-18
1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
1 - Trust through the Test
3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.
4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”
6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac (on Isaac’s back), and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together,
7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
2 - Obey through the Obstacles
10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.
12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”
13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram[a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.
14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide(Jehovah Jireh). And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
3 - Surrender your Sacrifice
15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring[b] all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Encounter #1: Gideon, the Mighty Warrior
Judges 6:11-12
The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash and Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
Judges 6:13
So what does Gideon say, 13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”
Judges 6:14-17
The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” 15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” 16 The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” 17 Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.
Encounter #2: Mary, the mother of Jesus
Luke 1:26
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”
Luke 1:29-30
But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Luke 1:31-33
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Luke 1:34
And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
Luke 1:35-37
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Luke 1:38 in KJV
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Encounter #3 Me: A Child of God
Hebrews 12:28 NLT
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Key #1 - Whenever there is Shaking, God is Protecting
Psalm 18:2 NLT
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
1 Samuel 14:13-15 NLT
So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. 14 They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre.
15 Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified.
Key #2 - Whenever there is Shaking, God is Speaking
Hebrews 12:26-27 NLT
When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” 27 This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.
Key #3 - Whenever there is Shaking, There’s a Revealing
The CROSS
Matthew 27:51 NLT
At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart
THE TOMB
Matthew 28:2 NLT
Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.
THE UPPER ROOM
Acts 2:1-2 NLT
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Proverbs 24:16
The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
Key #1 - Even when you're Tired
Psalm 105:4
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Key #2 - With what you got
1 Kings 17:13-14 NIV
Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”
Key #3 - IN SPITE of your Circumstances
2 Kings 6:15-17 NLT
When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.
16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.
Key #4 - Full of Love & GRACE
John 13:35 NLT
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples
Key #5 - Despite what it MAY COST
Matthew 10:39 NLT
If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
Josh 6:1-2
Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.
Josh 6:3 NIV
March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days.
Josh 6:4 NIV
Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets.
Josh 6:5 NIV
When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in."
Josh 6:10 NIV
But Joshua had commanded the people, "Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!"
Josh 6:12-14 NIV
Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the LORD and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets kept sounding. So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.
Josh 6:15-16 NIV
On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city!
Josh 6:20 NIV
When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city.
Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think
Key #1 - Ask with God-Given Authority
Psalm 2:7-8
The king proclaims the Lord’s decree:
“The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son.
Today I have become your Father.
Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
the whole earth as your possession.
Key #2 - Ask with Kingdom Purpose
1 John 5:14-15
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
James 4:2-3
You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
John 15:7-8
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
Key #3 - Ask with unending persistence
Luke 11:9-10
“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Romans 12:1 MSG
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.
Romans 12:2 MSG
Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Key #1 - More In You
2 Kings 13:20-22 NLT
Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring. 21 Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet.
Key #2 - More Through You
Philippians 2:13 NLT
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Key #3 - More For You
Genesis 1:28 NLT
Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply.”
II Samuel 9:1-3 NKJV
Now David said, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” And there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba. So when they had called him to David, the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” He said, “At your service!” Then the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.””
- God Has already made up His Mind
II Samuel 9:7 NKJV
“So David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.””
- What have you changed your name to?
II Samuel 9:8 NKJV
“Then he bowed himself, and said, “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?"
II Samuel 9:9 NKJV
And the king called to Ziba….
- It’s covered!
II Samuel 9:10 NKJV
“You therefore, and your sons and your servants, shall work the land for him, and you shall bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s son shall eat bread at my table always.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.”
Luke 5:12 NIV
While He (Jesus) was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Luke 5:13 NIV
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.
Key #1 - Just like a mom, God is concerned for his people
1 Peter 5:7 TLB
Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.
Key #2 - Just like a mom, God is compassionate towards his people
Psalm 103:13-14 PRMS
“As a mom or dad has compassion on their children In the very same way the Lord pours His compassion on those who love, honor and revere him; for he knows exactly how we became the people we currently are, and he remembers our very humble beginnings…”
Psalm 145:8-9 NLT
The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
Key #3 - Just like a mom, God comforts his people
Isaiah 66:13 NIV
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem".
Matthew 6:21 NLT
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Why we SHOULD guard our HEART…
Key #1 - It is Extremely Valuable
Proverbs 23:7 NKJV
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
Key #2 - It is the Source of Everything you Do
Luke 6:45 NLT
A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.
Key #3 - It is Under Constant Attack
John 10:10 NIV
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
How we Guard our Heart…
Key #1 - By Knowing the Truth
1 Peter 1:22 NIV
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.
Key #2 - By Setting Biblical Boundaries
1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.
Key #3 - By Having Heaven’s Heart
Matthew 6:20 NLT
Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
James 4:7 NIV
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil,and he will flee from you.
KEY SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:24 (NKJV)
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Key Point #1: SCARCITY
John 6:7-9 7 (NLT)
Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!” 8 Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. 9 “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”
Key Point #2: SIGNIFICANCE
Judges 6:14-15 (NLT)
14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” 15 “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!”
Key Point #3: STUFF
Matthew 6:19-24 (NLT)
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Key Point #4: SECURITY
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT)
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
Colossians 2:14 (CSB)
He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.
Key #1 - What are you pursuing?
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Key #2 - Are you living Open handed?
Proverbs 3:9
Honor the Lord from your wealth
And from the first of all your produce;
Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2
“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. 2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God.
Key #3 - Do you lead with love?
Matthew 27:37-38 NIV
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
Key #4 - Will you go the Extra mile?
Matthew 5:41 NKJV
And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
Luke 10:31-36 NLT
By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.
33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.
34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.
35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.
Genesis 1:28
Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.
Ecclesiastes 10:19
A party gives laughter, wine gives happiness, and money gives everything!
Money Myths
Myth #1 - Money is not something we should focus on
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
Myth #2 - The Bible teaches that money is EVIL
1 Timothy 6:10 NIV
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Myth #3 - Things would be Different if I had MORE
Genesis 8:22
As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.
Mark 10:29-30
Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.
Myth #4 - I’m stuck and there’s NO WAY OUT
Deuteronomy 8:18
But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
Matthew 16:19
And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”
Revelation 17:14 NLT
Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings.
Key #1 - My King is Victorious
Zechariah 9:9 NLT
Rejoice, O people of Zion!
Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you.
He is righteous and victorious.
Key #2 - My King is Humble
Zechariah 9:9 NLT
yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—
riding on a donkey’s colt.
Key #3 - My King is Peaceful
Zechariah 9:10 NLT
I will remove the battle chariots from Israel
and the warhorses from Jerusalem.
I will destroy all the weapons used in battle,
and your king will bring peace to the nations.
Key #4 - My King is GraceFULL
John 1:14 NKJV
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Key #5 - My King is Alive
Rev 1:18 NLT
I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.
1 Peter 1:3 NLT
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation.
Luke 19:30-36 NLV
He said, “Go into the town ahead of you. There you will find a young donkey tied. No man has ever sat on it. Let it loose and bring it to Me. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you letting it loose?’ say to him, ‘Because the Lord needs it.’”
32 Those who were sent found everything as Jesus had told them. 33 As they were letting the young donkey loose, the owners said to them, “Why are you letting the young donkey loose?” 34 They answered, “The Lord needs it.” 35 Then they brought it to Jesus. They put their coats on the donkey and they put Jesus on it.
36 As Jesus was going, they put their coats down on the road.
Key #1 - Cast your Cares
1 Peter 5:7 NLT
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Matthew 6:25-27 NIV
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Key #2 - No Offense
Proverbs 19:11 ESV
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
1 Corinthians 13:5 AMPC
“Love . . . takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]”
Key #3 - Your Attitude sets your Altitude
Ephesians 4:22-23 NLT
Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
Key #4 - Don’t make Things a Thing
Mark 10:21-22 NLT
Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Key Scripture
John 16:13 NIV
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will GUIDE you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Key #1 - Gives
Ephesians 1:14 NLT
The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.
Key #2 - Understanding
2 Corinthians 2:12 NLT
And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
Key #3 - Intelligence
Job 32:8 AMP
But there is [a vital force and] a spirit [of intelligence] in man,
And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.
Luke 12:11-12 NLT
And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”
Key #4 - Direction
John 14:26 NIV
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Key #5 - Empowerment
Ephesians 3:16-18 NLT
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.
Romans 12:4 NLT
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,
Romans 12:5 NLT
so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
Romans 12:6 NLT
In his GRACE, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
Romans 11:29 ESV
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable”
1 Cor 14:1-4 ESV
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
Romans 12:7 NLT
If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.
Romans 12:8 NLT
If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.
If it is giving, give generously.
If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.
And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Romans 12:9-10 NLT
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:11 NLT
Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Ephesians 5:15-18 NLT
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit
Key #1 - Less of Us
John 3:30 NIV
He must become greater; I must become less.
Key #2 - Learn the Language
Galatians 5:22 NLT
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Key #3 - Lean in and Listen
1 Kings 19:11-12 NLT
After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.
Key #4 - Loosens the Chains
2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Point 1 - Worry With CONFIDENCE
Matthew 6:25-27
Jesus Offers Peace This Way: “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
Point 2 - Fear With FAITH
John 14:27
Jesus Offers Peace This Way: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Point 3 - SHAME With ASSURANCE
Romans 8:1-2
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power[a] of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
Point 4 - Regret With FREEDOM
Galatians 5:1
Jesus Gives Peace By Setting-Us Free: “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.”
Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)
13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Acts 20:22-24 MSG
“But there is another urgency before me now. I feel compelled to go to Jerusalem. I’m completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there. I do know that it won’t be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.”
Key #1 - What You Value Matters
The Word is our Foundation
Worship is our Honor
His Presence is our Passion
Community is our Heartbeat
Key #2 - What You Say Matters
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Key #3 - What You Give Matters
Matthew 25:29
To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
Key #4 - What You Do Matters
Matthew 16:27 NIV
The Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
2 Kings 5:1 (NLT)
The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the LORD had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.
Principle #1 “The Promise Pointer”
2 Kings 5:2 (NLT)
At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid.
2 Kings 5:3 (NLT)
One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him
Principle #2 “When Showing Up — Just Isn't Enough”
2 Kings 5:9 (NLT)
So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house.
Principle #3 “Directions Mean Nothing — If Not Followed”
2 Kings 5:10 (NLT)
But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”
2 Kings 5:11 (NLT)
But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me!
PRINCIPLE #4 "Keep Dipping”
2 Kings 5:12 (NLT)
Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.
2 Kings 5:13 (NLT)
But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’”
2 Kings 5:14 (NLT)
So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Key #1 - Trust the Process
1 SAMUEL 16:10-12 NIV
Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”
Key #2 - Don’t get Bitter, Get Better!
Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Matthew 4:26-27 NLT
Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.
Key #3 - The jobs not finished
Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Hebrews 4:7 NLT
So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: "Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.”
Genesis 2:18 NLT
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
KEY #1: YOUR CONNECTIONS ARE CRUCIAL
KEY #2: DESIGNED CONNECTIONS LEAD TO MORE
Luke 15:1–2 NIV
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Proverbs 12:26 NLT
The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.
Matthew 28:19 NLT
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 1:1 NIV
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
Proverbs 27:6 NIV
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
2 Timothy 2: 1-2 NLT
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
Proverbs 11:25 NLT
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
KEY #3:
GOD IS THE PERFECT CONNECTION
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
2 KINGS 13:15-19 NIV
Elisha said, “Get a bow and some arrows,” and he did so. 16 “Take the bow in your hands,” he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands.
17 “Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!” Elisha declared. “You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.”
18 Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. 19 The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.”
Key #1 - Get a Word from God
Key #2 - Stay focused on what’s important
Galatians 1:10 NLT
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
Key #3 - Take God directed persistent action
2 KINGS 13:18-19 NIV
“Then he said, ‘Take the arrows,’ and the king took them. Elisha told him, ‘Strike the ground.’ He struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, ‘You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.’
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Key 1 - Pray with Purpose
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Key 2 - Pray to Rejoice
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus
Key 3 - Pray with an ASK
Mark 11:24 NIV
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Key 4 - Pray to Yield
Luke 22:42 NIV
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
For We live by Faith, not by sight.
Key #1 - Learn
Proverbs 1:5
A wise man will hear and increase in learning,
And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel
Key #2 - Expand
Psalms 92:12-14
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 13 planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,
Key #3 - Ask
1 John 5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
Key #4 - Pray
Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Matthew 2:9-11 NLT
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.
Key #1 - Will cause you to Make a Move!
Matthew 2:9 NLT
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.
Key #2 - Will fill your Heart with Joy
Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
Key #3 - Will cause you to Worship Him
Matthew 2:11
They entered the HOUSE and saw the CHILD with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.
Key #4 - Will cause you to Give your very Best
Matthew 2:11
Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Reminder 1: He came to make the unclean clean!
Matthew 8:1-3
When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, (no one wanted to be near him - didn’t want to be infected, ever stay away from someone because you don’t want to be infected by their attitude?) “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.
Reminder 2: He came to make the broken whole!
John 5:1-8
Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Will thou be made whole?” “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”
Reminder 3: He came to give our lives a new direction!
Luke 24:28-33 NLT
By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem.
“HOPE” is an acronym: Hope Opens People’s Eyes
“HOME” is an acronym: Hope Opened My Eyes
1 Peter 3:15 NLT
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.
Question #1 - When does God show up?
1 Samuel 3:2-4 NIV
One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel.
Samuel answered, “Here I am.”
Question #2 - Who can God use?
Matthew 1:17 NIV
Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.
Question #3 - What does God want?
1 Timothy 2:4
He desires all men to be saved and come into the knowledge of the truth.
Romans 5:1-5 NIV
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Key #1 - YOU’VE been JUSTIFIED
Key #2 - PEACE with GOD
Romans 5:1 NIV
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Key #3 - ACCESS to GRACE
Romans 5:2 NIV
Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
Key #4 - FUTURE in GLORY
Romans 5:2 NIV
And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Key #5 - REJOICE in SUFFERING
Romans 5:3-4 NIV
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
2 Timothy 1:3-8 NIV
Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.
5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Key #1 - It’s in You
Genesis 2:7
God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life.
Key #2 - It's in You, but it's not For you
1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Key #3 - Don’t be Afraid
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Key #4 - Don’t be Ashamed
2 Timothy 1:8
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.
Eph 4:22 NIV
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; and to be made new in the attitude of your minds…
1 Peter 2:9 KJV
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people”
Point 1 - The attitude that separates
Numbers 13:28 GNT
But the people who live there are powerful, and their cities are very large and well fortified. Even worse, we saw the descendants of the giants there.
Numbers 13:30 NLT
But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”
Numbers 14:24 GW
But because my servant Caleb has a different attitude and has wholeheartedly followed me, I’ll bring him to the land he already explored. His descendants will possess it.
“But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit”
Point 2 - The "We’re going to do whatever it takes Attitude"
Point 3 - The “We’re not going to bow Attitude…"
Daniel 3:14-18 NLT
Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “Oh Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Point 4 - The "We are not going to be quiet Attitude"
Point 5 - The "There’s no fear here Attitude"
Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the SHADOW of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
A = 1
T = 20
T = 20
I = 9
T = 20
U = 21
D = 4
E = 5
100%
Proverbs 23:18 TPT
Your future is bright and filled with a living hope that will never fade away.
Key #1 - Because you are the Light
Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill 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.
PSALM 119:105
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
Key #2 - In spite of the Rubble
Nehemiah 4:10
Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.
James 1:2 NLT
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
Key #3 - So it’s time to Fight
Nehemiah 4:14 NLT
Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”
Legacy Builders
Proverbs 10:7 (NLT)
We have happy memories of the Godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away.
Proverbs 13:22 (NLT)
Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the Godly.
Legacy isn’t just about what we get!
Legacy isn’t just what we get to build!
Legacy is also what but we get to set in motion.
Genesis 12:1-3 (NLT)
The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your Father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation.
I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”
Five Principles/Keys/Ways to start Legacy
- The King and His Kingdom must be first in your life.
Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
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The Journey of Obedience to God: requires steps of faith.
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God’s blessings begin with you; but it is never meant to end with you.
Deuteronomy 8:16-18 NLT
He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good.
He did all this so you would never say to yourself, “I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’
Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives power to be successful, in order to fulfil the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.
Your Childrens Children will say that they have good ancestors.
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Walking in Legacy, allows you enter into a dimension called God’s favour.
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Your world is not limited to your own life experiences.
We build the totality of lives according to God’s word.
Psalm 91 (NLT)
Deuteronomy 28:8-12 (NLT)
The Lord will guarantee a blessing on everything you do and will fill your storehouses with grain. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. 9 “If you obey the commands of the Lord your God and walk in his ways, the Lord will establish you as his holy people as he swore he would do. 10 Then all the nations of the world will see that you are a people claimed by the Lord, and they will stand in awe of you. 11 “The Lord will give you prosperity in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you, blessing you with many children, numerous livestock, and abundant crops. 12 The Lord will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.
Key point 1: Wonders Of Provision
Key point 2: You Can't Out Give God
Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Mark 5:25-36 (NLT)
A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. 26 She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. 28 For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition. 30 Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?” 31 His disciples said to him, “Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” 35 While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.” 36 But Jesus overheard[a] them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”
Luke 12:24 NIV
Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And HOW MUCH MORE valuable you are than birds!
Key #1 - He wants to give you good gifts
Matthew 7:9-11 NLT
“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him
Key #2 - He will supply your every need
Philippians 4:19 NLT
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:18 NLT
At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.
2 Corinthians 9:8 NCV
And God can give you more blessings than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything—enough to give to every good work.
Key #3 - He wants to give you MORE than you came for
Mark 2:5 NLT
Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”
Mark 2:10-12 NLT
Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 11 “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” 12 And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!”
Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think
Philippians 2:13 NIV
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Key #1 - Lay down good enough
Galatians 6:9 NASB
Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.
Key #2 - Make the most of the Moment
Hebrews 9:14 TLB
Just think how much MORE surely the blood of Christ will transform our lives and hearts. His sacrifice frees us from the worry of having to obey the old rules and makes us want to serve the living God.
Key #3 - Remember what you are MADE for
Made for Relationship
Made for Freedom
Romans 5:9 AMP
Therefore, since we have now been justified [declared free of the guilt of sin] by His blood, [how much more certain is it that] we will be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
Made for Purpose
1 Thessalonians 4:1
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.
Made for Impact
Philippians 1:9 NLT
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
The difference between a TITHE and an OFFERING
Romans 11:16 (NAS 1995)
“If the first piece of the dough is holy; the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are also.
Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 6:38 (NAS 1995)
Give, and it will be given to you. They will [a]pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”
Luke 6:38 (TPT)
“Give generously and generous gifts will be given back to you, shaken down to make room for more. Abundant gifts will pour out upon you with such an overflowing measure that it will run over the top! The measurement of your generosity becomes the measurement of your return.”
"THE GIVING PRINCIPLE"
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (NAS 1995)
6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows [a]bountifully will also reap [b]bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 9 as it is written, “HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS [c]ENDURES FOREVER.” (LEGACY) 10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality (generosity), which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
GENEROUSITY IS OUR HONOR!!!
Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
GENEROUSITY IS OUR HONOR!!
GENEROUSITY IS A BLESSING!!!
GENEROUSITY IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF FATHER GOD!!
2 Corinthians 9:8-11 (NAS 1995)
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NKJV
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
Key Point 1 - "Don't put a comma, where God puts a period"
Acts 7:9 NIV
"Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. BUT GOD was with him!!!
"Because were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. BUT GOD was with him AND…
Acts 7:9-10 NIV
"Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. BUT GOD was with him AND rescued him from ALL his TROUBLES.
B — But
U — Understand
T — this
Acts 7:9-10 NIV
"Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. BUT GOD was with him AND rescued him from ALL his TROUBLES. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwillof Pharaoh king of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.
Key Point 2 - The 5 “But God” moments of Joseph
Key Point 3 - The “But God” Ripple effect
Gen 45:4-7
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Key #1 - He takes care of it!
2 Chronicles 20:12
We are powerless before this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.
2 Chronicles 20:15
Do not be afraid or discouraged, because of this vast army.
2 Chronicles 20:15
The battle is not yours, but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:17
Take up your positions; stand firm.
2 Chronicles 20:17
Stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.
Key #2 - He says It’s not over!
Ezekiel 37:4-5
Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!
Key #3 - He will use it for Good!
Genesis 50:20
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.
Key #1 - Be Responsible
Psalm 119:29 NLT
Keep me from lying to myself;
Judges 6:14-16 NLT
Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”
15 “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!”
16 The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”
Key #2 - GIVE what you GOT
Acts 3:1-3 NLT
Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
Acts 3:4-6 NLT
Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
Key #3 - Partner with People
Acts 3:7 NLT
Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.
Deut 32:30 NLT
How could one person chase a thousand of them, and two people put ten thousand to flight
KEY SCRIPTURE:
EPHESIANS 5:15-16 (NLT)
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
ESPESIANS 5:17 (NLT)
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
FIRST OPPORTUNITY - SERVE LUNCH
1 Samuel 17:17 NLT
One day Jesse said to David, “Take this basket of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread, and carry them quickly to your brothers.
LUKE 19: 26 NLT
“‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
SECOND OPPORTUNITY - TAKE DOWN A GIANT
1 Samuel 17:25 (NLT)
“Have you seen the giant?” the men asked. “He comes out each day to defy Israel. The king has offered a huge reward to anyone who kills him. He will give that man one of his daughters for a wife, and the man’s entire family will be exempted from paying taxes!”
1 Samuel 17:26 (NLT)
David asked the soldiers standing nearby, “What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?”
1 Samuel 17:30 (NLT)
He walked over to some others and asked them the same thing and received the same answer.
THIRD OPPORTUNITY - PUSH THROUGH THE CROWD
Mark 5:25 (NLT)
25 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding.
Mark 5:27-29 (NLT)
27 She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. 28 For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.
Mark 2:2-4 (NLT)
2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.
Proverbs 4:25 NIV
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
Key #1 - Don’t take a Detour
Gal 5:7-8 MSG
You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn't come from the One who called you into the race in the first place.
Key #2 - Don’t get Tired
Galatians 6:9 NLT
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.
Matthew 11:28 NLT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Key #3 - Don’t let down your Guard
1 Peter 5:8 NLT
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Psalm 4:4 NLT
Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Key #4 - Don’t lose your Head
2 Kings 6:5-7 NLT
5 But as one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river. “Oh, sir!” he cried. “It was a borrowed ax!” 6 “Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface. 7 “Grab it,” Elisha said. And the man reached out and grabbed it.
Point #1 - The Samuel Principle
1 Samuel 2:19 NLT
Each year his mother made a small coat for him and brought it to him when she came with her husband for the sacrifice.
Point #2 - The David Principle
1 Samuel 17:38 MSG
Then Saul outfitted David as a soldier in armor. He put his bronze helmet on his head and belted his sword on him over the armor. David tried to walk but he could hardly budge. David told Saul, “I can’t even move with all this stuff on me. I’m not used to this.” And he took it all off.
Point #3 - The Prodigal Principle
Luke 15:17 NIV
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
Luke 15:18-20 NIV
I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Luke 15:21 NIV
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants”
Point #4 - The Perfect Principle
Luke 15:22 NIV
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Proverbs 19:21 NLV
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s plan that will stand.”
Key #1 - Get the Right Recipe
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
Romans 1:12
When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours
James 1:3
Your faith will be tested. You know that when this happens it will produce in you the strength to continue.
Key #2 - Begin the Preparation
James 2:14
What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions?
Key #3 - Don’t be a PICKY EATER
Jeremiah 15:16 NIRV
When I received your words, I ate them. They filled me with joy. My heart took delight in them.
Key #4 - Become a Feeder
John 21:15 NIV
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
KEY SCRIPTURE - Psalm 16:11(NLT)
“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your PRESENCE and the pleasures of living with you forever.”
KEY #1 - GRATITUDE
KEY #2 - INTENTIONALITY
Luke 7:36-38 (NIV)
36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
KEY #3 - FAITH
Acts 16:25-26 (TPT)
25 Paul and Silas, undaunted, prayed in the middle of the night and sang songs of praise to God, while all the other prisoners listened to their worship. 26 Suddenly, a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. All at once every prison door flung open and the chains of all the prisoners came loose.
KEY #4 - TURNS YOU AROUND
Luke 24:31-33 (NIV)
31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together.
Key Scripture: Romans 10:3-4 TLB
3 For they don’t understand that Christ has died to make them right with God. Instead they are trying to make themselves good enough to gain God’s favor by keeping the Jewish laws and customs, but that is not God’s way of salvation. 4 They don’t understand that Christ gives to those who trust in him everything they are trying to get by keeping his laws. He ends all of that.
KEY POINT #1: GRACE ISN’T FAIR
LUKE 15:24 NIV
For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
LUKE 15:29 NLT
but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’
LUKE 15:31 NLT
“His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”
KEY POINT #2: GRACE IS A LICENSE TO WIN
ROMANS 6:6-7 NLT
6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.
ROMANS 3:20 NLT
For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
KEY POINT #3. GRACE IS FOR YOU, NOT ABOUT YOU
Galatians 2:21 NLT
I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Point #1 - We now operate in the spirit, and not the flesh.
Romans 8:38-39 says NIV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Point #2 - There is nothing you can do to separate you from the love of God.
Genesis 50:20 NIV
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Point #3 - Whatever trial you are going through right now, God can use it for good if you allow Him to.
Titus 2:11-12 NIV
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age
Point #4 - Only the GRACE of God can teach us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions.
Point #5 - We don't pray for victory, we pray from Victory!
John 7:38 NIV
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
Key #1 - Check Your Flow
FAITH
LOVE
HOPE
WORSHIP
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
Key #2 - Open the Floodgates
Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Proverbs 11:24 CSB
One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
Key #3 - Spring up a Well
John 4:14
But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.
Matthew 25:14-29 NLT
14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more.18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’
23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’
26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
Key #1 - You Own Nothing
Key #2 - You Got Something
Malachi 3:10 NIV
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Key #3 - Jesus is Coming
ACTS 1:4-5 NASB
Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
ACTS 1:8 NASB
but you shall receive POWER when the HOLY SPIRIT has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.
JOHN 16:7 NASB
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”
JOHN 14:16-17 NASB
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
POINT #1 - The Holy Spirit is our Helper
JOHN 16:13-15 NASB
But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.
POINT #2 - He is our informer / Revealer / Guide
ISAIAH 59:19 NASB
So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
1COR 2:10-12 NASB
For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,
1 COR 2:9 TPT
“BUT JUST AS IT IS WRITTEN, THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND WHICH HAS NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”
1COR 2:12 NASB
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,
POINT #3 - He is our empowered / enabler
ACTS 1:8 NASB
but you shall receive POWER when the HOLY SPIRIT has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.
ROM 8:26-27 NASB
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness/infirmities; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
1 COR 14:2 NASB
For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.
ACTS 2:39 NASB
For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”
JUDE 20 NASB
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
2 Corinthians 10:3 NIV
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV
Casting down IMAGINATIONS, and every high thing that exalts itself against the KNOWLEDGE of God, and bringing into captivity every THOUGHT to the obedience of Christ;
Ephesians 6:10 NIV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Ephesians 6:11 NIV
Put on the FULL ARMOR of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:12 NIV
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.
Ephesians 6:13 NIV
Therefore therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:14 KJV
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth
John 3:4-7 NASB
Nicodemus *said “How can a person be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?”Jesus said “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
Ephesians 6:14b
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
Ephesians 6:15 NIV
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:16 NIV
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:17 NIV
take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Haggai 1:5-7
Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. 6 You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” 7 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.
Habit #1 - Establish a Routine
Genesis 8:22 NIV
As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.
Habit #2 - Have an Optimistic Outlook
James 1:2
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
Habit #3 - Let Generosity flow through you
Proverbs 11:25 NIV
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Habit #4 - Take time to Rest
Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Habit #5 - Get Accountability
Romans 14:12
So then, each of us will be accountable to God.
Habit #6 - Be a Wise Steward
James 1:17
But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow.
Matthew 22:37 - NLT
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
Ephesians 5:25 - NLT
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her
Colossians 3:23 - NLT
23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Matthew 22:39 - NLT
39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
KEY SCRIPTURE
Romans 12:1 - TPT
1 Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.
Key Point #1 - SEEK HARMONY
John 16:33 - NLT
33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
KEY POINT #2 - FIND RHYTHM
Isaiah 28:24-26 - NLT
24 Does a farmer always plow and never sow? Is he forever cultivating the soil and never planting? 25 Does he not finally plant his seeds— black cumin, cumin, wheat, barley, and emmer wheat— each in its proper way, and each in its proper place? 26 The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him understanding.
Romans 12:2 - NLT
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
KEY POINT #3 - FIND REST
Matthew 11:28-29 - NLT
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.
Isaiah 43:19 - NLT
19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Key #1 - Fix your Focus
Philippians 4:8 NLT
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 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 4:9 NIV
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Key #2 - Trust the Timing
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Key #3 - Build a Boundary
Isaiah 50:7 NLT
Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will.
Key #4 - Who's in Control
1 Peter 5:7 AMP
Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].
John 8:36 NIV
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed
Key #1 - Breaking DOUBT
Judges 6:12
12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”
16 The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”
Judges 6:7
Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have...I am with you.
Key #2 - BREAKING FEAR
2 Timothy 1:17
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind
Judges 7:2-3
2 The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’
3 Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.
Key #3 - BREAKING THROUGH
Judges 7:19
Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guard. They blew their trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands.
Judges 7:22
When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords.
Matthew 27:51 NLT
At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart.
Key #1 - It always has something to look forward to
Hebrews 12:2
For the joy set before him he endured the cross
Key #2 - It should be unreasonable
Key #3 - It has Present Hope instead of Past Pain
Hosea 2:15 MSG
I’ll turn Heartbreak Valley into Acres of Hope
Key #4 - There’s always one more move
Luke 1:37 NKJV
For with God nothing will be impossible.
John 12:1-2 (NLT)
Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him.
John 12:3 (NLT)
Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.
John 12:4-5 (NLT)
But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.”
John 12:6 (NLT)
Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.
John 12:7-8 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
John 12:9-11 (NLT)
When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead.
Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
John 12:12-13 (NLT)
The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! hosanna on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!”
Mat 21:10-12 (NIV)
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.
Matthew 4:19 NLT
Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
John 21:6
Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
Key #1 - Frequently
Luke 9:23 NLT
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.
Key #2 - Intentionally
Proverbs 21:5 NIV
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Key #3 - Side by Side
Proverbs 27:17 NIV
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Key #4 - Honorably
Matthew 18:12
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?
Ephesians 4:1-3
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
Key #1 - YOUR SWEET SPOT CONSISTS OF WHAT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT
Key #2 - YOUR SWEET SPOT CONSISTS OF WIHAT YOU ARE GOOD AT
Key #3 - YOUR SWEET SPOT WILL PEAK WHEN YOU ALIGN WHAT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHAT YOU ARE GOOD AT FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH
Key #4 - YOUR SWEET SPOT REQUIRES YOU TO LIVE AS A LIFE WORTHY OF IT'S CALLING
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Prosper: an ongoing state of success that touches every area of our lives
Key #1 - Search your Soul
3 John 1:2 NKJV
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Key #2 - Follow Instructions
Proverbs 16:20
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
Key #3 - Seek Wisdom
Proverbs 19:8
To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.
1 Kings 10:23
King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Key #4 - Be Generous
Proverbs 11:25
A generous person will prosper;
Proverbs 11:25 JLS
A Generous person will HAVE success that touches every area of their life
Key #5 - The Plan Provides Protection
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.
1 Kings 19:11-13
“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Question #1 - What is the loudest voice in your life?
James 1:19
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
Question #2 - When, where and how do you listen?
Proverbs 18:13
To answer before listening—that is folly and shame
Romans 12:8
if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully
Question #3 - Do you believe God will speak?
Isaiah 41:13
I am yahweh, your mighty God! I grip your right hand and won’t let you go! I whisper to you: don’t be afraid; I am here to help you!
Key Scripture
LUKE 10: 38-42 (NLT)
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Clutter: Any unnecessary, disorganized, or unused objects, thoughts, or beliefs that occupy physical, emotional, or spiritual spaces in our lives.
Point #1 - DECLUTTER YOUR DIET
1 CORINTHIANS 6:12 (TLB)
I can do anything I want to if Christ has not said no, but some of these things aren’t good for me. Even if I am allowed to do them, I’ll refuse to if I think they might get such a grip on me that I can’t easily stop when I want to.
1 CORINTHIANS 7:35 (NLT)
I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.
Point #2 - DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE
HEBREWS 12:1 (NLT)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
ECCLESIASTES 3:6 (NLT)
A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.
Point #3 - DECLUTTER YOUR FINANCES
JUDGES 6:14-16 (NLT)
14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” 15 “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” 16 The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”
JUDGES 7:2 (NLT)
The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.
JUDGES 7:4 (NLT)
But the Lord told Gideon, “There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not.”
JUDGES7:7 (NLT)
But the Lord told Gideon, “There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not.”
Point #4 - DECLUTTER YOUR CALENDAR
Point #5 - DECLUTTER YOUR PAST
PHILIPPIANS 3:13b-14 (NLT)
I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Key #1 - What is Jesus asking?
John 1:35-38 NLV
The next day John the Baptist was standing with two of his own followers. 36 Jesus walked by. John looked at Him and said, “See! The Lamb of God.” 37 John’s two followers heard him say this and followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned around and saw them following. He said to them, “What are you looking for?”
Key #2 - Ask With the Right Motives
James 4:2-3
You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
Key #3 - Make room for the answer
Luke 10:25-29 NLT
One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”
27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”
29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
James 2:17 says “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
A wall Called “Barely Getting by” (Gideon)
Judges 6:11 NLT
Then the angel of the LORD came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites.
Judges 6:12 NLT
When the ANGEL of the LORD appeared to Gideon the angel said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."
"In the world’s EYES you have to SEE something before you can BE something" - Ps. Rob Spina
2 Corinthians 5:7
“for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
"You May Be In a Small Place - Just Don't Allow the Small Place to Be In You!" - Ps. Rob Spina
A Wall called “Those who Oppose” (Daniel)
Daniel 6:10 NLT
But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.
Daniel 6:22 ESV
But My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths,
"The mouths of those who oppose him want the mouths of the Lions to dispose of him" - Ps. Rob Spina
1 Peter 5:8 ESV
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
A wall called "Insurmountable" (The Israelites )
“God's greater” than our "insurmountable" - Ps. Rob Spina
Isaiah 43:15 NLT
I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator and King.
Isaiah 43:16 NLT
I am the Lord, who opened a way through the water making a dry path through the sea.
Isaiah 43:17 NLT
I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick.
Isaiah 43:18 NLT
“But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
Isaiah 43:19 NLT
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
Therefore 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 am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Key #1 - Assignments are for everyone
Jeremiah 1:5
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
Key #2 - Assignments are not negotiable
Jeremiah 1:6-7
“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” 7 The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.
Jonah 1:1-3
The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
Jonah 1:10
This terrified them and they asked, "what have you done?" (they knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.)
Jonah 1:17
but the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.
Key #3 - Assignments are seasonal
2 Timothy 2:15
Work hard so God can say to you, “Well done.”
Proverbs 18:16
A person’s gift will make room for them
Key #4 - Assignments Solve Problems
Ephesians 5:14-16
Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Key #1 - To Wake Up
Proverbs 6:9 NLT
But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up?
Mark 13:36
Always be ready. Otherwise he might come back suddenly and find you sleeping.
Key #2 - TO BE CAREFUL HOW YOU LIVE
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Ephesians 5:1
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.
Key #3 - TO MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY
1 Peter 4:7-8 MSG
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.
2 Peter 1:12 NLT
Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught.
Key #1 - Remember YOUR WHY
Nehemiah 9:17 NASB
They refused to listen, And did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them; So they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; And You did not forsake them.
Romans 3:22-24 NLT
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
Key #2 - Remember to let Go
2 Corinthians 5:17
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Key #3 - Remember to Go Deeper
Luke 5:4-6
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
Ephesians 3:18 NLT
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.
Friends FORGIVE YOU
Gen 27:40
“You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. But when you decide to break free, you will shake his yoke from your neck.”
Friends REFRESH YOU
Proverbs 11:25 NIV
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Generous = One who blesses God, as an act of adoration…
Prosper = One anointed to satisfy & take away the ashes
Refreshes = Hydrates others
Refreshed = Will be refreshed like the rain falling down
Proverbs 11:25 PRMS
the one who blesses & adores our God, has an anointing to satisfy the thirsty, when he gives a cupful to a friend, God gives him a downpour.
Friends INSPIRE & ENCOURAGE YOU
Friends NOURISH YOU
Psalm 34:8 KJV
“Oh taste and see that the lord is good”
John 4:31 NLT
Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.”
John 4:32 NLT
But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.”
John 4:33 NLT
“Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other.
John 4:34 NLT
Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.
Friends DEFEND YOU
Psalm 3:3 KJV
But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Proverbs 17:17 NIV
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Friends SHAPE YOU
Romans 12:2 ICBa
Do not be shaped by this world. Instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you.
Proverbs 18:24 AMP
The man of too many friends — chosen indiscriminately will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, but there is a true, loving friend who is reliable and sticks closer than a brother.
Key scripture
Acts 3:19-20 NLT
"Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord."
Acts 3:20 NLT
"Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord."
Isaiah 58:3
We have fasted before you!’ they say.
‘Why aren’t you impressed?
We have been very hard on ourselves,
and you don’t even notice it!’
“I will tell you why!” I respond.
“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Key #1 - GO SLIM
Social Media
Language
Idols
Meals
Matthew 6:16-18
16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Key #2 - Supercharge IT
4 Things to Supercharge your fast
- Assemble Together
Hebrews 10:25 NIRV
And let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us encourage one another with words of hope. Let us do this even more as you see Christ’s return approaching.
-
Separate Yourself
-
Spend extra time in God's word
Psalm 19:7 NIV
The law (meaning: the Word) of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
- Worship
Acts 13:2 NLT
One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”
Key #3 - How HUNGRY are YOU?
Luke 15:17
When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!
2 Corinthians 3:17
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Key #1 - Freedom Frustrations
Hebrews 12:1
Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.
Key #2 - Freedom Foundations
Galatians 5:1 NIV
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 NLT
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.
Key #3 - That Freedom Feeling
Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:16
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Luke 2:4-6 NLTAnd because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.
Lk 2:7-8 KJV
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luke 2:9-10 NLT
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
Luke 2:11-12 KJV
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:13-14 NIV
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Isa 9:6 NKJV
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;
Isaiah 9:6 NLT
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Key #1 - DON’T WAIT TO OPEN IT
Romans 5:5 NLT
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Key #2 - BRING IT BACK TO THE BIRTH
1 Peter 1:3
Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy he has given us a new birth and a living hope. This hope is living because Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
Key #3 - IT’S IN YOUR HEART
Matthew 1:23 NLT
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
Colossians 1:27 NIV
“Christ in you, the hope of glory”
Full Hearts - Full Hands Or
Follow the way of the Wise Men
Psalm 119:105 KJV
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105 TLB
Your words are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me and keep me from stumbling
Matt 2:1 KJV
Now when Jesu was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Matt 2:2 KJV
“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship."
Matt 2:3 KJV
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Matt 2:4 KJV
And when he [Herod] had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
Matt 2:5 KJV
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Matt 2:7-8 KJV
“Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.””
Matt 2:9 KJV
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
Matt 2:10 KJV
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
Matt 2:11 KJV
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then, (then when?) they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
"Your hands will always give to what your heart is drawn to." - Ps. Rob Spina
"A heart that's full of love towards him, has hands that are full of gifts for him.” - Ps. Rob Spina
1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms
Luke 1:5-7
When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. 6 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. 7 They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.
Key #1 - Waiting on a Miracle
James 1:12
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him
Key #2 - Responding to a Miracle
Luke 1:18
Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”
Luke 1:19-20
Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!
20 But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”
Luke 1:25
“How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”
Luke 1:76
“And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
Key Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:8-9 (NLT)
8 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. 9 Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
“A Christian in church is safe, but that is not what Christians are built for” - Ps Jared
Key #1 - Accept God’s ASSIGNMENT
Mark 16:15 (NLT)
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
Luke 15:4-7 (NLT)
4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
Key #2 - Build a PERSONAL CONNECTION
1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NLT)
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Key #3 - Share your TESTIMONY
Acts 1:8 (NLT)
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Key #4 - INVITE them
Romans 10:14 (NLT)
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?
Jeremiah 15:16 MSG
When your words showed up, I ate them—
swallowed them whole. What a feast!
Key #1 - Let Grace set the table
Song of Solomon 2:4
He escorts me to the banquet hall;
It's obvious how much he loves me.
Key #2 - Come find your seat
Isaiah 43:1 NIV
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Luke 14:16-23 NLT
16 Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. 17 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ 18 But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ 19 Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
21 “The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 23 So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.
Key #3 - Faith fills the plate
Matthew 21:22 NLT
You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.
Truth #1 - There’s nothing you need to do to be who you already are!
Genesis 3:1 NLT
Now... The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. 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 3:2-3 NLT
“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do. you will die.’”
Genesis 3:4-5 NLT
“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “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.”
"There’s Nothing you need to do to be who you already are!" - Ps. Rob Spina
Truth #2 - “You're not called to live & die in a land called just enough”
"Your self image WILL always determine what land you're living in" - Ps. Rob Spina
Numbers 13:32 NLT
So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”
"They’re convinced that their previous Condition is a permanent position Having greater power than their promised provision!" - Ps. Rob Spina
Truth #3 - “We all need an it is Written”
"Don't allow your identity to be defined by your struggle" - Ps. Rob Spina
1 John 3:1 NLT
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!
Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Key #1 - MATCH THE PICTURE TO THE NAME
Key #2 - WE CARRY HIS NAME
2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Key #3 - OUR FAITH COMES THROUGH HIS NAME
Acts 3:16
By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.
John 16:23 NLT
At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.
John 8:2 NIV
At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to TEACH them.
John 8:3 NIV
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman CAUGHT in adultery. They MADE HER stand before the group
John 8:4 NIV
and they said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.
John 8:5 NIV
In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
Leviticus 20:10 NIV
“‘If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death.
John 8:6 NIV
They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.
John 8:7 NIV
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
John 8:8 NIV
again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
John 8:9 NIV
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.
John 8:10 NIV
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
John 8:11 NIV
“No one, sir,” Jesus went on to say “then neither do I condemn you go now and leave your life of sin.”
Titus 2:11&12 ESV
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
John 8:12 NIV
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Hebrews 11:8 NIV
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Key #1 - Delayed obedience is still disobedience
Psalm 119:60 NLT
I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.
Key #2 - SIT & STAY
Psalm 92:12-14 NKJV
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing.
Key #3 - Obedience always leads to blessing
Luke 11:28 NLT
Jesus replied, "But even MORE BLESSED are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice."
Matthew 6:33 NKJVBut seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Key #4 - There is a miracle on the other side of your obedience
2 Kings 5:10
“Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”
2 Kings 5:11
But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.
2 Kings 5:14
So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!
Key Scripture
Romans 8:28 - NLT
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
KEY POINT #1: GET GOING
Zachariah 4:10 - NLT
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 - NLT
5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:7-10 - NLT
7. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. 9. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.
KEY POINT #2: GET GRINDING
Ezra 4:1-2 - NLT
1. The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the Lord, the God of Israel. 2. So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.”
Ezra 4:3 - NLT
3. But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.”
Ephesians 2:10 - NLT
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.
Philippians 2:4 - NLT
4. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians 3:12-14 NIV
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Key #1 - Don’t settle in your pursuit
Philippians 3:12 NIV
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Key #2 - Don’t settle in your past
Philippians 3:13 NIV
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
Key #3 - Don’t settle your expectations
Philippians 3:14 NIV
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
John 8:32 NLT
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“Know” to understand, be sure of, able to speak and be confident in.
John 8:32 PRMS
Then you will know the truth and the truth you “know” the truth that you’re able to share with others, that you really comprehend, and have confidence in, "that truth" will radically liberate you…
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Acts 2:17 O.L.
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will gush out from my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams”
Eph 5:18 O.L.
“be continually filled with the spirit"
Ezekiel 36:26 NLT
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
“It flows to you, to flow through you, to flow into someone else” -Pastor Justin
Hearts Open Positioned Excited are…
Healed Outpouring Promises Everywhere…
Helping Others Possess Eternity by…
Hearing Obeying Praying Engaging
Psalm 92:10 (KJV)
But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn:
I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
ra‛ănân rah-an-awn'
root meaning to be green; verdant; by analogy new; figuratively prosperous: - green, flourishing.
Point #1. An Anointing for: LIONS,BEARS & GIANTS
1 Samuel 16:13 (NLT)
So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.
Point #2. An Anointing for: HOME
2 Samuel 2:4 (KJV)
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.
Point #3. An Anointing for: TO REMIND US OF OUR CALLING & DESTINY
1 Chronicles 11:1-3 (NLT)
1 Then all Israel gathered before David at Hebron and told him, “We are your own flesh and blood. 2 In the past, even when Saul was king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord your God told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be the leader of my people Israel.’” 3 So there at Hebron, David made a covenant before the Lord with all the elders of Israel. And they anointed him king of Israel, just as the Lord had promised through Samuel.
Point #4. An Anointing for: THE HATER’S
Psalm 23:5 (NLT)
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my ' enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
Point #5. An Anointing for: OVERCOMING CONDEMNATION
2 Samuel 12:20 (KJV)
Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.
1 John 2:27 NIV
As for you, the anointing you received from him (JESUS) remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
Psalm 92:10 (KJV)
I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
Galatians 4:4-5 NLT
Luke 9:51 TPT
Point 1. People that show up see opportunities that others don’t see.
Acts 1:15 NKJV
Point 2. People that show up know that life is not always about options, but requirements.
Point 3. When you feel like giving up, still show up.
John 5:3-8 NKJV
Point 4. We all have excuses why we cannot show up.
Luke 14:16-20 NKJV
Ecclesiastes 11:4 TLB
Point 5. When you do not know what to do or say, Just show up.
II Kings 7:4 NKJV
Point 6. When you show up, show up with something.
Point 7. When you show up, keep showing up.
Point 8. When you don’t show up, it doesn’t just rob us, it robs others.
Point 9. When you don’t show up, it robs God of rewarding you.
Luke 18:35-37 NLT As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by.
Luke 18:38 NLT So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Luke 18:39 NLT “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Luke 18:40 NLT When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him.
Luke 18:41 NLT As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!”
Luke 18:42 NLT And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.”
Luke 18:43 NLT Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.
Genesis 1:28 NLT Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
Mark 12:41-44Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Acts 4:32 NLT All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.
Acts 4:34-35 NLT There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
BOOM - TO MAKE A LOUD, DEEP RESONATING SOUND
Blessings Proverbs 10:22 NLT The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Opportunities Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Outpouring 2 Kings 4:3-6 NIV “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. 4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” 5 She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing.
Miracles 1 John 5:14-15 NIV This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Ephesians 4:1-6 NLT Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
Key #1 - ANSWER THE CALL
Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
Matthew 22:14 NLT “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Key #2 - LIVE THE CALL
Ephesians 4:2-3 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
Numbers 12:3 Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.
Matthew 12:25 “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
Key #3 - ALL FOR THE CALL
Ephesians 4:4-6 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
Key #1: Hearing from another realm
Romans 10:17 NKJV So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Key #2: Seeing into another realm
2 Kings 6:15 NIV When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
2 Kings 6:16 NIV “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
1st: Elisha shuts Down the panic. 2nd: Elisha didn't deny the problem. 3rd: Elisha says, there are more for us than against us! 4th: Elisha prayed.
2 Kings 6:17 NIV “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Key #3: Speaking into another realm
John 11:39 NIV “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
John 11:40 NIV Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
John 11:41-42 NIV So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
John 11:43 NIV When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
John 11:44 NIV The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
Colossians 1:13-14 NLT For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son… who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Revelation 11:15 NKJV And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master-builder I laid a foundation, but someone else builds on it. And each one must be careful how he builds.
Question #1 Are little things causing big problems? Galatians 5:9 You should know that “just a little yeast works its way through the whole batch of dough.”
Question #2 Do you have a sandy situation? Matthew 7:24-26 NIV Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
Matthew 7:27 NIV The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Question #3 Are you built to last? Hebrews 3:4 NLT For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God.
Key Scripture: Genesis 2:24 - NLT 24. This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
Key Point #1: GOALS
Ephesians 5:22 - NLT 22. For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:21 - NLT 21. And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:25 - NLT 25. For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her
Key Point #2: GUARDRAILS
Genesis 15:4 - NLT 4. Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.”
Genesis 16:2 - NLT 2. So Sarai said to Abram, “The Lord has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal.
Key Point #3: GOD
Matthew 6:33 - NLT 33. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - NLT 4. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5. or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Jeremiah 29:11 - NLT 11. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord . “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Mark 4:26-27 NLT “Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.
Mark 4:13 NLT Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables?
Sample Soil #1 "What got ON it?”
Mark 4:1-2 NLT Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:
Mark 4:3 NLT “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed.
Mark 4:4 NLT As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it.
Hosea 4:6 “my people, are destroyed for lack of knowledge“
Sample Soil #2 “What got UNDER it?”
Mark 4:5-6 NLT Other seed fell on shallow soil with under-lying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died.
Sample Soil #3 “What got IN it?”
Mark 4:7 NLT Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain.
3 “Bad Seeds" The worries of this life. The deceitfulness of wealth. The desire for other things.
Mark 4:8 NLT Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Mark 4:9 NLT Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
James 1:21 NIV humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you!
Luke 10:25 NIV On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Luke 10:26 NIV “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?”
Luke 10:27 NIV He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.
Luke 10:28 NIV “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
Romans 3:20 NLV No person will be made right (Justified) with God by doing what the Law says. The Law shows us how sinful we are.
Luke 10:29 NIV But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Because he knew he wasn’t loving like that
"justify himself” Literally in the Greek "Make himself righteous & innocent"
Sin does not stop God's grace from flowing but Grace will stop sin!
“Where sin abounds, Grace super abounds”
2 corinthians 5:17 NLT This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
2 corinthians 5:18 NLT And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.
2 corinthians 5:19 NLT For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.
2 corinthians 5:20 NLT So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
2 corinthians 5:21 NLT For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
God’s holiness, God’s righteousness and God’s justice demands that you enjoy all the benefits of the cross. — dIncluding your acquittal, deliverance, healing, prosperity...
Romans 3:23-24 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.
Key #1 JOY BELONGS TO ME James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Psalm 94:19 When my anxious thoughts multiplied, your comfort filled my soul with joy. KEY #2 PEACE BELONGS TO ME John 16:33 NLT I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Key #3 A WAY HAS BEEN MADE FOR ME Matthew 7:7–8 NLV “Ask, and what you are asking for will be given to you. Look, and what you are looking for you will find. Knock, and the door you are knocking on will be opened to you. 8 Everyone who asks receives what he asks for. Everyone who looks finds what he is looking for. Everyone who knocks has the door opened to him. Isaiah 43:2 NLT When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Key #4 A PRICE HAS BEEN PAID FOR ME Galatians 3:14 Christ paid the price so that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to all the people of the world through Jesus Christ and we would receive the promised Spirit through faith.
The flavor of favor
Colossians 1:12 NIV Give joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light
2 Sam 9:1 (NLT) One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
Galatians 4:6-7 NLT And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.’ Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
2 Sam 9:2 (NLT) He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked. “Yes sir, I am,” Ziba replied.
2 Sam 9:3 (NLT) The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.” Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.”
2 Sam 9:4 (NLT) “Where is he?” the king asked. “In Lo-debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.”
2 Sam 9:5 (NLT) So David sent for him and brought him from Makir’s home.
2 Sam 9:6 (NLT) His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson.
2 Sam 9:6 (NLT) His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.” Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”
2 Sam 9:7 (NLT) “Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness (favor) to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”
2 Sam 9:8 (NLT) Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”
2 Sam 9:9 (NLT) Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family.
2 Sam 9:10 (NLT) Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will eat here at my table.”
2 Sam 9:11 (NLT) Ziba replied,“Yes, my lord the king; I am your servant, and I will do all that you have commanded.” And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David’s table, like one of the king’s own sons.
Galatians 4:7 (NLT)you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
Proverbs 25:25 NLT Like a drink of cool water refreshes a weary, thirsty soul, so hearing good news revives the spirit. Key #1 YOU ARE BLESSED Proverbs 10:25 NLT The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Key #2 YOU ARE FAVORED Proverbs 8:35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. Revelation 3:7 CEV Jesus said “When I open a door, no one can close it. And when I close a door, no one can open it.” Key #3 YOU ARE LOVED Romans 12:10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Key #4 YOU ARE FORGIVEN Hebrews 10:12 TLB But Christ gave himself to God for OUR SINS as one sacrifice for all time and then sat down in the place of highest honor at God’s right hand,
1 Samuel 1:4 NLT On the days Elkanah presented his sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to Peninnah and each of her children.
1 Samuel 1:5 NLT And though he loved Hannah, he would give her only one choice portion because the Lord had given her no children.
1 Samuel 1:6 NLT So Peninnah would taunt Hannah and make fun of her because the Lord had kept her from having children.
1 Samuel 1:7 NLT Year after year it was the same—Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat.
1 Samuel 1:8 NLT “Why are you crying, Hannah?” Elkanah would ask. “Why aren’t you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn’t that better than having ten sons?”
1 Samuel 1:9 NLT Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up, and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle.
1 Samuel 1:10 NLT Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.
1 Samuel 1:11 NLT And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.”
1 Samuel 1:12-16 NLT As she was praying to the Lord, Eli watched her. Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking. “Must you come here drunk?” he demanded. “Throw away your wine!” “Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.”
1 Samuel 1:17 NLT “In that case,” Eli said, “go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.”
1 Samuel 1:18 NLT “Oh, thank you, sir!” she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.
1 Samuel 1:19 NLT The entire family got up early the next morning and went to worship the Lord once more. Then they returned home to Ramah. When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea,
1 Samuel 1:20 NLT and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the Lord for him.”
Galatians 6:9 NLT 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.
1 Samuel 1:26-28 NLT “Sir, do you remember me?” Hannah asked. “I am the very woman who stood here several years ago praying to the Lord. I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshiped the Lord there.
1 Samuel 13:5 (1984 NIV) The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, with three thousand chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Micmash, east of Beth Aven.
1 Samuel 13:6 When the Israelites saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns.
1 Samuel 13:16 Saul and his son Jonathan and the men with them were staying in Gibeah in Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Micmash.
1 Samuel 13:17 Raiding parties went out from the Philistine camp…
1 Samuel 13:19 Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, "Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!"
1 Samuel 13:22 So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them.
1 Samuel 13:23 Now a detachment of Philistines had gone out to the pass at Micmash.
1 Samuel 14:1 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, "Come, let's go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side." But he did not tell his father.
1 Samuel 14:4 On each side of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost was a cliff; one was called Bozez, and the other Seneh.
They are between a rock and a hard place.
They were in the enemies stronghold.
1 Samuel 14:5-6 One cliff stood to the north toward Micmash, the other to the south toward Geba. Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."
Key #1 - You don’t need great numbers to do great things for God.
1 Samuel 14:7 "Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."
For Jonathan, it's his time and his turn.
1 Samuel 14:8 Jonathan said, "Come, then; we will cross over toward the men and let them see us.
1 Samuel 14:9-10 If they say to us, 'Wait there until we come to you,' we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, 'Come up to us,' we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the LORD has given them into our hands."
1 Samuel 14:11 So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. "Look!" said the Philistines. "The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.”
Key #2 - The enemy knows you can't have a victory in your hiding place.
1 Samuel 14:12 The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, "Come up to us and we'll teach you a lesson." So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, "Climb up after me; the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel."
The 1st time Jonathan said; “the LORD has given them into our hands."
The 2nd Time Jonathan said; “the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.”
1 Samuel 14:13 Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Key #1 - Drop the Weight
Matthew 6:25-26 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Key #2 - Your attraction becomes your distraction
Gal 5:7-8 MSG You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn't come from the One who called you into the race in the first place.
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Hebrews 10:25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Key #3 - Stay in Your Lane
Luke 2:49 NKJV And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
Key #4 - Fix your Eyes
Hebrews 12:2 NLT We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Key #1 - He’s the peace you’ve been looking for Isaiah 9:6 His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Matthew 19:23-24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 24 I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
Matthew 19:25-26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Key #2 - He Makes the Impossible POSSIBLE Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.
Key #3 - He’ll bring you back to life Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
John 11:39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”
Matthew 28:2 NLT For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.
Vacillation: To waver in the mind – an inability to take a stand
Matthew 16:13 NLT When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
Matthew 16:14 NLT “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”
Matthew 16:15-16 NLT Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered…
Mark 14:32-34 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
Matthew 16:15 NLT Jesus asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Matthew 16:16 NLT Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:17 NLT Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.
Matthew 16:18 NIV And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Point #1 - When we allow the Holy Spirit to REVEAL the word, the COVER’S off and we live the word…
Matthew 16:21 NLT From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Matthew 16:22 NLT Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
Matthew 16:23 NLT Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Mark 14:27-31 ESV “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.
In Matthew 26:73-75 Peter has already denied Jesus twice here’s his 3rd… “After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.”
Mark 16:7 NIV But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
Luke 15:12-14 NLT 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve.
Luke 15:17-20 NLT 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you,19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
Key #1 He’s not going to leave you where he finds you
Luke 15:22-23 NLT 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast,
Luke 15:24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
Key #2 Don’t miss the Party
Luke 15:28-31 NLT 28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ 31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours.
Key #3 God doesn’t celebrate faithfulness, He rewards faithfulness!
Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
KEY SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
LONELINESS IS A SIGNAL
GENESIS 2:18 (NLT) Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
Craving to be UNDERSTOOD
Genesis 37:4 (MSG) When his brothers realized that their father loved him more than them, they grew to hate him—they wouldn’t even speak to him.
Genesis 37: 26-27 (NLT) 26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain by killing our brother? We’d have to cover up the crime. 27 Instead of hurting him, let’s sell him to those Ishmaelite traders. After all, he is our brother—our own flesh and blood!” And his brothers agreed.
Craving to be KNOWN
Genesis 40:14 (NLT) And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place.
GENESIS 40:23 (NLT) Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought.
Craving to be NOTICED
I WILL SEEK JESUS
JOHN 6:35 (NLT) Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
I WILL SEEK PURPOSE
I WILL SEEK CONNECTION
HEBREWS 10: 24-25 (NLT) 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 4:2 PRMS We heard the exact same message of God’s grace found in Christ as they did, but because they didn't receive it by faith, it did them absolutely no good.
Point #1 Condemnation Conversations
Point #2 - The speck & The Beam
Matthew 7:3-5 NET Why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to see the beam of wood in your own? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ while there is a beam in your own? 5 You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:1-2 NIV Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
2 Corinthians 3:7-9 NIV Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!
Point #3 - The Two Voices
James 1:22-25 NIV Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror
James 1:24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
James 1:25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
In 1956 the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described the goal of the boycotts he had led to advocate for desegregation. At a victory rally, he said, “The end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the Beloved Community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opponents into friends. I think 68 years ago he knew what I was going to preach on today, because I'm after the exact same result… reconcile & redeem
The etymology of “RE" a powerful prefix directly from the Latin means; a going back to its original place, to make new, to undo, to have again “to turn” rem - that
Redeem—to “receive back by paying the obligation"
Today begins with some reflection, rehearsing, reiterating, repetitiveness and redundancy OK I'm done with the re-words
Matt 3:16&17 NLT After his baptism, 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. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
"Great joy" because of what he'd done? No! Who he was, his son!
Matt 4:1-4 NLT Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”
And the identity Challenge begins…
Jesus should know his identity, the father said who he was… but the enemy attacks anyway
the enemy wants Jesus in a "Performance trap” & you in one too!
Stones/Bread—"Man shall not live on bread…" Top/Temple—Foot/Stone “You Shall not test the Lord…” Mountain/kingdoms—bow/worship “worship the Lord and serve only him"
see it? He wants to position Jesus in a place where he serves him…
He does the same with you, for some it's working… and to that I say "Repent" let me explain…
So Jesus has been baptized, tested & tempted Now Jesus has moved to Capernaum
So what’s the first thing he says to begin his ministry?
Still in Matthew 4:17 NIV From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Repent His very 1st word…
I had such a REligious understanding of REpent
to “repent" was meant to beat me up, tear me up & make me feel undeserving
Where I should fall on my face, and recognize what a horrible person I was…
The problem? I'd do all that, cry, run to the altar, confirm my unworthiness & admit I was a dog!
I’d even promise God that I'd never do again, what I just did again — that I promised the last time I repented that I'd never do again…
And that cycle continued without any freedom or breakthrough
Because my understanding was so wrong
So what does "repent" Really mean? Recall the meaning of “RE”?
Turn around, go back, make new & undo
REPENT—met-an-o-eh’-o = often an emotion causing us to think differently, re-consider — to turn & go a different direction…
my emotion? I’d feel horrible replaying my wrong doing never dreaming I was still in right standing
our emotions should be that of grateful & thankful
knowing that are wrong doing didn't take us out of right standing
When Jesus said "repent for the kingdom is near" he was imploring us, to draw near - not pull away Jesus said "repent" to takeoff off self-performance issues, the enemy & people have put on us
Examine The context here? In God’s Kingdom you don't have to prove, or perform, to validate who you are
if repent was meant for us to beat ourselves up, then why’d Jesus take a beating for us?
What we need to repent of (turn from) is the worthless worm, dead dog mentality…
Repent & be redirected to the thoughts that God has of you
Our father God’s heart to repent is to redirect you, restore you and to reconcile you to Him
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 NIV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, (Good to know - no effort/work on my part) who reconciled us (PT) to himself through Christ and gave us (PT) the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
Oh he's committed it to us, but are we committed to it?
It’s Not about us being reconciled, but about us helping others be restored & redeemed
See how the father reconciled our sins? "In Christ, God's not counting" KJV “not imputing their trespasses”
That's not a message that makes people feel bad
Greek says "God's not taking inventory" if there's no inventory, then the warehouse is empty
Yet some of us not only take inventory, we label our sins by category
I used to "remind" people of their sins, but I repented & now I’m committed to God’s message of reconciliation
Which means To be restored by God's divine grace, by making atonement for us
Look at all this…
If you are in Christ — you are brand new you What's past is past, God did it all — no work to be done… He brought you and he bought you - the finished work purchased by Christ
To repent, redirects us, to remind us, that He’s redeemed us & restored us
And When you're restored, you're better than before (1967 Candy apple red convertible Camaro)
RE - Week 1 Reset Mindset
REMOVE 1 Peter 2:1-3 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. REPLACE 2 Cor 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! RENEW Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. REVIEW Psalm 139:1 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
TITLE: DECISIONS WERE MADE HERE
DECIDE TO ____________________ ANSWER: DECIDE TO LIVE BY GOD’S DESIGN Ephesians 1:4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
ACTS 9:13-15 13. “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14. And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15. But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.
ACTS 9:17-18 17. So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18. Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.
Matthew 28:19 19. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
DECIDE TO ____________ ANSWER: DECIDE TO BE A DISCIPLE
Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
In Matthew 25:21&23 we read ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
Matthew 25: 29 29. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
REPEAT Matthew 28:19 19. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
DECIDE TO _______________ ANSWER: DECIDE TO MAKE DISCIPLES Matthew 20:25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.
Matthew 20:26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,
- DECIDE TO _________________ ANSWER: DECIDE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Acts 4:13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
Galatians 6:9&10 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.
Patience has a Purpose
Key #1 Patience sees Potential
2 Peter 3:9 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.
Judges 6:7 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have...I am with you.
Key #2 Patience needs Perseverance
James 1:2-4 NIV Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Key #3 Patience has a Promise
James 1:12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him
Hebrews 6:12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
It’s Not in the Shallows
Luke 5:1 NIV One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening the word of God.
Luke 5:2 NIV He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.
Luke 5:3 NIV He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
Luke 5:4 NIV When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Business = things you are very occupied & engaged with
Luke 5:5 NKJV but Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
Luke 5:4 NIV When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Shallow relationships are with people who want something from you & nothing for you
“let down the nets for a catch.”
“nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net”
Luke 5:6 NLV When they had done this, they caught so many fish, their net started to break.
Guilt - Religion & the Right Seat
Point #1 The Guilt Game
GUILT: That feeling of deserving blame especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of inadequacy
Point #2 Religious Obligations
Matthew 23:1-3 TPT Then Jesus addressed both the crowds and his disciples and said, “The religious scholars and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat as the authorized interpreters of the Law. So listen and follow what they teach, but don’t do what they do, for they tell you one thing and do another.
Matthew 23:4 TPT They tie on your backs an oppressive burden of religious obligations and insist that you carry them, but will never lift a finger to help ease your load
Point #3 The Right Seat, is the Right Seat!
Matthew 11:28 NLT Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:29-30 NLT 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. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Eph 2:6 NIV And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…
Hebrews 1:3 NLT The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
Hebrews 12:2 Prms Keep your eyes focused and fixed - fastened on the eyes of Jesus, our champion and the one who perfects our faith. It was because of the joy before Him, that Joy beyond the cross that He endured the cross and you are His joy! The pain and shame meant nothing, as He was finishing the work He came to do. And then He sat down, in the place of honor He alone deserves, seated at the right hand of God our Father.
the ninth plague
Exodus 3:7 NLT Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering.
Exodus 3:8 NLT So I have come down to rescue them from the power\ of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live.
Exodus 3:9 NLT Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them.
Exodus 3:10 NLT Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”
Exodus 3:7-8 NLT Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt.
“I have heard their cries of distress” because of their harsh slave drivers.Yes, I am aware of their suffering.
Exodus 3:7 NLT Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering.
Exodus 3:8 NLT So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey…
Exodus 10:21-23 NLT Then the Lord said to Moses, “Lift your hand toward heaven, and the land of Egypt will be covered with a darkness so thick you can feel it.” So Moses lifted his hand to the sky, and a deep darkness covered the entire land of Egypt for three days. During all that time the people could not see each other, and no one moved.
But there was light as usual where the people of Israel lived
1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 Voice My brothers and sisters, it will be different for you. You do not dwell in the darkness, so that day will not surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light. You are sons and daughters of the day. We are not created of night, nor are we owned by darkness.
Rom 8:29 “Jesus is the first born of many brethren”
John 8:36 Prms Since it's only his son Jesus who can truly set you free, then live free, act free and be free
Gal 5:1 CEV Christ has set us free! This means we are really free. Now hold on to your freedom and don’t ever become slaves of the Law again.
OUR WORDS CREATE our WORLDS Proverbs 18:21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Washing your Mouth starts by Watching your Heart Luke 6:45 NKJV A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Watch what you say about F Family Friends Finances Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Future Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Your Miracle Happens when your belief finds a voice Romans 10:9 NLT But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Mark 11:23-24 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
Lose Your SHIP
Acts 27:21-25 NIV
21 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss.22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
Lose your SHAME
Romans 8:1-2 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.
Lose Your HURT
Mark 11:25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Lose Your IDOLS
Lose Your PRIDE
Proverbs 16:18 TPT Your boast becomes a prophecy of a future failure. The higher you lift yourself up in pride, the harder you’ll fall in disgrace.
Key #1 No Assurance Necessary
Mark 1:16-20 NLT 16 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 17 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 18 And they left their nets at once and followed him. 19 A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. 20 He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men. KEY #2 Even in the Storm
Matthew 14:24-33 NLT 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. Key #3 Resist the Drift
John 21:3
3 Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. 6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
Party at the lost & found
Luke 15:1-3 NIV Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable:
Luke 15:4 NIV “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
Luke 15:5 NIV And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders
Luke 15:6 TPT Returning home, he called all his friends and neighbors together and said, ‘Let’s have a party! Come and celebrate with me the return of my lost lamb. It wandered away, but I found it and brought it home.’ ”
Luke 15:7 TPT Jesus continued, “In the same way, there will be a glorious celebration in heaven over the rescue of one lost sinner who repents, comes back home, and returns to the fold—more so than for all the righteous people who never strayed away.”
Luke 15:8 NIV “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?
Luke 15:9&10 TPT When she finally found it, she gathered all her friends and neighbors for a celebration, telling them, ‘Come and celebrate with me! I had lost my precious silver coin, but now I’ve found it.’ That’s the way God responds every time one lost sinner repents and turns to him. He says to all his angels, ‘Let’s have a joyous celebration, for the one who was lost, I have found!’ ”
Luke 15:11-14 TPT Then Jesus said, “Once there was a father with two sons.
And The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.
Luke 15:15&16 TPT So he begged a farmer in that country to hire him. The farmer hired him and sent him out to feed the pigs. He never begged before… The son was so famished, he was willing even to eat the slop given to the pigs, because no one would feed him a thing.
Luke 15:17 NIV “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
Luke 15:18&19 NIV I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’
Luke 15:20-21 NIV So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
Luke 15:22-23 NIV “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.
Luke 15:24 NIV For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
His Will & His Bill
Matthew 4:19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will MAKE you fishers of men.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
ALWAYS BE JOYFUL
Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at ALL times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
NEVER STOP PRAYING
Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about EVERYTHING. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
BE THANKFUL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES Luke 17:15-19 15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” 16 He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, THANKING him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?18 Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”19 And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
On the third day
John 2:1 NIV On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there,
Genesis 1:9-10 NLT Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened. God called the dry ground “land” and the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:11 NLT Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened.
Genesis 1:12 NLT The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.
John 2:2 NIV and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.
John 2:3 NIV When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
John 2:4 NIV “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
John 2:5 NIV His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
John 2:6 NIV Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
John 2:7 NIV Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
John 2:8 NIV Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” And They did so,
Galatians 6:10 TPT Take advantage of every opportunity to be a blessing to others, especially to our brothers and sisters in the family of faith!
John 2:9 NLT When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over.
John 2:10 NLT “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”
John 2:11 NLT This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Prepare for Liftoff
Key #1 Watch your Weight Galations 6:2 NLT Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Key #2 Watch your Wait Isaiah 40:31 NKJV But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Key #3 Watch Your Wait Mark 10:45 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
I Declare
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
John 14:6 NLT “I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 8:32 NLT And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:36 NLT So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
Matthew 16:13 NLT When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
Matthew 16:14 NLT “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”
Matthew 16:15-16 NLT Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:17 NLT Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.
Matthew 16:18 NLT Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
Genesis 17:1-5 NKJV When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.
I declare I am His masterpiece!
I declare Jireh is more than enough!
I declare He is my peace, my purpose and my passion!
I declare that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
I declare I am a victor, never a victim, more than a conqueror, never conquered!
There’s a miracle in your movement
Acts 17:28 KJV ‘For in him we live and move and have our being…
2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV “for we walk by faith, not by sight!”
Psalm 37:23-24 NLV The steps of a good man are led by the Lord. And He is happy in his way. When he falls he will not be thrown down, because the Lord holds his hand.
James 2:14 GNT My friends, what good is it for one of you to say that you have faith if your actions do not prove it?
James 2:20-21 NLV You foolish man! Do I have to prove to you that faith without doing things is of no use? Was not our early father Abraham right with God by what he did? He obeyed God and put his son Isaac on the altar
Faith isn’t just a belief system - it’s a belief system with MOVEMENT a corresponding action
2 Kings 4:3 NIV Then Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.
2 Kings 4:4 NIV Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”
2 Kings 4:5-6 NIV She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing.
The oil didn't stop flowing until there was no longer the capacity to receive it.
2 Kings 4:7 NIV She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”
“there’s a miracle in your movement”
Pastor Don everything below is just for the app, not for the screen Thanks son ————————————————————————————————————
For further study of all the people we studied today who had a "miracle in their movement” Here's where you can find them…
Abraham, was called to move to a land he’d never seen - Genesis 12:1-4 Jairus who fell in worship of Jesus… Mark 5:21-42 Woman with the issue of blood who snuck up on Jesus… Mark 5:25-34 The Paralytic who was carried to Jesus… Mark 2:1-12 Centurion soldier who came to Jesus for someone else’s healing… Mathew 8:5-10 The leper who Moved close to Jesus, though the law required he stay at a distance… Luke 5:12-16
Only Take What You Need
Mark 10:46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus, was sitting by the roadside begging.
Mark 10:47-52 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
"I Found Insight in Hindsight”
Proverbs 24:3 TPT Wise people are builders— they build families, businesses, communities. And through intelligence and insight their enterprises are established and endure.
F.L.U.F.F. Fruitless Living Under False Facts
S.T.U.F.F. Stinking Thinking Unfit for Faith
Genesis 37:31-32 NIV 31 Then they got Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. 32 They took the ornate robe back to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe.”
Genesis 37:33-34 NIV 33 He recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces. 34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days - All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said, “I will continue to mourn until I join my son in the grave.”
John 11:17 NLV When Jesus got there, He heard that Lazarus had been in the grave four days.
John 11:38 & 39 NLV Jesus went to the grave with a sad heart. The grave was a hole in the side of a hill. A stone covered the door. Jesus said, “Take the stone away.” The dead man’s sister, Martha, said to Him, “Lord, by now his body has a bad smell. He has been dead four days.”
John 11:43-44 NLV Jesus called with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” His hands and feet were tied in grave clothes. A white cloth was tied around his face.
My insight: I stopped looking for something that’s not in me, to cultivate what is!
There’s Hope in Hindsight
Key Scripture Psalm 71:20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.
Key #1 It’s a Test
1 Peter 1:7 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
John 6:5-6 NLT Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?”6 He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.
Key #2 Don’t settle for your current Level
Luke 16:10 If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.
Key #3 Let’s not Forget what He has Done
Judges 8:34 They forgot the Lord their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them.
Key Scripture Jeremiah 29:12 "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you."
1
What you pray for reflects what you believe about God
Acts 4:23-24 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.
2 Pray for Boldness
Acts 4:29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
Acts 4:31 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
3 Pray for Miracles
Acts 4:30 Stretch out your hands to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your Holy Servant Jesus.
Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.