Bethel Church Temple TX Podcast (Sermons)

TOMBSTONES Part 2 Matthew 25:14—30 1. Steward well what God has entrusted to you “called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.” Matthew 25:14 “each according to his own ability” Matthew 25:15 2. Let faith drive the car, not fear “I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent…Here you have what is yours.” Matthew 25:25 3. Trust God's character “The people that know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Daniel 11:32 4. Live with joy! “You wicked and lazy servant….you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.” Matthew 25:26 & 27

Tombstones Part 1 May 4, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Matthew 25:1 – 13 Verse of the Week: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Matthew 25:13 1. It pays to be ready “Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” Mt. 25:3 & 4 “at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'” Matthew 25:6 “the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'” Matthew 25:8 “No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” Matthew 25:9 2. Get your own oil. “I have been anointed with fresh oil.” Psalm 92:10 3. Live with eternity on your mind “the bridegroom was delaying” Matthew 25:5 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Matthew 25:13 “the door was shut.” Matthew 25:10

The Wedding Table April 27, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Revelation 19:6 – 8 Verse of the Week: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Revelation 19:9 1. The wedding requires preparation “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 “I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2 & 3 “The feast has been prepared….everything is ready” Matthew 22:4 “without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 “I promised you to one husband, to Christ so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2 “the washing of water by the Word” Ephesians 5:26 “the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself.” Revelation 19:7 2. You have a personal invitation “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Revelation 19:9 “I have called you by name; you are Mine!” Isaiah 43:1 “I am the Good Shepherd. I know My own and My own know Me” John 10:14 “by grace you have been saved through faith, and you can't take credit for it, it is the gift from God.” Ephesians 2:8 “Invite everyone you find to the wedding.” Matthew 22:9 “the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way” Matthew 22:5 3. The wedding will be a party “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.” Rev. 19:6 “I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” Matthew 26:29

The Resurrection Table April 20, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Luke 24:36 – 43; John 20:19 - 23 Verse of the Week: “As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you.” John 20:21 1. Jesus comes to us “Afterward Jesus appeared to the eleven as they were reclining at the table” Mark 16:14 “Jesus came and stood among them” John 20:19 “came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 “Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them” Luke 24:36 2. Jesus meets us in the middle of our fears “Why are you afraid? Why are your hearts filled with doubts?” Luke 24:38 “Peace be with you” John 20:19 3. Jesus shows us His scars “Jesus showed them His hands and His feet.” Luke 24:40 4. Jesus wants to join us at the table “Jesus asked them, ‘Do you have anything here to eat?' They gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and He ate it” Luke 24: 41 - 43 5. Jesus sends us “As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you.” John 20:21 “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be My witnesses” Acts 1:8

The Lord's Table April 13, 2025 Elwyn Johnston 1 Corinthians 11:23 – 25; John 6 Verse of the Week: “Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey His commands” Deuteronomy 8:11 1. Bread is a staple of life. “This place is desolate and the hour is already late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Matthew 14:15 “The crowd doesn't need to go away; you give them something to eat!” Matthew 14:16 “I am the Bread of Life.” John 6:35 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Heb. 13:8 “this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is My flesh.” John 6:51 2. Bread satisfies “they all ate and were satisfied.” Matthew 14:20 “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35 “I am the Living Bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this Bread, he will live forever” John 6:51 "Come, taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8 3. Bread must be shared. “You give them something to eat!” Mark 6:37 “Jesus blessed the food and broke the loaves and Jesus kept giving them to the disciples to set before the people.” Mark 6:41

Love God, Love People Living in Revival April 6, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Luke 15 Verse of the Week: “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 1. Everyone is important to God. “whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 “‘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.'” Luke 10:27 “who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:29 2. Love is demonstrated by our actions. “go to search for the one that is lost” Luke 15:4 “light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully” Luke 15:8 “father saw the son coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son” Luke 15:20 Intercede - start with prayer for those far from God Invest with kindness Invite people 3. Love is persistent. “be not weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 “Love never fails” 1 Corinthians 13:8 “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” 1 Timothy 1:15 “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10

Let It Go Living in Revival March 30, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Romans 6:23 Verse of the Week: “Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 7:24 & 25 Why is sin so bad? Sin is an affront against God. “Against You, You only, I have sinned” Psalm 51:4 “your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you” Isaiah 59:2 Sin affects relationships “No one lives to himself” Romans 14:7 “Do nothing from selfishness…regard one another as more important than yourselves” Philippians 2:3 “pleasures of sin for a season.” Hebrews 11:25 “God's right hand there are pleasures forevermore” Psalm 16:11 Sin always brings death. “sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.” James 1:15 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 How do we have victory over sin? Grow in our love for God “walk in the light…and the blood of Jesus God's Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 Live dead “reckon yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:11 “Do not let sin control the way you live” Romans 6:12 “sin shall not have dominion over you” Romans 6:14 “Lay aside every sin that so easily entangles us” Hebrews 12:1 Challenge the lie behind every temptation. “Satan, who deceives the whole world” Revelation 12:9 “be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23 “so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 “heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick” Jeremiah 17:9 "the wicked will be caught in the cords of his own sins; he will be held fast with the ropes of his own guilt.” Proverbs 5:22 Surround yourself with godly influence "Walk with the wise and become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." Proverbs 13:20 “Two are better than one….If one falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Eccl. 4:9 & 10 “Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 7:24 & 25

Break the Cycle Living in Revival March 23, 2025 Elwyn Johnston 2 Chronicles 34 & 35; 2 Kings 22 Verse of the Week: “Josiah stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord to walk after the Lord…with all his heart and with all his soul” 2 Chronicles 34:31 1. Remove hindrances “During the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. Then in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem, destroying all the pagan shrines, the Asherah poles, and the carved idols and cast images. He ordered that the altars of Baal be demolished and that the incense altars which stood above them be broken down….so he purified Judah and Jerusalem.” 2 Chronicles 34:3 - 5 “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 “do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:27 2. Relentlessly and radically make God your priority “Put the holy ark in the house” 2 Chronicles 35:3 “in God's presence there is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11 “Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of the Lord given by Moses.” 2 Chronicles 34:14 “our fathers have not observed the word of the Lord, to do according to all that is written in this book.” 2 Chronicles 34:19 “There had not been celebrated a Passover like it in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet; nor had any of the kings of Israel celebrated such a Passover as Josiah did” 2 Chronicles 35:18

All In March 16, 2025 Clay Wallace Verse of the Week: “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 43:19 A- Acknowledge “But as for me, I am poor and needy; please hurry to my aid, O God. You are my Helper and my Savior; O Lord, do not delay.” Psalm 70:5 L- Listen “I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.” Psalm 16:7 L- Learn “Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.” Psalm 119:133 I- Involved “But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.” Philippians 2:17 N- Now “For He is our God. We are His people He watches over, the flock under His care. If only you would listen to His voice today!” Psalm 95:7

Traveling Light The weight of Sin and Guilt 1 John 1:9 (NIV) – "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Romans 8:1 (NIV) – "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The weight of Doubt and Fear James 1:6 (NIV) "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Throw off Distractions Philippians 3:12-14 …But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. The Weight of Discouragement 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV) "And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." Verse of the week Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV. … 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.

Called Sunday March 2, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Jonah Verse of the Week: “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” Romans 11:29 1. God still speaks to us today! “The word of the Lord came to Jonah” Jonah 1:1 “the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time” Jonah 3:1 “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and announce My judgment against it” Jonah 1:2 2. If you want to run from God's call, the devil will always give you a ride. “But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction….He found a ship leaving for Tarshish and bought a ticket and went onboard” Jonah 1:3 3. Pay attention to life's storms. “the Lord hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart.” Jonah 1:4 “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in Me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matthew 18:6 “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 “Fearing for their lives, the desperate sailors shouted to their gods for help and threw the cargo overboard to lighten the ship. But all this time Jonah was sound asleep down in the hold.” Jonah 1:5 4. Do God's will. “I worship the Lord, the God of heaven….The sailors were terrified when they heard this, for he had already told them he was running away from the Lord.” Jonah 1:9 & 10 “have a form of godliness, but denying its power.” 2 Timothy 3:5 “The Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish for three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:17 “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12 5. You've got to love people “greatly displeased Jonah and he became angry.” Jonah 4:1 “I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and filled with unfailing love. You turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness!” Jonah 4:2

Called Part 1 February 23, 2025 Elwyn Johnston 2 Timothy 2:21 Verse of the Week: “It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Col. 3:24 1. Start building disciplines “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:16 “I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preach to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” 1 Timothy 4:7 “Follow Me and I will make you” Matthew 4:19 “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Romans 12:2 “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 2. Serve the Lord “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the heart [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men” Colossians 3:23 “It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.” Colossians 3:24 Call of salvation “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 “God chose me and called me by Hs marvelous grace.” Gal. 1:15 Call of service “we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” Ephesians 2:10 “joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us” Colossians 1:11 & 12 3. See the need, meet the need “as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another” 1 Peter 4:10 “While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'” Acts 13:2 “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13 “whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus” Colossians 3:17 4. Stay in community “the things you have heard me say…entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2 “it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church” Acts 15:22

Guest Speaker Q & A: Rocket Ismail

Bethel Blitz February 9, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Matthew 16:13 – 20 Verse of the Week: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” Matthew 16:16 1. Follow the right coach “who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15 “Though Jesus was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” Philippians 2:6 & 7 “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, and at the right time He will lift you up.” 1 Peter 5:6 “As a result of this many of His disciples turned back and deserted Him.” John 6:66 “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” John 6:68 “God knows everything.” 1 John 3:20 2. Go all in for the team “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” Matthew 16:16 “I will build My church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 “before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

Carriers of His Presence February 2, 2025 Elwyn N. Johnston 2 Samuel 6 Verse of the Week: “The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord” Psalm 97:5 1. People of His presence “Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod” Genesis 4:16 “presence” - face “Nod” – wandering “Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?” Exodus 33:16 “let us bring back the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.” 1 Chronicles 13:3 2. Promises of His presence “Inside the Ark were a gold jar containing manna, Aaron's rod that sprouted leaves, and the stone tablets of the covenant.” Heb. 9:4 “Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165 “I discovered Your words…they are my joy” Jeremiah 15:16 “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” Isaiah 40:31 “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Ex. 33:14 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” Psalm 91:1 “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 “When my enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at Your presence.” Psalm 9:3 3. Price for His presence “David arose and went with all the people who were with him to Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God….They placed the ark of God on a new cart” 2 Samuel 6:2 & 3 “ark” - box or chest. “we didn't make proper preparation and follow instructions.” 1 Chronicles 15:13 “After the men who were carrying the Ark of the Lord had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.” 2 Samuel 6:13 4. Position yourself to live in His presence “Create in me clean heart, O God…Do not cast me away from Your presence” Psalm 51:10 & 11 “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving” Psalm 95:2 “come before His presence with singing” Psalm 100:2 “God inhabits the praises of His people.” Psalm 22:3 “looked out the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him” 2 Samuel 6:16 “The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord” Psalm 97:5

MADE FOR MORE Jeremiah 1:4-10 4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” 6 Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. 9 Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. 10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.” The responsible person seeks to make his or her whole life a response to the call of God! - Dietrich Bonhoeffer Jer 1:4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” 1. GOD MADE YOU AND KNOWS YOU! Matthew 28:19 - 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Your assignment isn't a destination but an invitation Don't worry about knowing your purpose as much as living with one! Jer 1:6 “Ah Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak for I am a youth" 2. GOD DOESN'T NEED YOU HE WANTS YOU He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else. - Ben Franklin FaithFULL vs faithFILLED If you live your life minimizing risk then life will minimize your passion Jer 1:7-8 - 7 But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord 9 Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. Jer 1:10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” 3. GOD WANTS TO WORK IN YOU AND THROUGH YOU (v.10) When we raze the things of this world, we raise the name of Jesus WHAT'S YOUR MORE? WHO'S YOUR MORE?

Fire Proof Faith January 19, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Daniel 3 Verse of the Week: “there is no other god who is able to deliver like this.” Daniel 3:29 1. Pass life's tests “But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food” Daniel 1:8 “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?” Dan. 3:14 “what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?” Dan. 3:15 “Then the king caused Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to prosper in the province of Babylon.” Daniel 3:30 2. Stand in community, not isolation “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.'” Daniel 3:16 “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” Matthew 16:24 “Therefore we do not lose heart and give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! We concentrate not on what is seen but on what is not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 - 18 3. Rely on God “Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials….‘Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!'” Daniel 3:24 & 25 “for God Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you, nor forsake you.'” Hebrews 13:5 “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire.” Daniel 3:26 “the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them.” Daniel 3:27 “there is no other god who is able to deliver like this.” Daniel 3:29

Lessons From the Storm January 12, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Matthew 14:22 – 33 Verse of the Week: “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side” Matthew 14:22 1. Know your God “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 “we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:25 2. Get out of the boat “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' And Jesus said, ‘Come!' And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” Mt. 14:28 & 29 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. I will hold you up with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 “one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what is ahead” Philippians 3:13 “My thoughts are not your thoughts” Isaiah 55:8 “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” Romans 8:5 3. Focus on the person, not the problem “seeing the wind, he became frightened, and began to sink” Mt. 14:30 “When you walk through the waters, I will be with you” Isaiah 43:2 “God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 “Seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night Jesus came to them, walking on the sea” Mark 6:48 4. Know that God hears you when you call “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:30 “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him” Matthew 14:31 “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side” Matthew 14:22 5. God has an assignment for you on the other side “The people begged Jesus to let the sick touch at least the fringe of His robe, and all who touched Him were healed.” Matthew 14:36

Get Your Feet Wet January 5, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Joshua 3:1 – 17 Verse of the Week: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” Joshua 3:5 1. Stay in step with God “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God with the Levitical priests carrying it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it.” Joshua 3:3 “Stay about half a mile behind them because you've never been this way before.” Joshua 3:4 “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” Joshua 3:5 2. Step in the water “When you reach the banks of the Jordan River, take a few steps into the river and stop there.” Joshua 3:8 3. Stand in the water “When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.” Joshua 3:8 “the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm” Joshua 3:17 4. Step out and bless others “as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river's edge, the water above that point began backing up a great distance…and the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry…. all Israel crossed on dry ground” Joshua 3:15 - 17

Facts and Filters 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) - Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 01) Thank God for what didn't happen. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV) - We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed… 2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV) - For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 02) Reframe the narrative. Philippians 1:12-14 (ESV) - I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV) - For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 03) Look for God's goodness.

Mary's Love December 22, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Luke 1:26 – 38 Verse of the Week: “the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name.” Luke 1:49 1. God trusts you “the angel Gabriel was sent from God…to a virgin named Mary.” Luke 1:26 & 27 2. God will remind you of His presence “The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28 “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you” Hebrews 13:5 3. God desires to move you further into your destiny “you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” Luke 1:31 “Mary was very perplexed…. Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be'” Luke 1:28 & 34 4. Remember, this is spiritual “The Holy Spirit will come upon you” Luke 1:35 “For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 “the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name.” Luke 1:49 5. Love God and submit to His plan “may it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

Zach's Joy December 15, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Luke 1:5–23, 57–66 Verse of the Week: “You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth” Luke 1:14 1. Live in community “One day Zacharias was serving God in the Temple, for his division of priests were on duty that week.” Luke 1:8 “when Elizabeth's neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very kind to her, they shared her joy.” Luke 1:58 2. Live your purpose “while Zacharias was performing his priestly service before God…according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.” Luke 1:8 & 9 “‘Father, glorify Your name.' Then a voice came out of heaven: ‘I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.'” John 1:28 3. Live in awe “Zacharias was shaken and overwhelmed” Luke 1:12 “when Zacharias came out, he was unable to speak to them; and the people realized that he had seen a vision in the temple” Luke 1:22 “at once Zacharias' mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God.” Luke 1:64

I Promise You Peace December 8, 2024 ReGina Johnston Luke 2:8–14; Isaiah 9:6–7; Romans 8:6–7 #1: Peace is for everyone “Do not be afraid.” Luke 2:10 #2: Peace is Presence “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.'” Luke 2:13–14 #3: Favor comes from peace “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will.” Romans 8:6–7

Simeon's Hope December 1, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Luke 2:25 – 35 Verse of the Week: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” Isaiah 9:2 1. Hope is living today in light of future promises. “it had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.” Luke 2:26 Hope is more than optimism. Hope is based on the character of God “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” Psalm 42:5 “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” Isaiah 9:2 “I am the Light of the world” John 8:12 2. We must actively wait “waiting for the consolation of Israel” Luke 2:25 3. Welcome Jesus this Christmas “Simeon took Jesus into his arms” Luke 2:28 4. Let God birth hope in you “my eyes have seen Your salvation which you have prepared” Luke 2:30 & 31 “a light of revelation to the Gentiles” Luke 2:32

Make Your Mark November 24, 2024, Elwyn Johnston Acts 16:12 - 15 Verse of the Week: “we are God's masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works” Ephesians 2:10 1. God has hand-picked you “we are God's masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works” Ephesians 2:10 “It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:5 “I have loved you, even as the Father has loved Me.” John 15:9 “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us.” 1 John 4:16 “A spiritual gift is given to each believer so we can help each other.” 1 Corinthians 12:7 “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church” Romans 16:1 “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 2. Make serving a priority “in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas), this woman was full of good deeds and charity which she continually did.” Acts 9:36 “She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.” Acts 9:36 “she has been a helper of many, and of myself as well.” Romans 16:2 “come and stay at my home.” Acts 16:15 3. Live so your works outlive you. “the Lord opened Lydia's heart” Acts 16:14 “She and her household were baptized” Acts 16:15 “The news of Dorcas spread through the whole town of Joppa and many believed in the Lord.” Acts 9:42

It's All Working Together November 10, 2024 Elwyn Johnston 1 Samuel 1 & 2 Verse of the Week: “I prayed for this boy, and the Lord has given me the request that I asked of Him.” ‭‭ 1 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬ 1. Problems are a fact of life. “Hannah's rival wife would provoke her bitterly to irritate her, for the Lord had not enabled her to have children.” ‭‭ 1 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭ “It happened year after year” 1 Samuel 1:7 2. You are loved! “But Elkanah would give a double portion to Hannah, because he loved her.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭5 3. Become desperate before God “Now Hannah was speaking from her heart. Although her lips were moving, her voice was inaudible. Eli therefore thought she was drunk.” ‭‭ 1 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬‬ “I have poured out my soul to the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:15 “greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. She made a vow and said, ‘O Lord of Heaven's Armies, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.”' 1 Samuel 1:10 & 11 “and the Lord remembered Hannah.” 1 Samuel 1:19 4. Do not limit what God can do “the Lord had not enabled her to have children.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭5 “for the Lord had not enabled her to have children.” ‭‭ 1 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭ “I prayed for this boy, and the Lord has given me the request that I asked of Him.” ‭‭ 1 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭27

2nd Chapter November 3, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Ruth Verse of the Week: “A son has been born to Naomi!” Ruth 4:7 1. Be a person who hears the voice of God “for Naomi had heard in the land of Moab that the Lord had visited His people in giving them food.” Ruth1:6 2. You were not designed to walk alone. “Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.” Ruth 1:14 3. Keep your attitude in check “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” Ruth 1:20 “I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty.” Ruth 1:22 4. God desires to bless you. “Then the women of the town said to Naomi, ‘Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. May he also be to you a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age”' Ruth 4:14 & 15 “A son has been born to Naomi!” Ruth 4:7

The Prophetess Deborah October 27, 2024 Mason Worthy Judges 4 Verse of the week: “And Deborah said to Barak, ‘Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?'” Judges 4:14 1. Deborah was listening for the Lord. “seek, and you will find” Matthew 7:7 2. She took the lead. “That the leaders took the lead in Israel” Judges 5:2 3. She empowered Barak to lead. “And Deborah said to Barak, ‘Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?'” Judges 4:14 4. Deborah's obedience led to victory for Israel. “So on that day God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan before the people of Israel.” Judges 4:23

The First Lady of Faith October 20, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Genesis 12 – 23 Verse of the Week: “The Lord kept His word and did for Sarah exactly what He had promised.” Genesis 21:1 1. Embrace the season you are in. “Sarai was barren; she had no child.” Genesis 11:30 2. Waiting patiently is an act of faith. “I will make you a great nation” Genesis 12:2 “the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her.” Genesis 16:2 3. God's plan is greater than your ability. “Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing.” Genesis 18:11 ‘“Can an old woman like me have a baby?' Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Genesis 18:14 “God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we are able to ask or think” Ephesians 3:20 “I will bless Sarah, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” Genesis 17:16 4. God's timing is often different than ours “will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” Genesis 17:17 “Sarah laughed within herself” Genesis 18:12 “The Lord kept His word and did for Sarah exactly what He had promised. Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.” Gen. 21:1 & 2 5. God desires to give you a fresh start. “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.” Genesis 17:15

I am Available October 13, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Numbers 22 – 24 Verse of the Week: “A Star shall come forth from Jacob, a Scepter shall rise from Israel” Numbers 24:17 1. God desires to use you “A Star shall come forth from Jacob, a Scepter shall rise from Israel” Numbers 24:17 “do only what I tell you to do.” Numbers 22:20 “you shall speak only the word which I tell you.” Numbers 22:35 “Submit therefore to God.” James 4:7 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father”Matthew 7:21 “God said to Balaam, ‘Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”' Numbers 22:12 “God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Rom 12:2 2. God knows your heart “The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 “Do not go with them” Numbers 22:12 imahem “Go with them” Numbers 22:20 & 35 itam “God was angry because Balaam went” Numbers 22:22 halakh “follow the way of Balaam…who loved the wages of wickedness” 2 Peter 2:15 “I have come out as an adversary, because your way was contrary to me.” Numbers 22:32 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7 3. Walk in humility “the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” Numbers 22:28 “Balaam answered the donkey, ‘You have made a fool of me! If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.'” Numbers 22:29 “the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord” Numbers 22:31 “Let me die the death of the righteous” Numbers 23:10

Take the Land September 29, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Numbers 13 & 14 1. Use our voices for God “Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, ‘We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.”' Numbers 13:30 “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us.” Numbers 13:31 2. Focus on what God has said rather than what you see “the Lord is with us; do not be afraid of them.” Numbers14:9 “all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Then the glory of the Lord appeared” Numbers14:10 “Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22 “they were not able to enter because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:19 “we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” Numbers 13:33 3. Spiritual battles are not won through human effort. “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel” Numbers 13:2 “We realize that we have sinned, but now we are ready to enter the land the Lord has promised us.” Numbers 14:40 4. Take the fight to the enemy “My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it” Numbers 14:24

Hope Happens Here September 22, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Exodus 14 1. Look to God “As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them.” Exodus 14:10 “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side” Psalm 124:1 & 2 “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1 - 5 “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM”' Exodus 3:14 2. Let God make a way “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish” Exodus 14:13 “the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land” Exodus 14:21 “The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.” Exodus 14:22

Just Show UP 2 Samuel 24:21-24 The Mistake 2 Samuel 24:10 Depending on Number rather than putting Faith in God. The Choices 2 Samuel 24:13 1) Seven years of famine. 2) Three years of being pursued by enemies. 3) Three days of pestilence. The Response 1) Must have Altars. 2 Samuel 24:18 2) Can't have Others do it for you. 2 Samuel 24:19 3) There is a Price to pay. 2 Samuel 24:21-24 What is the cost? Time Serving God cannot be convenient. Effort / Energy Not complacent Soul Searching Ever Before God Availability Just Show UP

RELENTLESS OPPOSITION UNRIVALED POWER Exodus 15:1 & 2 1. God Knows “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight” Hebrews 4:13 “Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because He was tempted in every way that we are. But He did not sin!” Hebrews 4:15 2. God has a Plan “‘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.”' Jer. 29:11 3. God has the power to work His plan “Pharaoh's magicians tried to do the same thing with their secret arts, but this time they failed. And the gnats covered everyone, people and animals alike. ‘This is the finger of God!' the magicians exclaimed to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh's heart remained hard. He wouldn't listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted.” Exodus 8:18 & 19 4. God's plan is more than enough “they asked the Egyptians for clothing and articles of silver and gold. The Lord caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for.” Ex. 12:36

Midwives September 1, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Exodus 1:15 – 21 Verse of the Week: "Because the midwives feared God, He established homes for them.” Exodus 1:21 1. Choose to follow God rather than culture. “When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death….But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live” Exodus 1:16 & 17 2. Value Life “They allowed the boys to live” Exodus 1:17 3. Daily decisions determine destinies. “The woman conceived and bore a son…she hid him for three months.” Exodus 2:2 4. God blesses obedience “Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife can get to them.” Exodus 1:19 “God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied, and became very mighty. Because the midwives feared God, He established homes for them.” Exodus 1:20, 21

It is Well August 25, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Psalm 91 Verse of the Week: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 1. The privilege of His presence “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 “I will say to the Lord, ‘my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!”' Psalm 91:2 “I will be with him in trouble” Psalm 91:15 2. The power of His presence o The power to deliver “it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence.” Psalm 91:3 “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.” Ps. 91:14 o The power to protect “His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day” Psalm 91:4 & 5 “A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you.” Psalm 91:7 “God will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11 & 12 “You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down.” Psalm 91:13 “With a long life I will satisfy him” Psalm 91:16

Great is Thy Faithfulness August 18, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Psalm 90 Verse of the Week: “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17 “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.” Psalm 90:1 1. God is eternal, but life is temporal “from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. You turn people back to dust” Psalm 90:2 & 3 “it is appointed for us to die once and after this comes judgment.” Hebrews 9:27 “what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” James 4:14 2. God sees our sins, so confess them “You place…our secret sins where You can see them.” Psalm 90:8 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ” 1 John 1:9 3. God knows your days, so make every day count “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 4. God loves us, so be satisfied with His love “Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 “no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11 5. God has a plan for your life, so live it “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17 “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:13 “Let us, Your servants, see You work again” Psalm 90:16 “Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down” Is. 64:1 “For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him!” Isaiah 64:4 “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1

Blessed Assurance August 11, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Psalm 84 Verse of the Week: “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10 1. Remain in God's presence “How blessed are those who dwell in Your house!” Psalm 84:4 “My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord” Ps. 84:2 “Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young” Psalm 84:3 2. Rely on God's strength “How blessed is the man whose strength is in You” Psalm 84:5 “O Lord of Heaven's Armies” Psalm 84:1, 3, 8, 12 “the Lord's arm is not too short, that it cannot save; nor is His ear too deaf that He cannot hear.” Isaiah 59:1 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 “wait” – to bind together “Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a refreshing spring” Psalm 84:6 “I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants; and they will spring up” Isaiah 44:3 & 4 3. Rest in God's character “How blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:11 “Cease striving and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 “God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?” Numbers 23:19 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11

The Solid Rock August 4, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Psalm 73 Verse of the Week: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 1. Faith stumbles when you focus on people “I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.” Psalm 73:2 “I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness” Psalm 73:3 “They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don't have troubles like other people; they're not plagued with problems like everyone else.” Psalm 73:4 & 5 “These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for….Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.” Psalm 73:7 & 12 “Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?” Psalm 73:13 2. Faith is strengthened when you focus on God Be honest with yourself and with God. Know your God 1. God will be with you. “how good it is to be near God!” Psalm 73:28 “I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. It was too painful for me—until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I finally understood” Psalm 73:16 & 17 “God has taken hold of my right hand.” Psalm 73:23 2. God will guide you “God guides me with His counsel” Psalm 73:24 3. God will satisfy you “Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.” Psalm 73:25 4. God will strengthen you “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart. He is mine forever.” Psalm 73:26 5. God will protect you “I have made the Lord God my refuge and I will tell about the wonderful things You do.” Psalm 73:28 6. God will be good to you! “Surely God is good to __________” Psalm 73:1

Doxology July 28, 2024 Elwyn Johnston Psalm 50 Verse of the Week: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.” Psalm 50:15 Why do we worship?  God is the Supreme Sacrifice “I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly offer. But I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens.” Psalm 50:8 & 9  God is the All-Sufficient One “all the animals of the forest are Mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills….all the animals of the field are mine.” Ps 50:10 & 11  Points people to Jesus. “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father” Matthew 5:16  Reminds us that we are people of eternity, not merely the present. “Abraham was looking for a city…designed and built by God.” Hebrews 11:10 How should we worship?  Worship is relationship-based, not ritualistic. “left their first love” Revelation 2:4  Worship must be from the heart, not simply the head. “Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving” Psalm 50:14 “giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me.” Psalm 50:23  Worship must affect our everyday walk. “keep the vows you made to the Most High.” Psalm 50:14 “Why bother reciting My decrees and pretending to obey My covenant?” Psalm 50:16 “you refuse My discipline and treat My words like trash.” Psalm 50:17 “When you see thieves, you approve of them, and you spend your time with adulterers.” Psalm 50:18 “Your mouth is filled with wickedness, and your tongue tells lies. You sit around and slander your brother” Psalm 50:19 & 20 “While you did all this, I remained silent, and you thought I was just like you.” Psalm 50:21 “Repent, all of you who forget God” Psalm 50:22 “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.” Psalm 50:15