Coastal Community Church Audio

Embracing Humility                                      “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  Proverbs 16:18“Leaders who fail to prune their pride will meet demise. That's not a guess, it's a guarantee. With pride, it's not a matter of ‘if' we will fall, but ‘when'. There are no exceptions” - John Maxwell“According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. (Sexual immorality), anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere flea bites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind” - C.S. Lewis“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6Do you overemphasize your achievements, contributions, or accomplishments?Do you have a difficult time admitting a mistake or simply saying you're sorry?Do you resist the invitation to serve? Whether it be at the church or elsewhere? Do you receive feedback and criticism well? Do you have a hard time being vulnerable with other people?Do your thoughts of yourself outweigh what God's word says about you?“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-41. Have Humility of Mind“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:22. Think Others FirstThinking others first looks a lot more like a discipline than it does a decision.“(Christ) Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:83. Be Obedient“You shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3“So that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world” Philippians 2:15

JESUS WENT TO THE WELLJohn 4:4 – “Now He had to go through Samaria...”Sub-point: Jesus goes where others won't—because He's pursuing those who others don't.Action Step: Ask Jesus to show you the places you're avoiding that He's walking toward.JESUS MEETS HER ALONEJohn 4:7 – “When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?'”Sub-point: Jesus doesn't just see the crowd—He sees you.Action Step: Make time this week to be alone with Jesus.SHE HAS A NEED—AND JESUS OFFERS MOREJohn 4:13–14 – “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”John 4:31–34 – “I have food to eat you know nothing about.”Sub-point: Jesus sees your need—but speaks to your soul.Action Step: Ask Jesus to fill the places success can't.JESUS KNOWS HER—AND STILL LOVES HERJohn 4:17–18 – “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”Sub-point: Jesus sees your pain—and moves toward you, not away.Action Step: Get uncomfortable with God. Name your pain. Surrender it to Him.SHE TELLS HER COMMUNITYJohn 4:28–29 – “Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?'”Sub-point: When Jesus fills you, you become a well for others.Action Step: Share your story—someone needs your overflow.

Matthew 18:21-22 NIV21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.Betrayal refers to the breaking of trust, loyalty, or confidence by someone close or entrusted with responsibility. It involves a breach of expectations, often resulting in feelings of anger, sadness, confusion, and vulnerability. Betrayal can manifest in various forms, including infidelity, deceit, disloyalty, abandonment, and betrayal of secrets or confidences.1. Jesus was Betrayed by Judas  Matthew 26:50 NIV50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.Matthew 16:23 — 23 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.”John 12:6 NIVHe did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.Matthew 27:38 KJV38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.If the enemy can't stop you + your purpose he will stall you with pain to prevent purpose.2. Jesus was Beat by others who hated him.3. Jesus Bled in front of everyone. Jesus Acknowledged His Pain.Matthew 27:46 NIV46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)Note: You can't heal what you won't feel and you can't feel what you won't admit. 2. Jesus Pray for those who hurt Him.Mathew 5:43-45 — 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…The command to pray for your enemies isn't about them— Its spiritual conditioning so your heart doesn't calcify. 3. Jesus Forgave. Luke 23:34 NIV — 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.Can you receive the blood of Jesus as full and satisfactory payment for what they did to you? 

Joshua 5:15 The commander of the LORD's army replied, “Take off your sandals,for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.Exodus 3:5 Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for theplace where you are standing is holy ground.”1. Find Holy GroundWhat do we need to “take off”:Our PastOur PrideOur Pre-occupations2. Gain Holy PerspectiveJoshua 6:1 – Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of theIsraelites. No one went out and no one came in.Joshua 6:2 – Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho intoyour hands, along with its King and its fighting men"Joshua 6:3-5 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this forsix days. 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 priestsblowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on thetrumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city willcollapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”3. Act with Holy Obedience

Rankers Top Goals For Life:10. Having Emotional intimacy9. Caring For Others8. Having Self-Knowledge7. Having Close Friendships6. Financial Freedom5. Pursuing Ideals & Passions4. Intellectual Growth3. Being Healthy2. Be Happy1. Enjoy LifeIt's the SMALL things that no one sees that result in the BIG things everyonewants.Deuteronomy 30:11-14 “This command I am giving you today is not too difficultfor you, and it is not beyond your reach. It is not kept in heaven, so distant that youmust ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it andobey?' It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will crossthe sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?'   No, the message is very closeat hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.CHOICES.Deuteronomy 30:15 “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life anddeath, between prosperity and disaster. Our CHOICES will either MAKE us or BREAK us.“Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make, makes you.”—Dr.John Maxwell“Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the littledecisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance.”—C.S.LewisOur DECISIONS determine our DESTINY.What you choose determines what you DO, and what you do determines yourHABITS, and your habits will eventually create your FUTURE.Deuteronomy 30:16a For I command you this day to love the Lord your God andto keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways.1. Lock in your FOCUS – Choose what MATTERS most.Deuteronomy 30:16a – “For I command you this day to love the Lord your God…”Where your ATTENTION goes, your DIRECTION flows.Matthew 6:33 Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all thesethings will be added to you.2. Train your DISCIPLINE – Stay CONSISTENT in what matters most.Deuteronomy 30:16b …and to keep His commands, decrees, and regulations…Discipline is doing what you need to do NOW, so you can have what you wantMOST.Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time wewill reap a harvest if we do not give up.Discipline isn't a PUNISHMENT, it's a PATH.3. Take the WALK — Go ALL IN with God.Deuteronomy 30:16 ...by walking in his ways.Deuteronomy 30:16 For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and tokeep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways.Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.Deuteronomy 30:16b If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord yourGod will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.Deuteronomy 30:20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God,obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.Your future isn't locked up in your FEELINGS, it's unlocked byyour FAITHFULNESS.

Thank you for joining us online this weekend! Livestream Schedule: Sundays at 10:00 AMIn-Person Services:PKLD Sunday 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PMLHP Sunday 9:30 AM, 11:00 AMTo get to know us more, be sure to check out our website: http://www.coastalcommunity.tvKids Resources at https://coastalcommunity.tv/kidsDon't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our channel for weekly video messages that will change your life!If you were impacted by this message in any way, please email us at mystory@coastalcommunity.tv▼ ▽ LocationsParkland | 6800 N University Dr, Parkland, FL 33067Lighthouse Point | 3901 NE 22nd Ave, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Thank you for joining us online this weekend! Livestream Schedule: Sundays at 10:00 AMIn-Person Services:PKLD Sunday 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PMLHP Sunday 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM

“We want to make it hard for people to go to hell by making it easy for them to go to church so they can experience, know and follow Jesus.”Joshua 1:2-6 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am givingthem. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanonmountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.' No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I willnot fail you or abandon you. “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would givethem.Joshua 1:2a “Moses my servant is dead…1. THINK about the PAST.Joshua 1:2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you tolead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am givingthem. 2. Take ACTION TODAY.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.Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past andlooking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race andreceive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.BIG moves of God are almost always preceded by obedience to him in SMALL things.“If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you willprobably be unhappy all the days of your life.”—Abraham MaslovThe greatest ENEMY to your calling is your COMFORT.ACTION is the preparation for the FUTURE PROMISE that God has for you.3. TRUST God for the FUTURE.Joshua 1:3-6 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.' No one willbe able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I waswith Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to theirancestors I would give them. What seems IMPOSSIBLE to me, is not remotely DIFFICULT with God.Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory inthe church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

How A Biblical Miracle WorksWhen there is a need, sensed by a few, and each individual understands his responsibilityand gives his all, regardless of the odds, then Jesus works a miracle.Supper for Five ThousandThe apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught.Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let's take a break and get a little rest.” For there wasconstant coming and going. They didn't even have time to eat.So they got in the boat and went off to a remote place by themselves. Someone saw themgoing and the word got around. From the surrounding towns people went out on foot, running,and got there ahead of them. When Jesus arrived, he saw this huge crowd. At the sign of them,his heart broke—like sheep with no shepherd they were. He went right to work teaching them.When his disciples thought this had gone on long enough—it was not quite late in theday—they interrupted: “We are a long way out in the country, and it's very late. Pronounce abenediction and send these folks off so they can get some supper.”Jesus said, “You do it. Fix supper for them.”They replied, “Are you serious? You want us to go spend a fortune on food for theirsupper?”But he was quite serious. “How many loaves of bread do you have? Take an inventory.”That didn't take long. “Five,” they said, “plus two fish.”Jesus got them all to sit down in groups of fifty or a hundred—they looked like apatchwork quilt of wildflowers spread out on the green grass! He took the five loaves and twofish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the disciples, andthe disciples in turn gave it to the people. He did the same with the fish. They all ate their fill.The disciples gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. More than five thousand were at the supper.~The Message, Mark 6:33-441. When There is a Need2. Sensed by a Few3. And Each Individual Understands His Responsibility4. And Gives His All Regardless of the Odds5. Then Jesus Works a Miracle

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in ourlikeness…”You can't fill a SPIRITUAL hole with an EARTHLY thing.There is NOTHING this world can give you that will ULTIMATELY fill you.“I think everyone should get rich and famous and do everything they everdreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.”—Jim CarreyMatthew 16:26 What good would it be for someone to gain the whole WORLD,yet forfeit their SOUL?The “4 MORES” we think will lead to happiness1. More SUCCESS2. More STUFF3. More SEX (pleasure)4. More SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESSA. ADMIT you have a PROBLEM.Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's gloriousstandard.James 2:10 For the person who keeps all the laws except one is as guilty as theperson who has broken all of God's laws.B. BELIEVE that Jesus is the ONLY ANSWER.John 3:16 For God so loved ________ (the world) that he gave his one and onlySon, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.C. COMMIT your life to Jesus by REPENTING and FOLLOWING.Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name ofJesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of theHoly Spirit.“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, themost probable explanation is that we were made for a different world.”—C.S.LewisYou can't fill a SPIRITUAL void with an EARTHLY thing.

Luke 6:31 NIV Do to others as you would have them do to you.Proverbs 11:24 - 25 NIV One person gives freely, yet gains even more; anotherwithholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoeverrefreshes others will be refreshed.Turn your Need into Seed.1 Kings 17:7-16 Eventually the brook dried up because of the drought. Then GODspoke to him: “Get up and go to Zarephath in Sidon and live there. I've instructeda woman who lives there, a widow, to feed you.” 10-11 So he got up and went toZarephath. As he came to the entrance of the village he met a woman, a widow,gathering firewood. He asked her, “Please, would you bring me a little water in ajug? I need a drink.” As she went to get it, he called out, “And while you're at it,would you bring me something to eat?” 12 She said, “I swear, as surely as yourGOD lives, I don't have so much as a biscuit. I have a handful of flour in a jar and alittle oil in a bottle; you found me scratching together just enough firewood tomake a last meal for my son and me. After we eat it, we'll die.” 13-14 Elijah saidto her, “Don't worry about a thing. Go ahead and do what you've said. But firstmake a small biscuit for me and bring it back here. Then go ahead and make ameal from what's left for you and your son. This is the word of the GOD of Israel:‘The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty beforeGOD sends rain on the land and ends this drought.'” 15-16 And she went right offand did it, did just as Elijah asked. And it turned out as he said—daily food for herand her family. The jar of meal didn't run out and the bottle of oil didn't becomeempty: GOD's promise fulfilled to the letter, exactly as Elijah had delivered it!God asks for what you are holding, not what you are missing.Your need is not just something to survive, it's something to sow.Proverbs 18: 20-21 NIV From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled;with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of lifeand death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.If You want to change the satisfaction of your life, change the declaration ofyour lips.Luke 6:45b NIV For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.Trust God's timing - Don't give up!Galatians 6:9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time wewill reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.

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.Luke 12:21-23 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Trust that God is in CONTROL. “I have never known a man who died of hard work, but I do know many who died of worry.”—Charles MayoTrust that God CARES for you.Luke 12:24 Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!Luke 12:25-26 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?Luke 12:27-28 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?Trust in God's PROVISION for your life.Luke 12:29-32 “And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.God's Kingdom- our kingdom-concept/pictureLuke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Philippians 4:10-20 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Luke 12:20-21 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul isrequired of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?' "So is the manwho stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."2 ILLUSIONS WE BELIEVE:1. When things SETTLE DOWN.Busyness is an EXTERNAL condition of the body where hurry is anINWARD condition of the soul.2. Someday MORE will be ENOUGH.Philippians 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned tobe content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I knowwhat it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and everysituation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can doall this through him who gives me strength.HOW TO BE RICH TOWARDS GOD:Matthew 22:36-40 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your souland with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And thesecond is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophetshang on these two commandments."1. Love GODJohn 14:15 AMP “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey Mycommandments.”TIMEMatthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and allthese things shall be added to you.TALENTEphesians 2:10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do goodworks, which God prepared in advance for us to do.TREASUREMatthew 6:21   For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.John 21:15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon,son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; Youknow that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”2. Love PEOPLEI John 4:11-12 (MSG) My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainlyought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another,God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!“We make a living by what we get and a life by what we give.”—Sir WinstonChurchillProverbs 11:25 A generous man will prosper. And he who refreshes others willhimself be refreshed.

Heart: “KARDIA”—the CENTER of your life. Where you are devoted physically, emotionally and spiritually.WHO/WHAT has 1ST place in your life.Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your HEART.I Samuel 12:24 But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your HEART.Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your HEART.Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your HEART…”Does God have ALL my HEART?Proverbs 21:2 Every person's way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord EXAMINES the HEART.Matthew 6:21 For where your TREASURE is, there your HEART will be also.The PORTION God has of your heart is determined by the POSITION he has in your finances.For God to be first in your HEART he must be first in your FINANCES.Biblical Principle: The TITHEWHAT is a tithe?Hebrew word “ms'aser” simply means 1/10th or 10%Matthew 23:23 You SHOULD TITHE, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. PAID TITHE$1,000 $100$10,000 $1,000$100,000 $10,000$1,000,000 $100,000$100 Billion $10 BillionWHEN do you tithe?Tithing isn't just the AMOUNT (10%) it's the ORDER (1st) in which we give.Proverbs 3:9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the FIRSTFRUITS of all your crops. Genesis 4:3 IN THE COURSE OF TIME Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord.Genesis 4:4-5 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the FIRSTBORN of his flock. The Lord looked with FAVOR on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he DID NOT LOOK WITH FAVOR.WHY should you tithe?Promise of Tithing: 90% with God's blessing always goes further than 100% on your own.$7,200 (with God) > $8,000 (on your own)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.”Leviticus 27:30 “A tithe of everything…BELONGS to the Lord; it is HOLY to the Lord.Malachi 3:8-11 MSG “Begin by being honest. Do honest people rob God? But you ROB me day after day. “You ask, ‘HOW have we robbed you?' “The TITHE and the offering—that's HOW! WHERE do you tithe?Leviticus 27:30 “A tithe of everything…BELONGS to the Lord; it is HOLY to the LordHOW do you start?TEST God with TITHING.Does God have ALL of your HEART?

Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and lovethe other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serveboth God and mammon.I Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, butagainst evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers inthis dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.Matthew 6:24 You CANNOT serve both God and MAMMON.Mammon: that in which one TRUSTSMammon is a FALSE god that promises that: You can trust MONEY to giveyou what only GOD can.We changed our LIFE'S FOCUS from consuming to GIVING.Acts 20:35 It is more blessed to give than receive.GIVING is kryptonite to the power and spirit of MAMMON in your life.1. You don't own jack squat.Deuteronomy 8:17-18 You can say to yourself, “MY power and the strength ofMY hands have produced this wealth for ME.” But remember the Lord your God,for it is he who GIVES YOU THE ABILITY to produce wealth…Every SINGLE spending decision is a SPIRITUAL decision.2. We started living off a budget.3. We learned to be content.4. Debt is slavery.GENEROSITY is kryptonite to the power of MAMMON in your life.Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole TITHE into the storehouse, that there may be foodin my house. TEST ME in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will notthrow open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much BLESSING that therewill not be room enough to store it.”Who are you trusting, God or mammon?

Stay in LoveMatt 24:12 NIV  Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,2 Tim 3:1-4 NIV But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—John 13:34-35 NIV “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”John 15:9 NIV “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.1 John 4:19 NIV We love because he first loved us.God's Love is…AbidingAgelessAlmightyAvailable1 Cor 13:13 NIV And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.4 Ways To Live Out Love1. Say it2. Write it3. Give it4. Mean it

In-Person Services:PKLD Sunday 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PMLHP Sunday 9:30 AM, 11:00 AMTo get to know us more, be sure to check out our website: http://www.coastalcommunity.tvKids Resources at https://coastalcommunity.tv/kidsDon't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our channel for weekly video messages that will change your life!If you were impacted by this message in any way, please email us at mystory@coastalcommunity.tv

1. God CREATED them, sin DISTRACTED them.2. Appetites are never FULLY and COMPLETELY satisfied.3. Your appetite will always whisper NOW not LATER.Genesis 25:27-28 The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man ofthe open country, while Jacob was a quiet man, staying among the tents. Isaac, whohad a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.Genesis 25:29-31 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in fromthe open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that redstew! I'm famished!” Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”Genesis 25:32-35 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is thebirthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him,selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentilstew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.Lies We Believe1. The ACCOMPLISHMENT lie.Colossians 3:1-2 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts onthings above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds onthings above, not on earthly thingsPhilippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever isright, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything isexcellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.2. That will never HAPPEN to ME lie.3. It's not that BIG OF A DEAL lie.James 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For Godcannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is temptedwhen, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desirehas conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth todeath.John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seenhis glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of graceand truth.

Proverbs 4:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your ownunderstanding. In all your ways obey him. Then he will make your paths smoothand straight.Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by therenewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's willis—his good, pleasing and perfect will.Your THINKING is what drives your LIVING.Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and putsthem into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.   The raincame down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet itdid not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hearsthese words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man whobuilt his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blewand beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”Relationships BUILT in the right order and PLACED in the correctboundaries are set up to SUCCEED.Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do and your plans will succeed.1. SPIRITUAL2. VALUES3. INTERESTS4. EMOTIONAL5. PHYSICALI Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commitsis outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.If I don't get HEALED from the past PAIN, I'll HURT the people in front ofme, because of the people BEHIND me.I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins andto cleanse us from all unrighteousness.Stop trying to FIND the right one and start BECOMING the right one.Colossians 2:6-10 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, youmust continue to follow HIM.   Let your roots grow down into him, and let yourlives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught,and you will OVERFLOW with thankfulness.   Don't let anyone capture you withempty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinkingand from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christlives all the fullness of God in a human body.   So you also are COMPLETEthrough your union with CHRIST, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

“I don't know what's more exhausting about parenting: the getting up early or acting like you know what you're doing.” – Jim Gaffigan3 Truths About Parenting:Parenting requires HARD WORK.Genesis 3:16a To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children.Raising children is a person's greatest LABOR but it is also a person's greatest LEGACY.“The purpose of your life might not be something you do but someone you raise.”—Andy StanleyPsalm 127:3-4 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Likearrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.Parenting requires LEADERSHIP.“The things that impresses me most about America is the way that the parents obey their children.” Edward, Duke of WindsorEphesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.Are you LEADING your children or are your children LEADING you?Lead your children into a healthy ROUTINE.Proverbs 22:6 NKJV Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.Routines should not create STRESS, they should REDUCE it.Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.Lead your kids into GENUINE faith.Children don't need a MOTTO to say, they need a MODEL to follow.Deuteronomy 6:4-8 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.2 Timothy 1:5 I remember yourgenuine 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.Lead your children into enjoying FAMILY TIME.Life is not measured in MINUTES, it is measured in MOMENTS.Psalm 39:6a NLT We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. Ecclesiastes 4:6 GN Maybe so, but it is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than be busy all the time with both hands, trying to catch the wind.Parenting needs GOD'S GRACE.Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary andcarry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.Romans 8:1-2 So now there isno condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 

I HOPE - I ACT James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. I will INTENTIONALLY PURSE my spouse. - Familiarity Breeds Complacency - Complacency Leads To Decay - So Defeating Complacency Begins With Intentionality. We are crazy INTENTIONAL pursuing what we DON'T have. We become COMPLACENT with what we DO have. Genesis 2:24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. United: DABAQ 1. Cling to, cleave/hold, GLUED together 2. To PURSUE, to hold onto, catch by PURSUIT You don't fall in and out of LOVE. You fall in and out of ACTING LOVING. How To Intentionally Pursue Your Spouse: 1. Focus on YOUR GAPS, not theirs. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to BE served, but TO serve. 2. Focus on THEIR NEEDS, not YOURS. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO BE PURSUED? Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your OWN INTERESTS but each of you to the INTERESTS OF OTHERS. Men need: AFFIRMATION Women need: NON-SEXUAL AFFECTION 3. Don't leave it CHANCE. Intentionality requires a PLAN. A. ENCOURAGE Daily B. DATE Weekly C. ESCAPE Yearly A. ENCOURAGE Daily Hebrews 3:13 But ENCOURAGE one another DAILY, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. B. DATE Weekly The goal is not PERFECTION but CONSISTENCY. Successful marriages do CONSISTENTLY what average marriages do OCCASSIONALLY. C. ESCAPE Yearly Marriage only WORKS when you WORK at it. Revelation 2:4-5 You don't LOVE me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and DO THE WORKS YOU FIRST DID.

God WANTS you to hear His voice even more than you DESIRE to hear it. How to HEAR God's voice through OTHERS. Proverbs 12:15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. The most TANGIBLE way to hear from God is through PEOPLE. I Kings 12:4-5 “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then come back to me.” So, the people went away. 1. Pursue GODLY WISDOM from others who can be of HELP. I Kings 12:6-8 Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked. They replied, “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.” But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.  2. If you aren't open to CHANGING, then don't bother ASKING for input. I Kings 12:10-11 The young men who had grown up with him replied, “These people have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.' Now tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father's waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.'” 3. You can always find a FOOL to support your FOLLY. I Kings 12:13-14a The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, he followed the advice of the young men…  4. It's difficult to HEAR from God when you BLOCK OUT the godly mouthpieces around you. Proverbs 10:31a The mouth of the godly person gives wise advise “Those who are truly open to guidance (and not just looking for validation) develop better solutions to problems than they would have on their own. They add nuance and texture to their thinking—and, research shows, they can overcome cognitive biases, self-serving rationales, and other flaws in their logic.”—Harvard Business Review Hebrews 12:1-2b 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. Godly people can be a MEGAPHONE for hearing GOD'S WILL. 4 Characteristics of Godly Counsel: 1. Person who FEARS God. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 2. Live in HUMILITY. Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 3. Lived some LIFE. Job 12:12 Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. 4. SUCCESSFUL in area you are seeking guidance. Ecclesiastes 10:10 Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed. Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed.

God WANTS you to hear His voice even more than you DESIRE to hear it. The most EXCITING way you can hear from God. I Kings 19:12 And after the fire came a GENTLE WHISPER. Sometimes God speaks LOUDLY, but often He speaks through a WHISPER. The most exciting way to hear from God is through the PROMPTINGS of the HOLY SPIRIT. John 16:7 But in fact, it is BEST for you that I GO AWAY, because if I don't, the Advocate (Holy Spirit) won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. The Holy Spirit is a WHO not and IT. The Holy Spirit is PERSONAL. If the Holy Spirit isn't PERSONAL, you will miss his PROMPTINGS. John 16:13 But when HE, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will GUIDE YOU into all the truth. Acts 8:29 The SPIRIT TOLD PHILIP, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Acts 10:19-20 “While Peter was still thinking…THE SPIRIT SAID TO HIM…get up and go downstairs.” Acts 20:22 Paul was COMPELLED BY THE SPIRIT to go to Jerusalem. A Prompting from the Holy Spirit will: 1. Never CONTRADICT God's word. 2. Never be MOTIVATED by selfishness. 3. Often require a SACRIFICE. 4. Often require you to take a RISK. 1. Never CONTRADICT God's word. John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. John 17:17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 2. Never be MOTIVATED by selfishness. Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 3. Often require a SACRIFICE. (time, money, convenience) Acts 20:35 Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 4. Often require you to take a RISK. 1. Never CONTRADICT God's word. 2. Never be MOTIVATED by selfishness. 3. Often require a SACRIFICE. 4. Often require you to take a RISK.

God WANTS you to hear His voice even more than you DESIRE to hear it. The most PERSONAL way to hear from God is through PRAYER. Luke 11:1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” How do you pray to hear from God? Matthew 6:5 And WHEN you pray… Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.  Start praying REGULARLY! Not just spontaneously but SCHEDULED. The most EFFECTIVE prayers to God START with God's word. Matthew 6:9 This, then, is HOW you should pray… The Lord's Prayer isn't liturgy, it's THEOLOGY. It's not a word-for-word script, but a FRAMEWORK.  Pray using D.S.A. o DECLARE who God is. o SURRENDER your will for God's in advance. o ASK God for what you need. Prayer isn't about asking God to do OUR will, it's about God aligning us so we can do HIS. 1. DECLARE Matthew 6:9 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” “There is not a single example of the use of abba as an address to God in the whole Jewish literature.”—Joachim Jeremiah, New Testament scholar John 1:12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. Galatians 6:4 And because we are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Matthew 6:9 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” 2. SURRENDER Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:8 …your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Prayer isn't about asking God to do OUR will, it's about God aligning us so we can do HIS. God, the answer is, YES before I even know what you'll say. 3. ASK Matthew 6:11-13 Give us our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Prayer isn't about asking God to do OUR will, it's about God aligning us so we can do HIS. God, the answer is, YES before I even know what you'll say.

GOD WANTS you to hear His voice even more than YOU DESIRE to hear it. Romans 12:2 Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. We often allow the NOISE of this world to deafen the VOICE of God. Is God's voice the LOUDEST voice in your life? The CLEAREST way to hear from God is by getting into GOD'S WORD. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 MSG Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks that God has for us. Why is God's word the clearest way to hear God's voice? 2 Timothy 3:16 MSG Every part of Scripture is God-breathed… 1. It's “GOD-BREATHED” = Literally God's VOICE to you. THEOPNEUSTOS Combination of 2 Greek words: Theo = “God” + pneustos = “breath” God's WILL never contradicts God's WORD. 2. It's USEFUL and your source of TRUTH. 2 Timothy 3:16 MSG Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another 2 Timothy 3:16-17a Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another Showing us TRUTH Exposing our REBELLION Correcting our MISTAKES Training us to live GOD'S WAY. Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Our NATURAL INTUITION rarely aligns with GOD'S INTENTION. Acts 20:35b Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.' 2 Timothy 3:16-17 MSG Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks that God has for us. 3. It shapes us and equips us for our FUTURE. 2 Timothy 3:17 NIV …so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. God's word won't tell you EVERY step, but it will give you your NEXT step. How to ENGAGE God's Word so You Can HEAR God's Voice: 1. Choose a BIBLE TRANSLATION you can understand. Mother, I am hungry “Henceforth, let it be know unto thee, birth giver, that thine belly is emptiness.” Recommend: NIV, NLT or ESV LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE Picture of the Page with Scripture up top and notes below 2. Choose a consistent TIME and PLACE. 3. Choose a BIBLE READING plan. Picture of YouVersion App New believer—Introduction to the Christian Faith Intermediate—Luke & Acts Advanced—One Story that Leads to Jesus 4. Read slowly and seek to UNDERSTAND. 5. Pray and ask God to show you one thing to APPLY. The CLEAREST way to hear from God is by getting into GOD'S WORD.

Side Effects of Nostalgia “_____________ will never be as Good as is was” ECC 7:10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. PHIL 3:13-15 one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way 3 Dangerous Side Effects of Nostalgia  Nostalgia Distorts our Perception of the Past.  Exodus 16:3 “If only the LORD had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.” Nostalgia Traps us in Comfort John 21: 1-3 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “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. Nostalgia Prevents us from Moving Forward ECC 7:10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. PHIL 3:13-15 one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way We OVERCOME Nostalgias Effects with the Truth Isaiah 43:18-19 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Matthew 1:20-21 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people...” JESUS - lesous Hebrew: YESHUA Hebrew verb: yasha (to RESCUE, to Save) Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Isaiah 65:2 All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Christmas is a season for a MIRACLE. The Miracles of Christmas: 1. The ANNOUNCEMENT Luke 1:26-30 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. Your Christmas miracle: God has a PLAN! “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”—Corrie Ten Boom 2. The CONCEPTION Luke 1:31, 34-35 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.  Your Christmas Miracle: God can do the IMPOSSIBLE! “If God is your partner, make your plans big!”—D.L. Moody 3. The INCARNATION John 1:1-4, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.   Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Your Christmas Miracle: God is not DISTANT! Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. “I am as sure as I live that nothing is so near to me as God. God is nearer to me than I am to myself; my existence depends on the nearness and the presence of God.”—Meister Eckhart 4. The VISITATION Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:10-11 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Your Christmas Miracle: Your God is a PROVIDER!

Luke 2:8-9 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  Luke 2:10-12 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” This is the season for GREAT JOY! Great (MEGAS): exceedingly, large, loud, to the GREATEST DEGREE “I might believe in the Redeemer if His followers looked more redeemed.”—Fredrich Nietzsche Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Great Joy Is Possible Because: Jesus is for ALL PEOPLE 2 Peter 3:9 He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Luke 2:11 Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord Jesus is my SAVIOR Savior (So-tare): a DELIVERER Psalm 18:2-3 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.  Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. Luke 2:11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord  Jesus is the MESSIAH Messiah (khris-tos): the ANOINTED one “When we say Jesus Christ, we should be thinking in our mind Jesus the Messiah; Jesus the promised Priest, King, Prophet; Jesus the one who is anointed by God to bring about our redemption.”—John Piper Luke 2:11 Today int eh town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord   Jesus is my LORD Lord (koo-ree-os): the SUPREME authority, CONTROLLER God's standards are not to PUNISH us, but to PROTECT us!John 15:9-11 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Isaiah 54:2-3 AMP “Enlarge the site of your tent [to make room for more children]; Always about people Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not spare them; Lengthen your tent ropes And make your pegs (stakes) firm [in the ground].Make solid what you already have because when you steward well3  “For you will spread out to the right and to the left; And your descendants will take possession of nations And will inhabit deserted cities. Acts 4:32-33 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. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great blessing was upon them all. Our UNITY determines our STRENGTH. It takes a UNITED church to heal a DIVIDED world. John 13:35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Acts 4:32 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. Our GENEROSITY determines our IMPACT. 2 Corinthians 9:11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. Coastal Community Church will continue to make an impact at the SPEED of your GENEROSITY. Acts 4:33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great blessing was upon them all. Our PARTICIPATION determines our SUCCESS. Because Heaven and Hell are realities, we must do anything SHORT OF SIN to reach people. What is my part to play in BUILDING God's kingdom?

What is multiplication in a spiritual sense? It's a little hard to define but it simply means supernatural exponential growth. 8+8=16 but 8x8=64. The Bible uses words like progress, expansion, increase, overflow. So, let's do a quick walk through the Bible and look at a few different multiplication verses... Genesis 1:28 - Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 - And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. Psalm 23:5 - ...You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Matthew 14:19-21 - And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. But my favorite multiplication story involves THE CHURCH! Jesus said... Jesus - “...I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) And all the way up to today! The church is multiplying! Contrary to what you might hear on the news, Christianity is exploding. Think about this, there are more Christians on the earth right now than in all of church history (2.6 Billion). Every day it is estimated 250,000 people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Think about this, the largest Muslim nation, which is Indonesia is experiencing massive revival and some estimate they country is now over 35% Christian. The truth is, multiplication is happening all over the world. I want to teach on 4 metaphors the Bible uses to describe the church...I love these and I try to teach on them once a year in our church... It's a HOUSE. The House of God! A specific place...A place of miracles and life change! Psalm 26:8 - Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. Some people say that buildings don't matter. You've probably heard people say, “The church isn't a building, it's people.” I get what they're saying, but Biblically and historically, God's people have always gathered to worship in big gatherings at specific places. To God, it has always been about a people and a place. From The Tabernacle that Moses built to The Temple that Solomon built. It's a HOME. The truth is, what makes church great is you! Of course you've heard the old adage...it may be a HOUSE but it's not necessarily a HOME. The difference maker is THE PEOPLE. You're the ones who make it a home! It's your heart and your spirit. And I just wanted to give a big thank you to all of you who serve week in and week out and make this house a home. It's a PILLAR. 1 Timothy 3:15 - ...God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. A pillar represents strength. It's one of the things I love about the church. It's a place of strength. Strong Worship. God's Word preached with strength. Strong Atmosphere...you can just feel it lift you up! It's an ATMOSPHERE. There's just something about the atmosphere of the House of God. Something special and powerful about the local church... Psalm 92:12-14 - The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. Seed and Soil Think about the atmosphere OUR CHURCH values An Atmosphere of Hospitality. An Atmosphere of God's Presence. An Atmosphere of Salvation. An Atmosphere of Generosity. An Atmosphere of Expansion. An Atmosphere of Changed Lives.

You have no idea what God may PRODUCE through a SINGLE SEED PLANTED in faith. Genesis 12:1-3 The Lord had 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. Genesis 15:1-2a Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don't even have a son? We tend to think ADDITION, but our God thinks MULTIPLICATION. Just because you DON'T SEE anything doesn't mean that God ISN'T DOING something. If God met all your EXPECTATIONS He would never have the chance to EXCEED THEM. Genesis 15:5 Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have!” Galatians 3:29, "If you belong to Christ" then You are Abraham's seed. You never measure God's UNLIMITED POWER by your LIMITED EXPECTATIONS. Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Matthew 17:20 “You don't have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Ephesians 3:20-21 We serve a God who can do immeasurably more than all you can ask, think or imagine. According to his power that is at work within his church so that he would be glorified for generations to come. You have NO IDEA what God may produce through a single seed PLANTED IN FAITH.

LEGACY is the impact or impression you leave behind in OTHERS. Hebrews 11:8-10 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. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 1. Faith BEGINS with a WORD. Hebrews 11:8a By faith Abraham, when called How To Know When It's God  I go to the WORD OF GOD.  I go to the Lord in PRAYER.  What does GODLY COUNSEL say?  Do I have PEACE? Hebrew 11:9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.  2. Faith is DEVELOPED in a PROCESS. 3. Begins to act as though the WORD has come to PASS. Hebrews 11:1 NKJV Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 4. Faith is ANCHORED in ETERNITY. Hebrews 11:10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

The poor live for TODAY. The middle class live for RETIREMENT. The wealthy live for LEGACY. Judges 2:7-8, 10-11 And the Israelites served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the leaders who outlived him—those who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel.   Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110.   After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. The Israelites did evil in the Lord's sight and served the images of Baal.   They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. Legacy: The IMPACT or impression you leave BEHIND in others. How will I be REMEMBERED? 1. What matters the MOST is emphasized the MOST. Philippians 4:9 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. You TEACH what you know but you always REPRODUCE who you really are. 2. Sacrifice is the SEED for SIGNIFICANCE. People that are LEFT to themselves will make LIFE about themselves. I Chronicles 21:24 But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it for the full price. I will not take what is yours and give it to the Lord. I will not present burnt offerings that have cost me nothing!” A faith that COSTS you nothing is worth NOTHING 3. The best way to impact TOMORROW is to start TODAY. “The ultimate test of a man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” Gaylord Nelson

LEGACY is where my LIFE lives on. “The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized within the lifetime of the opportunity.” Leonard Ravenhill How do I LIVE so my life outlives me? Isaiah 54:2-3 “Enlarge the site of your tent [to make room for more children]; Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not spare them; Lengthen your tent ropes And make your pegs (stakes) firm [in the ground]. “For you will spread out to the right and to the left; And your descendants will take possession of nations And will inhabit deserted cities. 1. PREPARE for MORE. PREPARATION is FAITH for upcoming OPPORTUNITIES.  Launching Boca Location Fall of 2025  Housing for staffing and church planters  COST $3 million 2. WALK in CONFIDENCE. Isaiah 54:4 “Do not fear, for you will not be put to shame, And do not feel humiliated or ashamed, for you will not be disgraced. For you will forget the shame of your youth, And you will no longer remember the disgrace of your widowhood. Hebrews 11:1 Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. 3. Embrace WHO you are LIVING for. Isaiah 54:5 “For your husband is your Maker, the Lord of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, Who is called the God of the whole earth. “Your view of God is the most important aspect about your relationship with God. A low view of God is the cause of a hundred lesser evils. A high view of God is the solution to ten thousand temporal problems." A.W. Tozer  Number of Baptisms  Number of First Time Guests  Number of Growth  Number of Salvations Galatians 6:9-10 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. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. 4. Remember WHO CALLED you. Isaiah 54:6 “For the Lord has called you, Matthew 28:19-20 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.” We want to make it hard for people to go to hell by making it easy for them to go to church so they can experience, know and follow Jesus.

Believe God's Best Jeremiah 29:11 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. Are your WORDS affirming your BELIEFS? Get in POSITION 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. The best POSITION is SURRENDER Hebrews 12:1-2: "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." CATCH the VISION 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

Luke 22:39-52 (NIV) 39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.[a] 45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Jesus Arrested 47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man's ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? Matthew 26:52-54 (NIV) 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” John 18:10-11 (NIV) 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” 1 | Preserved Peace In The Pressure Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) You will keep in perfect peace  those whose minds are steadfast,  because they trust in you. John 18:3-9 (NIV)  So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”[a] John 18:36 (NIV) 36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” Philippians 4:7  (NIV) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 2 | Preserved Purpose In The Pain John 18:11 (NIV) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Matthew 26:50 (NIV) 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[a] Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.  1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (MSG) 13-14 Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping. 3 | He Saved What Was Severed

How do I live with irrational generosity? For not From 1. God is GENEROUS. Generosity is the heart of God. John 3:16 // For God so loved the world that He GAVE... Romans 8:32 // Since he did not spare even his own Son but GAVE him up for us all, won't he also GIVE us everything else? Matthew 7:11 // “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven GIVE good things to those who ask him!” James 1:17 // Every good and perfect GIFT is from above. 2. Generosity is a MINDSET. Generosity is not about what I have. It is about how I think. Scarcity & Abundance Money is a magnifier. Proverbs 11:24 MSG // The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. 3. God is after your HEART. Luke 12:34 // For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. How do we become generous? The difference between acting generous and being generous is INTENTIONALITY. 1. GOD must be first Proverbs 3:9-10 // Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 // You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 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. 2. The TITHE must be first Exodus 23:19 //  The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. Genesis 4:3-5 //  And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. (Build in) 4 LEVELS OF GENEROSITY: • Giving • Tithing • Offerings • Extravagant Generosity 3. It Must Be Blessed to MULTIPLY 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. We don't GIVE to GET. What is my next step? • Pray • Automate the Important • Rest

Your life is ALWAYS moving in the DIRECTION of your STRONGEST thoughts. Thoughts - Beliefs - Identity - Actions You can't have a POSITIVE life with a NEGATIVE mind. You can't live God's BEST LIFE with a BROKEN soundtrack in your mind. 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. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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. 1. DEFINE your most consistent NEGATIVE thought. Your stronghold. You can't DEFEAT what you won't DEFINE. I'm broken, Never be good with money, I'm dumb, Don't test well, Always be alone, I'm unlovable, I ruin everything, Can't trust anyone, I'm ugly, Struggle with weight, Never have a good job, Loser, Mess, I'm cursed, Always anxious, Only date losers, They'll never change. illustration to rip and put together—broken line to highway 2. 3 QUESTIONS God can use to demolish the negative soundtrack in your mind. - Is it TRUE? “One of the greatest mistakes you can make is to assume that all of your thoughts are true.”—Jon Acuff Whatever you think is “TRUE” needs to be cross-examined by the TRUTH of God's word. 2 Corinthians 10:5 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. John 8:31-31 If you continue in my word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Movie with original soundtrack Movie with new soundtrack - Is it HELPFUL? - Is it KIND? Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  If your thoughts aren't KIND, they probably aren't from GOD. 3. You have to replace the LIE with the TRUTH.

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)  You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust + Steadfast mind = Perfect Peace Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your paths. Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 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.

It is OKAY to not be OKAY. “We were never designed for the sedentary, indoor, socially isolated, fast-food laden, sleep deprived, frenzied pace of modern life.”—Stephen Ilardi-The Depression Cure Lamentations 3:17-20 NIV I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is.   So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.”   I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.   I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 2 Corinthians 1:8 NIV We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. I Kings 19:1-4 NLT When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal.   So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.”   Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” FAULTY THINKING Philippians 4:8-9 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. 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. ISOLATION Ecclesiastes 4:12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Led by FEELINGS John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” COMPARISON Galatians 1:10 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. Kings 19:5-9 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.   Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.   There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Some practical things for us to learn today about God is saying: 1. Get healthy PHYSICALLY. 2. Pour my HEART out to God. Matthew 11:28-29 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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. 3. Experience the POWER and PRESENCE of God. Psalm 46:10a “Be still, and know that I am God! 4. Let God give me a NEW PURPOSE and DIRECTION for my life. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 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.

Philippians 4:4-6 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything  In 2019, TWO out of THREE Americans said they were anxious or extremely anxious.  91% of high school and college students report consistent and significant levels of ANXIETY associated with stress. Anxiety isn't SIN, it is a SIGNAL. 1. It's time to PRAY. 2 Chronicles 20:3 NLT Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the LORD for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. 2 Chronicles 20:6,9 LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. ... 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.' “It has been found that 12 MINUTES of daily focused prayer over an 8-week period can change the brain to such an extent that it can be measured on a brain scan.” —Dr. Caroline Leaf Not only does prayer touch the HEART of God, but prayer changes the CHEMISTRY of your brain. merimnao: DWELLING or PONDERING on fearful or anxious thoughts 2 Chronicles 20:12 For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. I Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. If it's on your MIND, it's on His HEART. 2. It's time to PAUSE. 2 Chronicles 20:12-13 “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD. Psalm 46:10 …Be still, and know that I am God. 2 Chronicles 20:15,17 Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 17 Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you. 3. It's time to PRAISE. 2 Chronicles 20:29-30 The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. Philippians 4:6-7 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.

Ephesians 4:1 (NIV): As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.   Why we carry the name? Romans 5:7-8 (TPT) Now, would anyone dare to die for the sake of a wicked person? We can all understand if someone was willing to die for a truly noble person. But Christ proved God's passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly! How do we carry the name?   Romans 12:9–13 (NIV): Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.   Love has 2 sides 2 Timothy 4:3–5 (NIV): For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry [calling]. 1 Peter 2:9 (TPT) But you are God's chosen treasure —priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God's devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:12 (NIV): Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Live people centric   Romans 12:13 (NIV): Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Ps 133:1-3 (NLT) How wonderful and pleasant it is when people live together in unity! For unity is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. And there the Lord has commanded his blessing, even life everlasting.

IN THIS FAMILY: we do LIFE TOGETHER. You will live relationally by DEFAULT or by DESIGN. “If you look at the people in your circle and don't get inspired, then you don't have a circle, you have a cage.” --Nipsey Hustle ACTS 16:22-24 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.  ISOLATE  INSULATE  INSECURITY Acts 16:24-25a The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas… 1. DISCOVER your PEOPLE. 2. Discover your VOICE. Acts 16:25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.  Acts 16:26 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!  Matthew 18:19-20 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.   For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” 3. Just because you are FREE doesn't mean you are FINISHED. Acts 16:27-31 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don't kill yourself! We are all here!”   The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” Freedom happens through JESUS, healing happens through PEOPLE. James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

IN THIS FAMILY: SAVED People SERVE People. Ephesians 2:10 NIV For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. John 13:1, 3-17 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. Jesus is separating the difference between KNOWING something and DOING something. Mark 10:45 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.” How is your heart to serve? John 13:4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. Traits Of A Servants Heart 1. Has a WILLINGNESS to get INVOLVED. 2. He went LOW to LIFT UP. 3. Has a willingness to GET MESSY to make a DIFFERENCE. Philippians 2:6-9 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, God doesn't want something FROM YOU, but he wants something FOR YOU. John 13:17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. Saved people, serve people and SERVED people become SAVED people.