Valley Lights Church Podcast

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, evenwhen we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ." Ephesians 2:4-5

There are things about God you will not know unless you pray. Ephesians 1:18b-19 - "That you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might"

Christians have irrevocable certainty of the outcome. Ephesians 1:11- In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.

Christians are destined for everything heaven can offer. The ultimate aim of God is the praise of His glory.

Isaiah 26:3- You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Watch out for the thought "God has dealt unfairly with me". Deuteronomy 32:4 The Rock- his work is perfect; all his way are just. A faithful God, without bias, he is righteous and true.

When your head & heart disagree, become absolutely determined to please God, come what may.

"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." Roman's 12:2

Your brooding thoughts are shaping the person you will become.

Because of God's great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

We can choose a lower position by seeking the advantage of others, seeking to serve others, and seeking to give our lives to others.

Be content with a lowly place NOW, because in a vapor's breath, we inherit EVERYTHING.

Be careful to build in a way in a way that God finds valuable.

Unresolved tension between Christians usually points to immaturity & selfishness. - 1 Peter 5:6 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time."

There are different responses to the message of the Gospel. Some will mock, some will listen, and some repent. We will never experience any of these responses if we never share.

Unless people realize they have a sin problem, they will not come to Jesus for a solution.

John 9:39 - Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

John 9: 39 "Jesus said - For judgment I have some into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."

Forgiveness is the only way to live in an intimate, long-term relationship with another sinner.

James 1:19 Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

God provides the ONLY path toward goodness and delight in parenting.

With godly discipline, there is purpose int he pain

2 Corinthians 5:15 And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.

Our kids need constant Godly instruction to avoid getting led astray by the culture. And so do we.

God gives us the power to raise Godly kids, He wants to atmosphere in our home to maximize growth. Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that is may benefit those who listen."

Following Jesus means fishing for people. Matthew 4:19-20 - And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

If God has given you instructions, walk forward in faith, without delay, God is working out a much bigger plan than we can see.

Joseph denied himself because he as living or a bigger mission. This Christmas, move away from something ungodly or destructive in your life and move towards something that grows your communion with Jesus.

If Jesus's birth prompted the murder of a dozen babies in Bethlehem, his death & resurrection prompted the protection of millions more.

Jesus came to save sinful people with a filthy family history., God controls history with precision and He is working a bigger story through your family line.

God will often lead us through, not around trouble, We should go first to God in prayer, then resolve to face trouble with trust in Him and courage.

Eyes of faith let's us see God's love inscribed upon everything that brings us low.

Ephesians 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.

"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13. We can bring our small numbers to God and wait for Him to multiply our efforts

Let us eliminate the thorns and weeds that may choke out the fruit God intends to grow. Hebrews 12:1– …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.

God does not look at numbers the same way we do. When things don't add up, look with eyes of faith.

The Kingdom of God is is not about political power, but changing the human heart.

Psalm 42:5- Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

We are custodians of the earth, but our top mission is to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The bad news - we are slaves to sin. The good news, Jesus died.. Our deliverance is assured , but not yet complete. Until then, be watchful because danger abounds. We must never turn to a different gospel.

We can strengthen our relationships and unity by being men of the narrow gate, women open to life-shaping relationships, a culture of hospitality, and members committed to this body of Christ.

God has been designing the flow of history for thousands of years to make redemption available to you, Anyone can be brought into God's family.

Maintain Noble Character While You Wait for God to Work- Ruth Chapter 3

Every chapter of your life is written by God- and every detail!

If you are brooding over negative thoughts or emotions, put your heart into the Bible and God's people.

We know we have fellowship with God if we love our Brothers & Sisters. A study in 1 John 2:9-11

We can keep a clear relationship with God by confessing our sin.

Fellowship with God is closer than you think. A study of 1 John 1`:1-4.

We should turn away from things that the world craves, and instead build something that God loves and that will last.

We crave approval from everyone. We should strive to gain approval from God by respecting, obeying, and being humble before Him.

People are constantly trying to find ways to be ok and anchor their hope in something. Our unshakable hope is found in Jesus.