Podcasts about 27god

Introduction: Introduction: What Should I Do If I'm Not Content? (1 Corinthians 7:17-24) I should recognize THAT MY CALLING IS A GIFT. (1 Cor 7:17) 1 Timothy 6:6 - But godliness with contentment is great gain, I should resolve to OBEY NO MATTER WHAT. (1 Cor 7:18-19) John 14:23-24 - Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. 1 John 5:3 - For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. I should remember WHO I AM IN CHRIST. (1 Cor 7:20-23) Philippians 4:11-13 - Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. I should rejoice THAT GOD IS WITH ME. (1 Cor 7:24) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! AUDIO TRANSCRIPT 00:36-00:40Please open your Bibles to 1 Corinthians chapter 7, verses 17 through 24.00:41-00:451 Corinthians chapter 7, verses 17 through 24.00:47-00:53Have you ever stopped to consider how much of your life is beyond your control?00:55-00:57And some of you are thinking, no, because that sounds very depressing.00:57-01:00It doesn't sound very fun at all.01:00-01:02And I get that, but just go with me for a second.01:03-01:07Did you have any control over when you came into this world?01:08-01:17You had no say on who your parents were, how much money they had, what hospital you were born at, what doctors delivered you.01:18-01:21Did you have any control over your genetic makeup and DNA?01:23-01:32You had zero input into what you would look like, what inherent talents you would possess, and what natural personality you would receive.01:33-01:35Are you able to control the weather?01:36-01:39Are you able to keep snow storms and frigid temperatures away?01:41-01:44If you're able to do that, you have failed us these past two months.01:44-01:47What have you been doing if you're able to control those things?01:47-01:48Where were you last night?01:50-01:54Are you able to control every single situation that pops up in your life?01:55-01:59Are you able to keep all forms of pain and suffering away?02:00-02:06I assume not because if you're able to do that, you'd be a billionaire right now because you sold your secret methods to others.02:08-02:11So much of your life is beyond your control.02:13-02:18Discontentment comes when you fail to acknowledge and submit to this basic truth.02:19-02:27And at its core, dissatisfaction, discontentment, is you not being happy with what God has given to you.02:28-02:34you being dissatisfied with who the Lord is and the life he has entrusted to you.02:36-02:41So many of your problems come from trying to control the uncontrollable.02:42-02:50Guys in the room like me who are under six feet tall, I'm sorry, those exercises, those stretches will not add any inches to your height.02:50-02:52Those height-boosting shoes aren't fooling anybody.02:54-02:56We're just gonna have to enjoy the view from down here.02:58-03:03So many of your frustrations find their root in trying to stop the inevitable.03:05-03:09Ladies, I'm sorry to say it, please don't pelt me with tomatoes and other produce.03:11-03:15You're going to get older, and there is going to be signs of aging.03:16-03:19Okay, good. (laughs) No produce, phew.03:20-03:22It's impossible to avoid.03:23-03:29Instead of resisting this, accept that your meaning is not bound up what you look like on the outside.03:30-03:32What truly matters is what you look like on the inside.03:34-03:39So many of your disappointments come from an unwillingness to accept your limitations.03:40-03:50And I'm sorry to burst your bubble, I'm sorry to ruin all the lessons you learned from Disney movies growing up, but you cannot be whoever you wanna be and do whatever you wanna do.03:52-03:54I see some of you not agreeing with me internally.03:55-05:21I'm sorry, but it's not every boy's future athlete. It's not in every girl's future to be a famous celebrity or singer. There are things that you are good at and you should work on honing those natural talents and abilities. But there are other things that you stink at and no matter how hard you try you'll never rise above mediocrity when it comes to those activities. At this point you may be thinking, "Taylor, this is my favorite sermon so far. Are you saying that I have no control over my life at all? I'm actually not saying that. You do have some control over your life, but you do not have as much control as you would like. You cannot control the life you receive from the Lord, but you can't control what you do with the life you receive from the Lord. You cannot control the calling that you are given from the hand of God, but you can control if you are discontent or content with the calling you have received from the hand of God. Which best describes you in this season of life? Discontent or content? Dissatisfied or satisfied? Unfulfilled or or fulfilled.05:23-05:28I don't think it would take much introspection for some of you to realize that you are not content right now.05:29-05:31That you lack true joy.05:33-05:37That you wake up with a sense of dread that you have to be you.05:38-05:40And that you have to deal with what's in front of you.05:42-05:44You feel like your life is stuck in limbo.05:44-05:47You feel like things will never get better.05:47-05:50feel like things will never improve.05:52-05:55You may be wondering, what should I do if I'm not content?05:56-05:59What should I do if I'm not content?06:01-06:11We're towards the beginning of the Q and A section of 1 Corinthians and that is the exact question that the Apostle Paul answers for us in 1 Corinthians chapter seven, verses 17 through 24.06:12-06:25And just like the Corinthians, you need to be reminded that true contentment is not found in your circumstances, which are always changing, true contentment is found in Jesus Christ, who never changes.06:28-06:30Let's go to the Lord in prayer and ask for His help.06:30-06:37Please pray for me, that I'll faithfully proclaim God's word, and I will pray for you, that you will faithfully receive God's word.06:41-06:49Father, we thank you for yet another opportunity to worship you together, sit under your word together as your people.06:49-06:52Lord, this is a subject that touches every single one of us.06:53-06:58There isn't a single person in this room who isn't struggling with a sense of discontentment on some level.06:59-07:02I pray you'd use your word to comfort us.07:03-07:06You would use your word to challenge us.07:07-07:10You would use your word to point us to Christ.07:11-07:14We ask all these things in Jesus' name, amen.07:16-07:21The first Corinthians 7 is mainly about marriage and singleness.07:21-07:29Two weeks ago, Pastor Jeff preached on two gifts, the gift of sex and marriage and the gift of contentment and singleness.07:30-07:34And last week, you heard four sermons for the price of one.07:36-07:41If you are single and you want to stay single and remain single.07:42-07:46If you are single and do not want to remain single, get married.07:47-07:50If you are a Christian couple, stay married.07:52-07:56If you are married to an unbeliever while you are a believer, stay in that marriage.07:57-08:01Do not cut and run once you become a Christian.08:01-08:06God may use you to save your unbelieving spouse.08:07-08:11You can only control yourself in that situation.08:12-08:14You can control if you stay.08:14-08:19If that unbelieving spouse chooses to leave you, that is on him or her.08:20-08:22You cannot control what they do.08:22-08:25You can only control what you do.08:26-08:28And this kind of marital situation is hard.08:28-08:29I don't wanna sugarcoat it.08:29-08:32It's not easy or simple on any level.08:32-08:37It's painful, but according to this text, that will be used by God for his purposes.08:38-08:43No matter your relational status, it is not your job to figure out what God is up to.08:44-08:49It's your job to submit to the life that God has given to you.08:50-08:56It's your job to play the cards you've been dealt instead of throwing them down and walking away from the table.08:57-09:02This principle for marriage and singleness applies to every other area of life as well.09:02-09:08your social status, your family, your finances, your career, and the list goes on and on.09:09-09:18In verses 17 through 24, Paul jumps off the main highway of marriage and singleness to explore a much needed detour.09:19-09:23So let's return to our main question for this morning that sums up this detour.09:23-09:26What should I do if I'm not content?09:27-09:30What should I do if I'm not content?09:31-09:35Firstly, I should recognize that my calling is a gift.09:36-09:39I should recognize that my calling is a gift.09:44-09:47Let's read chapter seven, verse 17.09:47-09:55The apostle Paul writes, "Only let each person lead the life "the Lord has assigned to him "and to which God has called him.09:56-10:02"This is my rule in all the churches." Do you have house rules in your family?10:04-10:07Do you have expectations that are to be followed?10:08-10:19No Nerf gun bullets to the face, no running with scissors, bedtime is at 8 p.m. sharp, only kind and respectful words will be spoken in this family.10:20-10:27In this verse, the Apostle Paul makes it crystal clear that he has a house rule for the Corinthian church and every other church as well.10:28-10:32He establishes an expectation as for each person in all the churches.10:34-10:36Are you a person in the church?10:37-10:38Then this verse applies to you.10:39-10:43Paul gives no wiggle room, he gives you no excuse, he gives you no hall pass.10:44-10:49If you were a Christian, you were expected to obey what the apostle Paul has to say.10:50-10:51And what does he have to say?10:53-10:55Be faithful where God has placed you.10:56-11:00Be faithful where God has placed you.11:01-11:06Instead of constantly daydreaming about what's next, focus on what's in front of you.11:08-11:10Is that hard for anybody else besides me?11:12-11:16It's so tempting for life to become a series of what's next.11:17-11:20You and I can think, oh man, this current season of life stinks.11:20-11:23I can't wait for the next thing 'cause it's gonna be so much better.11:25-11:28When you're in middle school, what are you looking forward to?11:30-11:35High school, you're excited to get out of those years of early puberty and Axe body spray.11:36-11:37You can't wait.11:39-11:41When you're in high school, what are you anxious for?11:42-11:45Getting out of high school and going to the workforce or college.11:45-11:49Once you're in the workforce or college, what are you looking forward to?11:51-11:53Meeting that special someone?11:56-11:59And then once you meet that special someone, what are you anxious for?12:01-12:02Marriage and children.12:03-12:17And then once you're married and you have kids, or one kid, two kids, three kids, four kids, five kids for even some of you, when you're in the midst of the hardship of parenting, what are you anxious for?12:19-12:20Getting them out of the house.12:21-12:21Thank you, Andrew.12:22-12:23You're very excited to say that.12:25-12:29For your kids to mature, to get older, and to get out of the house, as Andrew Colburn would say.12:30-12:33You're excited for the house to be quiet.12:35-12:37But once the house is quiet, what are you anxious for?12:39-12:45For the loud noises to come back in the form of grandkids, to finally reach that retirement you've been working so hard for.12:45-12:47You don't want to set your alarm anymore.12:48-12:52But then once you're retired, you're thinking, What's next?12:52-12:54What is going to be my final chapter?12:56-12:59So much of my life can be spent on wishing it away.13:00-13:05And so much of your life can be spent on wishing it away.13:06-13:12Instead of being present in the moment, you and I can be fixated, I'm pressing the fast forward button so we can just get on with it already.13:14-13:17Because satisfaction must come when you climb that next ladder.13:18-13:19But then it doesn't.13:20-13:23So you keep climbing and you keep being disappointed.13:24-13:28The grass must be greener once you ascend that next hill, but then it isn't.13:29-13:34You keep walking up and down each hill, hoping for what won't be there.13:36-13:41The next thing has to be more fulfilling than this current season of life.13:42-13:49It won't be, because if you're not content with what you have right now, you will not be content with what you have then.13:51-13:58It's never been more challenging in the history of the world to be fully present than it is in 2026.13:59-14:06You and I have a device in our pockets that are gateways to discontentment and thanklessness.14:08-14:14You're constantly bombarded with videos and images of people's lives that seem better than your own.14:15-14:18"Oh, if only I could have that SUV or that minivan.14:18-14:20If only I could have a house that nice.14:21-14:24If only I could have that remodeled kitchen or bathroom.14:25-14:28If only I could afford that dream vacation.14:29-14:32If only my husband was as handy as that guy on that reel.14:34-14:38If only my wife was as supportive as that woman on that account.14:40-14:43If only my kids were that well behaved.14:44-14:49If only I didn't live in a place that was gray and overcast and snowy for what seems six months of the year.14:50-14:53If only, if only, if only, if only.14:55-14:56If only is a thief of joy.14:57-15:00If only is a recipe for discontentment.15:01-15:07If only obscures the reality that your life and the calling given to you from God are precious gifts.15:10-15:15To be clear, I'm not saying that it's wrong to consider the future, that it's wrong to plan ahead.15:15-15:20It's wise to think over, pray over, and make career moves.15:21-15:26It's a good thing to save for retirement and wanna leave something for your kids and grandkids.15:27-15:30It's not a bad thing to move or want a bigger space for your family.15:31-15:41Godly ambition can be a good thing, but there is a very thin line between godly ambition and ungodly discontentment.15:43-15:46Godly ambition and ungodly discontentment.15:48-15:49What's the difference?15:50-15:52Godly ambition looks like this.15:52-15:55God, thank you for all the good gifts that you've given to me.15:55-16:03Help me to invest my talents, my resources, my efforts into your kingdom for the sake of my family and for the sake of your glory.16:05-16:08Well, ungodly discontentment looks like this.16:09-16:12God, what you've given me is not good enough.16:12-16:14I need more.16:16-16:21Godly ambition is a life of open-handedness to the Lord.16:22-16:27Everything that you have belongs to Him, and everything you do is for His sake.16:28-16:33While ungodly discontentment is a life of pointing the finger of blame at God.16:34-16:39Everything that you have is yours, and everything you do is for your sake.16:39-16:40Do you see the difference?16:42-16:52In this verse, Paul is telling you enough of ungodly discontentment, enough of bitterness and resentment, enough of being thankless.16:52-16:55Stop being faithless and start being faithful.16:56-17:01No matter your circumstance, no matter your station in life, you can honor Christ.17:03-17:06What life has the Lord assigned to you?17:08-17:12What calling has God given you in this season of life?17:13-17:19Are you a teenager or a college student who's tired of taking tests, writing papers, and sitting in a classroom?17:21-17:24Recognize that your calling as a student is a gift from God.17:26-17:33Give your studies 100% of your effort because you are not working for your parents, you're not working for your teachers or your professors.17:33-17:34Who are you working for?17:36-17:37You are working for Christ.17:38-17:40You're working for the Lord himself.17:42-17:45Are you a mom whose life feels like Groundhog's Day?17:46-17:52Every single day feels the exact same, it's just the same thing over and over and over again.17:54-17:58Recognize that your calling as a mother is a gift from God.17:59-18:05Be faithful and pour into your children, point them to Jesus Christ every single chance that you get.18:05-18:13you'll never be able to press the rewind button and see your kids at the age they are now, even though you'll desperately want to.18:14-18:17Be faithful with this opportunity that God has given to you.18:19-18:21Are you in a job that you hate?18:23-18:27Are you in a job that is thankless and unfulfilling?18:28-18:34Recognize that that calling is a gift from God, even when it seems like a curse.18:35-18:37Don't be lazy, don't just skate by.18:38-18:45Outwork every single person at work, at the office, until that next opportunity arises.18:46-18:51Share the gospel, be faithful in showing your coworkers who Jesus Christ is.18:52-19:02I wish I had the time and ability to address all of your specific circumstances, but I don't really need to, because this principle from Paul applies to every single one of you.19:03-19:09Whatever you do and wherever you are, recognize your calling is a gift from God.19:10-19:13Be content, be thankful, be faithful.19:15-19:21Because Paul says elsewhere, godliness with contentment is great gain.19:23-19:30Discontentment always leads to loss, while contentment always leads to gain.19:32-19:33What should I do if I'm not content?19:34-19:37Secondly, I should resolve to obey no matter what.19:38-19:40I should resolve to obey no matter what.19:46-19:54After Paul commands the Corinthians to be faithful and content, he provides a real life example of what it looks like to be faithful and content.19:55-19:56Let's read verse 18.19:57-20:00Was anyone at the time of his call circumcised?20:00-20:03Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision.20:03-20:06Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised?20:07-20:09Let him not seek circumcision.20:10-20:11I know what you're thinking.20:12-20:15Oh dear, this is not the direction I expected this passage to take.20:15-20:17How is Pastor Taylor gonna apply this to my life?20:18-20:19How is he gonna explain this?20:19-20:25Well, I'm gonna take a page out of Pastor Jeff's book and not be explicit, but be straightforward.20:26-20:30In Paul's day, circumcision was not a medical issue.20:31-20:34It was a societal and religious issue.20:35-20:40Under the old covenant, the Israelites were commanded to circumcise their baby boys on the eighth day.20:41-20:51And circumcision was an outward sign that these boys were to be set apart for God and different than the pagan nations surrounding them.20:52-20:54And this outward sign is no longer needed.20:54-21:01this side of the cross and the empty tomb and the new covenant, we are not expected or commanded to carry out circumcision.21:03-21:12In this verse, Paul is addressing two sets of men in Corinth, those who are already circumcised and those who are not circumcised.21:13-21:16He has a very similar message for both groups.21:16-21:22If you're circumcised, don't try to remove the marks of your circumcision to blend in with the Gentiles.21:24-21:28I have no desire to get into the details of what that exactly means.21:28-21:38Let me just say that 2,000 years ago, Jewish Christian men had the option to have a surgery to undo what was done to them as infants.21:39-21:42And you may be thinking, why in the world would they wanna do that?21:42-21:43That sounds horrible.21:44-21:47We have to remember that Corinth was a Roman city.21:48-21:52It was filled with anti-Semitism, with hatred of Jews.21:52-21:57So Christian men would be tempted to make this change to blend in.21:58-22:08To use a modern day example, this would be like moving to Cleveland and to add insult to injury, you trade in all of your Steeler stuff for Cleveland Browns memorabilia.22:10-22:11Why do you do that?22:12-22:13'Cause you don't wanna be ridiculed.22:13-22:14You don't wanna be made fun of.22:14-22:17You wanna blend in in this new place that you live.22:18-22:21You make an external change to please other people.22:22-22:27And that was the temptation for Jewish Christians in Corinth.22:28-22:34On the other hand, Paul calls those who were uncircumcised to not seek circumcision because that would be pointless.22:35-22:42Back then there was a group called the Judaizers who believed that you had to be circumcised as a man to be saved.22:42-22:46But that totally goes against the message of Paul and the other apostles.22:47-22:52Paul is saying in this verse, if you were a Jewish Christian, Don't try to be like a Gentile Christian.22:53-22:56If you're a Gentile Christian, don't try to be Jewish.22:56-22:59That's a waste of time because you're both on equal footing.22:59-23:01You're both one in Christ.23:04-23:06And Paul explains this in even more detail in verse 19.23:07-23:21He says, "For neither circumcision counts for anything "nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God." that you're faithful.23:22-23:26An uncircumcision does not prove that you're unfaithful.23:27-23:32What matters, according to this text, heartfelt obedience to the Lord's commands.23:34-23:38God isn't after external religious rituals that cannot change you.23:38-23:42He is after an inward change that leads to an outward change.23:42-23:47God doesn't want you just to look the part and pretend that you have true faith.23:47-23:50He wants you to act the part and live out your faith.23:51-23:58And the test of true faith is that you are willing to obey God no matter what.23:58-24:09You are willing to obey Him even when life is hard, even when life isn't going the way you want it to, even when the world is telling you to do the exact opposite.24:10-24:16The Roman world pressured Jewish Christians to blend in while God commanded them to stand out.24:17-24:45The Judaizers pressured Gentile Christians to follow the ceremonial law that they could blend in with them while God called them to a deeper level of obedience and submission. Who should the Jewish Christians obey? The Romans and Corinth or God? God. Who should the Gentile Christians obey? The Judaizers or God?24:46-24:47You guys can do a lot better.24:47-24:49I'm giving you one more chance for this third one.24:50-24:54Who should you obey, this sinful culture or God?24:55-24:56Much better.24:58-24:59Here's the thing.24:59-25:04It's so challenging to obey God and his word when you are discontent.25:06-25:06Why is that?25:08-25:14When you are discontent, you can believe that God isn't holding up his end of the bargain, so why should you?25:16-25:20You can view your relationship with God as an exchange of goods and services.25:21-25:33God gives you material wealth, he gives you good health, he gives you easy weeks with the least amount of road bumps possible, and in exchange, you obey him with joy in your heart and a smile on your face.25:36-25:54But when your health takes a bad turn, when you get a pay decrease, when you receive a pink slip, when you experience the hardest week of your life, you feel betrayed by the Lord, and you no longer wanna give Him what He has owed.25:55-26:02You feel like Charlie Brown, when he went to kick the football at the last minute, it's pulled away by Lucy, and he has a somersault into his back.26:02-26:08You just feel totally dejected, totally betrayed.26:11-26:13You just want to take your ball and go home.26:16-26:23But friends, it is in those moments when you come face to face with the real motivation for your obedience to the Lord.26:24-26:28Do you obey Him because of who He is?26:30-26:32Or do you obey Him for what you can get from Him?26:33-26:37Do you listen to Him because you desire to twist His arm into giving you what you want?26:38-26:43Or do you listen to Him no matter what.26:45-26:48Do you follow his instructions because you love him?26:50-26:52Or do you follow his instructions to use him?26:55-26:57The Lord sees right through your exterior.26:58-27:03He sees right through the polished outside you can have, and he sees your motivations.27:06-27:08Like the Corinthians, you can focus on the wrong thing.27:10-27:18You can focus on the outside instead of the heart, instead of the obedience that God is calling you to.27:19-27:26You can come to church, you can participate in small group but still live in blatant disobedience behind closed doors.27:27-27:29You can say the right things but not do the right things.27:30-27:32You can talk the talk but not walk the walk.27:33-27:34Is that you today?27:36-27:37Am I describing you at all?27:38-27:40If I am, it's time to stop faking.27:41-27:42It's time to own up to your sin.27:42-27:49It's time to come to grips with your discontentment and your warped rationale for obeying or disobeying the Lord.27:50-27:55It's time to keep God's commandments no matter what, no matter what life throws your way.27:57-27:58This isn't my opinion.27:58-28:00This is God's authoritative word.28:01-28:05Listen to what Jesus says about this in John 14, 23 through 24.28:06-28:10He says, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.28:11-28:17Whoever does not love me does not keep my word." Could it be any clearer than that?28:21-28:37The apostle John ups the ante in 1 John 5, 3, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome." Your love for God is not proven by checking all the Christian boxes.28:38-28:43Your love for God is not proven by having all the correct theological answers.28:44-28:47Your love for God is not proven by your feelings.28:48-28:51Your love for God is proven by your obedience.28:53-28:54It's an objective test.28:55-28:59And obedience, no matter what, is hard, but it's rewarding.29:00-29:08Obedience no matter what will take everything that you have, but it will give you more than you could possibly imagine.29:10-29:13Obedience no matter what is costly, but it's not impossible.29:16-29:18What should I do if I'm not content?29:19-29:22Number three, I should remember who I am in Christ.29:22-29:26I should remember who I am in Christ.29:30-29:35So, Paul gives another practical example of faithfulness and contentment in action.29:36-29:44He moves on from a controversial and uncomfortable topic to an even more controversial and uncomfortable topic, slavery.29:45-29:47Let's read verses 20 through 21.29:48-29:50Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.29:51-29:52Were you a bond servant when called?29:53-29:54Don't be concerned about it.29:55-29:59But if you gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.30:00-30:11I could spend half this sermon talking to you about how slavery 2,000 years ago looked a lot different than it did in America, and how it looks across the world today.30:11-30:27I could deliver a long and boring lecture about indentured servitude, which is the truth that in the first century, many people willingly sold themselves into slavery to pay off debts, to manage households, to have a successful business.30:30-30:37I can tell you that 50% of the Roman Empire were slaves, and most of the time manual labor was not a part of the deal.30:38-30:44I keep going and going and going, but I'm not going to preach my homework because it doesn't affect the meaning of this text.30:44-30:51Paul is in no way trying to celebrate or endorse slavery in this passage or anywhere else in his letters at all.30:52-30:55Paul is not a fan of slavery on any level.30:56-30:57Is that clear to everyone?30:58-30:58Okay, good.30:59-31:04In fact, Paul even says, if you have an opportunity to gain your freedom, take it.31:05-31:06Grab a hold of it.31:06-31:07Enjoy your freedom.31:09-31:17But he also offers a very blunt reality to those Corinthian Christians who are slaves but will not receive their freedom anytime soon.31:18-31:20He says, don't worry about it.31:22-31:23Don't be concerned about it.31:24-31:25Remain where you are.31:27-31:29How could Paul say something like that?31:29-31:31It sounds so cold and unfeeling.31:34-31:34Well, not really.31:36-31:41Paul was never willing to call people to something that he wasn't willing to do himself.31:43-31:48Sure, Paul wasn't a slave, but he was a prisoner for a decent chunk of his life.31:48-31:51Did Paul resist that God-given assignment?31:52-31:56Did he waste his time complaining and hatching elaborate escape plans?31:57-32:02No, he remained in the position that God called him to with humility and contentment.32:04-32:04I'll prove it to you.32:04-32:11Listen to Philippians 4, 11 through 13, the most out of context taken passage in the history of the Bible.32:12-32:13And most people totally do not understand.32:14-32:17Paul wrote this while he was a prisoner.32:17-32:22I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.32:23-32:28I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound in any and every circumstance.32:28-32:33I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need.32:34-32:35What's the secret, Paul?32:36-32:40I can do all things through him who strengthens me.32:41-32:44I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.32:46-32:48Paul practiced what he preached.32:48-32:50He led by example.32:50-32:57He learned through experience that Jesus was all he needed because there were many times when Jesus was all that he had.33:01-33:04If that doesn't convince you, check out Paul's rationale for remaining as a slave.33:04-33:11In verses 22 through 23, he says, "For he who was called to the Lord as a bondservant is a freed man of the Lord.33:12-33:47Likewise, he who was free when called a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price. Do not become bondservants of men. So what's Paul's rationale here for remaining as a slave? If you are a Christian slave, remember that you are free in Christ. Because of Christ's death on the cross, this victorious resurrection, you have been forgiven, you have been redeemed, you have been ransomed from the slave market of sin, you've been set free from the power and penalty of sin.33:47-33:52Your sinful debt has been paid in full and you owe nothing.33:56-34:06And if you're a Christian who is not enslaved to an earthly master, don't look down on your Christian brother or sister who is enslaved to an earthly master.34:07-34:13Because even though you may not have a earthly master in this life, you have a heavenly master that you are enslaved to.34:13-34:16You are enslaved to Jesus Christ.34:17-34:21Your life is to be in service of him and what he has called you to do.34:21-34:24So don't be high and mighty because you are a slave.34:27-34:30He says to both groups, you were bought with a price.34:31-34:34You were bought with the precious blood of Jesus.34:36-34:40You have immense value because God says that you do.34:41-34:47God would not spend the most valuable resource in existence on that which is worthless in his eyes.34:49-34:51Again, you have worth because God says that you do.34:53-34:58In light of this, Paul commands the Corinthians to not become bondservants of men.34:59-34:59What does that mean?35:00-35:05Don't become enshackled to the thoughts and opinions of others.35:05-35:10How other people view you has no bearing on how God views you.35:10-35:17Your man-given identity in the world does not affect your God-given identity in Christ.35:17-35:24The opinion of others matters very little in comparison to the authoritative opinion of the creator of the universe.35:27-35:30Maybe you feel down about yourself right now.35:31-35:35You feel like your contribution to this church is negligible.35:36-35:40You're envious of those who seem to have a lot of talents 'cause you don't think you're good at anything.35:42-35:46You're envious of those who have a lot of confidence because you have no confidence.35:48-35:50You're embarrassed to tell people what you do for a living.35:51-35:54You're even embarrassed to invite people over to your small house.35:56-35:58Or maybe you're on the other side of the spectrum.35:59-36:00You have a very high view of yourself.36:01-36:04You feed on the praise and affirmation of others.36:04-36:06You're buying into your own press.36:08-36:12Do you know who can both lift you up and bring you back down to earth at the same time?36:14-36:14Dogs.36:17-36:18Some of you were surprised by that.36:18-36:20Brian thought something different I was gonna say.36:21-36:23If you have a dog, you know exactly what I mean.36:24-36:27My dog Murdoch has no regard for my appearance.36:28-36:31He couldn't care less if I'm skinny or overweight.36:32-36:34He couldn't care less if I'm up 20 pounds or down 30 pounds.36:36-36:39Murdoch has no regard for the money in my account.36:41-36:46If I were to list my many successes to him, he wouldn't be impressed at all.36:47-36:52If I were to list my many, many, many more failures, he wouldn't judge me or look down on me.36:54-36:59Whether this sermon tanks or succeeds, Murdoch will treat me the same exact way when I get home.37:00-37:06He'll run up to me with that goofy grin on his face, with his tail wagging and pawing at me for attention.37:07-37:09Murdoch's love for me has not changed from day to day.37:10-37:12His love is firm and fixed.37:13-37:16Murdoch shows no partiality or preferential treatment.37:18-37:22Do you know who else doesn't show partiality or preferential treatment?37:23-37:23The Lord.37:24-37:27God does not play favorites with his children.37:28-37:34He loves low-status Christians just as much as believers who are viewed as successful and accomplished.37:34-37:39He cherishes women who cannot have biological children just as much as women who can.37:41-37:49God's view of you does not depend upon your status and popularity, God's view of you depends upon His Son and what He has done for you.37:52-37:57If you don't feel content right now, stop looking at your circumstances.37:57-38:05Start looking at the cross of Christ where God's love for you was displayed in the most graphic and conclusive way possible.38:08-38:11Stop thinking about who you are in the eyes of the world.38:11-38:13Think about who you are in the eyes of God.38:14-38:25Consider who you are in Christ, loved, cherished, adopted, free from the power of sin forever and bound to Jesus Christ forever.38:28-38:29What should I do if I'm not content?38:30-38:34Finally, I should rejoice that God is with me.38:35-38:37I should rejoice that God is with me.38:42-38:47Paul makes one final appeal, to be faithful where God has placed you.38:47-38:48Let's read verse 24.38:50-38:58So brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there, let him remain with God.39:00-39:03What's the motivation for remaining where you are?39:03-39:07What's the motivation for being faithful where God has placed you?39:08-39:12That same God is with you wherever you go.39:12-39:16No matter what job you have, God is with you.39:16-39:19No matter your financial struggles, God is with you.39:20-39:24No matter your relational status, God is with you there.39:25-39:28And he will never leave you or forsake you.39:30-39:33Have you ever had to go on a walk with a fast walker?39:34-39:37Or go on a hike with someone that you cannot keep up with?39:37-39:46No matter how hard you try, no matter how much you lengthen your stride, there is always way ahead of you and you are lagging so far behind.39:49-39:52So often that's how we feel when it comes to our relationship with the Lord.39:53-39:57Like he's an infinite amount of steps in front of us and we'll never be able to catch up.39:57-39:58It just feels hopeless.39:59-40:00He's always gonna feel so distant.40:00-40:03He's always gonna feel so far away.40:05-40:06Is that actually true?40:08-40:11God is in step with you the entire time.40:11-40:19He is right there with you, comforting you, encouraging you, calling you to keep it up instead of giving up.40:20-40:22Do you feel discontent?40:24-40:26Do you feel alone?40:27-40:29Do you feel like no one cares about you?40:29-40:31No one sees the struggles that you're going through?40:33-40:38It's my hope this morning that you will believe in God's nearness like never before.40:39-40:45It is my prayer that you will believe in God's presence even when he feels far away.40:48-40:53You may be discontent this morning because the content of your life is so shallow.40:54-41:00You are discontent because you do not know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.41:01-41:09You are trusting in the provision of this world, which never satisfies, instead the provision of Christ, which eternally satisfies.41:10-41:22You will never experience true and lasting fulfillment until you turn from your sin and and you turn to Jesus Christ, who will satisfy you both now and forever.41:24-41:29He won't give you all that you want, but he will give you all that you need.41:31-41:35On the other hand, you may know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, but you're still discontent.41:37-41:38And why is that?41:40-41:44Because you were expecting what God never promised in the first place.41:45-41:55You're forgetting that Jesus Christ didn't come to this earth to suffer, die, and rise again to give you more of the stuff of this world that will just be taken away from you when you die.41:56-42:07Jesus Christ came and did all those things to give you that which can never be taken away from you, to give you that which will be even more satisfying and enjoyable when you stand in his presence.42:09-42:20Until that day, be faithful, no matter your location, no matter your calling, no matter your limitations, live the life that God has assigned to you.42:20-42:26Enjoy every single moment he gives you as a precious gift.42:27-42:33God didn't save you from your sins so you could lead a successful life in the eyes of the world.42:34-42:42God saved you so that you would faithfully do what he's called you to do in every single season of life.42:43-42:44Let's pray.42:47-43:00Father, we come to you as your people and we admit that we can be discontent, that we grumble, we complain both internally and externally, we grumble in our minds and we grumble with our mouths.43:01-43:12Lord, help us to remember how truly blessed we are in Christ that we have been forgiven, we have been redeemed, we have been adopted into your family and we are bound for heaven.43:13-43:19And when life is hard, help us to remember that it's through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of heaven.43:19-43:22It shouldn't be a surprising thing that we go through fiery trials.43:24-43:27Lord, it should be a constant reminder of how much we need you.43:29-43:32It should be a constant reminder that we can't live this life on our own.43:34-43:37I'll lift up those who do not know you this morning.43:38-43:44May they not be able to leave this room until they place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.43:45-43:53And for those of us who do know and love you, but are struggling with discontentment, Father, help us not to leave this room until we talk to someone else about this.43:54-43:57Until we ask someone else for prayer, we ask someone else for encouragement.43:57-44:05Help us to be the body of Christ this morning, not just individuals coming and then leaving, but a family who is here for one another.44:06-44:09We ask all these things in Jesus' name, amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 7:17-24What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What is the difference between godly ambition and ungodly discontentment?What are you the most discontent with right now? How can you take steps to address this dissatisfaction in your heart?What is your calling and assignment from the Lord in this season of life? How can you be faithful where He has placed you?BreakoutPray for one another.

Before we contend for our homes, our relationships, or our town — we must contend for what's happening inside us.In this message, Contend for the Heart, we explore what it means to guard our inner life and pursue holiness — not as religious performance, but as Spirit-led transformation from the inside out.

Bible Study: Where is Jesus in the Old Testament? part 1Let the Search Begin!Luke 24:27Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets.John 1:1-5In the beginning was the Word    and the Word was with God    and the Word was God.2 The Word was with God in the beginning.3 Everything came into being through the Word,    and without the Word    nothing came into being.What came into being4 through the Word was life,[a]    and the life was the light for all people.5 The light shines in the darkness,    and the darkness doesn't extinguish the light.John 5:45-47“Don't think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, the one in whom your hope rests. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, because Moses wrote about me. If you don't believe the writings of Moses, how will you believe my words?”Genesis 1:25-27God made every kind of wildlife, every kind of livestock, and every kind of creature that crawls on the ground. God saw how good it was. 26 Then God said, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and all the crawling things on earth.”27 God created humanity in God's own image,        in the divine image God created them,            male and female God created them.Daniel 3:2525 He replied, “Look! I see four men, unbound, walking around inside the fire, and they aren't hurt! And the fourth one looks like one of the gods.” 

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into what it truly means to have taqwa (God-consciousness) and build a personal, meaningful relationship with Allah ﷻ. From understanding the difference between spirituality and religiousness to tackling our desires and seeking sincere repentance, we explore the mindset, wisdom, and humility every believer should strive for.DeenTour is a podcast and channel where 3 brothers showcase their love for islam through reminders, brotherhood, motivation, entertainment, and more!Let us know if you enjoyed this video and if you'd like to see more of this!!Get your Islamic trivia card game with 100 questions to learn more about Islam! https://deenified.com/JOIN THE DISCORD:https://discord.gg/xUdqnuDY6wFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deentourr/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deentourrIntro - 0:00Having religiousness & spirituality - 1:09The distinction between us is taqwa - 4:39Building your own relationship with Allah - 5:27God consciousness - 6:10Understanding different views in Islam - 7:35Developing a love for Allah and what He loves - 9:41Having an intention to sin & repent after - 11:06What Allah has made forbidden is for our betterment - 11:45Not giving into your desires - 12:29Emotions shouldn't dictate your reality - 14:13How strong guidance from Allah is - 15:42Preservation of Knowledge and knowing where to take knowledge from - 18:03Acting upon knowledge with wisdom - 21:12 The regrets we'll have on the Day of Judgement - 22:41Arrogance in challenging Allah - 24:30 Humility - 26:13Looking at the prophets and understanding the quality of our own deeds - 26:53How Allah blessed the prophet with knowledge & that lesson for us - 28:00Acting upon knowledge with wisdom - 28:47There's no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator - 32:31Outro - 34:50

The expulsive power of a new affectionby John MacDuff"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14"I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes and be careful to obey My rules." Ezekiel 36:27God has made gracious provision to secure, on the part of His ransomed people, a holy walk and obedience; and that, not through their own strength, but through the strength and power of His indwelling Spirit. By that Spirit, we are not only renewed, but led. We are sweetly constrained to walk in harmony with the divine will as manifested in His Word, and the impulses of our regenerated nature. We have here, what is called the expulsive power of a new affection. This expulsive power of a new affection, is a plant which our Heavenly Father must plant. It is not indigenous to the natural soil of the human heart, which is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.The power of sin, becomes slowly weaker and weaker. The power of grace, slowly, it may be imperceptibly, becomes stronger and stronger.Reader, have you in any feeble measure, been able to realize the presence and power of the indwelling Spirit, leading you to the surrender of your heart and life to Christ? Is the Spirit gradually leading you to the conquest of sin, and the expulsion of whatever is . . . impure and corrupt, grasping and covetous, unloving and unholy?"I will put fear of Me in their hearts, so they will never again turn away from Me!" Jeremiah 32:40

"The Man, the Message, the Mission" | Luke 9:18-27God has been writing his great story of redemption from the moment Adam and Eve fell. Like any great author, God has been developing his narrative masterfully, creating longing and anticipation for resolution. Luke recounts Jesus' entrance into history and presents Jesus as the fulfillment of God's plan. And Jesus invites us to humbly acknowledge our lostness, to follow him into his eternal kingdom, to admit the brokenness of this life. Join us as we journey through Luke, learning more about the wonder of Jesus and God's love for the lost everywhere.Speaker: Daniel Choi

Who does your child really belong to?I'll give you a hint: It's not you.“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27God is the creator and owner of everyone and everything. We are called to be his ambassador and steward everyone and everything he's given to us.Author Paul Tripp says it's vital for us to understand that we have no independent, autonomous authority as a parent. God grants us the right and power to exercise authority.As we strive to raise godly boys, do we have an owner or ambassador mentality?For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________Opening Words:I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.Isaiah 49:6b Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The InvitatoryLord, open our lips.And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia. Psalm 95:1-7The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him.Come, let us sing to the Lord; *let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.For the Lord is a great God, *and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *and the heights of the hills are his also.The sea is his, for he made it, *and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *and kneel before the Lord our Maker.For he is our God,and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him. The PsalterPsalm 1171Praise the Lord, all you nations; *laud him, all you peoples.2For his loving-kindness toward us is great, *and the faithfulness of the Lord endures for ever.Hallelujah! Psalm 1181Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *his mercy endures for ever.2Let Israel now proclaim, *“His mercy endures for ever.”3Let the house of Aaron now proclaim, *“His mercy endures for ever.”4Let those who fear the Lord now proclaim, *“His mercy endures for ever.”5I called to the Lord in my distress; *the Lord answered by setting me free.6The Lord is at my side, therefore I will not fear; *what can anyone do to me?7The Lord is at my side to help me; *I will triumph over those who hate me.8It is better to rely on the Lord *than to put any trust in flesh.9It is better to rely on the Lord *than to put any trust in rulers.10All the ungodly encompass me; *in the Name of the Lord I will repel them.11They hem me in, they hem me in on every side; *in the name of the Lord I will repel them.12They swarm about me like bees;they blaze like a fire of thorns; *in the name of the Lord I will repel them.13I was pressed so hard that I almost fell, *but the Lord came to my help.14The Lord is my strength and my song, *and he has become my salvation.15There is a sound of exultation and victory *in the tents of the righteous:16“The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *the right hand of the Lord is exalted!the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!”17I shall not die, but live, *and declare the works of the Lord.18The Lord has punished me sorely, *but he did not hand me over to death.19Open for me the gates of righteousness; *I will enter them;I will offer thanks to the Lord.20“This is the gate of the Lord; *he who is righteous may enter.”21I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *and have become my salvation.22The same stone which the builders rejected *has become the chief cornerstone.23This is the Lord's doing, *and it is marvelous in our eyes.24On this day the Lord has acted; *we will rejoice and be glad in it.25Hosanna, Lord, hosanna! *Lord, send us now success.26Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *we bless you from the house of the Lord.27God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.28“You are my God, and I will thank you; *you are my God, and I will exalt you.”29Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *his mercy endures for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. LessonsIsa. 59:15-21A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.Truth is lacking,        and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.                The Lord saw it, and it displeased him        that there was no justice.    He saw that there was no man,        and wondered that there was no one to intercede;    then his own arm brought him salvation,        and his righteousness upheld him.    He put on righteousness as a breastplate,        and a helmet of salvation on his head;    he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,        and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.    According to their deeds, so will he repay,        wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies;        to the coastlands he will render repayment.    So they shall fear the name of the Lord from the west,        and his glory from the rising of the sun;    for he will come like a rushing stream,        which the wind of the Lord drives.            “And a Redeemer will come to Zion,        to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the Lord.              “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring,” says the Lord, “from this time forth and forevermore.” The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Te Deum laudamusYou are God: we praise you;You are the Lord: we acclaim you;You are the eternal Father:All creation worships you.To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory.The glorious company of apostles praise you.The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;Father, of majesty unbounded,your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father.When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin's womb. You overcame the sting of deathand opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God's right hand in glory.We believe that you will come and be our judge.Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saintsto glory everlasting. Revelation 2:8-17A Reading from the Book of Revelation.“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.  “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'  “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.  “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.' The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. John 4:46-54A Reading from the Gospel According to John.So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee. The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Benedictus Dominus DeusBlessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; * he has come to his people and set them free.He has raised up for us a mighty savior, * born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, * from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers * and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, * to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, * holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation * by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersThe Lord be with you.And also with you.Let us pray.Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Suffrages AV. Show us your mercy, O Lord;R. And grant us your salvation.V. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; R. Let your people sing with joy.V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;R. For only in you can we live in safety. V. Lord, keep this nation under your care;R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth.V. Let your way be known upon earth;R. Your saving health among all nations.V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.V. Create in us clean hearts, O God;R. And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.   The CollectsCollect of the DayO God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the Peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for GraceO Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others. Collect of Saint BasilO Christ God, Who art worshipped and glorified at every place and time; Who art long-suffering, most merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the righteous and art merciful to sinners; Who callest all to salvation with the promise of good things to come: receive, Lord, the prayers we now offer, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our minds and deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness. Surround us with Thy holy angels, that guarded and instructed by their forces, we may reach unity of faith and the understanding of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. DismissalLet us bless the LordThanks be to God! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen

Does physical health matter for a Christian? In this message, Tiffany Nunnally shares the secret to health. For too long, the church has ignored the topic of physical health, or at the very least put it in a separate box from the rest of our spiritual lives. The secret to health is to invite the Lord into your everyday habits, and to rethink your current mindset about food, fitness, and faith.We have to invite the Holy Spirit into this part of our lives, then listen and obey as He leads us. Disclaimer #1: In attempting to convince you of God's plan for your physical health... God often uses doctors and medicine, but we must remember that the natural and supernatural work together. Disclaimer #2: If you feel offended or ashamed at any point this morning, it's not coming from the Lord, and it's not judgment from me.  Everything I'm telling you today are things the Lord has taught me and corrected in my own life. Here are 3 truths for you to consider as we confront this issue of physical health.Truth #1God cares about how you treat your body 1 Cor. 6:19-20If you don't have a relationship with God, you have to start there. You can't hear and trust the voice of someone you don't know. Rules = Religion  —> eventual failure (trust is in your own ability & rituals; self-reliant) Relationship = Results —> long term success (trust is in listening to God's voice; God-reliant) Diets are the dead religion of the health world. Truth #2God wants to release you from what enslaves youRomans 6:16 Recognize that food and drinks can be an idol and repent when you realize you've been turning to them for comfort instead of the comforter. Whatever occupies your thoughts, time, and money has your heart.Truth #3Your body is a work of art that requires maintenance Psalm 139:14 Ephesians 2:10 1 Cor. 6:20 1 Cor. 9:27God wants to heal you preemptively by keeping you from getting sick in the first place.Rapid-fire practical advice: -Get rid of the "All or Nothing" mentality.-Good nutrition & physical fitness go hand in hand. What you eat affects your quality of life.-Change happens by starting where you are, and using what you have. Small consistencies create bigger change than big leaps on unstable legs. -Being healthy is more important than how you look. -Focus on the do's and not the don'ts. 2 Cor. 12:9 -Be aware of who is influencing your health choices. You are usually a byproduct of your 5 closest friends.- Eat real food.The key to any change is to start.  The you in the future will thank the you right now if you start your health journey with the Lord. Have you invited the Lord into your health?

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________LentLet my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.Psalm 141:2 ConfessionOfficiant: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.People: Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws.We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare all those who confess their faults. Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen. The Lord's PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Invitatory & PsalmsOfficiant: O God, make speed to save us. People: O Lord, make haste to help us. Officiant & People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. O Gracious Light Phos hilaronO gracious Light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of life,and to be glorified through all the worlds. Psalm 118Confitemini Domino1Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *his mercy endures for ever.2Let Israel now proclaim, *“His mercy endures for ever.”3Let the house of Aaron now proclaim, *“His mercy endures for ever.”4Let those who fear the Lord now proclaim, *“His mercy endures for ever.”5I called to the Lord in my distress; *the Lord answered by setting me free.6The Lord is at my side, therefore I will not fear; *what can anyone do to me?7The Lord is at my side to help me; *I will triumph over those who hate me.8It is better to rely on the Lord *than to put any trust in flesh.9It is better to rely on the Lord *than to put any trust in rulers.10All the ungodly encompass me; *in the name of the Lord I will repel them.11They hem me in, they hem me in on every side; *in the name of the Lord I will repel them.12They swarm about me like bees;they blaze like a fire of thorns; *in the name of the Lord I will repel them.13I was pressed so hard that I almost fell, *but the Lord came to my help.14The Lord is my strength and my song, *and he has become my salvation.15There is a sound of exultation and victory *in the tents of the righteous:16“The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *the right hand of the Lord is exalted!the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!”17I shall not die, but live, *and declare the works of the Lord.18The Lord has punished me sorely, *but he did not hand me over to death.19Open for me the gates of righteousness; *I will enter them;I will offer thanks to the Lord.20“This is the gate of the Lord; *he who is righteous may enter.”21I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *and have become my salvation.22The same stone which the builders rejected *has become the chief cornerstone.23This is the Lord's doing, *and it is marvelous in our eyes.24On this day the Lord has acted; *we will rejoice and be glad in it.25Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! *Lord, send us now success.26Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *we bless you from the house of the Lord.27God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.28“You are my God, and I will thank you; *you are my God, and I will exalt you.”29Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *his mercy endures for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The LessonsJeremiah 17:5-14English Standard Version5 Thus says the Lord:“Cursed is the man who trusts in man    and makes flesh his strength,    whose heart turns away from the Lord.6 He is like a shrub in the desert,    and shall not see any good come.He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,    in an uninhabited salt land.7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,    whose trust is the Lord.8 He is like a tree planted by water,    that sends out its roots by the stream,and does not fear when heat comes,    for its leaves remain green,and is not anxious in the year of drought,    for it does not cease to bear fruit.”9 The heart is deceitful above all things,    and desperately sick;    who can understand it?10 “I the Lord search the heart    and test the mind,to give every man according to his ways,    according to the fruit of his deeds.”11 Like the partridge that gathers a brood that she did not hatch,    so is he who gets riches but not by justice;in the midst of his days they will leave him,    and at his end he will be a fool.12 A glorious throne set on high from the beginning    is the place of our sanctuary.13 O Lord, the hope of Israel,    all who forsake you shall be put to shame;those who turn away from you shall be written in the earth,    for they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living water.14 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;    save me, and I shall be saved,    for you are my praise. Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. The Song of Mary - MagnificatMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as It was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Mark 13:24-37English Standard Version24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. The Song of Simeon - Nunc dimittisLord, you now have set your servant free * to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, * whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, * and the glory of your people Israel.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersOfficiant: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.Officiant: Let us pray The SuffragesThat this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful, We entreat you, O Lord.That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses, We entreat you, O Lord.That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ, We entreat you, O Lord.That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ, We entreat you, O Lord.Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for the needs of others. Fourth Sunday in LentGracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.A Collect for PeaceMost holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.A Collect for Aid against PerilsBe our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.For MissionKeep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. ThanksgivingsThe General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. ConclusionMay the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. - Romans 15:13

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________St StephenAnd the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.Luke 2:10-11 ConfessionOfficiant: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.People: Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws.We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare all those who confess their faults. Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen. The Lord's PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Invitatory & PsalmsOfficiant: O God, make speed to save us. People: O Lord, make haste to help us. Officiant & People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. ChristmasAlleluia! Unto us a Child is born: O come, let us adore him. Alleluia. Venite Psalm 95:1-7Come, let us sing to the Lord; *let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.For the Lord is a great God, *and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also.The sea is his, for he made it, *and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker.For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. * Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice! Psalm 118 Confitemini Domino1Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *his mercy endures for ever.2Let Israel now proclaim, *“His mercy endures for ever.”3Let the house of Aaron now proclaim, *“His mercy endures for ever.”4Let those who fear the Lord now proclaim, *“His mercy endures for ever.”5I called to the Lord in my distress; *the Lord answered by setting me free.6The Lord is at my side, therefore I will not fear; *what can anyone do to me?7The Lord is at my side to help me; *I will triumph over those who hate me.8It is better to rely on the Lord *than to put any trust in flesh.9It is better to rely on the Lord *than to put any trust in rulers.10All the ungodly encompass me; *in the name of the Lord I will repel them.11They hem me in, they hem me in on every side; *in the name of the Lord I will repel them.12They swarm about me like bees;they blaze like a fire of thorns; *in the name of the Lord I will repel them.13I was pressed so hard that I almost fell, *but the Lord came to my help.14The Lord is my strength and my song, *and he has become my salvation.15There is a sound of exultation and victory *in the tents of the righteous:16“The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *the right hand of the Lord is exalted!the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!”17I shall not die, but live, *and declare the works of the Lord.18The Lord has punished me sorely, *but he did not hand me over to death.19Open for me the gates of righteousness; *I will enter them;I will offer thanks to the Lord.20“This is the gate of the Lord; *he who is righteous may enter.”21I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *and have become my salvation.22The same stone which the builders rejected *has become the chief cornerstone.23This is the Lord's doing, *and it is marvelous in our eyes.24On this day the Lord has acted; *we will rejoice and be glad in it.25Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! *Lord, send us now success.26Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *we bless you from the house of the Lord.27God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.28“You are my God, and I will thank you; *you are my God, and I will exalt you.”29Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *his mercy endures for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Lessons2 Chronicles 24:17-22 English Standard Version17 Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. 18 And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. 19 Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the Lord. These testified against them, but they would not pay attention.20 Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God, ‘Why do you break the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.'” 21 But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord. 22 Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, “May the Lord see and avenge!”Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. You are God(Te Deum laudamus)You are God: we praise you;You are the Lord: we acclaim you;You are the eternal Father:All creation worships you.To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory.The glorious company of apostles praise you.The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;Father, of majesty unbounded,your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father.When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin's womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God's right hand in glory.We believe that you will come and be our judge.Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting. Acts 6 English Standard Version6 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. A Song of Praise(Benedictus es, Domine Song of the Three Young Men, 29-34)Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; * you are worthy of praise; glory to you.Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name; * we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.Glory to you in the splendor of your temple; * on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; * we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.Glory to you, beholding the depths; * in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; * we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever. The CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersOfficiant: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.Officiant: Let us pray The SuffragesShow us your mercy, O Lord;And grant us your salvation.Clothe your ministers with righteousness;Let your people sing with joy.Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;For only in you can we live in safety. Lord, keep this nation under your care;And guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; Your saving health among all nations. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Create in us clean hearts, O God; And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for the needs of others. St StephenWe give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for GraceLord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.For MissionAlmighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. ThanksgivingsThe General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. ConclusionThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14

We are all image-bearers of God.Genesis 1:27God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. 

A reflection based on Matthew 8:23-27God is with us alwaysBy Abba Jimmy (Theoloscience)Jesus rebukes the apostles not because of their no faith but rather because of their "ineffective," "defective," or "deficient" faith. The typical reaction when we are surprised by a seismic earthquake is fear. Since the apostles are regular human beings, they are terrified when the storm, the waves, and perhaps the tsunami find them in the sea. Why was this incident or story recorded in chapter 8 of Matthew? So that the apostles and us will elevate our understanding of who Jesus is so that they and us will comprehend that Jesus has power over the forces of nature. When we clearly understand Jesus's identity and realize He controls the natural order, we will have a firm and sturdy faith in Him. To grow in understanding the divine authority of the Son of God also means to grow in awareness that God is always present. God, the Creator of the universe, knows everything - thus we should never forget that God is omniscient. The Creator knows everything all the time. Hence, God is always aware of where we are, what we think, what storms stir our spirit, and what kind of earthquakes shake our ground. As disciples of Jesus, we know that many enemies try to engulf us and tremble the land where we stand. Yes, our enemies cause cyclones and earthquakes, yet God is always present. We can and should cry out like the apostles, but without fear: "Save us, Lord, because we are about to perish." And there are times when the tests (the storms) increase. As mentioned above, earthquakes and hurricanes erupt from many sources, but the evil one is one of the leading causes. Also, the world's allurements, inner turmoil, and concupiscence cause us many internal earthquakes. The good news is that despite the many upheavals that swamp our boat, those evil forces are subject to God's power and dominium. God has total control over creation. Therefore, we can trust in God. That is why our faith in God must be firm and sturdy at all times. But especially in times of turmoil. The reflection of Matthew 8:23-27 leads me to place and maintain my eyes on the the Son of God at all times and all places. Whether He might be asleep or awake, I know He is there by my side. You can say the same. All Christian communities can say the same. It is a fact. God is here with us. He is in our boat. God is riding with us.

Three things to remember about your place in HIS story. 1. Your Origin Matters Gen 1:27-28a; 31a NRSV So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them, 31 God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. Genesis 5:1b-2 NRSV When God created humankind, he made them in the likeness of God. 2 Male and female he created them and he blessed them and named them “Humankind” when they were created. Image: something that contains the essence of something else. Likeness: substance; expressing a resemblance Colossians 1:15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 2. Keep God at the Center Acts 17: 26-29 NIV 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.' 29 “Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. I Corinthians 15:49 NRSV Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust we will also bear the image of the man of heaven. Ephesians 2:10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. I Corinthians 15:57-58 NIV But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. John 14:12 NLT 'I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. Ephesians 4:24 NLT Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. James 1:23-24 NIV 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 3. We Can Trust GOD and HIS Process I Corinthians 13:12 NIV For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NRSV Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. 18 And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. Matthew 28:18-20 NRSV And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always , to the end of the age.” Questions 1. How does knowing you are made in the image and likeness of God affect how you view your natural origin story? 2. Have you ever had a season in your life when you felt distracted or off course? What would be the benefit of centering God in those moments? 3. Share an example of a time when you have trusted God and His process. How did it change your view of who He is in your life?

HOW TO SERVE GOD.Wrong expectations will make you miss out on what God is doing. It can also lead to disappointment.As a worker in God's vineyard, there is how to serve God. This is called Reasonable service(Rom 12:2)The reason you must present yourself acceptable is because there is an acceptable will. Your sincerity is not enough. You must find out what is acceptable. Zeal without knowledge killed people in the Old Testament (Leviticus 10:1-2)God is still God and consistent with His own willWhen you learn this you will understand the posture and vocabulary of worship.2 Sam 7: 1 - 27God is God-centered. (Joshua 5:13-14)The biggest secret of power isn't prayer and fasting as important as they are. The biggest secret of power is purpose. Prayer is most effective when you find your purpose and pray prayers that are consistent with itGod is teaching our hands to war.Do not have a stereotypical impression of anointing as long as it's in tandem with God's word.Moses held a rod Joshua held a swordSame mantle but different expressions.

31-32 “That's right. The time is coming when I will make a brand-new covenant with Israel and Judah. It won't be a repeat of the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant even though I did my part as their Master.” God's Decree.33-34 “This is the brand-new covenant that I will make with Israel when the time comes. I will put my law within them—write it on their hearts!—and be their God. And they will be my people. They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They'll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart and the slow. I'll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I'll forget they ever sinned!” God's Decree.JEREMIAH 31:31-34I will put enmity between you and the woman,    and between your offspring[e] and her offspring;he shall bruise your head,    and you shall bruise his heel.”GENESIS 3:15Proto-evangelium: first gospel; pre-gospel“The heel is the part within the serpent's reach. Jesus, in taking on humanity, brought Himself near to Satan's domain so Satan could strike Him. That bruised heel is painful enough. Behold our Lord in his human nature sore bruised: he was betrayed, bound, accused, buffeted, scourged, spit upon. He was nailed to the cross; he hung there in thirst and fever, and darkness and desertion. This is the first gospel sermon that was ever delivered upon the surface of this earth. It was a memorable discourse indeed, with Jehovah himself for the preacher, and the whole human race and the prince of darkness for the audience.”CHARLES SPURGEONMAJOR PROPHETS: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel. MINOR PROPHETS: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. (The Twelve)THEMES OF PROPHETIC LITERATUREProphetsProphet: a spokesperson on God's behalf“For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.”AMOS 3:7But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;1 CORINTHIANS 1:27God uses the minority to help steer the majority.Although Israel had many kings, they were not the ultimate authority in Israel. Rather, God's covenant word was the real authority. This is why God raised up the prophetic office to counterbalance the office of kingship. For every king, there was an opposing prophet or group of prophets ready to stick the covenant back in the king's face and call him to accountability to God's word.THE BIBLE PROJECTPast, Present, and FutureThey are prophets who speak what the people want to hear so that they can make a handsome living, not true prophets who suffer for speaking the truth (Jer. 32:1–5). Ezekiel 13:8–16 probably has in view the lying prophets who gave false comfort to King Zedekiah just prior to the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC (Jer. 28). He compares them to those who whitewash a wall to mask its flaws. The people were supposed to build a sound house of truth and love for the Lord, but their sin was actually building a weak and compromised nation. Instead of alerting the people to this, the prophets preferred to ignore the people's sin, telling them everything was just fine and papering over the unsound structure that the nation had built.LIGONIER“Will I be a person who only receives the word from God that I WANT, or will I be a person who receives whatever God says; even the things I don't want to hear?”3 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. 4 Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.'JEREMIAH 7:3-4We today don't say, “The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD” as they did in Jeremiah's day. Today some say, “I go to church, I go to church, I go to church”; or “I'm a conservative, I'm a conservative, I'm a conservative”; or “I'm Calvary Chapel, I'm Calvary Chapel, I'm Calvary Chapel.” None of these things make one right with God apart from true faith and true repentance.DAVID GUZIK 3 “For twenty-three years, from the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, to this day, the word of the Lord has come to me, and I have spoken persistently to you, but you have not listened. 4 You have neither listened nor inclined your ears to hear, although the Lord persistently sent to you all his servants the prophets, 8 “Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Because you have not obeyed my words, 9 behold, I will send for all the tribes of the north, declares the Lord, and for Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants, and against all these surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction, and make them a horror, a hissing, and an everlasting desolation. 10 Moreover, I will banish from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the grinding of the millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 This whole land shall become a ruin and a waste, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. JEREMIAH 25:3-4, 8-115 “For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly execute justice one with another, 6 if you do not oppress the sojourner, the fatherless, or the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own harm, 7 then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers forever.JEREMIAH 7:5-7God desperately wants partnership with His people.The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.2 CHRONICLES 16:9God is in control31-32 “That's right. The time is coming when I will make a brand-new covenant with Israel and Judah. It won't be a repeat of the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant even though I did my part as their Master.” God's Decree.33-34 “This is the brand-new covenant that I will make with Israel when the time comes. I will put my law within them—write it on their hearts!—and be their God. And they will be my people. They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They'll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart and the slow. I'll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I'll forget they ever sinned!” God's Decree.JEREMIAH 31:31-34

Romans 8:26-27God has a plan for you and pain, suffering, and death aren't it. How do we know? Because of this one magnificent reality.

Who does your child really belong to?I'll give you a hint: It's not you.“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27God is the creator and owner of everyone and everything. We are called to be his ambassador and steward everyone and everything he's given to us.Author Paul Tripp says it's vital for us to understand that we have no independent, autonomous authority as a parent. God grants us the right and power to exercise authority.As we strive to raise godly boys, do we have an owner or ambassador mentality?For more information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Revelations 21:10-27God has prepared a new city for those who qualify to live with him. Make sure you are ready before leaving this earth. Heaven is a Holy place. 

Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram EVER WONDER WHY?—6 WHEN GOD FEELS FAR AWAY I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 9No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. ... 11You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:8-9, 11 NLT But I cry to you for help, LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you. 14Why, LORD, do you reject me and hide your face from me? Psalm 88:13-14 NIV WHY DON'T WE ALWAYS FEEL GOD? Maybe you're oversensationalizing God's presence. So they asked [Jesus], “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?” John 6:30 NIV If you always felt God, you wouldn't need faith. Maybe your heart has hardened. … “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. …'” Matthew 13:14-15 NIV Maybe God just wants to draw you closer. “From one man [God] made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:26-27 NIV “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you,” declares the LORD ... Jeremiah 29:13-14 NIV Just because God feels distant doesn't mean God is absent. … 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. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:20-23 NIV I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalm 16:8 NLT Think About It Read Psalm 16:8-9, 11. How can you remember God is always with you, even if you don't feel His presence? If we always felt God, we wouldn't need faith. What are some ways you can seek God, regardless of your feelings? Challenges, hard times, and suffering can bring us closer to God. Share a time when you saw God working, even if you didn't sense His presence. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” - John 14:27God gives us peace.  In this episode, Nicole talks with Heather Butler, author of That Side of Heaven. Heather shares about the loss of two of her babies and how the Lord stayed faithful to her through those losses. She empathizes with other women who are experiencing loss and the grief that follows. Her book shares her story and the stories of other moms who also lost their babies. Heather emphasizes that grief is a process and although it becomes softer overtime, it never completely goes away. Her babies are a part of her and reflect the light of Jesus that she offers others. She wants others to know that joy will come in the morning and that one day those grieving will hold their babies on that side of Heaven.Connect with Heather on IG @thatsideofheavenBe a part of our community! T12 Collective Community A faith-based community group supporting women journeying through grief and loss.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/purposebeyondmotherhoodpodcast)

Teaching NotesReview our two strategies:Get fit to fight by knowing and committing to God's plan Get fit to fight by getting a game plan (for your life/marriage) Couples take the Better Love AssessmentSingles take the Yada Assessment “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 What is Marriage? Two conflicting views on what Marriage is View #1 – Marriage is about me. View #2 – Marriage is about something bigger than me Common Sense: Baby Balance Bond God's Word Suitable Helper Options Animal Another Man So the Lord God caused him to fall into a deep sleep. While the man was sleeping, the Lord God took out one of the man's ribs. Then the Lord God closed the opening in the man's side. Genesis 2:21 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones     and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,'     for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:23-24Woman Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, …So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;  male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:28 Definition of biblical marriage – The covenantal union between a man and a woman into oneness for a lifetime, reflecting the image of God for the purpose of bringing new life into the world and caring for that life. Going Deeper DiscussionThen God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,...So God created mankind in his own image,in the image of God he created them;male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27God blessed them and said to them,“Be fruitful and increase in number;fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”Genesis 1:28The man said,“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;she shall be called‘woman,'for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:23-24Definition of biblical marriage –The covenantal union between a man and a woman into oneness for a lifetime, reflecting the image of God for the purpose of bringing new life into the world and caring for that life.1. In Matthew chapter 19 Jesus is asked if divorce is permissible. He immediately refers to Genesis 1 and 2. What is Jesus saying about God's original intent for marriage?2. How is the "oneness" of man and woman in marriage a reflection of the image of God in Genesis 1:26-27?3. What is the difference between a consumer relationship and a covenant relationship in regards to marriage? Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereBattle Belongs- Phil WickhamBelieve For It- Cece WinansOnce For All- Mitch LangleyReign Above It All- Bethel musicWFC SpeedwayThis Is Amazing Grace- Phil WickhamThe Blessing- Kari JobeThere Is A King- Elevation WorshipEgypt- Cory AsburyBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!

Teaching NotesReview our two strategies:Get fit to fight by knowing and committing to God's plan Get fit to fight by getting a game plan (for your life/marriage) Couples take the Better Love AssessmentSingles take the Yada Assessment “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 What is Marriage? Two conflicting views on what Marriage is View #1 – Marriage is about me. View #2 – Marriage is about something bigger than me Common Sense: Baby Balance Bond God's Word Suitable Helper Options Animal Another Man So the Lord God caused him to fall into a deep sleep. While the man was sleeping, the Lord God took out one of the man's ribs. Then the Lord God closed the opening in the man's side. Genesis 2:21 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones     and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,'     for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:23-24Woman Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, …So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;  male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:28 Definition of biblical marriage – The covenantal union between a man and a woman into oneness for a lifetime, reflecting the image of God for the purpose of bringing new life into the world and caring for that life. Going Deeper DiscussionThen God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,...So God created mankind in his own image,in the image of God he created them;male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27God blessed them and said to them,“Be fruitful and increase in number;fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”Genesis 1:28The man said,“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;she shall be called‘woman,'for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:23-24Definition of biblical marriage –The covenantal union between a man and a woman into oneness for a lifetime, reflecting the image of God for the purpose of bringing new life into the world and caring for that life.1. In Matthew chapter 19 Jesus is asked if divorce is permissible. He immediately refers to Genesis 1 and 2. What is Jesus saying about God's original intent for marriage?2. How is the "oneness" of man and woman in marriage a reflection of the image of God in Genesis 1:26-27?3. What is the difference between a consumer relationship and a covenant relationship in regards to marriage?Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereBattle Belongs- Phil WickhamBelieve For It- Cece WinansOnce For All- Mitch LangleyReign Above It All- Bethel musicWFC SpeedwayThis Is Amazing Grace- Phil WickhamThe Blessing- Kari JobeThere Is A King- Elevation WorshipEgypt- Cory AsburyBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!

Responding to the Faithful God, Lamentations 3.19-27God faithfully shows his love to us, a truth that is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus. But what if we're in the same position as Jeremiah? What if we recognise God is faithful, yet struggle to see this in our current circumstances? These verses from Lamentations 3 show us how to respond when we're ‘waiting' for God to do something.

The Faithful God, Lamentations 3:19-27God is faithful. That's wonderful phrase! But what does it mean?

God is not an on-demand God. God has called us to walk by faith. Hebrews 6:10-12 For God is not evil, that he would disregard your works and your love which you have shown in his name, which you have ministered to the Saints and you do minister. 11 But we desire that each one of you have this diligence for the perfection of your hope until the end, 12 And that you should not lose heart, but that you would be imitators of those who by faith and patience have become heirs of The Promise. Faith is not enough to inherit the promise! Hebrews 11:6 "without faith it's impossible to please God" Psalm 35:27God has pleasure in the prosperity of his children. Luke 12:32 It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.What pleases God is you being blessed. endurance and it gives us a formula for how to grow in our endurance. Hebrews 12 1:2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us throw off off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.We're in a race and our race requires endurance. 1. Throw Some Stuff OffHebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us throw off off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. “throw off” - apotithimi - to lay something down while at the same time pushing it far away beyond your reach.“weight” - a burden or something so heavy and cumbersome that it impedes a runner from running his race as he should.2. Focus Your Attention On Jesus Hebrews 12:2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, Focus your attention on the work of Jesus on the cross. Hebrews 12:3 …lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.If God can capture your stare, He can change your circumstances

7/29/2018Lawrence AdjahRomans 8 Series"Praying with the Spirit's Help"Romans 8:26-27God, the Father, anticipates our weaknesses and gives us the Holy Spirit to help us along the way.

“Godliness or Wealth?” Proverbs 3:9-23 & 27:21-27God and wealth are not mutually exclusive, but they are frequently incompatible because the tendency to worship money. Having a right heart about finances is the key to the wisdom we need.

Pointing UP Living in 3D Is the God that you know worth knowing? Would other people love the relationship with God that you have? Would you be willing to leave your comfort zone to pursue someone whom God puts in your path? People are worth pursuing. If you’re willing, what do you do once you reach the destination – the person standing on the other side of the room? What do you do next? We don’t disagree with the need for people to be pointed toward God, we just struggle with how to get it done. • Develop friendships • Discover their stories • Discern next steps Develop friendships The longer a person attends church, the fewer friends they have who are unbelievers, the fewer discussions about God they have with unbelievers, the fewer opportunities they have to share their faith. This is the path of almost every average Christian. But as we walk with Christ, we ought to see an increasing love for people and an increasing propensity to reach out to them in friendship. Luke 15:1-2 Jesus hung out with people of questionable character and terrible habits and lifestyles. He truly believed that the old could be made new. The fallen can be restored. The prideful can be humbled. The wanderers can come home. The weak can become strong. Derelicts can become disciples. He told three stories telling about how the lost can be found… Luke 15:3-7 Luke 15:8-10 Jesus truly believed in the grace and power of God to transform all, any human lives. He sees people as they can be – not hopeless – not unreachable. He has power to transform any life. If we believed in the grace and power of God, we would develop an insatiable pursuit of all sorts of people at all points on the spiritual spectrum. As you pull into your driveway, fight the temptation to look past your neighbor. Perhaps for the first time, stop long enough to wonder why God chose to put the two of you on the same block. When you go to the store, take four seconds to smile and ask the name of the person behind the counter. If he or she has served you well, then say so. When you run into the drugstore to pick up your prescription, take a good look at the clerk who’s assisting you. What’s that person’s story? Will you carve out 2 minutes of your day to find out? When you bump into a classmate or coworker invest a few moments in discovering if he or she has a spouse or kids – what do they like to do? – be full of grace. • Develop friendships • Discover their stories We all have conversations with people about the weather, sports teams, hobbies, family, and children. But what has life been like for them? What do they dream about? What is going well in their life and what needs work? God made you exactly as you are. He wired you and gave you the temperament and the experience and the background that you have because he wanted someone just like you in just your place at just this time. Acts 17:26-27 26From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For the extroverts, you will probably befriend extroverts, for the shy, you will probably befriend the shy. But everyone can be used by God in a profound way in the lives of people around you. • Develop friendships • Discover their stories • Discern next steps Listen for the Spirit’s leading, are they ready to talk about something deeper?