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Welcome back men! Today we discuss, as fathers, what it means to help our daughters fight the lies of the enemy - lies that the world feeds them daily.--The PursueGOD Men's podcast helps guys apply God's Word to their lives to become full circle followers of Jesus. Join us for a new men's episode every other Thursday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/men.Learn more about "full circle" Christianity through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources with men and boys at church.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Fathers and Daughters: Fighting the Lies of the EnemyIn today's culture, our daughters face countless lies about identity, beauty, purpose, and purity. As fathers, we play a vital role in shielding them from these attacks and pointing them toward God's truth. This episode is a call to action for dads who want to raise daughters grounded in biblical wisdom. We'll look at four common cultural lies and explore what the Bible says instead.Lie #1: Gender Doesn't MatterTruth: Men and women are both created in the image of God—and their differences are part of His beautiful design.Our culture is increasingly blurring the distinctions between male and female, but Genesis 1 shows us something better. God created humanity “male and female,” and He called it “very good.” (Genesis 1:27,31)Genesis 1:27 (NLT) – “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”Genesis 1:31 (NLT) – “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!”As fathers, we should affirm and celebrate the unique design of our daughters. Teach them that their femininity is not a limitation but a God-given strength. When we embrace the beauty of gender differences, we reflect God's plan for flourishing families and communities.Lie #2: Outward Beauty Is What Matters MostTruth: Real beauty grows from within and never fades.Today's young women are bombarded with unrealistic beauty standards. Social media filters, influencer culture, and cosmetic trends send the message that their worth is tied to appearance. But the Bible tells us something very different.Proverbs 31:30-31 (NLT) – “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT) – “Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”Dads, it's great to tell your daughter she's beautiful—but don't stop there. Compliment her kindness, her compassion, her integrity. Encourage her spiritual growth and help her see that true beauty increases as she draws closer to Christ.Lie #3: A Woman's Role Is Either Limited or Guilt-RiddenTruth: God calls women to a wide range of roles—including motherhood and work—and each one is valuable.The culture...
James 2:17 (NIV) - faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?Foolish – without anything, empty handed - without possessions, family, success…ineffective - destitute of spiritual wealth, of one who boasts of his faith, yet is without the fruits of faithABRAHAM21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his sonIsaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith wasmade complete by what he did. “You see”…(understand) “His faith and his actions were working together” –Working together - synergeō - to cooperate together; assist; partner “His faith was made complete by what he did (actions)”Complete – mature…developed…grewLit. – to add what is yet wanting in order to render a thing fullRAHAB25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did whenshe gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?Hebrews 11:30–31 (NKJV) - By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for sevendays. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she hadreceived the spies with peace.FAITH WITH ACTION WILL TAKE YOU TO A NEW LEVEL OF FAITH2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NKJV) - your faith grows exceedingly…WHAT IS YOUR FAITH-ACTION THAT WILL LEAD TO YOUR MIRACLE?2 Thessalonians(1. MONEY…because it seems we never have enoughAction – put God first with your moneyDeuteronomy 14:23 TLB - The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.2. MARRIAGE…that's happy and fulfillingAction – always forgive your spouseEphesians 4:32 (NLT) - Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just asGod through Christ has forgiven you.Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) - Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance foreach other's faults because of your love.3. FREEDOM…from sickness, disease & emotional painAction – attend church weekly to hear messages on faithJohn 8:32 (NLT) - And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”Luke 5:17 (NKJV) - Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching… And the power of the Lordwas present to heal them.4. FRIENDS…life-giving relationships that everyone needs.Action – commit to attend “Our Night” Once a month gatheringActs 2:42-47 - They devoted themselves…to fellowship…All the believers were together and hadeverything in common…Every day they continued to meet together…They broke bread in theirhomes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all thepeople.5. PEACE…that protects us in life's strugglesAction – practice daily prayer Thursday 6am - “Mornings with God”Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT) - Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything… 7 Then you willexperience God's peace, which exceeds anything
HERE'S WHY THAT MATTERS: …it answers one of the most important questions people have “If mortals die, can they live again? This thought would give me hope, and through my struggle I would eagerly wait for release.” Job 14:14 NLT IT'S IMPORTANT BECAUSE: …It proves there is life after death “I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me-that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and He was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the twelve apostles. After that, He was seen by more than five hundred of His followers at one time…” 1 Corinthians 15: 3-6 NLT “For we are not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and His coming again. We have seen His majestic splendor with our own eyes.” 2 Peter 1:16 NLT “But tell me this- since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ was not raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your trust in God is useless…but the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead.” 1 Corinthians 15:12-14, 20 NLT …it shows what life after death is like “But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead. He has become the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again.” 1 Corinthians 15:20 NLT “…and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when He comes we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is.” 1 John 3:2 NLT “Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT “Don't be surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again.” John 5:28-29 NLT “Why are you frightened? He asked. “Why do you doubt who I am? Look at My hands. Look at My feet. You can see that it's really Me. Touch Me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don't have bodies, as you see I do!”…Still they stood there doubting, filled with joy and wonder. Then He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and He ate it as they watched.” Luke 24: 38-40, 41-43 NLT “There are bodies in the heavens, and there are bodies on earth. The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the beauty of the earthly bodies.” 1 Corinthians 15:40 NLT “When this happens-when our perishable earthly bodies have been transformed into heavenly bodies, that will never die-then at last the Scriptures will come true: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory…'” 1 Corinthians 15:54 NLT “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT …it shows the price paid for our eternal life “For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. How we thank God, who gives us the victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!” 1 Corinthians 15:56 NLT “But He was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed.” Isaiah 53:5 NLT You can't afford it, but you must receive it. In one sense it doesn't cost us anything to come to Christ…in another sense it costs us everything.
It's ok to Fail! Just don't give up! Roman's 5:3-5 and 12 :2 this scripture speaks about perseverance. Join us for our “Jesus Jam!” Kat shares her personal experience with failure ! But have fun chopping it up about Chris Tomlin concert, Rocked ! Drew watched all the Scream movies. And we finished two shows -Old Man Only Murders in the Building Join us for a fun show! Share like and subscribe y'all Romans 12:2, NLT: “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Student Takeover Sunday | November 10, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Proverbs 4:1-7 (TLB) Young men, listen to me as you would to your father. Listen, and grow wise, for I speak the truth—don't turn away. For I, too, was once a son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child, and the companion of my father. He told me never to forget his words. “If you follow them,” he said, “you will have a long and happy life. Learn to be wise,” he said, “and develop good judgment and common sense! I cannot overemphasize this point.” Cling to wisdom—she will protect you. Love her—she will guard you.Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgment.James 1:2-4 (TLB) Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. √ Choices√ Habits√ Automatic√ Identity√ Nature II Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. IT'S YOUR CHOICE I. I'M CHOOSING GOD'S PLAN FOR MY LIFE. I Timothy 4:12 (NLT) Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. II. I'M CHOOSING TO WALK IN PURITY.II Timothy 2:22 (NLT) Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. III. I'M CHOOSING TO FIND MY IDENTITY IN CHRIST.Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Welcome to New Path New You with Ron Cool, where we embark on a transformative journey toward spiritual growth and purpose. In each episode, we explore faith-driven insights that empower men to live boldly and fulfill their God-given callings. Today, we're diving into the theme of Bold Obedience: Answering God's Call with Courage. Join Ron as he uncovers how recognizing God's call, overcoming fear, and taking action can lead you to a life of purpose and fulfillment.If you're ready to embrace the path God has laid out for you, you're in the right place!Challenge Question: What is one step God is asking you to take today, and how will you respond?Verses: Joshua 1:9 (NLT): “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”1 Samuel 3:10 (NLT): “And the Lord came and called as before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel replied, ‘Speak, your servant is listening.'”Isaiah 41:10 (NLT): “Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”James 2:17 (NLT): “So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”Links to Connect with Ron:Website: www.newpathnewyou.comInstagram: @rcooljrFacebook: Ron CoolYouTube: New Path New YouDon't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more men seeking purpose! Share your stories of bold obedience with Ron on social media, and let's encourage each other on this journey.Find your Community: Warrior PathBecome a NPNY Supporter! One TimeMonthly For Married Couples! - The Abundantly Expectant Marriage Podcast - with Ron and Rachel Cool Website: AEMARRIAGE.com
Welcome to "Love is the Only Thing," a transformative podcast where Ben dives deep into the heart of what it means to love through trials, triumphs, and everything in between. Ben explores the profound wisdom found in scripture, reminding us that love isn't just important—it's the only thing that truly counts. Join us as we unpack the complexities of loving well in a world often divided by conflict and strife. Discover how to forgive, support one another, and live harmoniously, all while understanding the importance of sharing each other's burdens. Whether you're seeking to deepen your faith or find practical ways to embody love in your relationships, this podcast is for you. Tune in and learn how to make love your guiding principle—because love truly is the only thing that matters. Sermon notes: Love isn't the main thing, it's the only thing. ...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 NIV “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”Galatians 5:14-15 NLT “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 NLT “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law.”Romans 13:8 NLT “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14 NLT “Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:9-10, 13-21 NLT “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.” Galatians 6:1-3 NLT “I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.” 2 Corinthians 2:5-8 NLT “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 NLT
BETTER DECISIONS, FEWER REGRETS | HOW TO MAKE BETTER DECISIONSDAVE NELSON | SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 I collected great sums of silver and gold... I had everything a man could desire!Ecclesiastes 2:8 (NLT) Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.Proverbs 3:13-15 (NLT) “Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you... If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.”Proverbs 4:6,8 (NLT)Support the showVisit our Online Campus at Online.timberlakechurch.com, which is live Sundays 9, 10:15, 11:30am, & 5pm Pacific Time.-If you would like to partner with Timberlake and want to support our mission to spread the love of Jesus to the world, please visit https://www.timberlakechurch.com/giveonline to set up a one-time or recurring gift. You can also text “Timberlake" to 77977.- | IOS app link | | Android app link |
Today, we're going to pick up on the story where David is about to face off with Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:32-37 NLT “Don't worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I'll go fight him!” “Don't be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” David saw his life of being alone in the shepherd's field as preparation for just such a moment. He saw the protection of his sheep from the mouths of lions and bears as training for protecting God's people from the hands of a giant. David didn't see a difference in the circumstances because he had the same God helping him defeat the threat in both places. Listen to the shepherd-warrior's words once again: “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT) No, you aren't fighting lions and bears or even giants, but the principle behind David's mindset can be yours today. Can you remember a time that God gave you the strength to do something beyond your own ability? A time where you prayed and asked for help, and God showed up and gave you strength you didn't know you had? Picture that situation. The same God is with you now. He has never left you since He formed you in your mother's womb. He is here to help you in every battle and struggle your life. Fill in David's words with your own right now. When I pause, in your own mind, fill in the blanks for you: The Lord who rescued me from … will rescue me from this too!” Let's pray: “Father, thank You that You have always been with me. Strengthen me and fill me with Your courage today to face my giant. Like David, I know You are with me. As above, so below.”
Today, Stasi invites us to journey with her as she unpacks one of her favorite psalms, Psalm 103, which reminds us of all the ways God has moved in our lives and continues to do so. This beautiful psalm instructs our souls to praise the Lord by reminding us of the splendor, majesty, and goodness of God. Turning our hearts' attention to our holy God naturally evokes worship from our inmost being. Stasi concludes with a guided time together, focusing on quieting our souls to praise God for the abundant blessings and love he showers upon us.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Psalm 103 — In its entiretyExodus 3:14 (NLT) — God replied to Moses, “I am who I am. Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you.”Proverbs 11:30 (NLT) — The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends.Psalm 16:9-10 (NLT) — No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.Ezekiel 18:4 (ASV) — Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.Acts 2:41 (NLT) — Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.Revelation 18:13 (ASV) — and cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle, and sheep; and merchandise of horses and chariots and slaves; and souls of men.Jeremiah 38:16 (NIV) — But King Zedekiah swore this oath secretly to Jeremiah: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has given us breath, I will neither kill you nor hand you over to those who want to kill you.”2 Peter 2:14 (ASV) — having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; enticing unstedfast souls; having a heart exercised in covetousness; children of cursing;James 1:21 (NLT) — So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.Leviticus 17:11 (NLT) — for the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible.1 Peter 1:22 (NLT) — You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.1 Peter 2:25 (NLT) — Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.Matthew 11:29 (NLT) — Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.Acts 13:35–37 (NLT) — Another psalm explains it more fully: ‘You will not allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.' This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed. No, it was a reference to someone else—someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay.Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) — For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.John 14:1 (NLT) — Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.1 Corinthians 2:16 (NLT) — For, “Who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.Colossians 3:2 (NLT) — Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.Philippians 4:8 (NLT) — And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.Romans 8:11 (NLT) — The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.Leviticus 26:11-12 (KJV) — And I set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.Proverbs 9:10 (NLT) — Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.1 John 4:18 (NLT) — Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.…..RESOURCES:The Treasury of David – Psalm 103 by Charles H. Spurgeon: https://wahe.art/3VPIrWxGuided Time Background Music: Breakthrough from the album Soaking in His Presence, by William Augustohttps://wahe.art/4bl5XPI…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ
A Recipe for Practicing a Good Life Philippians 4-9 (NLT)“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4-9 (MSG)“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:4 (NLT)“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Philippians 4:5 (NLT)“Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.” Matthew 24:37-44 (NLT)“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” Philippians 4:6 (NLT)“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Matthew 6:27-34 (NLT)“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don't worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.” Philippians 4:7 (NLT)“Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (MSG)“Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT)“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” James 1:22 (NLT)“But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” Philippians 4:9 (NLT)“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” A recipe for practicing a good life: 1. Celebrate, be joyful, and revel in the goodness of God daily!2. Look for intentional ways to add value to people around you daily.3. Live with urgency about the return of Jesus daily.4. Instead of worrying, talk with and listen to Jesus daily. 5. Practice gratitude daily.6. Resist the urge to fixate on negativity and think about good things instead... you guessed it... daily.
Summer at Bay Chapel | July 14, 2024Pastor Wes MorrisMatthew 3:13-17 (NIV) Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” ✓ Encouraging VoicesProverbs 18:21 (NASB) Death and life are in the power of the tongue...✓ Challenging Voices✓ Critical Voices✓ Internal VoicesII Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. The voice in your head becomes the voice in your mouth. And the voice in your mouth becomes the voice in other people's heads. VOICES I. IDENTIFY THE VOICE THAT IS HOLDING YOU DOWN. Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.II. STAY TUNED TO THE RIGHT FREQUENCY. John 10:27 (GNT) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.Psalm 1:1-2 (TLB) Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men's advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely.III. USE MY VOICE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ever wondered how embracing faith can help you conquer your deepest fears? Join me on Faith in Between as I open up about my internal anxieties, especially my struggle to relaunch this podcast. Drawing inspiration from Christine Caine's "Equip and Empower" podcast, I share how I discovered that our struggles can be divine preparation for assisting others with similar challenges. Through personal anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, I pray to encourage and bring peace to anyone facing similar internal battles.The flow of the show*This is a three-part series. Main: FEAR fear of failurefear of greatness feeling stuck Just do it. (trusting in God fully) ScripturesLuke 1:30-31 (NLT): “Don't be afraid, Mary, ʻthe angel told her, ʻfor you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.” Luke 1:38 (NLT): Mary responded, “ I am the Lordʻs servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.James 1:2-4 (AMP Classic): Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace.]. and let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. Psalms 56:3 (AMP)When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in youQuoteMarianne Williamson: Author, “A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of ʻA Course in Miraclesʻ “Our deepest Fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ʻWho am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?ʻ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people wonʻt feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. Itʻs not just in some of us; itsʻ in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Christian Based Podcast to check outChristine Cane Equip&Empower podcast Christine Cane Life&Leadership podcast Mahalo for joining me today! I am so glad we got the chance to sit and chat. I hope you enjoyed today's episode because I know I did. If you enjoy the show hit the follow button to keep updated with all new episode releases. Also, leave a comment or review and tell me how much you enjoy listening, I appreciate them! Find me on Instagram @faithinbetween or @uikumuhoneconnect with me on Facebook @Uilani Kumuhone I would love to connect with you! If you would like to be a guest on the show email me uilanikumuhone@gmail.com I would love to have you on and talk about how God is working in your life. supporting biblical resources You Version bible website:https://www.bible.com/ Topical bible verse search: https://www.openbible.info/topics/ As always thank you for being here with me on Faith In Between, My name is Uilani Kumhone and I will connect with you on the next one. Bye!!
Summer at Bay Chapel | June 30, 2024Pastor Wes MorrisI Timothy 6:6-8 (ESV) But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.✓ Discontentment isn't an issue of how much or how little I have...it's an issue of my heart.Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…✓ Discontentment begins when my desires are distorted.James 1:14-15 (ESV) But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.✓ Discontentment magnifies what is past and vilifies what is present.Exodus 16:1-3 (MSG) On the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left Egypt, the whole company of Israel moved on from Elim to the wilderness. The whole company of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron there in the wilderness. The Israelites said, “Why didn't God let us die in comfort in Egypt where we had lamb stew and all the bread we could eat? You've brought us out into this wilderness to starve us to death, the whole company of Israel!”Psalm 16:11 (ESV) You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.Psalm 34:8 (ESV) Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.Psalm 23:1 (ESV) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.Psalm 103:5 (ESV) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. DEFEATING DISCONTENTMENTI. PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.II. THINK ABOUT THE RIGHT THINGS.Lamentations 3:19-24 (NIV) I remember my affliction and my wandering. I remember how bitter my life was. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”III. BE CONTENT WITH MY THINGS.Philippians 4:12 (MSG) I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.Contentment is more than focusing on what we have. It is focusing on the fact that all we do have, we have by the grace of God. - Jerry Bridges, AuthorIV. TRUST GOD IN ALL THINGS.Philippians 4:13 (NIV) I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
(Philippians 4:6-7 NLT) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Nothing invades and high-jacks our minds and threatens our mental health like worry. Today's verse tells us God's peace can act as a guard against worry and stress when we tell Him everything. We can hand over our stress as we get honest in our prayers. What worries today need to turn into prayers? Listen again to today's passage from the Message Bible: Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Apostle Paul says: Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers. Then a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. Tell God what you need, thank Him for what He has done, and let Him bring sense of wholeness, of everything coming together for good. Pray with me: “Father, help me today to turn all my worries into prayers. I want to be honest with You. I want to thank You. I invite You to be the guard of my heart and mind. Protect me from my own anxious thoughts and grant me Your peace. As above, so below.”
God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3:10 NLT You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family. Ephesians 2:19 NLT See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don't recognize that we are God's children because they don't know him. 1 John 3:1 NLT 'But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God's entire house. And we are God's house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ. Hebrews 3:6 NLT Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:4-5 NLT The scriptures are very clear that church is not something you are intended just to attend and receive from, but something you are designed to contribute to for the well-being of others! You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Hebrews 5:12 NLT Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT Physical needs. Safety needs. Love needs. Esteem needs. Cognitive needs. Aesthetic needs. Self-actualization needs. So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last. Matthew 20:16 NLT Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant… Matthew 20:20 NLT For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 NLT 'I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. John 13:15,17 NLT 'Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT 1. Self-Centered Discipleship “It's only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.'” “You won't die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. Genesis 3:3-6 NLT At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God. ” John 6:66-69 NLT According to Jesus, discipleship is not about self-actualization or self-preservation; it is about self-denial. 'Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Matthew 16:24-25 NLT 2. Spiritual Apathy 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT Ministry is the pathway to maturity and many Christians will never obtain maturity until they travel the path of ministry. How Do I Make A Disciple? Discipleship is not difficult; it's just proximity over an extended period of time with a purpose. And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach…Mark 3:14 (NASB) “There is simply NO substitute for getting with people and it is ridiculous to imagine that anything less, short of a miracle, can develop strong Christian leadership. After all, if Jesus, the Son of God, found it necessary to stay almost constantly with his few disciples for 3 yrs, and even one of them was lost, how can a church expect to do this job on an assembly line basis a few days out of the year?” Quote from The Master Plan Evangelism You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit…John 15:16 (NLT) “When will we realize that evangelism is not done by something, but by someone? . . . It's not better methods, but better men and women who know their Redeemer from personal experience…who see his vision and feel his passion for the world…who are willing to be nothing so that he might be everything.” Quote from The Master Plan Evangelism
We all struggle with worry, fear and anxiety... especially me! But God's word has given us an antidote to conquer and overcome it. Let's talk about! Philippians 4:6-7 NLT - ”Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.“ Action Steps according to Phil 4:6-7 1. Pray- about everything 2. Say - what you need. Be like a child asking your Father. Children are almost never afraid to ask 3. Thank- God for what He did previously. Keep a journal of gratitude so you can look back and remember. 4. Experience- His peace. When we do all these things and engage God in this space - His peace guards us. Lastly, amidst all the worrying and fear, REMEMBER Exodus 14:14 - ”The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”“ God's got your back! EXTRA READING: Psalms 8 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/galy-j/message
Dealing with the 500-Pound Gorilla in the Room - Conflict Romans 12:17-18 (NIV)“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” The effects of unresolved conflict in our relationships. 1. It can minimize our joy. 2. It can hinder our communication with God. 1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)“…husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” 3. It can hinder your sensitivity and worship to God. Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)“…if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”Dealing with relational conflict. 1. Do something to help bring reconciliation. Matthew 12:34 (ESV)“…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”Genesis 3:10 (NIV)“…I heard you in the garden; and I was afraid because I was naked, and so I hid.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2. Be honest about what you have done wrong. Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV)“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” 1 Peter 5:5 (ESV)“…Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'” 3. Listen and consider what they are saying. James 1:19 (NIV)“…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”Philippians 2:4 (NLT)“Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” 4. Be intentional with the words you use. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)“The words of the reckless pierce like swords,but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” 5. Pursue reconciliation, not agreement. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)“Blessed are the peacemakers…”
Almost every world religion offers a pathway to heaven through good works and personal efforts. Some even include a list of sacraments: Holy rituals by which a person can merit salvation. But Christianity is different. According to the Bible, there's only one way to know if you're good enough for God, and it has nothing to do with what you can do.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Before we look at what the Bible says, let's do a quick survey of a few popular world religions…Hinduism: Hinduism does not have a singular concept of salvation but rather multiple paths (yogas) that lead to spiritual liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). These paths include devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and selfless action (karma yoga), among others. Salvation is achieved when an individual realizes their true self (atman) as one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). (Liberation depends on YOU.)Buddhism: Salvation in Buddhism is the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth, achieved through the elimination of desire and ignorance. In Buddhism, the goal is to attain enlightenment (nirvana) by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes principles such as right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. (Nirvana depends on YOU.)Islam: In Islam, the plan of salvation involves belief in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. Muslims believe in living a righteous life according to the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings of Muhammad). Salvation is achieved through faith, repentance, and good deeds, with the ultimate reward being entry into paradise. Salvation in Islam is not guaranteed solely by faith or deeds but is ultimately dependent on the mercy and judgment of Allah. Muslims strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and to follow the teachings of Islam in the hope of attaining salvation in the afterlife. (Paradise depends on YOU.)(Note: similarity with Mormonism. “Saved by grace after all we can do.”) - Don't include this in sermon!TRANS: So what does Christianity teach? To find that answer we need to look at one more world religion: Judaism. Jesus was Jewish. Christianity came out of Judaism. Understanding the link between those two religions, and specifically the key difference between them, will give us the insight we need to answer our question today. Let's start with the words of Jesus from his famous Sermon on the Mount:PerfectionMatthew 5:17 (NLT) “Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”When Jesus talks about “the law and the prophets” he's referring to Judaism. Here's Judaism in a nutshell:God chose Abraham and made him some promises (Gen 12)God gave the 10 commandments to Moses - rules to live by in the land of promise they were
Almost every world religion offers a pathway to heaven through good works and personal efforts. Some even include a list of sacraments: Holy rituals by which a person can merit salvation. But Christianity is different. According to the Bible, there's only one way to know if you're good enough for God, and it has nothing to do with what you can do. --The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Before we look at what the Bible says, let's do a quick survey of a few popular world religions…Hinduism: Hinduism does not have a singular concept of salvation but rather multiple paths (yogas) that lead to spiritual liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). These paths include devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and selfless action (karma yoga), among others. Salvation is achieved when an individual realizes their true self (atman) as one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). (Liberation depends on YOU.)Buddhism: Salvation in Buddhism is the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth, achieved through the elimination of desire and ignorance. In Buddhism, the goal is to attain enlightenment (nirvana) by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes principles such as right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. (Nirvana depends on YOU.)Islam: In Islam, the plan of salvation involves belief in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. Muslims believe in living a righteous life according to the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings of Muhammad). Salvation is achieved through faith, repentance, and good deeds, with the ultimate reward being entry into paradise. Salvation in Islam is not guaranteed solely by faith or deeds but is ultimately dependent on the mercy and judgment of Allah. Muslims strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and to follow the teachings of Islam in the hope of attaining salvation in the afterlife. (Paradise depends on YOU.)(Note: similarity with Mormonism. “Saved by grace after all we can do.”) - Don't include this in sermon!TRANS: So what does Christianity teach? To find that answer we need to look at one more world religion: Judaism. Jesus was Jewish. Christianity came out of Judaism. Understanding the link between those two religions, and specifically the key difference between them, will give us the insight we need to answer our question today. Let's start with the words of Jesus from his famous Sermon on the Mount:PerfectionMatthew 5:17 (NLT) “Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”When Jesus talks about “the law and the prophets” he's referring to Judaism. Here's Judaism in a nutshell:God chose Abraham and made him some promises (Gen 12)God gave the...
Almost every world religion offers a pathway to heaven through good works and personal efforts. Some even include a list of sacraments: Holy rituals by which a person can merit salvation. But Christianity is different. According to the Bible, there's only one way to know if you're good enough for God, and it has nothing to do with what you can do. --The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Before we look at what the Bible says, let's do a quick survey of a few popular world religions…Hinduism: Hinduism does not have a singular concept of salvation but rather multiple paths (yogas) that lead to spiritual liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). These paths include devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and selfless action (karma yoga), among others. Salvation is achieved when an individual realizes their true self (atman) as one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). (Liberation depends on YOU.)Buddhism: Salvation in Buddhism is the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth, achieved through the elimination of desire and ignorance. In Buddhism, the goal is to attain enlightenment (nirvana) by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes principles such as right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. (Nirvana depends on YOU.)Islam: In Islam, the plan of salvation involves belief in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. Muslims believe in living a righteous life according to the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings of Muhammad). Salvation is achieved through faith, repentance, and good deeds, with the ultimate reward being entry into paradise. Salvation in Islam is not guaranteed solely by faith or deeds but is ultimately dependent on the mercy and judgment of Allah. Muslims strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and to follow the teachings of Islam in the hope of attaining salvation in the afterlife. (Paradise depends on YOU.)(Note: similarity with Mormonism. “Saved by grace after all we can do.”) - Don't include this in sermon!TRANS: So what does Christianity teach? To find that answer we need to look at one more world religion: Judaism. Jesus was Jewish. Christianity came out of Judaism. Understanding the link between those two religions, and specifically the key difference between them, will give us the insight we need to answer our question today. Let's start with the words of Jesus from his famous Sermon on the Mount:PerfectionMatthew 5:17 (NLT) “Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”When Jesus talks about “the law and the prophets” he's referring to Judaism. Here's Judaism in a nutshell:God chose Abraham and made him some promises (Gen 12)God gave the...
It's Time to Dream Again Romans 8:11 (NLT)“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.” Revelation 1:18 (NKJV) “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” John 10:10 (ESV)“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”Proverbs 29:18 (ESV)“Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint” What does God's dream look like for you? Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” How to live out God's dream for my life. 1. Surrender your whole life to God. Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” 2. Get alone with God. Isaiah 55:3 (ESV)“Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live;” 3. Get around Godly Dreamers. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 22:24-25 (NLT)“Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.” 4. Take steps towards God's dream for your life. Psalms 37:23 (NLT)“The LORD directs the steps of the godly.”
Seven Days Pt. 4 | March 17th, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Matthew 26:17-19 (NLT) On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?”“As you go into the city,” he told them, “you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.'” So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there.26-28 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.”And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.THE TABLE I. OUR HIGHEST CALLING IN LIFE IS TO SERVE ONE ANOTHER. John 13:12-15 (NLT) After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher' and ‘Lord,' and you are right, because that's what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. Colossians 3:23-24 (MSG) Servants, don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for God. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ.II. LIVE WITH ETERNITY IN MIND. John 14:1-6 (NLT) Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”“No, we don't know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. III. STAY CONNECTED AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE. John 15:4, 8 (NLT) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.I Peter 4:7-10 (NIV) The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.
Stasi welcomes back writer, speaker, wife, and mother Sara Hagerty to discuss her new book, The Gift of Limitations. Sara writes, “What if your greatest weaknesses, the areas of your life you resent the most…are your doorway to rich intimacy with God? What if your limitations were, in fact, your greatest gift?” With vulnerability and wisdom, Sara encourages us to name the limitations we face, so we can both grieve them and surrender them to God. From there, we can lean into the love of God knowing he is already moving in our lives, rest in the goodness of his plan, and uncover a deeper capacity for joy.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) — Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.Psalm 34:18 (NLT) — The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.Psalm 22:1 (NIV) — My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? ……..SARA HAGERTYWebsite: https://sarahagerty.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SaraHagertyWrites/Facebook: @sarahagertywritesAdoration: https://sarahagerty.net/adoration-2/SARA HAGERTY BIOSara Hagerty is a bestselling author and Jesus follower. She has written four books,including her most recent release, The Gift of Limitations: Finding Beauty in Your Boundaries (March 2024). Despite laundry baskets overflowing and unending “to do” lists, Sara still squeezes in her early morning runs, walks through the woods next to her house with the children of hers still little enough to collect acorns, and reading pages and paragraphs of books in the middle minutes. She lives in Missouri with her husband Nate and seven children.Sara's New Book: The Gift of Limitations: Finding Beauty in Your Boundaries https://amzn.to/3vPSdgQ…..OTHER RESOURCES:His Perfect Strength with Sara Hagerty (Captivated Podcast 6/15/2022) https://wahe.art/3UeNL5r…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ
Becoming BeYOUtiful You Part 6 - Kindness Kindness is the foundation of a good heart and with a good heart, a good life will follow. “…when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Galatians 5:22,23 NLT “…love is kind…” 1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV KINDNESS IS LOVE IN ACTION “A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes and money, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. “By chance a Jewish priest came along; but when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt deep pity. Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two pieces of silver and told him to take care of the man. ‘If his bill runs higher than that,' he said, ‘I'll pay the difference the next time I am here.'” Luke 10: 30-35 NLT It starts with the nature of God. “He is filled with kindness” Psalm 145:7 NLT “Don't you realize how kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you?” Romans 2:4 NLT “He is so rich in kindness…” Ephesians 1:7 NLT “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 NLT “Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” Romans 2:4 NLT THEN IT INVADES, INHABITS AND TRANSFORMS OUR LIFE To Live A BeYOUtiful Life, I NEED GOD'S HELP! Tap Into the Power of Kindness: Kindness has the power to disarm. “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25 NIV “Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” “Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.” Proverbs 15:4 MSG Kindness puts you in the zone. Kindness comes back. “A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.” Proverbs 11:17 NIV Kindness sets you apart. “If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.” Matthew 5:47 NLT Employ the Strategy for Kindness Be Open to the Moments- because they are everywhere! Make the Move- don't wait to be asked. People who move against others People who move away from others People who move towards others “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted…” Ephesians 4:32 NAS Be Extraordinarily Kind “The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all.” Acts 28:2 NAS “The one who treated him kindly.” Luke 10:37 The Message
Becoming BeYOUtiful You Part 5 - Patience “When the Holy Spirit controls your life, He will produce in you: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 “Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow.” James 1:2, 3 NLT James 5:7-12 NLT I NEED PATIENCE WHEN……I Have Lost Control "Be patient then brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is ..." James 5:7 I NEED PATIENCE WHEN……I'm Waiting for People to Change "As an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord." James 5:10 “But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16 NLT “Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this not mean anything to you?” Romans 2:4 NLT I NEED PATIENCE WHEN……Life Doesn't Make Sense "You have heard of Job's perseverance ..." James 5:11 YOUR ABILITY TO BE PATIENT, IS BASED ON YOUR ABILITY TO BELIEVE CORRECTLY… WHILE YOU WAIT, YOU CAN BE SURE THAT……God is at Work "Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." James 5:8 "You have heard of Job's perseverance, and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." James 5:11 "And we know that in all things, God is working…" Romans 8:28 “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, for He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” Romans 5:3-5 NLT WHILE YOU WAIT, YOU CAN BE SURE THAT……God Rewards Patience "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered." James 5:11 WHILE YOU WAIT, YOU CAN……Wait Expectantly "... I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for He has promised." Psalm 130:5 Living Bible WHILE YOU WAIT, YOU CAN……Wait Hopefully Hope is: Holding On Praying Expectantly "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act." Psalm 37:7 WHILE YOU WAIT, YOU CAN……Wait Obediently Sometimes God makes Us Wait For the NEXT Step Until We Have Taken the LAST Step He Asked us to Take. Finally, while you wait…keep doing the next right thing. “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. THEN you will receive ALL that He has promised.” Hebrews 10:36
“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!' when you don't do what I say? I will show you what it's like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.” Luke 6:46-49 NLT JESUS CAN'T BE LESS THAN WHO HE IS Lord our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor. Isaiah 26:13 NIV HOW DO WE DISPLAY LOYALTY TO GOD? 1. LIVE WITH A FULL SUBMISSION TO HIS AUTHORITY But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 NLT Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. Matthew 26:39 NLT 2. WE RECOGNIZE HIS OWNERSHIP This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Acts 10:36 NLT Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17 NLT 3. Unquestioning Obedience So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!' when you don't do what I say? Luke 6:46 NLT “If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15 NLT GOD CALLS US TO SERVICE TO HIM AND TO OTHERS So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45 NLT JESUS NEVER REDUCES HIS STANDARDS TO ATTRACT DISCIPLES QUESTIONS TO EVALUATE OUR SERVANTHOOD 1. AM I GENEROUS WITH MY TIME? And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16 NLT 2. AM I GENEROUS WITH MY TALENTS? Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:4-5 NLT God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT 3. AM I GENEROUS WITH MY TREASURE? “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. Matthew 23:23 NLT They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 2 Corinthians 8:2-3 NLT 4. AM I GENEROUS WITH MY TESTIMONY And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. Revelation 12:11 NLT
The Bible is composed of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. It's not organized by date, but rather by genre - like a library.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --How is the Bible laid out? What's in the table of contents? This one book has a lot of smaller books in it, so it can seem confusing - until you understand the structure of the Bible.The Bible Is Divided into the Old Testament and New Testament.The Old Testament is called “old” not because it is obsolete, but because it came first, over the span of around 1,000 years. Another way to refer to it is the Hebrew Bible. It's what the Jews had. This is the Bible that Jesus and his first followers used. There's much we can learn from the Old Testament. We hope you will make that part of the Bible a part of your regular reading. We also have the New Testament. The New Testament was written over the span of about a generation. It started being written shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus. It's a collection of books written to churches and to individual Christians. Over time these writings began to be collected together by the churches, to create what we call the New Testament. By the 300's, the New Testament was affirmed by the Christian church as a whole. A large majority of the Bible's books were recognized far before that. These two parts of the Bible come together to tell us God's story for today.Think about the relationship between the Old Testament and New Testament. The New Testament builds on and elaborates the themes of the Old Testament.The New Testament builds on Old Testament themes like creation, sin, salvation, the Day of the Lord. It gives further insight on these matters, but doesn't negate the Old Testament meaning.The New Testament authors are familiar with and well-versed in Old Testament text.For example, Matthew's gospel makes many references to Old Testament practices and quotes many Old Testament prophecies. Paul, in Romans 4, assumes that his readers understand the story of Abraham and his relationship with God. He uses this story to underscore that a right relationship with God is based on faith, not on performance.The Old Testament does not stand alone, because the themes it introduces are fulfilled in the person of Jesus.The New Testament connects the dots between the Old Testament and the person of Jesus. For example, Hebrews explains how Jesus fulfills the Old Covenant and its sacrificial system.Matthew 5:17-19 (NLT) “Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom...
The Bible is composed of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. It's not organized by date, but rather by genre - like a library.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --How is the Bible laid out? What's in the table of contents? This one book has a lot of smaller books in it, so it can seem confusing - until you understand the structure of the Bible.The Bible Is Divided into the Old Testament and New Testament.The Old Testament is called “old” not because it is obsolete, but because it came first, over the span of around 1,000 years. Another way to refer to it is the Hebrew Bible. It's what the Jews had. This is the Bible that Jesus and his first followers used. There's much we can learn from the Old Testament. We hope you will make that part of the Bible a part of your regular reading. We also have the New Testament. The New Testament was written over the span of about a generation. It started being written shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus. It's a collection of books written to churches and to individual Christians. Over time these writings began to be collected together by the churches, to create what we call the New Testament. By the 300's, the New Testament was affirmed by the Christian church as a whole. A large majority of the Bible's books were recognized far before that. These two parts of the Bible come together to tell us God's story for today.Think about the relationship between the Old Testament and New Testament. The New Testament builds on and elaborates the themes of the Old Testament.The New Testament builds on Old Testament themes like creation, sin, salvation, the Day of the Lord. It gives further insight on these matters, but doesn't negate the Old Testament meaning.The New Testament authors are familiar with and well-versed in Old Testament text.For example, Matthew's gospel makes many references to Old Testament practices and quotes many Old Testament prophecies. Paul, in Romans 4, assumes that his readers understand the story of Abraham and his relationship with God. He uses this story to underscore that a right relationship with God is based on faith, not on performance.The Old Testament does not stand alone, because the themes it introduces are fulfilled in the person of Jesus.The New Testament connects the dots between the Old Testament and the person of Jesus. For example, Hebrews explains how Jesus fulfills the Old Covenant and its sacrificial system.Matthew 5:17-19 (NLT) “Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom...
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'” Matthew 1:23 NLT Jesus had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. Philippians 2:6-8 MSG THE GIFT OF JESUS IS… 1. THE GIFT OF PEACE You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:12-14 NLT And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NLT Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NLT 2. THE GIFT OF UNDERSTANDING Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who rose into the heavenly realm for us, and now sympathizes with us in our frailty. He understands humanity, for as a Man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin. So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy's kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness. Hebrews 4:14-16 TPT 3. THE GIFT OF LOVE This is how we have discovered love's reality: Jesus sacrificed his life for us. Beloved children, our love can't be an abstract theory we only talk about, but a way of life demonstrated through our loving deeds. 1 John 3:16;18 TPT And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT ✓ How wide is the love of God “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18 NLT He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalms 103:12 NLT ✓ How long is the love of God I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me John 10:28 NLT ✓ How deep is the love of God My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:38-39 NLT “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds, you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 NLT ✓ How high is the love of God That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
Pastor John Ryan Cantu brings this week's message, “Unfit.” Key Verse: 1 Samuel 17:32-40 NLT ““Don't worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I'll go fight him!” “Don't be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. “I can't go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I'm not used to them.” So David took them off again. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd's bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd's staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.” Sermon Topics: Calling, Faith, Perspective
Force Multiplier: Something that dramatically increases one's impact Ephesians 3:20 (LB) // Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. Play it safe. 1 Samuel 17:32-33 (NLT) // “Don't worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I'll go fight him!” 33 “Don't be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth.” Am I Reasonable or Ridiculous? Acts 3:1-3 (NLT) // Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Expectation determines experience. Sometimes it's easier to exist than to expect. Acts 3:4-6 (NLT) // Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 4:7-12 // They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we've done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 3:7-10 NLT // Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Mathew 7:6 (NLT) “Don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don't throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you. This is pretty explicit language talking about wasting time and effort. We all have situations in our lives that maybe we're trying to fix, people that we're trying to fix. If we're honest, they are not our situations or people to fix in the first place. Sometimes relationships or situations can become unhealthy and no matter what we say or do, we never see them change. In this passage we reflect on getting very honest with the value proposition of our time. Is there an area in your life that you continue to expend or invest a large amount of your time or focus, that God might be directing you to lighten your efforts? Listen again to this passage with that question in mind. “Don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don't throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you. The Bible is clear we are to love all men all the time. This passage is not talking about dismissing the person, seeing them is not worthy. This passage is talking about boundaries, being honest with this question - Is this situation some thing that God has called me to? or am I just expending my own efforts in hopes to gain the outcome that I desire? God‘s desires are different than ours. God uses process, God uses time, sometimes lots of it, to bring people to himself. We seem to want to see results right away. Maybe there's a situation, or person in your life which you have done your part, and your part was never to see the harvest, but to plant the seed. Is there something in your life that you need to let go of, that you need to be a greater steward of your time with? Father, thank you for all that you give me. Let me see all people as you see them, all valuable, equally important. Show me how I should see those things which I invest my time and focus into, choosing to hold close that which you have for me, and letting go of that which you don't. As above, so below.
Text: Philippians 4:1-9 Theme: Following Jesus is no guarantee of a simple, pain-free life. When life hurts, we have a plan. Paul, as one who really knows, gives us our plan of action when we're really hurting. Key Verses: Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/en-GB/events/49154739
Proverbs 23:4-7 NLT Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. Don't eat with people who are stingy; don't desire their delicacies. They are always thinking about how much it costs. “Eat and drink,” they say, but they don't mean it. The Bible never says that wealth is a sin, but rather the results of focusing on wealth through greed and being a miser is. While the last two sentences in today's passage may feel disconnected from the first three, the correlation is the character of a person shows when it comes to money. Think about this…could you tell a great deal about the habits, focus, and lifestyle of a person by looking at their bank and credit card statements? Absolutely. Our money and its management does not make our character, but rather reflects our character. Is there something we would be proud for people to find out about you if they saw our accounts or looked at our spending? Something we might want to hide? Listen again to Proverbs 23:4-7, but this time in The Message Bible: Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself! Riches disappear in the blink of an eye; wealth sprouts wings and flies off into the wild blue yonder. Don't accept a meal from a tightwad; don't expect anything special. He'll be as stingy with you as he is with himself. He'll be as stingy with you as he is with himself. … Wow. None of us want these words to ever describe us. Generosity of heart and resources are foundational to a life following Jesus. What area of your life could you be more generous with? Is there someone, or a mission in need, that your contribution might serve right now? Or a person that needs you to give more of yourself to? Let's pray together: “Father, What I have is yours. Money, time, focus. No matter what You ever allow me to have, help me to keep You as the Center and Catalyst of my character. Help me to live as though You are always in control of everything, my finances, what I receive, what I spend, and what I give. As above, so below.”
Ask the right questions. The one who lives blamelessly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart Psalms 15:2 Take your meds and talk about it. “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:13-16 NLT Don't quit. “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36 NIV
Why Go to Church? At some point along the way, we have trained Christians to be demanding consumers, not disciples. Do we really just go to church for our own benefits? Doesn't doing so merely perpetuate the consumerist culture that has caused so many to abandon church? There must be far more beautiful and deeply meaningful rationale for going to church beyond what we can get. Right? Within the present anti-church climate, we must attempt to answer, “Why go to church?” What do you tell your friends or perhaps your parents or children who no longer go but wonder why you do? What is being proposed is not a series of reasons why you might want to go to church but why you should go to church. That's not a bad thing … an old philosophical dictum suggests that love follows knowledge, the heart needs a vision … So what can be a vision, a reason for going to church and committing ourselves to a group of very flawed men and women and agreeing to journey with them for the rest of our lives? Romans 12:2 (NLT) - Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Ethos is a life-giving community committed to keeping Jesus at its Center. We are on a mission to love all people in Jesus' name so that we may all Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, & Make a Difference. EthosOH.com Small Groups: EthosOH.com/Community ServeColumbus.org
DRIFT PT. 3 | Sunday, August 20thPastor Wes MorrisHebrews 2:1 (NLT) We must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.Daniel 1:3-8 (NIV) Then the king ordered some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king's service.6 Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. CULTURAL DRIFT I. LET'S BE FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH.John 1:14 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.II. LET'S NOT SWERVE TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT.Ephesians 5:3 (GNT) Since you are God's people, it is not right that any matters of sexual immorality or indecency or greed should even be mentioned among you. Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God.I Corinthians 6:9-11 (NLT) Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.III. LET'S NOT FEAR PERSECUTION.John 15:20 (NIV) Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. II Timothy 3:12 (ESV) Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.IV. LET'S LIVE IN A WAY THAT HONORS GODI Corinthians 6:19-20 (GNT) Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves but to God; he bought you for a price. So use your bodies for God's glory.About us: Bay Chapel is a life-giving church in the New Tampa community. We meet Sundays at 10:00 am and you are welcome to come anytime in person or online. Find out more at baychapel.com Subscribe to receive our latest messages. Stay Connected, ask for prayer and find out more.http://www.baychapel.com/connectBay Chapel exists to help people ‘Find God and Find Life' through a relationship with Jesus Christ. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://www.baychapel.com/give
In the last episode, we reviewed a thought-provoking book called "Three Views on the Rapture: Pretribulation, Prewrath, or Posttribulation" that delves into one of the most debated topics among Christians: the timing of the rapture. Implied in the discussion of the rapture is an understanding of the event closely related to it, called the Tribulation. One of the key features of the Tribulation is the rise of a person who has come to be called Antichrist. The scholars who authored this book disagree about the timing, but also about the nature of the Tribulation. Will Christians be there? This question shapes how we might understand the timing of the Tribulation and the return of Jesus. But are there other questions? Introducing the AntichristAt the end of history as we know it, evil and rebellion against God will rise, represented by an earthly ruler known as Antichrist. The prophetic chapters of the book of Daniel reveal a sequence of empires ended by the kingdom of God. They predict a future time when a powerful king arises to oppress God's people. This king will be the ultimate, satanically inspired opponent of God, a climactic person of wickedness and arrogance. Daniel 9:26-27 (NLT) “After this period of sixty-two sets of seven, the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end. The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.”Matthew 24:14 (NLT) “The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about - the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.”2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 (NLT) Don't be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God. Don't you remember that I told you about all this when I was with you? And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes. For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming. This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.According to Daniel 9:27, this Antichrist will make a covenant with Israel, which he will break to desecrate the temple. (Compare Matthew 24:15) Called the Man of Lawlessness, he will exalt himself and defy God, actually claiming to be God (2...
Today, we're going to pick up on the story where David is about to face off with Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:32-37 NLT “Don't worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I'll go fight him!” “Don't be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” David saw his life of being alone in the shepherd's field as preparation for just such a moment. He saw the protection of his sheep from the mouths of lions and bears as training for protecting God's people from the hands of a giant. David didn't see a difference in the circumstances because he had the same God helping him defeat the threat in both places. Listen to the shepherd-warrior's words once again: “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT) No, you aren't fighting lions and bears or even giants, but the principle behind David's mindset can be yours today. Can you remember a time that God gave you the strength to do something beyond your own ability? A time where you prayed and asked for help, and God showed up and gave you strength you didn't know you had? Picture that situation. The same God is with you now. He has never left you since He formed you in your mother's womb. He is here to help you in every battle and struggle your life. Fill in David's words with your own right now. When I pause, in your own mind, fill in the blanks for you: The Lord who rescued me from … will rescue me from this too!” Let's pray: “Father, thank You that You have always been with me. Strengthen me and fill me with Your courage today to face my giant. Like David, I know You are with me. As above, so below.”
This summer, we're exploring stories together that can shape our spirituality and reveal the truth of God. After all, you never know who you will meet and what you will hear while sitting around the campfire.__What's the Issue Anyway? (Matthew 8:18-22)The call to ________________ ______________ just might be an ___________________ to embrace ___________________.Following Jesus is more ___________________ than our ________________ ________________ and our ________________ _____________ in this life.We only get ___________ ___________; nobody gets ___________. What are you going to do with your ___________?What Wisdom Does Scripture Offer Us?We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been CALLED according to His purpose. Romans 8:28Every person has a ________________.God, by grace through Christ, has CALLED you to become God's people. Gal. 1:6 (NCV)The Greek word translated CALLED is ______________. It is about your ___________________ inlife, your ________________, your ________________ in life.Before you saw the light of day, I (God) had holy plans for you. Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG)Your CALLING is ___________________ to ______________ ______________.For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10God is good. Psalm 73:1“We are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.” –Mother Theresa...comfort those who are frightened, take tender care of those who are weak. 1 Thess. 5:14 (LV) When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. Romans 12:13 (NLT)Don't Miss This!Your CALLING will ___________ the ______________ of your ______________ and ___________________.For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph. 6:12Although Jesus was ________________, he had this ________________ to ___________.“Jesus promised those who would follow him only three things: that they would be absurdly happy,entirely fearless and always in trouble.” –Greg LevoyYour CALLING will ________________ the greatest ___________________ and ________________ in your life.How can I live this in my everyday, normal life?Get _______________ about your CALLING for your ________________.What is God inviting you into today?Thought Provoking Questions:If following Jesus may be an invitation to poverty, hardship and distress, why doesn't the church teach it more?How clear are you about God's calling or challenge for your life right now; not what it may have been 5 or 10 years ago, but now?When you hear Jesus says you are salt and light is it hard for you to imagine it being true? Why or why not?How has following Jesus tested the limits of your faith? Give specific examples.Do you resonate with Greg Levoy's words about what followers of Jesus will experience in life? Whyor why not?
(Philippians 4:6-7 NLT) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Nothing invades and high-jacks our minds and threatens our mental health like worry. Today's verse tells us God's peace can act as a guard against worry and stress when we tell Him everything. We can hand over our stress as we get honest in our prayers. What worries today need to turn into prayers? Listen again to today's passage from the Message Bible: Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Apostle Paul says: Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers. Then a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. Tell God what you need, thank Him for what He has done, and let Him bring sense of wholeness, of everything coming together for good. Pray with me: “Father, help me today to turn all my worries into prayers. I want to be honest with You. I want to thank You. I invite You to be the guard of my heart and mind. Protect me from my own anxious thoughts and grant me Your peace. As above, so below.”
(Philippians 4:6-7 NLT) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Nothing invades and high-jacks our minds and threatens our mental health like worry. Today's verse tells us God's peace can act as a guard against worry and stress when we tell Him everything. We can hand over our stress as we get honest in our prayers. What worries today need to turn into prayers? Listen again to today's passage from the Message Bible: Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Apostle Paul says: Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers. Then a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. Tell God what you need, thank Him for what He has done, and let Him bring sense of wholeness, of everything coming together for good. Pray with me: “Father, help me today to turn all my worries into prayers. I want to be honest with You. I want to thank You. I invite You to be the guard of my heart and mind. Protect me from my own anxious thoughts and grant me Your peace. As above, so below.”
Hey, Hey! Welcome back to episode 25 of the HealThy SPIRIT podcast. This is the first episode that I am recording in May - you know how life happens... May is mental health awareness month and you all know that I'm a mindset coach so today we are talking about how to stop drowning in your thoughts so you can SWIM instead! In case this is your first time here, I am your host, Tia and as a Christian Mindset & Goal Success Coach, I help YOU - overwhelmed working women plan, prioritize and CRUSH your goals! Do you often DROWN in your thoughts? Well, today Let's talk about 4 steps to SWIM instead! Time to Heal Thy SPIRIT for a healthy spirit! Check out these mentions from today's episode: Scripture Romans 12:2 NLT | Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Joshua 1:8b ESV | …You shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Current Series Resources: https://baychapel.churchcenter.com/pages/prayerWin At Home Pt. 3 | May 7, 2023Pastor Wes Morris I Samuel 18:1-9 (NLT) After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king's son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn't let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 5 Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul's officers alike.When the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed the Philistine, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul. They sang and danced for joy with tambourines and cymbals. This was their song:“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!”This made Saul very angry. “What's this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they'll be making him their king!” So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.(14-15) David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him. When Saul recognized this, he became even more afraid of him.√ PRIDE√ RESENTMENT√ FEARI Samuel 18:20-21 (MSG) Saul's daughter Michal was in love with David. When Saul was told of this, he rubbed his hands in anticipation. “Ah, a second chance. I'll use Michal as bait to get David out where the Philistines will kill him.” So again he said to David, “You're going to be my son-in-law.”James 4:1-2 (NLT) What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can't get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. A UNITED HOMEJohn 17:23 (MSG) The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you sent me.I. A CULTURE OF HONOR. Romans 12:9-10 (NIV) Let love be genuine. Hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.√ We believe the best.Philippians 2:3 (NLT) Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.√ We speak life-giving words. II. A HEART OF GRATITUDE. Psalm 138:2-3 (MSG) Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.—---Subscribe to receive our latest messages.Stay Connected, ask for prayer, and find out more: http://www.baychapel.com/connectBay Chapel exists to help people ‘Find God and Find Life' through a relationship with Jesus Christ. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://www.baychapel.com/give
The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. John 15:19 NLT "It is impossible to please all men; there will always be those who criticize you, no matter what you do. So focus on doing what is right, and let the rest go." Epictetus Makarios: Joy which has its secret within itself, that joy which is serene and untouchable, and self-contained that joy which is completely independent of all the chances and changes of life. THE FOUR SOCIAL QUALITIES THAT ARE BLESSED Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 ESV 1. COMPASSIONATE IN SPIRIT: O the bliss of the merciful! 'Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.' Hebrews 2:17-18 NLT 'For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. ' Romans 3:23 NLT 'Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord… Romans 7:24-25 NLT A LACK OF MERCY AND COMPASSION IS EVIDENCE OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS “Tolerant with others. Strict with yourself.” Marcus Aurelius Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord . Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:19-21 NLT Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13 NLT Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 ESV 2. PURE HEART. PURE VISION: O bliss of the Sincere! '“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish and then the outside will become clean, too.' Matthew 23:25-26 NLT '“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”' Matthew 22:36-40 NLT Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 WHAT YOU TRAIN FOR YOU BECOME! INTENTIONAL WITH PRAYER INTENTIONAL WITH BIBLE READING INTENTIONAL WITH COMMUNITY Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 ESV 3. STRIVING FOR PEACE: O the bliss of those who create harmony! 'Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ' Romans 12:17-18 NLT PUBLIC CRITICISMS NEVER CHANGE ANYONE. HOWEVER, PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS IN LOVE DO. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 ESV 'And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.' Romans 8:17 NLT ...by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. ' Colossians 1:20 NIV Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 ESV 4. UNSWERVING LOYALTY: O the bliss of the sufferer for Christ! Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:43-44 NLT “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12 NIV THE TRUTH IS THAT YOUR LOYALTY IS ROOTED IN YOUR TRUST LEVEL OF GOD AND THAT DETERMINES YOUR VICTORY! 'They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. ' Revelation 12:11 NIV
Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: Life has a way of altering our course through unexpected detours. But how do you find hope when life takes an unexpected detour that leads to a hard place? How do you continue putting one foot in front of another? Join me with Grace Fox on the podcast. Quotables from the episode: My circumstances made for a perfect storm, and fear could have overwhelmed me were it not for God helping me focus on the truth of His faithfulness. God is faithful no matter what. He doesn't promise that life will be easy, but He promises to be with us at all times. There are no coincidences when God is in our lives. Crisis or detour places can be some of the places of the richest growth. Detours into unexpected places keep us looking to God to see us through. We may not be able to prevent fearful thoughts, but it's what we do with the fearful thoughts that matter most. We must choose to embrace joy over fear. We have no promises for what our future holds, but we are promised who holds our future! Having a God-perspective keeps our eyes focused on the One who goes with us into the hard places. It's helpful to reframe our lives' detours into hard places in terms of learning what God wants us to learn in those hard places. Put into practice Philippians 4:6-7 –- commit all their anxieties and fears to the Lord with thanksgiving for all He has already done. (Giving thanks is vital to experiencing the peace of God that's promised in this passage). Spiritual treasures hidden in dark places are too precious to miss. Stay alert. *Praise is our best defense when the unexpected catches us off guard. Darkness descends and wind screams around us but remembering and declaring that God rules over every detail fills us with calm. The darker our circumstances, the more important it is to practice gratitude! Scripture References: Philippians 4:6-7 NLT “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:26-27 NLT “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[a] in harmony with God's own will.” Psalm 23:1 NLT “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” Recommended Resources: Fresh Hope for Today by Grace Fox Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Grace Fox: Website / Facebook / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Grace Fox is a career missionary and, together with my husband, co-direct International Messengers Canada, a sending agency with about 300 staff in 31 countries. Her passion is to connect the dots between faith and real life by helping others learn to love, understand, and apply God's Word. She and her husband, Gene, live on a sailboat in British Columbia. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson
20 You children must always obey your fathers and mothers, for that pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, don't scold your children so much that they become discouraged and quit trying. (Colossians 3:20-21 TLB)1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord,[a] for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”[b]4 Fathers,[c] do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1-4 NLT)Don't discipline because of anger, discipline to teach and restore the relationship
The World Economic Forum is holding their meeting, openly plotting to control the entire world. But, they would never do THAT. Plus, as you will probably been lectured to by professional Republicans or people who celebrate being “moderates”, the WEF is simply a think-tanks with no real power. But, is that really true? How is it, then, that the WEF wanted digital passports and--boom--injection traveling papers? Open borders was a thing they think-tanked and, would you look at that . . . They have been arguing to charge people money for what we exhale and--click--”carbon” taxes. So, what does the WEF want, now? They want us to give up our cars, our ability to grow our own food. But, they would NEVER do that . . .What does God say? The Lord demands that people in power not lord it over others. The NLT cuts it down clearly for the people flying to Davos in private jets where they plot to prevent us from having cars:1 Peter 5:3, NLT: “Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.”The Links:Avi Yemini: “I was just THREATENED to be "punched out" by CNBC's Intl. Managing Editor for politely asking him simple questions. These are the THUGS that want to control the world. But he doesn't scare me.” WEF 2023 Opening in Davos Recap. I'm sensing a theme here.Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine during remarks at the WEF 23 in Davos says how can the world achieve climate neutrality if it can't stop Russian aggression.Klaus Schwab barely finished his opening remarks at WEF 23 and a Swiss MP from the Greens Party is already promoting a 15 minute city style concept where people no longer need cars. Also encourages punishing businesses that don't adhere to climate agreements.The Scottish government plans to reduce car kilometres and discourage car use. They tell us the era of private car use is well and truly over...listen and hear the words for yourself..Washington drivers would pay 2.5 cents per mile under recommendation; Washington state has relied on gas taxes to pay for roads since 1921.Pay per Mile: States Move Toward User-Based Road TaxRFK Jr: "Your chance of dying of a heart attack from that vaccine, according to [Pfizer's] own studies, is 500% greater than if you're unvaccinated. So they knew they were gonna kill a lot of people, and they did it anyway."Lack of statins contributing to excess cardiovascular deaths ? NO. NO. NO. Analysis by @CebmOxford director @carlheneghan supported by former President of the Royal College of Physicians contradicts the claims by Chris Whitty. We know what is a more likely explanation thoughTeacher laughs about bringing “political unrest” in her school by pushing pronouns, showing up with purple hair, and mocking the bible
Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: Every year at this time, we enter into the holiday hustle and bustle, and All. The. Things. The tree, the shopping, the decorating, the wrapping, the baking, the parties…I'm so grateful to a perfect God for the gift of Christmas Hope. Without the birth of Jesus, we would have NO HOPE. In this episode, we talk about Christmas Hope. I'm going to share my grown-up Christmas list, pray a blessing, and offer 3 valuable resources to start your new year off well. Quotables from the episode: Without the birth of Jesus, we would have NO HOPE. Over the recent years, I've found that what I truly desire for Christmas can't be wrapped and placed under a tree. This year, what I wanted more than anything for Christmas was peace for my family and peace for my heart. That calm assurance that comes from being content where you are, with who you are, and who you are with. I remembered the simplicity of the very first Christmas that didn't meet anyone's expectations except God's. Jesus came in a manger without a party or fanfare. No one expected this to be the entry of a king. This Christmas and throughout the entire year, all I want is a little more of Jesus for myself and others, and to deepen our love for Him. What a joy to know there is a safe place to come and share our inner most desires and our deepest needs. And as we thank God for the answers, He promises peace to guard our hearts and minds. May you experience all the blessings of God as you pursue Him with your whole heart, mind, and soul. Out of my love and gratitude for you, I want to offer you three resources to look forward to in the new year: Scripture References: Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. TELL GOD what you need, and thank him for all he has done. THEN you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (emphasis mine) Recommended Resources: The 7-Day Today is Going to be a Good Day Challenge Free Webinar: Help for When You're Feeling Blue The first everOnline Hope Prevails Bible Study Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Host: Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, a national and international media resource on mental health, and the author of the bestselling, multi-award-winning books Hope Prevails and the Hope Prevails Bible Study. Her book Breaking Anxiety's Grip won the 2020 AWSA Golden Scroll Book of the Year and the 2021 Christian Literary Reader's Choice Award in four different categories. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast Your Hope-Filled Perspective. A board-certified clinical neuropsychologist in private practice for more than twenty years, Dr. Bengtson blogs regularly and offers a wide variety of resources on her website, DrMichelleB.com.
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