Podcasts about read jeremiah

Just as deceptive weeds can creep into a healthy garden, pride often sneaks into our hearts, growing unnoticed among our accomplishments and even our service to God. Annie Yorty uses a vivid gardening metaphor to help us recognize how pride takes root and how we can humbly invite God to weed it out. Through reflection, Scripture, and prayer, we’re reminded to give glory to the true source of all our gifts: God alone. Themes Explored: The subtle danger of pride Recognizing the difference between self-glory and God-glory Daily humility as spiritual “weed control” Confession and dependence on God for heart inspection Living for God’s glory over our own Scripture Reference Jeremiah 9:23 (NLT) “This is what the Lord says: ‘Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches.’”

Read Luke 8: 1-3 and Isaiah 43: 1.1. What is Mary Magdalene's condition before meeting Jesus? Whathappens when she meets Jesus?2. What demons do you wrestle with in life? Do you believe Jesus canremove these demons from your life?3. What part of the video clip did you find most impactful? Why?4. Read Jeremiah 1: 5 and Isaiah 49: 16. What do these passages tell usabout God's love for us? How does that make you feel? How mightthis change the way you live?5. In the video, Jesus says to Mary, “That's not for you.” What was Hetalking about? Was there a deeper meaning? Are there things in yourlife now to which Jesus would say, “That's not for you.”?6. The chorus of the Tenth Avenue North song, “You Are More” says,“You are more than the choices that you've made, You are more thanthe sum of your past mistakes, You are more than the problems youcreate, You've been remade.” How does this relate to Mary's story?To your story?7. Read Isaiah 43: 1. How does that verse make you feel? Is that versemeant for everyone?8. How does God's grace heal, transform and empower us to live withpurpose and share the Good News?Prayer for the Week:Gracious and loving God,We come before You today, humbled and in awe of Your great love andfaithfulness. We thank You for the example of Mary Magdalene, whoencountered Your grace and mercy in the midst of her pain andbrokenness. Just as You called her by name, You call each of us by name—reminding us that we are never lost to You, no matter how far we mayhave wandered. We know that we belong to You, and that in Your eyes,we are precious, loved, and seen. We rejoice in knowing that we are morethan our mistakes, more than our past, more than the labels the worldmay try to place on us. We are redeemed! Help us to walk in the freedomof this redemption through Your life-changing grace and remind us thatour true identity is found in You alone. We pray all of this in the mightyand merciful name of Jesus. Amen.

What is your favorite image of peace from Scripture or real life? Read Isaiah 11: 1-9.What stands out to you in this passage?How does the image of the shoot from Jesse's stump inspire hope?What would it look like for a “child to lead them” in today's world? Read Jeremiah 23: 5-6.How does this reinforce Isaiah's vision of a righteous leader?What kind of hope does this bring during Advent? Read Micah 5: 2-5a.What does it mean that God chose Bethlehem, a humble place, for Jesus' birth?How does Jesus bring peace as described in this passage? Read Psalm 72: 1-7.How do justice and peace go hand in hand?What are ways we can reflect the values of God's kingdom? Read Luke 4: 16-21.How does Jesus fulfill Isaiah's prophecy in His ministry?How can we join Jesus in proclaiming good news to the poor and oppressed? Read Ephesians 2: 13-18.How does Jesus break down barriers to bring peace?What barriers do we see in our world, and how can we work to overcome them? Read Revelation 21: 1-5.How does Isaiah's vision of peace point to the ultimate fulfillment in Revelation?What hope does this passage give you as we wait for Christ's return?How does Isaiah's vision challenge us to live differently during Advent?What are small steps you can take this week to reflect Christ's peace and justice? Write down one “peace-building” action you will take this week—whether in yourrelationships, community, or personal life. Take a few minutes of silence to reflect on what it means to follow the child wholeads us.Prayer for the Week:Loving God,You are the root of hope and the source of peace. In this season of Advent, we thank Youfor the promise fulfilled in Jesus - who leads us with wisdom, justice, and compassion.We marvel at the vision of Your kingdom, where wolves and lambs live together, and alittle child leads the way. Help us to trust in Your promise of peace, even when the worldfeels broken and divided.Teach us to walk in the way of Your Son, to see others with His eyes of love, to act withHis heart of justice, and to embrace the peace only He can bring.May we be agents of reconciliation in our homes, our communities, and our world. Makeus bold enough to follow Your Spirit, humble enough to learn from the least, and faithfulenough to reflect the light of Christ in all we say and do.Fill us with the hope of Isaiah's vision, the joy of the angels' song, and the peace ofChrist's eternal reign.In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Shepherd, we pray.Amen.

Read Jeremiah 17:9-10 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tasha-mack9/support

Dependency on the Lord is an essential part of our relationship with Him. Despite this, many of us are still hell-bent on doing everything ourselves. We typically refer to this act as "trusting in the flesh". God is not a fan of this. In fact, He's cursed the Israelites for doing this in Jeremiah 17. Not only is trusting in the flesh offensive to God, it can also lead to a life of anxiety, stress, fatigue and rocky relationships. In this episode, we do some self evaluation in order to gauge where we can improve in our dependency.   Read: Jeremiah 17:5–8; Matthew 10:26–31; Proverbs 3:5–6; Philippians 4:6–7   Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to UN-ASSOCIATED at https://www.un-associated.com/donate/ Sign up for UN-ASSOCIATED's virtual, Bible Studies every first Monday of each month! https://forms.gle/ra53byPArBpmYn6L8

READ: Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 27:13; Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:9   MEDITATE: These verses are some of the “greatest hits” of encouragement in the Bible, but each author was writing out of extremely difficult situations. Do you believe God will supply all your needs “in Christ Jesus”? Or are you struggling with a lack of faith?    PRAY: God help me not to become familiar with what I think you can do. Help me believe that you want to AND can do “far more abundantly” than all that I ask or think. May I live by faith with great expectations in You.   Need prayer? Submit a prayer request online: https://mountparannorth.com/prayer-request/   21 Days of Prayer & Fasting website: https://mountparannorth.com/21-day-prayer-fast/   Contributors: Jason Duncan, Experiences Pastor & Sara Westover, Multimedia Coordinator

RATE! REVIEW! FOLLOW! Email me your thoughts, comments or questions at caniberealpodcast@gmail.com • So the word for 2024 that I believe God gave me is: "I the Lord will make you succeed." ○ Brief Background ○ This took place after the period of the captivities of the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and the Medo-Persians. The destruction and burning of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC was a catastrophe, but the temple's destruction and its restoration 70 years later was prophesied by Jeremiah. ○ The events recorded in the Book of Ezra takes place approximately 14 years before the events recorded in Nehemiah. (Ezra was about rebuilding the Temple, while Nehemiah is about rebuilding the wall around the city of Jerusalem) ○ Side note: the events recorded in the Book of Esther take place during the period of time that the Book of Ezra covers. ○ Nehemiah, the author of this book, had a job in the king's court as the cupbearer. Nehemiah had the trusted position of serving wine and of making sure it was not poisoned by tasting it first himself. This position allowed Nehemiah to be present at top-level conferences and privy to state secrets as well as the personal life of the king. Nehemiah had the king's ear. ○ Read Nehemiah 1 & 2 (especially Nehemiah 2:20) ○ "I the Lord will make you succeed." § You will succeed because God said so! □ But with that, you need God to succeed! Don't make the mistake thinking that you can do it by yourself or by our own strength or willpower. □ Read Proverbs 3:5-6 ® Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. § However, what God has promised to make you successful in are the things that He has placed in your heart to do! □ Read Psalms 37:4 ® Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. ◊ Remember, that when you truly delight in the LORD, you delight in the things that he does, thus transforming you. You will desire the things that God desires. □ Read Jeremiah 29:11-13 ® "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." § You will face opposition, trials and hard times, but take heart! God has given us everything to live a godly life! □ Read 2 Peter 1:3 ® By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. Read Ephesians 6:10-18 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

READ: Jeremiah 32:17; Matthew 21:21-22   MEDITATE: As we enter these 21 days of prayer and fasting, prayerfully consider what mountains you are believing God to move on your behalf and write those down. Are there mountains of your own making that need to be removed? Write those down as well. As you draw closer to God over the next few weeks, allow him to do what he needs to do to realign your heart and mind and then, see what more God can and will do!   PRAY: God, give me faith to believe you can and will move mountains. But first, search me and do the work you need to do in my own life. Not my will, but yours be done.   Need prayer? Submit a prayer request online: https://mountparannorth.com/prayer-request/   21 Days of Prayer & Fasting website: https://mountparannorth.com/21-day-prayer-fast/   Contributors: Dr. Kirk Walters, Lead Pastor & Lance Pierce, Worship Pastor

Read Jeremiah 29:11 John 11:1-27 2023 has been a year filled with triumphs and trials, but as we step into the New Year there is something we need to be sure of: “Are you a believer in crisis?” We know what we love to do when Jesus answers our prayers, but what do we do when we go through trials? No one posts about the bad things, we focus on the highlights of our relationship with God. But what happens when you pray and fast and He doesn't answer in the time that you were expecting. In 2024 we are aiming to remember these truths: Delay is not Denial it is in fact the very thing that will reveal the Destiny of our lives We can muster a “Even Now” faith that stands on the truth of who God is instead of the frustration we feel at His delay. Our tears water the seed and connect us to one another, but our testimony will bring new life to all those who need to hear it! Let's lead the Lord to the place where our faith died so that He can show us the truth of who He is. We might have prayed a dangerous prayer like “God use my life” and now we have to wait through broken dreams. But God will never fail of His promise of a Hope and a Future for our lives. For the believer, a certain death is not the end; it's merely a graduation of our Faith! Application - What are some dreams that have died in your life? Can you believe that even now God can come through for you? How can you lead Him to that place of pain, so that He can restore you today? Prayer - Father, I thank you that you are God who has good plans for me. Although I thought that I was overlooked, forgotten or left to mourn the loss of my dreams, I thank you that even now, your word can go forth and bring new life in me. I believe that your timing is perfect and that has in fact been no delay. I pray that my testimony brings you all the glory and I stand on your miraculous move today!

Values, 1 of 7 from August 13th, 2023 “We are inviting our neighbors to meet and follow Jesus.” by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) QUESTIONS

Discussion Questions Describe a time when God changed your heart or mind about something. Read Jeremiah 17:9–10, Psalm 139:23–24, and Matthew 15:18–20. What do you learn about the natural state of the human heart? How do you notice this condition at work in your own heart? Read 1 John 1:8–9 and Psalm 51. Describe what John's and David's prayers have to say about the remedy to our heart problem. Describe an area of your heart that you could use David's prayer today to ask God to set our hearts right.

Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection:1. Think of an event that created a major shift in your life. How did you feel? Did you reach out to God? What was the outcome?2. Think of a time when God whispered to you, asking you to step out in faith. Did you? Why or why not?3. If you did not, did someone else step up, or was that mission or ministry's impact lessened without you?4. When was a time you stepped out in faith? What was the result?5. Read Matthew 9: 36-38. Has God recently been whispering to you? Have you been hesitant to follow? Why or why not?6. What is your favorite excuse to maintain your life as is, versus stepping out in faith?7. Read 1 Corinthians 12. We are interdependent as a fellowship of believers. In what ways are you gifted by God? What are your natural skills, aptitudes and abilities? How can they be offered back to God?8. Read Jeremiah 29: 11. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord . . . Rest in His promises.Prayer for the Week:Lord, you have created a wondrous world for us. We sometimes forget you are still creating and directing your plan for our lives. We know you want the best for us, yet we struggle to step beyond what we think are our capabilities. You want us to step out in faith; however, we prefer to rest with what is known and comfortable. We ask for your hand upon us now, O Lord. Allow us to feel your guidance. Allow us to hear your direction for our life. Help us to trust you, no matter what prevails. Help us step out in faith. We ask that you place people in our life who desperately need you, and then speak to us your words that will bring them to Christ. We thank you, Lord, for how you will work in and through our lives and our church, for your honor, glory and praise. Amen.

Series: Why Johnny Can't...

Prep Time “Born and raised” Luke 3: 21-37 NOTES: Christlike characteristics: Relates with other centered love. Life group questions: 1: How was love and encouragement (or lack of) expressed from your parents? 2: How has love and encouragement (or lack of) been expressed to you by God? 3: Read Eph. 1:4-14. How many things can you find that God says about our identity/who we are? How do these things line up with your view of yourself/ others? 4: Read Jeremiah 31:3. How has God's everlasting love for you (even when you sin) shaped your love for others (even when they sin)? 5: Who is someone who needs reminded that you love them? 6: Who is someone that needs reminded you are proud of them? *End group by texting or calling those people and reminding them of your love or how they've made a difference in your life.  

How to Attain the Unhurried Life Passage February 26, 2023 1189, 1330, 1735, 2210 I. Introduction: A. As many of you know, I am a very slow walker because of a physical limitation that I have. My wife Kimberly, on the other hand, is a much faster walker than I am. 1. When we walk together almost every time, we start enjoying being together and talking but as time goes on Kim gets further and further ahead of me because her natural walking pace is about double mine. a. Often she does not even recognize the distance between us so I holler out to Kim, “If you want to walk with me Baby, you need to slow down.” 2. You need to know that God is a slow walker! No one has ever referred to our relationship with God as running or speed walking with God but walking with God. If we want to walk with God then we need to walk at his pace. B. But we live in a culture and have been squeezed into its mold where we are driven by busyness and hurry. We have thousands of voices and ideas coming at us every day so, our interior life, our soul, it not only runs out of control but also it is very noisy on the inside. 1. As we learned a few weeks ago - in that condition, it is very very hard for us to hear and discern the still small voice of God, a God who walks slowly and speaks softly. C. Sabbath is one way that God has given to us by which we can learn to slow down to walk with God at his pace by stopping from all our work, resting, delighting and worshipping him. But it is not the only way. 1. One of the premises of this series is that we not only learn and experience God by learning and following his teachings; but also by learning and following his lifestyle, his walk. Doing the things Jesus did, practicing the things Jesus practiced, making habits in our life of the things of which Jesus made habits. Many people call these spiritual disciplines. 2. In our small groups we are learning about and practicing one of them, Sabbath. 3. In this series, we want to give that some larger context and learn a few other key practices that will help us live an unhurried life! • So today, I simply want to answer two questions: what is a spiritual discipline/spiritual practice and why do we do them. First… II. What is a spiritual discipline A. Turn to 1 Timothy 4:7. Read. 1. The word discipline in the Greek is an “active present verb.” – a. The “active voice” of this verb indicates that this is an action that we actually do ourselves b. The “present tense” indicates that the action we do is to happen continuously or repeatedly so as to become a habit. 2. The word discipline simply means to train, which means to make oneself prepared for something by repeated exercise or practice. B. There is a big difference between trying to do something and training to do something. 1. How many of you, who have never trained for a marathon, believe that you can get up tomorrow morning and run a marathon? a. I could “try” tomorrow, but I clearly will either fail or die trying because I am in no way prepared to run a marathon because I have not been training for it. b. However, if we were to take the next year with a plan and making space in our lives to train for a marathon, our chances would be much greater. 2. Dallas Willard said, “Training has to do with arranging my life around those activities that will enable me to do what I cannot now do by direct effort.” 3. My very first Greek class my professor, John Best said this. “That which you wish to do with ease you must first do with diligence.” C. So this is my definition of a “spiritual” discipline – 1. PBP - arranging my life around practices that allow me to connect with God in order to experience God's transforming grace by his Spirit. Repeat • So that answers our first question – what is a spiritual discipline. The second question is III. Why do we do them? A. Look at what he says right here in 1 Timothy 4:7b-8. Read 1. Discipline yourself for “godliness” or another way to say it is repeatedly practice disciplines that will make you godly. 2. Many of us will invest all kinds of time and energy into disciplining ourselves for our physical lives, but little to none in our spiritual lives. a. Bodily discipline is only of a little profit but disciplining ourselves for godliness is profitable for all things since it holds a promise for both this life and the one to come. B. Daniel pictures for us the goal of every discipline. Listen to Daniel 9:3 1. So disciplines are ultimately a way to seek after God with all of our hearts! 2. Listen to what God promises to those who do so a. Read Jeremiah 29:13 b. He promises we will find him when we seek after him in that way! 3. As we saw a few weeks ago that when we find him and behold the glory of God we are transformed by his Spirit more and more into his image from one degree of glory to the next! C. When we connect with God through these practices and disciplines that help us pull away from hurry and busyness – things like - a quiet time on a regular basis, or a Sabbath day once a week, or a time of solitude or silence, etc. it is ultimately so we can reorient our entire lives around him and live the rest of our lives in light of that. 1. The Bible is very clear that God's desire for our lives is not to have special times carved out in our schedules for him but rather wants to be at the center of our entire lives, all the time, in all we do. D. We think of the Christian life like a pie rather than a hub. 1. We cut a pie up into eight different pieces, which do not touch or impact the other pieces. – so we give Jesus a slice of time in the morning for a quiet time but it does not impact the rest of the day, or we give him a day a week in Sabbath, but it does not impact the rest of the week. Image 2. But a hub, like the hub at the center of a bike tire, is at the center of everything, impacts everything else and holds it all together. If that hub is removed for just a moment, the entire wheel falls apart. Image E. Mark Buchanan wrote a wonderful book on the Sabbath called The Rest of God – Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath. I want to read just a few things he says about this as it has been very helpful to give me perspective 1. Most of us live afraid that we're almost out of time. We are not short of days; we just need to number them a right. 2. Sabbath keeping is more than time management. It is a fresh orientation to time, where we think with holy imagination about how the arc of our moments and hours and days intersect with eternity. 3. The Swahili word for white man is mazungu. It literally means one who spins around. a. That's how east Africans see westerners - turning ourselves dizzy; a great amount of motion without direction; we are people going round and round aimlessly – b. Sabbath time invites us to stop turning round and round. It invites us to remember who we really are. It is the necessary groundwork for reflecting well our lives F. This last fall, as Kim and I met with a man named Doug Slaybaugh to talk about our future one thing he talked about were things that refresh and renew us. We were talking about Sabbath when he asked to me “When do you plan to start that?” 1. This is what I said, “I do not have time to do Sabbath right now, my plan is to start when I retire.” a. My thoughts were I will just drag on with this deep tiredness and out of control heart until I have more time and energy to do something about it b. As the words were coming out of my mouth I felt the foolishness of what I was saying as the Holy Spirit whispered into my heart “the very reason I created Sabbath was to be a gift of rest and refreshment in the midst of your work” G. The very first week back, on Friday I have begun to do Sabbath. Put my phone away, do no church or sermon work and not even work projects around the house. Rather a time to refresh, renew, delight, workout, and reconnect with the Lord. 1. This has been the effect on me after four months. My schedule and demands have not changed, actually in many ways they have grown. 2. But, I can honestly say that in the midst of my demands and busyness I do not feel as tired, I do not feel like my heart is spinning out of control, I do not feel overwhelmed but instead I have a deeply composed and joyful singing heart. H. Let me ask you – are you too busy and have too many things to do that you cannot take advantage of the gift that God gave to his people – the gift of Sabbath a time to stop and rest, refocus and reconnect, and delight! 1. A gift that not only impacts one day of your week but a gift the transforms the way you live your live 24/7, 365! 2. No, it is not a command, it is not a law for us – it is just a gift that God created for his people. As Jesus said, “the Sabbath was created for man and not man for the Sabbath” 3. It's a matter of wisdom! It is a matter of composure! It is a matter of joy! It is a first step toward reorienting your entire life around Jesus as the hub or your life rather than just as the one who gets a slice of your life!

Jeremiah 17:9 is often taken as a proof text for ‘original sin' and “total depravity”.  But is that a correct reading and is the human heart indeed ‘desperately wicked'? In this talk Tony explores this question and along the way uses the text – and its typical mishandling – as a starting point to explore smarter and more authentic ways to read Jeremiah – and indeed the Old Testament.  This is pretty important as it unlocks the text from its cage of assumptions and lets it speak for itself – and so challenge and transform us.

This week Pastor Travis bring us a message called Serving Our City.Jeremiah 7:1-7 (NKJV)7 The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 2 “Stand in the gate of the Lord's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you of Judah who enter in at these gates to worship the Lord!' ” 3 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. 4 Do not trust in these lying words, saying, ‘The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are these.'5 “For if you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings, if you thoroughly execute [a]judgment between a man and his neighbor, 6 if you do not oppress the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, or walk after other gods to your hurt, 7 then I will cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever.Read Jeremiah 22:2-5 (NKJV)God cares about people. Help those who have been robbed.God wants you to help rescue people from oppressors. Don't mistreat foreigners .Don't mistreat orphans or widows.Read Matthew 5:38-48 (NLT)Love your enemies

Sermon Application Questions:1. Read Jeremiah 32:36-44, a prophecy about the return of God's people from exile in Babylon. What do you see fulfilled in this prophecy in Nehemiah 11-12?2. Why did the people gather to rejoice in Jerusalem?3. We saw four pictures of devoted and joyful community. Which of them was most encouraging or inspiring to you and why? 4. How might your small group grow to be more like the picture of devoted and joyful community seen in Nehemiah 11-12?_____________________________Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532

BEACON: Hymns & Traditions "Winning it All: Time" @ Ocean Grove Church October 23, 2022 Discussion Questions: Do you know what the Tardis is? Who would use a Tardis? Would a PhD or MD be better aquatinted with the Tardis? How long does it (or did it, if you are not schooling or working at the moment) take you to get to school or work? What do you do while on the commute? Have you ever tried to learn or master something? What was it? Did you get to the level of mastery you had hope? How much time did you put in? Going Deeper: Read and mediate on Eccesiatics 3:1-11. Write down or share with your group what season do you feel you are in and why. Describe how God has remained faithful through time in good seasons and bad. Read Jeremiah 29:11. Do you think this means that God's plans for your life will happen, or do you need to make an investment in time and energy? Action Steps: Read 1 Kings 19:11-13. When you are not too tired, find a quiet place of solitude. On Monday, spend 1 minute quietly listening to the silence. Add 1 minute every day. Journal about your experience - was it hard to quiet your mind? Was it refreshing to escape from the rhythm and pace of life and stop for a moment with God? OGC Senior Pastor: Rev. Joe Tiedemann OGC Worship Arts Pastor: George Scholes Robson 4 Anchored Children Ministries: Shanna Marie Lipp Anchored Student Ministries: Megan Elizabeth Faulkner OGC Communications: John Dennis Burnham Choir Director & Organist: Nancy Paugh Soloists: Althea Klein & Cheryl Parker Liturgist: Jill Magnuson Minister of Sound: Randy Martin Minister of Cinematography: John Burnham WEBSITE: oceangrovechurch.com EMAIL: oceangrovechurch@gmail.com PHONE: (732) 775-1125 ext.110 FACEBOOK: oceangrovechurch INSTAGRAM: oceangrovechurch TWITTER: ogchurch Ocean Grove Church 80 Embury Avenue Ocean Grove NJ 07756 Oct 23, 2022

Read: Jeremiah 33: 3 Joshua 3: 1-5 his promise. If you want to help this Ministry $wdcc23 Cashapp welcome

The Book of Psalms opens with a two-part invitation for you and me to walk in God's way–the way that leads to abundant life. In Psalm 2, we meet God's Messiah and are called to take refuge in Him, finding in Him stability, shelter, and true joy. Tune in to dig into Psalm 2 with me–and pray God's Word back to Him! Want to study Psalm 2 further? Here are a few questions and passages to consider: Read Jeremiah 5:5 and Hosea 11:1-11, especially verses 1-4. How did the people of Israel view their redemption? How did God view it? Do you ever view your relationship with God as oppressive or His commands as burdensome? What does God's Word to Israel in Hosea 11 teach you about His love for you? Read Psalm 59, paying special attention to verses 5-8. What does David do when facing trouble? How does God respond to the situation? What parallels do you see to Psalm 2? How does this psalm encourage you? Consider again what Eugene Peterson writes in his book, “Answering God”: “Far more is involved here than simply asserting God's sovereignty. We need a way, a convincing, usable, accessible tool for realizing the largeness of God in the midst of the competing bigness of the world. If we fail here, prayer will be stunted; we will pray huddled and cowering. Our prayers will whimper.” Does the bigness of the world affect your prayers? How should God's reign change your view of your current struggles and worries? Read Micah 5:4 and Zechariah 9:10. What do these verses teach about Messiah's reign? Read Galatians 4:1-10 and Romans 8:1-25. What is our status as believers in Christ? What does this mean for us at present? What does it mean for the future? Read Luke 7:37-39. Why did the woman treat Jesus this way? Are there any treasures you're holding onto, whether good or bad, that are drawing you away from total devotion to Christ? How can you pray Psalm 2 this week to help you worship Jesus with trembling joy? How can you pray for those in your life who don't know Christ using Psalm 2 this week? How can you pray Psalm 2 for the rulers of the world?

Your life in Christ is the outworking of God's deliverance amidst your failures, which should move you to respond to God with ultimate faith in his plan. Main Text: Matthew 1:5–6a 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6a and Jesse the father of David the king. Teaching Points: Expect God to Honor Your Faith (v.5a) Anticipate Consequences When You Forget God (v.5b) Trust God to Provide for His Plans (v.6a) Application Questions: #1. So far in this series, how does God's faithfulness through the lives of those in the genealogy of Christ help you understand more about God's character? #2. Read Hebrews 11:6. What does this verse say about faith? From your notes on Sunday, where were some places you saw God honoring people's faith in Joshua, Judges or Ruth? Why can you expect the same response from God regarding your faithfulness toward him? What are some practical steps of faith you can take this week that reveal your trust in God's plan, whether that is personal decisions, discipleship steps, or steps of reconciliation with God or others? #3. Read Jeremiah 2:12–13 & Jeremiah 2:17–19. How do these verses drive home the sermon's point that Christians are not exempt from consequences when we forget God in our life? Recall a time in your life where you received consequences because you forgot/disregarded God. What biblical counsel would you give yourself during that time to move you to remember God? #4. Read Matthew 6:25–33 & look at your notes from this week's sermon. Why should you trust God to provide for his plans and those who are walking in his plans? Like Rahab, how can walking in God's plan give you protection and community? Student Application Questions #1. Write down one application you found helpful from this week's sermon. #2. Read Hebrews 11:6. What does this verse say about faith? From your notes on Sunday, where were some places you saw God honoring people's faith in Joshua, Judges or Ruth? What are some practical steps of faith you can take this week that reveal your trust in God's plan, whether that is personal decisions, discipleship steps, or steps of reconciliation with God or others? #3. Read Jeremiah 2:12–13. How does this verse drive home the sermon's point that Christians are not exempt from consequences when we forget God in our life? Recall a time in your life where you received consequences from God because you forgot/disregarded him. What should you have done differently to remember God rather than disregard him? #4. Read Matthew 6:25–33 & look at your notes from this week's sermon. Why should you trust God to provide for those who are walking in his plans? What are some benefits of following God's plan? Ask your parents this: How have your own times of forgetting God and dealing with the consequences led you to grow in faith toward God?

Your life in Christ is the outworking of God's deliverance amidst your failures, which should move you to respond to God with ultimate faith in his plan. Main Text: Matthew 1:5–6a 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6a and Jesse the father of David the king. Teaching Points: Expect God to Honor Your Faith (v.5a) Anticipate Consequences When You Forget God (v.5b) Trust God to Provide for His Plans (v.6a) Application Questions: #1. So far in this series, how does God's faithfulness through the lives of those in the genealogy of Christ help you understand more about God's character? #2. Read Hebrews 11:6. What does this verse say about faith? From your notes on Sunday, where were some places you saw God honoring people's faith in Joshua, Judges or Ruth? Why can you expect the same response from God regarding your faithfulness toward him? What are some practical steps of faith you can take this week that reveal your trust in God's plan, whether that is personal decisions, discipleship steps, or steps of reconciliation with God or others? #3. Read Jeremiah 2:12–13 & Jeremiah 2:17–19. How do these verses drive home the sermon's point that Christians are not exempt from consequences when we forget God in our life? Recall a time in your life where you received consequences because you forgot/disregarded God. What biblical counsel would you give yourself during that time to move you to remember God? #4. Read Matthew 6:25–33 & look at your notes from this week's sermon. Why should you trust God to provide for his plans and those who are walking in his plans? Like Rahab, how can walking in God's plan give you protection and community?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1. Have you ever fallen head over heels in love? Ever fallen out of love? What were some of the common reasons why you fell in love, or why you no longer remained in love?2. Why do you believe that yourself or others fall out of love with Jesus?3. Read Jeremiah 2:2,5,13. Many times people consider God in the Old Testament as unloving and judgmental. What do these passages express about the desires of God? 4. In this Red Letters series, we have been highlighting the characteristics of Jesus, and how it looks to be Christ-like in our words and actions. Read Rev. 2:2-5. What happened in these passages, and what can we learn about a relationship with Jesus?5. Have you recently fallen away from your "first love" feelings and actions toward Jesus? What do you do that stirs your affections for Jesus? What do you do that robs your affections for Jesus? What can you do this week to get back to your first love feelings and actions with Jesus?

In this episode, we talk about: Where the fields of cognitive psychology, security, and user experience meet. Why Jeremiah and his team chose to investigate graphical authentication. How they cleverly incorporated testing both usability and security in their two-part study. The importance of research around learnability: is it easy for users to learn how to use your new authentication schema? Read Jeremiah's research: Usability Comparison of Over-the-Shoulder Attack Resistant Authentication Schemes. Jeremiah is the Director of Human Factors, Ph.D. Track and Associate Professor of Psychology and the School of Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University. He runs the Psychology of Design Laboratory, which focuses on human cognition and technology, including usable security.

Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand. Proverbs 19:211. You must annihilate your self-confidence. How? Your infirmities will do it (Something you're weak at). Your infirmities are one of the greatest things to help you develop your God-ordained purpose; your infirmities mean more to you than you think. It prevents you from trusting in yourself. Read Jeremiah 1:12, Romans 4:20-21.·       Luke 18:9 He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous. ·       Jeremiah 17:5, 7 - Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. 7“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. ·       2 Corinthians 12:9 - And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.2. Our job is not to achieve our job is to receive! Isaiah 55:11, Mark 16:20, 2 Corin 6:1·       Revelation 5:12 -“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive powerand riches and wisdom, and strength and honorand glory and blessing!”·       John 14:12 -“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.3. God always calls us out of something into something. Exodus records how God led his people out of bondage, while Joshua tells us how he led his people into blessings. Psalms 105:37·       Deuteronomy 6:23 - Then He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in, to give us the land.·       Psalm 68:6 - God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity.·       1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.4. You'll always be unprepared for your God-ordained purpose. David wasn't prepared for his level of anointing Read Luke 15:20·       1 Samuel 16:10-12 - Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.”And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!Support the show

Thank you for joining Grand Lake UMC online today, we hope that this service will be a blessing to you and your family and pray that one day you may be able to join us in person. If you have any questions about this service or anything else we offer at Grand Lake UMC please contact the church office by email or phone. Thank you and enjoy God's word this morning! Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection: Read Jeremiah 1: 4-9. 1. How do God's words to Jeremiah make you feel? Do you believe these words, in general, also apply to you? To what role(s) has God “appointed” you? 2. In Pastor Mick's address to the graduates, he cautioned them about the advice to “follow your heart.” Why do we need to be cautious about following our hearts? (See Jeremiah 17:9 and Matthew 15:19.) 3. The phrase “You do you” has become quite popular in recent times. In what ways can this be good advice and in what ways can it be bad advice? 4. Pastor Mick shared with the graduates that the process of “becoming” who God created us to be can sometimes be quite awkward. What do you think he meant by that? Are there times that this is still awkward for you in your life? 5. Read Jeremiah 6: 16. Is this still good advice in our day and age? If so, how can we help others do it? 6. Pastor Mick said, “Don't follow your heart. Follow Jesus.” What did he mean by that? How did it initially make you feel to hear him say, “Don't follow your heart”? 7. In what ways does the advice given to graduates also apply to us at every stage of our lives? Prayer for the Week: Gracious and loving God, be with all of us on our journey through life. Be with us as we are in the process of becoming all that you created us to be. Today we ask that you especially be with our graduates. Help them to take the next faithful step in their lives. Guide them along the path you want them to walk. Help them become all that you created them to be, by transforming them a little more into the image of Jesus every day. Help them to know that they are loved beyond measure and that your Church has their back. Help all of us to put our words into action so that we might advance your kingdom right here on earth. We pray all of this in the precious, holy and strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Read Jeremiah 1 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/amara-howard/support

What was it like for Jeremiah to preach? This week, we look at a scene from Jeremiah's life showing the challenges he had to face every time he preached. And one of his greatest challenges was that he spoke under the threat of imprisonment and the grave possibility of death every time he preached. And yet he still preached and warned his fellow Israelites of God's coming judgment, but also he told them about God's offer of grace. Finally, we hear the story of a contemporary of Jeremiah: the prophet Uriah. He preached the same message that Jeremiah preached, but he ended up paying the ultimate price for his devotion and obedience to God's calling on his life. Listen to this week's podcast to learn more about Jeremiah, Uriah, and the high cost of discipleship. Read Jeremiah 7 and 26 to follow along in your Bibles.

Read: Jeremiah 23:21-33 email wdcc23@yahoo.com Cashapp $wdcc23 help this Ministry to continue to bless God's people.

UPDATE ON 70TH WEEK Jacob's trouble is called the 70th week!!! Read Jeremiah 30 New Acronym X2M 2nd Exodus Movement Exit to Millennium The Book of Genesis tells how the patriarch Jacob began to limp on one leg. The incident may have been described in a delicate manner out of respect for a venerated historical and religious figure. The traditional explanation for the limp is that Jacob's hip was dislocated. However, Jacob would have been unable to walk or stand with a such an injury. An alternative, and medically correct, explanation is that the bad dream caused increased intra-abdominal pressure, which in turn caused an inguinal hernia. The wrestling match in Genesis 32 where Jacob's name is changed to Israel…in this article the writer says the best understanding of his limp was he received an inguinal hernia… There's a connection in this: Teradema Deep Sleep, Covenant and X2M unto a Restored Remnant 1. Adam was placed in a deep sleep to bring forth his bride 2. Abraham was placed on a deep sleep to bring forth a Nation 3. Jesus was placed in a deep sleep to bring forth the church I think the deep sleep I was placed in for surgery yesterday was an physical act that will lead to the restoration of Israel and Judah 2222 by way of a X2M (CONUS MEGAPOLIS RITE) we've been called to unto the restoration of all things and Jesus comes out from retention Acts 3:21. (NEXUS TEVAPOLIS) LOCUS EDENLAND probation MANUS POLIS conferral CONUS MEGAPOLIS confirmation in 70th week to activate X2M NEXUS TEVAPOLIS consummation glorification forthcoming The repairing of the Hernia didn't happen for first Jacob/Israel but does for this X2M because of Christ' work as A2. In a micro prototype sense personally and then unto this X2M is the remnant who will be restored by (Christopher) Christ the Anointed One who Brings forth the (Kenney) Flame of Fire of His Love! Dr. Christopher Kenney (the doctor who did my surgery) What is the meaning of Shechem this is where Jacob went after Penial and Padam Aram (Ultimate Upgrade) from the wrestling match. May be why my right shoulder (see Shechem name meaning below) hurt terribly after I woke up…I think I was being held down…can't remember there were a bunch of people there and then just one male nurse. It hurt last night pretty bad. It also could reference Isaiah 22:22 (222.2 weight I came in before pre-op) of a restored monarchy (remnant of Judah & Israel) seeing that Shechem was the place of the Northern kingdom's first Capitol. This places scepter & Birthright together. The patch is installed. Heals the breech! Shechem - shoulder'; Ancient Greek: Συχέμ LXX), was a Canaanite and Israelite city mentioned in the Amarna Letters, later appearing in the Hebrew Bible as the first capital of the Kingdom of Israel following the split of the United Monarchy. See how covenant at Teradema is: LOCUS Adam: Husband & Wife Abraham: National MANUS Jacob: Judah Israel Jesus: One New Man CONUS X2M UNTO NEXUS Glorified Man X2M CONUS TO NEXUS AND OUR KING IS BACK! ACTS 3:21 The Living Flame Of Love 1. O living flame of love that tenderly wounds my soul in its deepest center! Since now you are not oppressive, now consummate! if it be your will: tear through the veil of this sweet encounter! 2. O sweet cautery, O delightful wound! O gentle hand! O delicate touch that tastes of eternal life and pays every debt! In killing you changed death to life. 3. O lamps of fire! in whose splendors the deep caverns of feeling, once obscure and blind, now give forth, so rarely, so exquisitely, both warmth and light to their Beloved. 4. How gently and lovingly you wake in my heart, where in secret you dwell alone; and in your sweet breathing, filled with good and glory, how tenderly you swell my heart with love St. John of the Cross Decrease time over target: PayPal.me/mzhop or Venmo @clastronaut

Simple Rhythms is designed to give you a simple and steady diet of God's Word. We want you to be consistent in your Bible in-take and application. Read - Jeremiah 29:7 Pray - That we would seek to bless the city in which God has made us exiles. Sing - All Creatures of Our God and King - Norton Hall Band

Simple Rhythms is designed to give you a simple and steady diet of God's Word. We want you to be consistent in your Bible in-take and application. Read - Jeremiah 29:7 Pray - That we would seek to bless the city in which God has made us exiles. Sing - All Creatures of Our God and King - Norton Hall Band

Good Morning Disciples! Today we declare that TODAY WILL BE THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE THUS FAR! READ JEREMIAH 29:11 God got plans for us! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/streetdisciples/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/streetdisciples/support

Read Jeremiah 9

Some Christians claim Jesus was a socialist. The world worships youth who lack wisdom. This spiritual battle starts within you. BOND Archive Sunday Service, November 18, 2012: Jesse Lee Peterson asks: Was Jesus a socialist? If he were, why would the Bible say: If a man will not work, he shall not eat…? Free stuff is bad for you — it prevents you from crying out to God and getting better. The rich young ruler was attached to his belongings, unwilling to let them go to follow Christ. Today there are corrupt churches supporting evil. The world is worshipping the young people who disrespect older people, and lack wisdom but don't know it. Parents are not raising children well; young women don't know how to cook. If you give to people out of learning or compulsion, you'll give in the wrong way and at the wrong time. Did Jesus feed the masses every day? No! In fact, he chided the crowds who followed him only because he fed them. There is a time to let people suffer — let them die! Look at how evil the people on Skid Row — fed every day, they get worse! It's about us. Be born again. Have love even for your enemies — even for Obama. Pull away from the worldly things that you're attached to, so that you can look within yourself. We don't get to read this in church, but read Jeremiah 2: 28-30, which goes as follows: 28 Where are your gods you made for yourself? Let them get up if they can save you when trouble comes! For you have as many gods as you have towns, Judah! 29 Why make out a case against me? You have all rebelled against me, Yahweh declares. 30 In vain I have struck your children, they have not accepted correction; your own sword has devoured your prophets like a marauding lion. 0:00 Sun, Nov 18, 2012 0:45 Brief news item 1:32 Was Jesus a socialist? 11:08 Don't work, don't eat 11:44 Car accidents story 14:27 Rich young ruler 17:56 I love this battle 24:02 Corrupt churches 28:14 Worshiping the youth 31:04 Women who don't cook 34:39 Disrespect for elderly 38:29 Giving from compulsion 39:41 Nobody knows Jesus 42:37 Did Jesus feed them every day? 45:29 Let them die! 49:11 It's about us. Be born again. 51:43 Crowds chased Jesus for food 53:11 Skid Row is enabled. 54:27 Look within, pull away 55:52 More socialist Jesus examples 59:37 Read Jeremiah 2: 28-30 1:00:16 Support BOND Throwback Sunday Services premiere on BOND YouTube channel Wednesdays at 4 PM US Pacific Time (7 PM ET). BLOG POST and PODCAST: https://rebuildingtheman.com/11-18-12-was-jesus-a-socialist-archive Church with Jesse Lee Peterson, Sunday 11 AM Pacific Time at BOND in Los Angeles, California, USA - http://rebuildingtheman.com/church SILENT PRAYER: http://silentprayer.video | AUDIO https://soundcloud.com/rebuildingtheman/silent-prayer

Read Jeremiah 29:1-23. How close are you to God today? Can you sense his presence in your life, or are you disconnected from him? Maybe today you feel far away from God. Maybe you haven’t been to church in years. Maybe the Coronavirus pandemic has prevented you from attending and you feel disconnected from God and his people. Maybe you find yourself in difficult circumstances and God seems distant and aloof. Maybe you’ve just had one of those weeks – busy and stressful – where you think, “I just don’t feel God’s presence in my life just now.” God’s people found themselves in a difficult place and time. Exiled from their city and enslaved in the enemy city of Babylon. But Jeremiah told them they need not despair. God was with them. He was ultimately in control. They could reach out and speak to him at any time in prayer and he would answer with his grace. God’s promise is that however far away you might seem from him today, you can call on him with confidence. God can always be found by those who seek him wholeheartedly. Nothing can break your communion with God. God wants to be close to you, whatever your circumstances, and he promises that whenever we get serious about seeking him, we will never be disappointed. May you find God in your day today! THINK IT OVER Think about the following: o What things are getting you down and stressing you out and keeping you from being close to God? What could you do to let go of those today?

Read Jeremiah 29:1-23. In times of trouble, you may feel that God has forgotten you. But nothing is further from the truth. God’s people were in trouble. They had been taken from the city of Jerusalem, that now lay in ruins, and enslaved in the enemy city of Babylon. They had no idea what to do. To make it worse, God’s prophet, Jeremiah, writes to them to let them know God’s plan is that it’s going to be like this for a generation. They weren’t going home any time soon. In fact, most of them would not be going home at all. It’s not a surprise that in those circumstances, they felt forgotten by God. But Jeremiah reminded them this was not the case. God promised that one day he would give them a new purpose and turn them into a new people. One day, God’s people would go home. You may feel in exile now. You may feel as if you’d rather be anywhere else than where you are right now. And that can be down to difficult circumstances as much as geographical location. But God is still working in your life. He has not forgotten you. Maybe right now, as you look for a way to escape, God is preparing you for a new beginning, with him right at the heart. THINK IT OVER Think about the following: o What can you do to embrace the life and place where God has placed you right now?

Read Jeremiah 29:1-23. Do you have a plan for your life? Or are you just drifting along, wandering around aimlessly and wondering what to do next? God’s people had been exiled into slavery in Babylon. Their plan was to sit it out until their fortunes changed. But God had others plans! He stirred them to move ahead. He gave them a purpose whilst they were in Babylon. And he promised to be with them all the way. God has a plan for you too. It is a plan for good. It is a plan for the future and full of boundless hope. If you allow him to direct your agenda, he will go with you as you seek to fulfil his purpose for your life. That doesn’t mean everything will be bells and roses and that we will always be spared pain, suffering and hardship. But it does mean God will see our lives through to a glorious conclusion. All praise to him! THINK IT OVER Think about the following: o In what ways does God reveal his purpose for your life?

Read Jeremiah 29:1-23. What do you think about your national government? What about your local civic leaders? If you’re in the United Kingdom, or your country is anything like mine, then around half of you will love or at least tolerate your government and the other half will really dislike them! Jeremiah wrote to God’s people who were captive in Babylon. He passed on God’s command to move ahead with their lives and pray for the pagan nation that had enslaved them. Imagine having to pray for a government you hated! Maybe that’s where you are today. Maybe you think your government is evil and that their policies are all wrong. When we feel that way, we find it difficult to pray for those in authority. But that’s what God asks us to do. And it’s when it’s most needed. We are called to pray for all those in authority so that we live peaceful and quiet lives that are marked by godliness and dignity (1 Timothy 2:1-2). THINK IT OVER Think about the following: o What can you do to pray diligently for those in authority in your country and community?

The strength of a man consists in finding the way in which God is going and follow in that way too. Read Jeremiah 31:9 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-joyce-jones/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-joyce-jones/support

This week we focus on bringing happiness to our communities. How can Christians spread hope to those who live nearby? Read Jeremiah 29:1-23. What do you think about where you live? Do you love it? Or maybe you wish you were somewhere else? For those of us who live in a town or city, it is often not easy to live, work or worship in it. Some have abandoned buildings, graffiti and an underbelly of problems we’d rather not think about. God’s people were in a city that seemed like hell to them. In 597 B.C. the brightest and best of them had been carried out of their beloved city, Jerusalem and exiled to Babylon. The Babylonians had treated the Israelites abysmally. They had destroyed Jerusalem, ransacked the temple, ruined the economy, removed their leaders and enslaved the people. What a shock it must have been to hear Jeremiah declare that God commanded them to work for the peace and prosperity of that hated city! And this wasn’t just the absence of conflict, but shalom – wellbeing, contentment, wholeness, health, safety and rest! Likewise, we are commanded to further the public good, whatever we feel about the place where we live. This means praying for our community and being a good neighbour. It means social action. It means volunteering in the community. It means smiling at people! It means driving carefully and safely. And most of all, it means doing all we can to ensure the community in which we live knows Jesus Christ. THINK IT OVER Think about the following: o What are you doing to bring shalom to your community?

Read: Jeremiah 29: 12

Uprooting RestlessnessRead John 14:1–6. In the midst of our own restlessness, what can we doso that our hearts will not feel troubled? What is the key to overcom-ing division, selfishness, ambition, hypocrisy, and truly finding rest?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Overcoming restlessness always begins with Jesus. He is the way,the truth, and the life. He knows the right direction when we wanderaimlessly in the wilderness of our media-saturated world; as the divineLawgiver He Himself is the personified Truth, and His Spirit will guideus into all truth (John 16:13). When we are hurt, tired, worn out, sick, anddiscouraged, He is the life—not just any life. In fact, He has promisedus life in abundance (John 10:10). This includes our eternal home andeternal life, but it also entails a different quality of life here. The Creatorsurely is able to give abundantly and beyond measure, even now.“Let not your heart be troubled” is an invitation to live in anticipa-tion. When we feel low, He is able to put us on a higher plain. Whenwe struggle with darkness and sin, He is the One who not only beganbut also will finish His good work in us (Phil. 1:6).No matter how bad things get here (and yes, they can get bad), lookat the promise we have been given in Jesus. He is preparing a “place”for us, a place where our pain, restlessness, and suffering will foreverbe banished. That is the hope we have been given in Christ Jesus, and itis offered to all of us, no matter who we are, no matter our background,and no matter how sordid our lives have been or are now.The key, however, is for us to come to God anyway in our weakness, inour hurt, in our brokenness, and in our general fallen state, knowing thatHe accepts us despite these things. That is what grace is all about, andwhy we must believe that we have been given it if we seek for it in faith.Read Jeremiah 3:22. What does God ask us to do, and then, what willHe do for us in response?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Think about Jesus' words: “ ‘I will come again and receive youto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also' ” (John 14:3,NKJV). What should this tell us about how central and crucial thepromise of the Second Coming is? Especially for us as Adventists(with our understanding of death), why is the promise of theSecond Coming so precious?

Those that God used in the past were just ordinary people with an extraordinary Master. Read: Jeremiah 1:5, John 15:16 You Are An Ordinary Person, Capable Of Extraordinary Things. Moses, God's Deliverer, was a murderer and fugitive of the law (Exodus 4:10-12) David, the Great King of Israel was an adulterer and murderer (Acts 13:22, Psalm 51:1-2) Paul, the Apostle was a persecutor of Christians and the Church (Acts 8:1, 9:1-2) Gideon, a man with low self esteem (1 Samuel 16:7) Jeremiah, called the "weeping prophet" (Jeremiah 1:7-9) You were meant for more. (1 Corinthians 1:28-29)

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord... Read Jeremiah 17:7 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-joyce-jones/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-joyce-jones/support

Running on EmptyLack of sleep and exhaustion because of physical overexertion arereal problems. More troubling, however, are the times we feel that weare running on “emotional empty.” And, of course, when lack of sleep isadded to emotional trials, we can become painfully discouraged.Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, must have felt like that often during thelast turbulent years of Jerusalem, prior to the chaos, suffering, andhavoc that would follow the city's destruction by the Babylonians.Read Jeremiah 45:1–5. Write a quick diagnosis of Baruch's emotionalhealth.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________Can you imagine what it would feel like if God sent a custom-mademessage to you personally? Baruch received a message straight from God'sthrone room (Jer. 45:2). We are told that this happened “in the fourth yearof Jehoiakim of Judah,” about 605 or 604 b.c. Jeremiah 45:3 represents agood summary of how people feel when they are running on empty.From all that we know in Scripture about this period, it's clear thatBaruch's complaints were not superficial wails. He had good reasonsto feel discouraged and emotionally worn out. A lot of bad things werehappening, and more were to come.How does God respond to Baruch's aches and pains? Read Jeremiah45:4, 5.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________God's response to Baruch's real pain reminds us of the fact that God'sdespair and pain must have been exponentially so much bigger thanBaruch's. He had built Jerusalem; He was about to tear it down; Hehad planted Israel as a vineyard (Isa. 5:1–7); He was about to uprootit and carry it into exile. This was not what the Lord had wanted forHis people, but it had to come because of their rebellion against Him.But there was light at the end of the tunnel for Baruch. God wouldpreserve Baruch's life—even in the midst of destruction, exile, and loss.Read again the words of God directed to Baruch. What generalmessage can we take from them for ourselves? That is, what doesit say about God ultimately being there for us, regardless of oursituation?

Discussion Questions Read Genesis 11:1–9. What is the attitude of the first Babylonian people? Where do you see this attitude at work in the world today? Read Jeremiah 25:1–7 & 11–12. In these verses is a warning that God will allow Babylon to take Jerusalem. For what reason? What attitude have the people of God been demonstrating according to Jeremiah? The “evil ways” listed by Jeremiah, and the other prophets of the Bible, center around the Hebrew people's worship of things other than God and lack of compassion and fair treatment of others. How are we as Christians tempted to do the same in our own time? Give some examples. Read Daniel 1. What can we learn about Daniel's attitude and character? What about God's? Daniel Reading Plan Bookmark

Stale. Fake. Dead. Dying. Faded. Worthless. Delusional. There are all kinds of hope in this world, but believers in Christ are born again into a living hope. Phil Wickham's song "Living Hope" leads us straight to Scripture where we discover that a Living God gives us a Living Hope through a Living Savior. The original recipients of 1 Peter needed assurance of their living hope as they were suffering greatly. Let's explore it together. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read and keep on reading Read an introduction to the entire book of the Bible you are studying Consult outside resources Make a list The 30 Day Music Challenge "The Lord is My Strength and My Song" Women's Conference - More Information An introduction and outline of 1 Peter by J Vernon McGee - PDF of notes and outline Reading all the way through 1 Peter The theme of 1 Peter - the Christian hope in the time of trial J Vernon McGee teachings on 1 Peter - BlueLetterBible.com The Living God, our Living Hope, through our Living Savior - 1 Peter 1:3-5 God's call not to follow the culture - Jeremiah 10:3-5 Jeremiah's response calling God the living God - Jeremiah 10:10 Making a list of the characteristics of the manmade idols vs. God's characteristics in Jeremiah 10 Our living hope comes after being born again - John 3:5-8 Our living Savior Who bore our sins - 1 Peter 2:24 The description of our living hope - 1 Peter 1:4-5 Our proper response to the gift of our living hope - 1 Peter 1:13-16 Our conduct reflecting our living hope - 1 Peter 1:22-23 It is through Christ we believe in God - 1 Peter 1:21 Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - Essential Worship The Story Behind the Song "Living Hope" by Phil Wickham - Essential Worship Weekly Challenge First, if you’ve never been born again…place your faith and hope in God through Jesus, your living Savior. Then read 1 Peter. I think you’ll be surprised at the suffering it reveals…all the more need for a living hope. Read Jeremiah 10 for a snapshot of the effectiveness (rather ineffectiveness) of our false idols and the worthiness of our living God. Review the introductions to these books, interact with God’s Word as you read, and consult tried and true outside resources to shed even more light on what you’re reading.

Dig In Questions1) What is one thing that stood out to you about this week's message?2) In Jeremiah 1:6-8, we see that Jeremiah felt he was too young to handle the responsibility that God had given Him. Is there any insecurity in your life that has kept you from allowing God to use you how He desires?3) Read Jeremiah 2:1-13. What were some of the reasons that God was upset with His children? Do you see any of those reasons reflected in your life today?4) During Jeremiah's ministry, God's people had left His Truth for the lies of the world. What are some things you can do to ensure you don't drift away from how God has called you to live and avoid blending in with the world?5) Read Psalm 25:5, 86:11, & 119:60. How can these verses encourage you to hold fast to God's Truth?6) Read John 14:6. What does it mean that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life?

The Big Idea of this study is God is more concerned with the interior reality of our hearts than the outward appearances of our lives. As we focus on Jesus’ definitions on “The Good Life” this week we see his emphasis on the internal life. We can all be tempted to put on appearances, if even for good reasons. We can be led to believe the good life consists of having a persona or image that is approved of by the people around us. We can even believe that God is impressed with the exterior appearances of our lives. The Pharisees were a group of religiously-motivated people in Jesus’ day whose goal was to maintain the ritual purity of the people’s worship. Their initial goal was good – to honor God with the system of worship he had given them – but they had lost the plot, the heart of the issue. “To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.” They began to concern themselves with the exteriors of piety, hoping that would move God to solve their problems. But God is much more concerned with interior truth than exterior appearances. David is a great example of someone who, though entangling his heart in false pursuits of the good life, recognized his need for a new heart. He did not hide his sin before God but prayed for God to restore his heart, and spirit which had been encumbered by sin and idolatry. He knew that his sin was always on full display, and couldn’t be hidden. We need this kind of openness before God, in order for God to do the interior work of purifying our hearts. God has promised to give us new hearts – and he does this by making us new creations in Christ. When we come to Jesus and open our lives in submission to him, he pours his Holy Spirit into us and turns our hardened hearts into soft ones, sensitive to him. This is the good life. Questions for Discussion: One way to determine if your heart has been captured by a false idol is by paying attention to your unusually strong emotional reactions. Have you ever noticed yourself having an unusually strong emotional reaction that was associated to an unhealthy dynamic in your heart? The centre of Israel’s identity was “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.” Discuss the challenge of having a singular devotion to God in the world today. How can the good intention of honoring God with our lives become too much about our appearances, and not so much about interior reality? How can we foster an emphasis on our hearts without neglecting external obedience? Read Jeremiah 17:9 – does this resonate with you as true? Then read Ezekiel 36:26. How does this promise give you hope? A good phrase to remember is : “Don’t ask ‘How Do People See Me?’ Rather ask: ‘How Can I See God?’” Discuss the challenge of remembering this in your life.

This is for you. Read Jeremiah: 29:11 to back it up. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/positionforpurposepodcast/support

Questions for You to Answer for You: 1) Do you believe God wants you to be successful? 2) Are you willing to do the work and pay the price? Learn more about God. (Read Jeremiah, focusing on Jeremiah 29:11.) Trust Him more. Build your faith by deep diving into His Word. Silence your fear of stepping out of that comfort zone. Today's reading is from 1 Corinthians 9:26, "I'm giving it everything I've got." To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the Scripture referenced throughout this reading. Additional scripture: Luke 12:48 (MSGS), Hebrews 12:2 (MSG), and Nehemiah 6:3 (CEV). To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the Scripture referenced throughout this reading. Facebook Groups: Relentless Devotion, Relentless Living Website: www.relentlesslivingnow.com

Have you been unfaithful in your relationship with God? This week we learn how everyday-things can become idols in our lives, and that pride is the cause of division. Read: Jeremiah 2:23-25

We continue in our mini-series from Ephesians 4 about “Living It Out” – this week we consider our work. How does the Gospel transform our occupations, from mundane daily tasks to our overall sense of vocation? Certainly, grace means we rely on the work Christ has done, yet it does not make our work unnecessary or meaningless. So why does our work so often feel like a curse, even as we yearn for it to be a joy? Why do so many of us look to our work to derive our sense of significance? How could God redeem it instead to be a joyful offering? Let's talk about God's design for our work. Discussion Questions Even the guy who is at the top of his game is hoping there's more than this. What is YOUR reaction to HIS reaction to his success? Does this temper your ambitions, hopes, and aspirations at all? What are those goals and aspirations? What work is not You want to work. You need to work. Do you agree with this? What are you trying to do in life? Where are the pinch points and holdbacks? Why aren't you hitting the marks you're going for, to a satisfying level? …or maybe you are hitting those marks and you think you've arrived? Is it time to stop and collect seashells? To what degree has your work - whatever you do to make life ‘go' most days of the week - become your identity? Is this a bad thing, a prison, or a problem? Do you accept all of this talk about identity as it relates to one's work, or do you have a hard time seeing it? Read Jeremiah 45:5 and talk about your own sense of ambition. Most atheists are operating from a world view that says all of life is meaningless and insignificant – from beginning to end. If you disagree with the atheists' position, then what is the purpose of life? Is that purpose unique to each individual to create or discover, or is there a purpose that is common to all of us? How does your work fit into this explanation; interwoven or unrelated? What work is Meaningful work has the potential to remake and rehumanize us. How so – in what sense? What's been your most satisfying season of work until now, or a completed project that you wish you could do again and again, despite all of the labor and toil? Was financial profit the goal and the win? The fruit of your work is meant to be shared with those in need. Did you resonate with this part of the sermon? How does this color or affect your line of work? Do you see a connection? So what In our verse, Paul knows there are thieves! Who is he talking about; pick-pockets and people stealing out of the offering? In what sense can any of us be one of these thieves? Is there a season or moment in your life when this verse was talking about you? Larry Stewart from Lee Summit, Missouri became a Secret Santa. Retell what you remember of his story and how it inspired you, specifically? We all know the sentiment to “pay it forward.” But how is the message here in our verse and sermon more than just a feel-good moment? How is any of this different and enduring for followers of Jesus? Gospel: God is in the dirt with you, making something out of nothing. Our work is an echo of what Jesus has done for us. The cross is the center-piece, which has given us immeasurable value; not only paying off our debt, but the cross empowers us to work now for others' gain. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

When God doesn't answer the way we want it can be very discouraging. It can leave us feeling very hurt and confused. When we are praying for ourselves or others and those prayers are not answered, we might feel like it's our fault. We might be tempted to think, “If we only prayed a little more, had a little more faith, or were a little more mature, then God would say yes.” This sermon will encourage you that it's not necessarily your fault and you don't need to feel bad. Hearing no from God can be quite a trial, but God knows best. His ways are right. He is all knowing and if the answer is no it's because that's the perfect answer. He understands time and purpose better than we can imagine. Being wise means trusting God and walking by faith including when we hear now. Here is part 2: When God Says, “No,” Trust Him and Walk By Faith. https://youtu.be/2eUTDv-MfjU When God doesn't answer the way we want it can be very discouraging. It can leave us feeling hurt and confused, as though it's our fault. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for When God Doesn't Answer the Way You Want Family Worship Guide for When God Doesn't Answer the Way You WantSermon Notes for When God Doesn't Answer the Way You WantGod might say no because (lesson 1) we're being selfish.God might say no because (lesson 2) it's not His will.God might say no because (lesson 3) sin has consequences.God might say no because (lesson 4) of the other person. Sermon Lessons for When God Doesn't Answer the Way You Want God might say no because: Lesson 1: we are being ______________ (James 1:5 cf. James 4:1-3). Lesson 2: it's not ______ ________ (John 14:13-14, 1 John 5:14). Lesson 3: ______ ______ consequences (Deuteronomy 3:23-28, 2 Samuel 12:16-18). Lesson 4: of the __________ ____________ (Jeremiah 7:15-17, 15:1, Ezekiel 14:13-16). Family Worship Guide for When God Doesn't Answer the Way You Want Day 1: Read James 1:5 cf. James 4:1-3 and discuss: why do we need wisdom during trials? Why do we need wisdom when God doesn't answer our prayers? Name some selfish prayer requests God might not answer. Name some unselfish prayer requests you hope you would answer. Feel free to share some specific selfish and unselfish requests of your own. Day 2: Read John 14:13-14 and 1 John 5:14 and discuss: what does it mean to pray in Jesus's name? How do we know when we are praying in Jesus's name? How do we know when we are not? Pastor Scott shared about Steven Lee, the founder of Sermon Audio and how God didn't answer his prayer to bring about something that would bring Him greater glory. Can you think of other examples of this? Day 3: Read Deuteronomy 3:23-28 and 2 Samuel 12:16-18 and discuss: why wasn't Moses able to go into the Promised Land? Despite David's prayer and fasting why do you think the child of adultery died? What can we learn about prayer from these two examples? Day 4: Read Jeremiah 7:15-17, 15:1, Ezekiel 14:13-16 and discuss: why do you think God wouldn't listen to the prayers of these godly men interceding for the Jews? What does this teach us about intercession and prayer for others? In what ways does this discourage us? In what ways can this encourage us? Sermon Notes for When God Doesn't Answer the Way You Want The title of this morning's sermon is, “When God Says No – Part one.” Go ahead and open your Bibles to James 1. We have been in a series called, “Pursuing Wisdom.” It's been about two months because of the weeks that I couldn't preach when I was in bed. Then I preached a few sermons about our bodies breaking down. The pause in the series came at a good time, because I want to talk to you about a somewhat new topic, and that's God saying no. When we started the series I told you that wisdom is not: Knowing the futureKnowing why God is or isn't doing what he's doing Instead: Wisdom is being able to handle trials wellWisdom is being able to navigate through the twists and turns of life.

Genesis 3:1-7 Are we born innocent and perfect or are we born with a sinful nature? (Psalm 51:5, Jeremiah 17:9) What facts do you know (or did you learn) about the Serpent in Genesis 3:1? Read Romans 5:12. How does the fall (or failure) of Adam and Eve impact us still today? Read Jeremiah 17:9 and Genesis 3:1. How have our hearts been influenced by the character and conduct of Satan? Mike said: Deception is a LIE posing as TRUTH. Do you agree or disagree? If you disagree, how would you define “deception”? List the 3 deceptive maneuvers of Satan’s scheming. Read Genesis 3:6. Break down the progression of Adam and Eve’s fall. How did sin impact their relationship in verse 7? (compare and contrast 2:25 and 3:7)

Genesis 3:1-7 Are we born innocent and perfect or are we born with a sinful nature? (Psalm 51:5, Jeremiah 17:9) What facts do you know (or did you learn) about the Serpent in Genesis 3:1? Read Romans 5:12. How does the fall (or failure) of Adam and Eve impact us still today? Read Jeremiah 17:9 and Genesis 3:1. How have our hearts been influenced by the character and conduct of Satan? Mike said: Deception is a LIE posing as TRUTH. Do you agree or disagree? If you disagree, how would you define “deception”? List the 3 deceptive maneuvers of Satan’s scheming. Read Genesis 3:6. Break down the progression of Adam and Eve’s fall. How did sin impact their relationship in verse 7? (compare and contrast 2:25 and 3:7)

Genesis 3:1-7 Are we born innocent and perfect or are we born with a sinful nature? (Psalm 51:5, Jeremiah 17:9) What facts do you know (or did you learn) about the Serpent in Genesis 3:1? Read Romans 5:12. How does the fall (or failure) of Adam and Eve impact us still today? Read Jeremiah 17:9 and Genesis 3:1. How have our hearts been influenced by the character and conduct of Satan? Mike said: Deception is a LIE posing as TRUTH. Do you agree or disagree? If you disagree, how would you define “deception”? List the 3 deceptive maneuvers of Satan’s scheming. Read Genesis 3:6. Break down the progression of Adam and Eve’s fall. How did sin impact their relationship in verse 7? (compare and contrast 2:25 and 3:7)

https://youtu.be/F6SX27sMfSQ Matt 5:33-37 Yes be Yes Here's what was going on- at the time- Jews were making oaths based on certain things- the temple, the earth, gold, God, Jerusalem, a body part etc. They would take oaths based on something that was less valuable, so they could go against their oathsIf you took an oath towards God, you had to keep it- if it was for Jerusalem, however so valuable- you didn't have to keep it- or at least there was an expectation that you didn't have to keep it or change itJesus says- just say yes or no. Don't be a liar, and don't allow lying- just say what you mean and mean what you say37 But let your ‘Yes' be ‘Yes,' and your ‘No,' ‘No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one..  FROM THE EVIL ONE. For clarification- some Christians use this as a defense to say that we shouldn't take oaths for anything- but that's not the point. This isn't a scripture about not taking an oath to do something, its about being a man of your word and not making promises that you try to get out of because of how you made the promise- Its about being a person of truthCan you imagine living in a time when telling the truth had to be explained? A time where people would say one thing and do another? What a weird time to live in for sureAs I was preparing this sermon- I was drawn to Jeremiah chapter 9In chapter nine- Jeremiah is lamenting about the exile of Judah- they are no longer occupying their land they are no longer prospering- their  society is in ruins. Why? Many reasons- but one of the major ones is that they had become a bunch of liars.  READ Jeremiah 9:3-6they have bent their tongues for lies, They are not valiant for the truth, every neighbor will walk with slanderers. Everyone will deceive his neighbor, And will not speak the truth; They have taught their tongue to speak lies; They weary themselves to commit iniquity.Here's what is true- is that our God does not change. We are not Israel- but we are a nation. how God dealt with any nation in the past can give us indication of how he deals with nations. America was founded on the principles of Christianity. We have prospered as a nation because we held to Christian ideals.. We are no longer a Christian nation or society- we just arentEven when I was in Egypt in 2001 talking to Muslims they perceived us a Christian nation- then they would see our movies and tv shows and call us infidels based on how they saw us live when they considered us ChristiansThat was 20 years ago- gallup1938-98 70% attendance. Now 50%. 20% decline in past 20 yearsSo what is God going to do? READ Jeremiah 9:7-9 Behold, I will refine them and try them; 9 Shall I not punish them for these things?” says the Lord. “Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?”Again- we're not Israel- but God doesn't bless any nation that doesn't bless him. don't see itNations and persons cannot live lives against the truth and expect that God will bless themLiving a life of lies- being a liar- not keeping your word- changing your words- not speaking truthHow did they becoming a bunch of liars under judgement? Jeremiah 9:13-14Forsaken my law- walked according to the [f]dictates of their own heartTurned away from God and followed whatever their heart wantedWe are, as Americans living under God's judgment. We have leaders who tell lies- Presidents, Governors, mayors.  All of them.  Local officials, federal officials, lies after liesWe have forsaken his law and turned away. Evil is celebrated. Lies are accepted. Now some would say “Pastor matt- seems like you've been talking a lot more about politics than you have in the past” things have changed. Society at large, not just politicians are trying to fundamentally change how you think about life and I'm trying to empower you to stayAnd I'm not being conspiratorial. Something that's simple that doesn't need to be lie is lied about and they want us to go along with their lies.  Bush, Obama, Trump,

Matt 5:33-37 Yes be Yes Here’s what was going on- at the time- Jews were making oaths based on certain things- the temple, the earth, gold, God, Jerusalem, a body part etc. They would take oaths based on something that was less valuable, so they could go against their oathsIf you took an oath towards God, you had to keep it- if it was for Jerusalem, however so valuable- you didn’t have to keep it- or at least there was an expectation that you didn’t have to keep it or change itJesus says- just say yes or no. Don’t be a liar, and don’t allow lying- just say what you mean and mean what you say37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one..  FROM THE EVIL ONE. For clarification- some Christians use this as a defense to say that we shouldn’t take oaths for anything- but that’s not the point. This isn’t a scripture about not taking an oath to do something, its about being a man of your word and not making promises that you try to get out of because of how you made the promise- Its about being a person of truthCan you imagine living in a time when telling the truth had to be explained? A time where people would say one thing and do another? What a weird time to live in for sureAs I was preparing this sermon- I was drawn to Jeremiah chapter 9In chapter nine- Jeremiah is lamenting about the exile of Judah- they are no longer occupying their land they are no longer prospering- their  society is in ruins. Why? Many reasons- but one of the major ones is that they had become a bunch of liars.  READ Jeremiah 9:3-6they have bent their tongues for lies, They are not valiant for the truth, every neighbor will walk with slanderers. Everyone will deceive his neighbor, And will not speak the truth; They have taught their tongue to speak lies; They weary themselves to commit iniquity.Here’s what is true- is that our God does not change. We are not Israel- but we are a nation. how God dealt with any nation in the past can give us indication of how he deals with nations. America was founded on the principles of Christianity. We have prospered as a nation because we held to Christian ideals.. We are no longer a Christian nation or society- we just arentEven when I was in Egypt in 2001 talking to Muslims they perceived us a Christian nation- then they would see our movies and tv shows and call us infidels based on how they saw us live when they considered us ChristiansThat was 20 years ago- gallup1938-98 70% attendance. Now 50%. 20% decline in past 20 yearsSo what is God going to do? READ Jeremiah 9:7-9 Behold, I will refine them and try them; 9 Shall I not punish them for these things?” says the Lord. “Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?”Again- we’re not Israel- but God doesn’t bless any nation that doesn’t bless him. don’t see itNations and persons cannot live lives against the truth and expect that God will bless themLiving a life of lies- being a liar- not keeping your word- changing your words- not speaking truthHow did they becoming a bunch of liars under judgement? Jeremiah 9:13-14Forsaken my law- walked according to the [f]dictates of their own heartTurned away from God and followed whatever their heart wantedWe are, as Americans living under God’s judgment. We have leaders who tell lies- Presidents, Governors, mayors.  All of them.  Local officials, federal officials, lies after liesWe have forsaken his law and turned away. Evil is celebrated. Lies are accepted. Now some would say “Pastor matt- seems like you’ve been talking a lot more about politics than you have in the past” things have changed. Society at large, not just politicians are trying to fundamentally change how you think about life and I’m trying to empower you to stayAnd I’m not being conspiratorial. Something that’s simple that doesn’t need to be lie is lied about and they want us to go along with their lies.  Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden all of themin the truth of God’s word.

Daily Devotional Reading. Read Jeremiah 10

blush..show shyness, embarrassment, or shame by becoming red in the face.a reddening of the face as a sign of shyness, embarrassment, or shame.Read: Jeremiah 6:15 Read: John 16:9 The Promise of the Holy Spirit…8And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer "Without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is (that God exists), and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.". Heb. 11:6

Welcome—Thanks for tuning into Redeemer Al Ain’s online service. Our church is currently meeting in person with restrictions on Thursdays from 6:30–7:30pm at the Al Ain Evangelical Church Centre. (For more information about the restrictions click here). As pastors, we also understand that different people have different circumstances and comfort levels for in-person gatherings. We do not want to pressure anyone to attend who would not feel comfortable. We will continue to post the service online so that people can participate digitally. In this service Pastor John Norris is preaching on Genesis 15 God’s Great Guarantee. We’d love to connect with you if you have any questions. Email us at info@redeemeralain.com or fill out a connect form by clicking the link below. Connect with Us December 4 Online Service— WORSHIP THROUGH SINGING—Come Thou Long Expected Jesus – Lexington Road BandO Praise the Name (Anastasis) – Shane & ShaneBIBLE READING–1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2 But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” 5 And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.Genesis 15:1–6SERMON–God's Great GuaranteeJohn NorrisStudy Questions Read Genesis 15. What all is God promising Abram in this chapter?What questions does Abram ask God? How does God answer them?Read Jeremiah 34:18–19. How does this help us understand the ceremony that happens in Genesis 15:7–11 and Genesis 15:17–18?Why would God make a guarantee like this?How does this guarantee help you trust God?What other guarantees does God make to us in His Word?Song CreditsCome Thou Long Expected Jesus Words and Music: Rowland H. Prichard / Charles Wesley Arrangement: Lexington Road Band Performed: Lexington Road Band © 2017 Southern SeminaryO Praise the Name (Anastasis)Songwriters: Martin W. Sampson / Benjamin William Hastings / Dean Ussher© Hillsong Music Publishing Australia

When we go to God in our need it can have a lasting impact. Are we willing to step back and see that difficulty and need are something to be thankful for? Join Darragh Davis and me as we explore these truths. Click here for a full transcript of the show. Journaling Questions:· When you have a need, where do you go for help?· Are you willing to seek God? Read Jeremiah 29:13 · How will you choose to seek God?· How do challenges in your life affect you? Read 1 Peter 5:7 · Do you let them point you to God? · What other things might you bee seeking?· What is your next step?Want more journaling questions? Sign up here to receive your free, 5 day journaling tool to help explore your next step to trusting God more fully.Affiliate links are used below. If you choose to purchase from one of these links, Steps to Trusting may receive a small commission no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Steps to Trusting. Please click here if you would like more information. Books mentioned:Peace with God- Billy Graham I want to hear from you! You can find me and join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @stepstotrusting.Hashtag your story of God’s faithfulness and stepping out in faith. #stepstotrusting Verses mentioned in the episode:· Psalm 121· Philippians 4:19 · 1 Peter 5:7 · Psalm 46:10· Isaiah 30:14-16 · Psalm 1· Matthew 6:33 · Joshua 1:8 · Jeremiah 29:13 · Ephesians 2:10Special thanks to Jim Dougherty for creating the music for the show! Check out his Album City of God on Spotify or Apple Music.

Idols are things we worship,

Dig In Questions:Read Psalm 1 in preparation for this week's questions.1) The theme of the teaching that accompanies these questions is built around spending time in scripture; how well do you feel you are doing at that? Are there changes that you need to make in your life to increase your time reading God's Word?2) Psalm 1:1 begins this way: "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked." What are some cultural norms in our society that can be easy for us to accept, but are those that God would deem unacceptable or wicked?3) The Psalmist, in verses 1-3, closely associates the experience of joy with being rooted in God's Word. How can studying the Bible increase the amount of joy in your life?4) In Psalm 1:3, the Psalmist uses the imagery of a flourishing tree planted alongside a riverbank to describe the spiritual life of a believer who is continually connected to scripture. How would you explain the personal impact that your study of the Bible has had on your life? How would you describe the personal impact that your lack of study has had on your life?5) Read Jeremiah 6:16. Jeremiah tells us to "follow the old, godly way." What area of your life are you not walking down "the godly way"? What do you need to do to bring about change in this behavior?

Point: Though the world may shake, and though it may shake you with it, your honest working faith in an unshakable God can and will give you focus and lead you back to center. Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-2; Jeremiah 29:3-14 Questions: 1. Read Isaiah 43:1-2 and Jeremiah 29:3-14. What makes these promises ours as well as Israel’s? 2. Read Jeremiah 29:3-14 again. How can we trust God’s promise of “welfare and a future” even when we can’t see any good in the present? 3. Read Hebrews 11:1. What is Faith? In what way(s) is faith continually being developed in us? 4. How does our everyday life of faith in God prepare us for times of trial and hardship? 5. Would you say your faith in God has increased, decreased, or been steady over the last few weeks? Explain. How can we better encourage you in this season?

CLICK HERE for a FREE one page journal sheet to fill out as you listen to this broadcast: https://bit.ly/2JN610r What’s your WHY for wanting to be a Christian Life Coach? I’m excited to offer you this free download so that you can journal about your WHY for wanting to be a Christian Life Coach. As you listen to this video/podcast, I encourage you and challenge you to take some time to journal your response to the questions I pose. Take some time to pray first. 1.  Why is this important? 2. Why is God calling you? Esther 4:14 3. Is your why compelling enough to: a. Get you to start? b. Keep you going? c. Inform you? 4. What makes you passionate about pursuing this? 5. When you dream about being a coach or coaching, what do you see? Read Jeremiah 1:1-11. 6. How would life change for you or others as you consider your why? 7. Complete the following sentence: My why for wanting to be a (certified) Christian Life Coach is: ______________________________________________________________________________________________. 8. If you got REALLY radical, what would you try? 9. What belief or value is behind this? a. What do you value? Please let me know what came up for you! I would love to hear your responses and what God revealed. Train with me: Become a Certified Christian Life Coach www.drpatricecarter.com Coach with me: www.drpatricecarter.com Hire me to speak @ your event: www.drpatricecarter.com Purchase my book(s) at: www.drpatricecarter.com Email: breakpointcoach@gmail.com Whatsapp: 1-910-551-7358 www.drpatricecarter.com I’m happy to help! Love, Dr. Patrice Be sure to Like, Share and Subscribe. I am a Certified Christian Life Coach/Coach Trainer, Motivational Speaker and Author. Learn more about me at www.drpatricecarter.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/patrice-j-carter/message

Living WaterJeremiah 2:13, Ezekiel 47:1-12; John 7:37-39 Jan 5, 2020I. AnnouncementsA. On Sunday night Jan 12th at 6PM we will be showing the Movie “Unplanned”right here at MVC!1. It is the true story of Abby Johnson who was one of the youngest and leadingPlanned Parenthood directors in the nationa) She was involved in upwards of 22,000 abortions and counseledcountless women in regards to their so-called reproductive rights.b) Until she saw something that changed everything and became an ardentpro-life speaker in America.2. My own heart as a pastor and our elders have a burden that we take this firststep into greater involvement in this issue, which right here in the UnitedStates takes the life of 1 million unborn children every year.3. There are three victims of every abortion – the child, the mother and thefather!a) Our desire is to minister to all three that nightb) Be a voice for the unborn who cannot speak for themselvesc) And be a place of no judgment but the mercy and grace of God that nightfor healing for mothers and fathers who have had abortions and pointingyou to further resources where you can find help!(1) You need to know you are not alone at MVC if you are one of thevictims. I have personally talked to other quality believers in Jesuswho have been there and are fellow strugglers with you today.(2) The church feels like the last place you want to tell someone butyou need to know the church is God’s front line of healing!4. There are brochures regarding this out at the Welcome Center today andwhere you pick up your bulletinB. 75th Anniversary – Two Sundays from today -1. One of the things we will be doing is a wall2. Enter your ballot for coffee creation for the 75th anniversary. Located in thecafé. The winning drink will be available for everyone to try January 19th forour 75th anniversary celebration!3. Invite a friend or family member who has a part of our history to be here andcelebrate with us.C. Andrea – Today we want to take a moment to say a word of thanks to AndreaSanchez who has been a valuable member of our staff for the past three years andis moving on to pursue a career in graphic design.1. Andrea has really been at the center of the day-to-day operations in thechurch office for the past 3 years and it has been a true blessing to work with,someone who has such a gentle spirit and an easy smile for everyone shemeets. Repeat!2. God has blessed Andrea as a gifted artist and has presented her anopportunity to pursue her gift in a full time position. Andrea, thank you forall you have done and we look forward to having you continue as part of ourchurch and worship team.3. May God bless you and here is a little token of our appreciation!4. I would like to introduce you to our new office manager Hannah Naughtonwho we are excited about the gifts that she bring to the table for us!II. Introduction:D. Happy New Year to you and happy 75th anniversary year to MVC! My heart isto see myself, each of us individually and MVC as a church of people to excelstill the more this coming year in one way specifically and that can besummarized in one word impact. Be a people and be a church that has influenceupon others to the glory of God.1. However, you cannot affect others for Jesus if you are not first personallyfollowing Jesus! We simply cannot give someone else something we do nothave ourselves.a) In order to impact others for Jesus we need to be impacted ourselves byJesus!2. Therefore, this morning I want to point you to one commitment, New Year’sresolution that will pay great dividends in not only impacting others but alsoeven in impacting your own life.E. To do this I want to look at three different periods of Bible history regarding thewater that God supplies, a water that brings new life, a water that nourishes andheals the soul a water that meets the deepest needs of the heart. If you haveexperienced that, you have something to offer to others that they will findnowhere else!• This morning we are going to look at - being impacted by God to impact others forGod! Turn toII. Jeremiah 2:12 the past – (God’s water offered to wandering Israel)A. In Jeremiah God is warning His children Israel of an impending discipline uponthem because they have forsaken God, they went far from Him and pursued theworks of their own hands, things that were empty and could not profit them!B. Before I read this passage I want you to know that cisterns were where they storedtheir water, they were very important in the land of Israel because of the long dryseason and the relatively few natural springs.1. But a broken cistern was practically worthless, holding only a small quantityof dirty water, or no water at all.2. Also, note that God is using this reality from the material world as a pictureof the spiritual reality they have with Him.C. Read Jeremiah 2:12-131. God says that he is the fountain, the source, the spring from which livingwaters comes!2. But they have left God entirely behind them and have turned to their ownworks that simply are worthless.D. Spiritually speaking God is the fountain/source of living water, but they haveignored God even forsaken and left Him behind and pursued their own means ofproviding water for their needs and they have come up empty.• I want you to see a picture of the great power of the water that comes from God has.Turn toIII. Ezekiel 47:1 – The future with a restored Jewish people and land!A. We see here the future temple where Jesus will reign in that 1000-year reign ofHis that we learned about in Revelation. I want you to note the miraculous natureof this water, the life giving, the life restoring, the healing and nourishing affectthat this water has that comes from the presence of God.B. Before I read it, I want you to note a few things.1. If there was a trickle of water coming out from underneath this pulpit, whenyou got to the back of the parking lot what would you expect that stream tolook like. I would assume it would have long died off before you get there orformed a small puddle but this stream will get bigger and bigger quicklywithin a mile and a quarter. The water that comes from God is supernaturaland powerful2. The “Arabah” will we learn about in this passage is the dry, infertile desertarea with a very hot climate and sparse rainfall in the Jordan valley – watchwhat happens to this dry infertile desert the water that comes from God’spresence touches it.3. Finally, the “sea” where the waters become fresh is the Dead Sea – nothinglives in the Dead Sea because of the lack of movement and the salt content,which is roughly 33.7%, compared to the 3.5% we find in the ocean. Watchwhat happens to the Dead Sea when the water that comes from God’spresence touches it.C. As I read watch for the supernatural life giving power of God’s water to thatwhich is dry and dead!1. Read v1-122. Reread – 8d-9 – water is made fresh and everything lives where the rivergoes3. Note what is on the banks of the river in the midst of the desert as it heads tothe Dead Sea to make it a living place. reread v124. Why does all of this happen – reread 12c “because … sanctuary”D. This living water that comes from God’s presence that He was offering to Hispeople is supernatural, powerful, life giving, refreshing, nourishing and healing.It will be seen literally in the land of Israel in the future and it is available to usspiritually today• Turn toIV. John 7 – the present water of God available to all!A. Read John 7:37-39Observations1. Anyone thirsty – insistent craving or compelling need within your soul cryingout to be met.2. Come to meInnermost being flow rivers of living water3. Spirit – those who believed in HimB. Jesus has been glorified and every one of us who have trusted Jesus as ourpersonal savior have received the Holy Spirit and out of the depth of our lives Heissues out like that river in Ezekiel 47 that is supernatural, powerful, life giving,refreshing, nourishing and healing; transforming the dry and dead areas of ourlives and souls!V. ApplicationA. So my question to you this morning is- Are you experiencing this river of livingwater that comes from God’s spirit? If not why?1. Have you quenched the Spirit, stop the flow of the river of the Spirit of Godin your life by intentionally disobeying His word or just being negligent orsloppy with what God wants of you?2. Have you grieved the Spirit by unkind words or gossip, bitterness and anger,not being kind, tender and forgiving to others?3. Or like Israel, have you walked away from God and turned to things of yourown doings, things that ultimately are empty, and of no profit?4. Or maybe you just are not meeting with God regularly to drink deeply of thelife changing and fulfilling water that he offers!5. If that is your case today during communion you need this water to touch thedry and dead places in your life. do this:a) Confess that to Godb) Call upon Him to free up the spirit within you to flood you with this riverof Godc) Make that decision to begin to meet with Him regularly and walk withHim rather than in your own ways.6. This will result in you becoming a person who impacts others this year!B. If you are experiencing this life changing and fulfilling water of God then you arein a place to impact others – you can become the vessel through whom Godcauses His living water to flow out of you upon those in your life, church andcommunity who are either dry or dead.1. You can impact others for Jesus because you have been impacted by Jesus2. Ask him to:a) Deepen the river from ankle high or waist high to a place that it is overyour head and you can only be carried by the power of the current of theHoly Spiritb) Ask Him to open up doors for you this year to impact others for him!VI. Communion

Holy Covenant UMC Katy, Texas Weekly Sermons   "A New Covenant ...   Read: Jeremiah 31: 31-34"   Rev. Fred Willis

Read Jeremiah 29 verse 11 Repentance shall be your portion in Jesus name Amen #hope #repentance #forgiveness

Matthew 5:17-20 | December 8, 2019 | Albert Ting Watch the sermon video: https://youtu.be/9zBJVqUsNng Personal Application Questions: 1. Pray, asking God to reveal any hidden sin in your heart through his word. Spend time in confession, asking Christ to change your heart. 2. Read Jeremiah 31:31-35. What does it mean to have the Law written on your heart? Now read Ephesians 2:8-10, how are your outward actions deeply connected to inward character formation in Christ? 3. How has Jesus’s teaching from Matthew 5 shaped your heart in recent weeks? 4. How have the teachings of Christ strengthened your relationship with others?

Jeremiah Owyang, Founding Partner of Kaleido Insights joins the Social Pros Podcast to talk about how the biggest threat to community managers is themselves.   Huge thanks to our amazing sponsors for helping us make this happen. Please support them; we couldn't do it without their help! This week: Salesforce Marketing Cloud  SocialMedia.org   Full Episode Details The main aim of digital transformation is to anticipate customer needs and provide them with a great customer experience. Unfortunately, many companies are focussed on digital transformation, but they’ve forgotten why. Jeremiah Owyang, Founding Partner of Kaleido Insights, insists that just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should, and that rings true for digital transformation. He’s a great believer of self-care within the industry and explains the best way to advance our social media careers whilst understanding the pressures we face. Social media is ever-changing, which means there’s an immense pressure to keep up and a high chance of failure. Fortunately, Jeremiah has mapped out the lifecycle of social, which could help you understand where to make changes within your business and connect with your audience effectively.   In This Episode: 05:44 – What is digital feudalism? 07:55 – Where we are in the lifecycle of social 09:06 – The skills needed for modern day social media professionals 11:32 – The biggest challenges in digital transformation 16:30 – Are social media failures due to cultural weaknesses 21:32 – What is Community Manager Day? 30:14 – Jeremiah’s one tip for aspiring social pros   Resources: Get the new State of Marketing report for free from Salesforce here. Find out more about the community at SocialMedia.org with a special form for Social Pros listeners here. Find out more about Emma’s email marketing platform Read Jeremiah’s blog here Check our David Armano’s blog here Jeremiah recommends reading articles by Amber Mac Listen to our podcast with Scott Monty here   Visit SocialPros.com or more insights from your favorite social media marketers.

Dig In Questions1) In John 10:11, Jesus refers to Himself as “the good shepherd.” Why do you think he chose to describe Himself in this way?2) What are some of the ways that you allow Jesus to be the shepherd of your life? Did it take some difficulty allowing Jesus to guide those areas?3) Read 1 John 5:21. Why do you think followers of Jesus wouldn’t want or allow Jesus to shepherd certain areas of their life? Is there a part of your life that you aren’t letting Jesus guide? What do you need to begin doing to change this?4) On Sunday, we discussed how “you will always be dissatisfied with your life if your satisfaction depends on other imperfect people.” Why do you think we look so much toward others for our worth, value, purpose, and our well-being?5) Read Jeremiah 17:9. How can you discern between what you want to do and what Jesus, the good shepherd, wants you to do?6) Read John 10:11-18. How does the fact that someone would lay down their life for you change how you should live your life today?

Read Jeremiah 8:4 here Don't forget to subscribe to Start Small, Believe Big here. Contact Billie to let her know how you are starting small and believing big.    CONNECT WITH BILLIE: Website Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn  

DJ and Matt sit down and go through Matthew chapter 26: The Plot to Kill Jesus Jesus Anointed at Bethany Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus The Last Supper / PASSOVER Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial Jesus Prays in Gethsemane "The Cup Of Suffering" - What does this mean? Read Jeremiah 25 : 15 - 29 Read Isaiah 51 : 21 -23 Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested Jesus before the Council Peter Denies Jesus

Dig In Questions:1) Jesus spoke in parables in order to give individuals a better understanding of the Kingdom of God. What does this say about Jesus's care for his followers?2) Read Matthew 13:44-46. When it comes to how you met Jesus, would you compare yourself more to the man who wasn’t searching, yet found a treasure or the merchant who was seeking out the pearl of great value?3) Read Psalm 84:10. Put yourself in the author's (David) shoes. How could serving God be better than what our culture considers “the good life”?4) Read Jeremiah 29:13. Has there been a desperate time in your life when you looked for God wholeheartedly and found Him? How has this impacted your faith?5) Read Philippians 3:8. Does your life reflect the sentiment of this scripture? If not, what do you need to remove from your life in order to have a better relationship with Christ?6) What do you need to do in order to follow Christ more faithfully? Share this with someone and ask that they hold you accountable.

Holy Covenant UMC Katy, Texas Weekly Sermons   "God's Plan ...   Read: Jeremiah 29: 4-11"   Rev. Justin Mikulencak

James 4:1-10—Surrender in Joy Lesson 1: Surrender (Part I) You __________________ before you fight (James 4:7-8). (Part II) You fight ___________________ you surrender (James 4: 8, Ephesians 6:11-18). Lesson 2: Joy (Nehemiah 8:10; Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Isaiah 55: 6-9; Jude 1:24; Heb 12:2; Gal 5:22; I Peter 1:8; Luke 1:14, 2:10, 15:7; Is 51:11; 61:10, Jer 33: 8-9; Col 1:10-12; most of the Psalms) (Part I) __________ comes before  __________. (Part II) Joy is based on: _______  ________ ____. What God _______ ____________. What God _______ ____________. What God ______ ______.   Family Worship Guide Memory Verse: James 4:7-8 Day 1: Read James 4:7-8 and discuss: Why don’t we go into the fight before we surrender to God? What is the danger of fighting first? Day 2: Read Jeremiah 29:11 and discuss:  How do I know it’s safe to Submit to God’s will?  What will happen if I submit? Day 3: Read 1 Corinthians 2:9 and Isaiah 55: 6-9 and discuss: Why can I have joy? Who is God for you? What has He decreed? What has He done? What will He do?  

Dig In Questions:Read Esther 71) Has there ever been a time in your life when God revealed His control within unfortunate circumstances? What impact did that have on your faith?2) On Sunday, we discussed how “faith allows us to see that God is in control, even when we don’t know how our story will end.” How can our faith help us to remain confident that God is at work during difficult times?3) Based on Esther 7, do you think that Esther had any doubts about approaching the king with her request in the midst of Haman? If so, how do you think she overcame those doubts or fears? How can we learn from her example?4) Read Isaiah 46:9-10. Why do you think God asks His people to remember His past faithfulness? How can this help us in our current circumstances?5) Read Jeremiah 32:27. How differently would you live your life if you truly believed that nothing was too hard for God?6) Read Psalm 8:4. How does it feel to know that the same God who existed before anything else, created all things, sustains all things, is above all things, knows all things, rules over all things, and does whatever He wants, is madly in love with you?

What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world and how does this affect evangelization? Many people assume there are two ways to approach this notion. On one side is the thought of Christ against culture—that to be loyal to Jesus or the Church I need to run completely away from the world. On the other side is the Christ of culture—that Jesus is the peak and pinnacle of all culture’s greatest desires, aspirations, and hopes. Which one is right? What balance should we strike? Today, Mike and Dave take these two basic concepts and break them down into practical, real life situations. They explain what we should do in regards to the world around us and stress the importance of finding the distinctive Christ element that sets your life apart. We walk a delicate line being in the world and not of it, but Mike and Dave make this line a bit easier to see. Snippet from the Show: “We as Christians have to present some difference from the culture at large, the culture of the world. There has to be something different about our life.” 5 Practical Tips: 1) Spiritual Practice: Do an examination of conscience of a secularist mindset. What parts of your life have you brought in from the culture that you really should not have? 2) Read: Jeremiah 29 (the whole chapter). 3) Go Fishing: Do small pious acts in public. 4) Community: Become a regular at one restaurant. 5) Intercessory Prayer: Pray for the conversion of your favorite secular artist. Resources Mentioned in the Show: Christ and Culture (https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Culture-Torchbooks-Richard-Niebuhr/dp/0061300039) a book by Richard Niebuhr

This week Dave & Jeremiah have friends Derick & Debra read and talk about Jeremiah 29:11 & 1 John 3:2 Listen as Derick & Debra share verses from their personal time reading the bible and how those verses have spoken to them and enriched their lives.

Stale. Fake. Dead. Dying. Faded. Worthless. Delusional. There are all kinds of hope in this world, but believers in Christ are born again into a living hope. Phil Wickham's song "Living Hope" leads us straight to Scripture where we discover that a Living God gives us a Living Hope through a Living Savior. The original recipients of 1 Peter needed assurance of their living hope as they were suffering greatly. Let's explore it together. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read and keep on reading Read an introduction to the entire book of the Bible you are studying Consult outside resources Make a list An introduction and outline of 1 Peter by J Vernon McGee - PDF of notes and outline Reading all the way through 1 Peter The theme of 1 Peter - the Christian hope in the time of trial J Vernon McGee teachings on 1 Peter - BlueLetterBible.com The Living God, our Living Hope, through our Living Savior - 1 Peter 1:3-5 God's call not to follow the culture - Jeremiah 10:3-5 Jeremiah's response calling God the living God - Jeremiah 10:10 Making a list of the characteristics of the manmade idols vs. God's characteristics in Jeremiah 10 Our living hope comes after being born again - John 3:5-8 Our living Savior Who bore our sins - 1 Peter 2:24 The description of our living hope - 1 Peter 1:4-5 Our proper response to the gift of our living hope - 1 Peter 1:13-16 Our conduct reflecting our living hope - 1 Peter 1:22-23 It is through Christ we believe in God - 1 Peter 1:21 Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - Essential Worship The Story Behind the Song "Living Hope" by Phil Wickham - Essential Worship This Week's Challenge First, if you’ve never been born again…place your faith and hope in God through Jesus, your living Savior. Then read 1 Peter. I think you’ll be surprised at the suffering it reveals…all the more need for a living hope. Read Jeremiah 10 for a snapshot of the effectiveness (rather ineffectiveness) of our false idols and the worthiness of our living God. Review the introductions to these books, interact with God’s Word as you read, and consult tried and true outside resources to shed even more light on what you’re reading.    

Discipleship Questions1. Jesus shared many meals with people. What makes for a memorable meal?2. In what different ways does the passover meal and communion meal tell us about Jesus?3. Read Jeremiah 31:31-34. In what ways does Jesus fulfill the new covenant Jeremiah speaks of?4. How does feasting with Jesus in heaven give you hope for today?

Sunday, January 7, 2018 “IT WAS MY MOUTH!” Pastor Frank Wray Sermon Questions 1. Do you agree that most people can’t control their mouths? 2. On a scale of one to ten (one being little control and ten being total control), how well do you control your mouth on a daily basis? 3. In the Bible and Proverbs in particular, God has a lot to say about our mouths. Why do you think this is? 4. Read Proverbs 17:27-28. What is Solomon saying here? Do you agree with Solomon? 5. Read Proverbs 18:21. What is Solomon saying here? What is he not saying? (I.e., do our words have the same creative power as God’s words – for example, Genesis Chapter 1?) 6. Can you give examples where our tongues (i.e., your tongue) has brought death and life? 7. Read Jeremiah 9:8. Why are our words like arrows and not swords? 8. Read Matthew 12:36-37. Do these words of Jesus make you nervous? Why or why not?

Sunday, January 7, 2018 Pastor Frank Wray “IT WAS MY MOUTH!” Sermon Questions 1. Do you agree that most people can’t control their mouths? 2. On a scale of one to ten (one being little control and ten being total control), how well do you control your mouth on a daily basis? 3. In the Bible and Proverbs in particular, God has a lot to say about our mouths. Why do you think this is? 4. Read Proverbs 17:27-28. What is Solomon saying here? Do you agree with Solomon? 5. Read Proverbs 18:21. What is Solomon saying here? What is he not saying? (I.e., do our words have the same creative power as God’s words – for example, Genesis Chapter 1?) 6. Can you give examples where our tongues (i.e., your tongue) has brought death and life? 7. Read Jeremiah 9:8. Why are our words like arrows and not swords? 8. Read Matthew 12:36-37. Do these words of Jesus make you nervous? Why or why not?

Luke 7:29-30 Declaring Who God Is Lesson 1: You declare God is ________ or __________ when you repent (Luke 7:29; Romans 3:23; Psalm 51:3­–4). Lesson 2: You declare God is __ ________ when you won’t repent (Luke 7:30, 16:15). Lesson 3: __________________ ________________ is not the same as repentance (Jeremiah 7:1–7, 11; James 1:26; Isaiah 1:18–20).   Family Worship Guide Memory Verses: Proverbs 3:5-7 Day 1: Read Luke 7:24-30 and discuss: When a prophet spoke, what were you supposed to do? How does God speak to us today? What were the categories of people mentioned in verses 29 & 30? Day 2: Read Luke 7:29, Romans 3:23, Psalm 51:3-4 and discuss: What does “justified” mean? What does it mean to “declare God just”? How do we typically define repentance? What does the word actually mean? Day 3: Read Luke 7:30, 16:15 and discuss: What was the response of the religious leaders? Who did they justify? What were they unwilling to do? Describe the last time you were – at least for a time – unwilling to repent. What finally led you to repent? Day 4: Read Jeremiah 7:1-11 and discuss: Where did God send Jeremiah to preach? Who was he supposed to preach to and why? What application is there for us? Pray for those who lead, feed, and care for the flock, and their families (Col. 4:3, 2 Thess. 3:1): Jim Donald (Elder) and Tim Zumstein (Deacon) Pray for these church members/families (1 Tim. 2:1, Eph. 6:18, Col. 1:9): Dave & Leah Zumstein, Ruth Zumstein, Tim Zumstein, Elizabeth Zumstein, Amy Zumstein, Margaret Zumstein, Glen Zumstein Pray for “kings” and those in authority (1 Tim. 2:2): Local – Woodland City Council; State - State Senator Ann Rivers; Nation –President Barack Obama Pray for the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38): Those we directly support: Rick Terrazas (Rock of Ages) An Unreached People Group: Lhokpu (Hindu, in India)

Lesson 1: We can escape the snare caused by the fear of man by: Part 1: Being ______________ to take a stand for the __________  (Gal 2:11, 1 Pet 3:15, Rom 1:16, Eph 4:15, Acts 4:18-20). Part 2: Putting our ____________________ in God’s Word, instead of men (Matt 24:35, Psa 118:8-9, Jer 17:5-8, Matt 10:28, Pro 3:5). Part 3: Recognizing that ______________ speak louder than __________ (Jam 1:22-25, Gal 2:14, 1 John 3:18, Luke 43-44).   Lesson 2: Our part is ________________________, but the ______________ belongs to the Lord (Matt 10:28, Matt 10:32-33, Rom 8:28, Psa 115:3).   Lesson 3: We embrace the safety of the Lord by trusting His plan of __________________ (Rom 3:19-22, John 3:16, Rom 10:8-11, Gal 3:24, Eph 2:8-9).     Family Worship Guide Memory Verse: Psalm 20:6-8 Day 1: Read Galatians 2:11-16 and discuss: What did Peter do wrong? Why did he do it? Why was it necessary for Paul to “rebuke him before all”? Do you think Paul’s actions took courage? How so? Day 2: Read Jeremiah 17:5-8 discuss: Describe the man who trusts in man. Describe the man who trusts in the Lord. What are the differences between them? What practical steps can we take to become people who trust in the Lord? What steps can we take when we find ourselves trusting in (or fearing) man? Day 3: Read 1 Samuel 17:45-46, Daniel 3:16-18, and Acts 7:51-53 discuss: What do David, Shadrach, Mechach, Abed-Nego, and Stephen have in common? How is Stephen’s situation different than the account with the others? What does this mean for us that even though Stephen was faithful and courageous he didn’t experience “victory” as we would expect when someone is obedient? Pray for those who lead, feed, and care for the flock, and their families (Col. 4:3, 2 Thess. 3:1): Pastor Doug (Elder) and Randy Hanson (Deacon) Pray for these church members/families (1 Tim. 2:1, Eph. 6:18, Col. 1:9): Jeff & Tamy Hicks, Steve & Keri Johnson, Randi Johnson, Cary &Vennessia Johnson Pray for “kings” and those in authority (1 Tim. 2:2): Local – Woodland Police Chief Phillip Crochet; State Governor Jay Inslee; Nation – Senator Maria Cantwell Pray for the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38): Those we directly support: James & Christina Pose (Wycliffe) An Unreached People Group: Aweer (Muslim, in Kenya)